Summer is coming to a close for most of us (I’m in Florida so the fires of hell are still burning strong), and the time for comfy fall sweaters, creamy pumpkin spice lattes, brown leather knee-high riding boots, crackling bonfires in the cool night air, and cuddles under comforters are upon us. Sadly it’s exactly these behaviors coupled with Thanks(for the bellyache)giving that makes us all vow to lose 10 pounds once January rolls around... But fear no more, I’m here to fight the bulge before there even is one. Below I’ve compiled the best 30 day exercise challenges I could find on Pinterest for your working-out pleasure. All workouts can be done at home in minimal time and combined for maximum effect. Let's make some new resolutions once January rolls around!
Plank Challenge
I put planks first because there's hardly an exercise better for you than a plank...plus it's simple to do so there's really no excuse not to. Benefits of planking include ripped abs, iron core, posture better than a ballerina, and a bum like Serena Williams'. It may sound like a joke, but it's really not. Planks work your entire core, your shoulders, your aforementioned bum, and your legs...if you only do one challenge, this is the one to do.
Squat Challenge
Squats: You either hate them or you...hate them? I'm just kidding, I personally at least love to hate them, but not matter what your personal relationship is with this move, you need to be doing them. I mean, who doesn't feel powerful after doing a set of squats?? Squats work out all the muscles of the lower body and there are a million ways to shake up the types of squats you're doing to avoid boredom. We have butterfly squats, kickback squats, sumo squats, and the list goes on. If you ever aren't feeling challenged, add some weights or a jump to take the burn to the next level.
Push-Up Challenge
I don't know what it is with women avoiding upper body strength (just like many men avoiding lower body strength), but it's the year 2016! Time to kick the notion that upper body strength is for men only...I mean, I know I'm not the only one thinking "Dayummmmm" every time Michele Obama wears something sleeveless. If you can't do a regular push-up, do a modified push-up (see how I didn't say girl pushup, I know plenty of men that can't do them either). Besides, starting at the bottom means you can only improve! Besides, once you can do the unmodified version, it's an exercise that blasts the entire body: We're talking arms, shoulders, back, chest, core, butt, and legs...it's essentially a moving plank if you think about it.
Burpee Challenge
So this is how I feel about the burpee challenge:
These things are no joke. I mean we are talking squats, jumps, and planking all in one. Hell, add a little push-up in there if you're feeling really crazy, and you are talking the gold standard of busting your ass, hours in the gym not required.
So if you wanna enjoy that extra glass of wine on girls' night, a slice of pumpkin pie on the reg, or a half-dozen of S'mores at your next bonfire without unbuttoning your jeans to make room, hop on the workout challenge bandwagon with me...because not having pie is really not an option.
