Tag: Workout Challenge

Workouts for Teens to Keep Variety in Your Routine!

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Hey y’all! I’ve been thinking about how your workout routine needs variety, and researching to find fun routines that could be switched up for getting out maximum benefit every time! However, there was no extensive list or collection of workout programs for those who are “shopping” for routines. So, with many thanks to the bloggers and YouTubers who will be featured in this post, let’s get into it!

  1. Chloe Ting

Have I not said enough about her workouts? 🤣 Most of them last between 10-20 minutes each, and she also has a website where she posts challenges with several different workouts a day! I loved the 2019 and 2020 challenges, so check out my posts below to see how my experience went, and why you should do them too!

The reason I love these workouts and the workout challenges is that they are structured and vary throughout the week, so you’re not just continually putting your body through the same grind day after day. Plus they’re just awesome and intense! 😂

2. Joanna Soh

Joanna Soh has a huge variety of workout videos, from kickboxing to an eight-minute morning workout for high-schoolers with little time. (The latter was actually the first workout routine I “followed”, and I’ve pasted the link below!) She’s also got some amazing health and fitness advice videos, so if you decide to head over to her channel, then check those out as well.

3. Here’s some blog posts by bloggers who have compiled lists of workouts that work for them. I’ve tried a few of the ones they recommended. There’s so many options for people with varying priorities, and I hope you go check them out!!

  1. THE BEST YOUTUBE CHANNELS FOR FREE WORKOUTS + MY FAVORITE WORKOUT VIDEOS ‹ christina and camera

Christina @christinaandcamera has such a fun blog full of inspirational Pinterest pics and advice. She did a glow up series a while back that had some great tips! These videos in her post look fun and are mostly short, which is great for a student or someone who has little time in their day.

2. 5 Workouts to Make You Run Faster

Find the awesome Rachel @JoyfulCreations! She blogs on faith, fitness, and her lifestyle and her writing is high-quality stuff, guys! In this post she lists some exercises that have helped her improve her running and may help you as well! They look intense – so for those of you out there who like to do hard things, head on over and check it out!

Here are two more videos that Rachel introduced me to in her post: Life Update + Fall Faves. I haven’t tried them yet, but I hope to because they both look really awesome!

3. Pinterest sources

There are so many awesome pinterest boards that just burst with linked pics, videos, and more! To start with, check out Hope Leilani’s Fitness and Exercise Pinterest board! She’s marked some great ideas!

4. Pamela Reif (Note: I would advise muting the video and streaming other music instead. Her music choices are just … bad.)

Aaaah this girl has so many workouts, including so many specific, short, and even some workouts targeted for girls only/guys only! I’m so excited to try some of hers next! Here are some of the ones I’ve marked up to do sometime:

‘Right guys, thanks for hanging in! This was a bit of a disorganized and messy post, but I hope I gave y’all a few ideas for your next fitness goals!! Have fun!

Makayla

Who are some of your favorite workout routine providers? What’s your current workout routine (or challenge?)

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I completed the 2020 Challenge!

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Hey everyone! Yes, it’s in the title, but I must say it again … I completed the 2020 challenge! 😂

As always, I didn’t regret it! It was pretty fun throughout the whole challenge, and I absolutely reccommend it to all of you fitness buffs! I have officially graduated! 🤣 I wonder if Chloe is going to post a 2021 Challenge …

Related posts:

My Experience

It’s true that this workout program is a little more intense than the 2019 SHRED. There’s at least one extra workout video per day, sometimes two extra, so it can be difficult, but hey, that’s why they call it a ‘Challenge’!

And this one certainly was a challenge! Overall, it was great as a second step from the 2019 challenge. It included a lot more high-intensity workouts, and it really demanded that I make a concerted effort to set aside time during the day for the workouts. Some of the workouts had weights, but not to worry for those of you who don’t have them (myself included), there are also non-weight alternatives.

One thing I’d like to mention is that it took me three weeks instead of two. I took extra rest days, because of events in my life and schedule that I couldn’t have predicted. I just wanted y’all to remember that it’s okay if you have to take extra rest days because of how you’re feeling or something unexpected that comes up in your schedule. Don’t stress it – the important thing is that you work hard and don’t procrastinate!

Here’s why you should do this workout in particular …
  1. Progress! If you’ve just come down off the 2019 Challenge, or any other challenge, it’s important to ponder whether you want to continue on this specific fitness journey. If so, you need to keep up the habits you developed, otherwise you may slide back into your former state, undoing all the work you’ve done. Taking another big step will set you up for progress.
  2. Specific. There are some ways that simply running lots and throwing around hay bales cannot give you the results you may want. Although some may consider workouts to be “fake work”, (which is true!), this workout allows you to target certain parts of your body for muscle gain. (Note that I did not say weight loss. You can’t target parts of your body for weight (fat) loss, because fat spreads itself out. However, by focusing on exercises for certain parts of the body, and by repeating those exercises consistently, you can increase muscle gain.)
  3. Maintenance! During the winter months, we tend to lead more sedentary lifestyles, so this is a great indoor option to keep you ready (and prepare you!) for activities in the warmer parts of the year, when going outside is more fun, and running games are more feasible! 😉
  4. Training. This challenge provides a pretty good all-around workout for advanced fitness goals. I’m currently working towards a goal of a higher endurance level (for max performance and stamina) and more fullbody toning (which, in my case, I want for volleyball. Volleyball is a great sport because people in any fitness level can play, but it’s really only the skilled ones in top shape who become good players, which is why I want more full-body strength and co-ordination.) But regardless of which sport you play, you can study up on what ways you need to be fit in order to play that sport the best you can, then work on those.
Tips!
  • Keep yourself accountable. Push yourself. Be your own tough and mean fitness trainer! Don’t give up unless you’re about to pull something. Then, break for all you’re worth! (Keeping consistent and pushing your boundaries gives you the full experience, and it makes the breaks so much better!
  • Keep a positive attitude about the exercises. Try not to “hate” a certain exercise … ironically, if you dislike it, it’s probably the one you need to do the most! So challenge yourself to do more and go further.
  • Drink water! Actually, better yet, buy yourself an absolutely gorgous and chic water bottle (for the girls!) and a totally sleek and cool hydroflask (for the guys!) The reasoning is that you’ll drink more often (and why not feel like a boss every time you do, am I right?) 😉

Well, bye everyone! I really hope y’all are all doing well! Let’s talk in the comments about fitness, faith, and falafels! (Or not …) Anyway!

Makayla

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I’m starting the Chloe Ting 2020 SHRED Workout!

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Hey y’all awesome people! I know some of you are doing the Chloe Ting 2019 challenge, so thanks for joining me! I’ve finished, and boy, was it a ride! (Click here to see my recap!)

I’ve been resting for the last few days, and I’ve decided to go officially crazy and start the 2020 SHRED! (I know, I know, I’m pushing it, for a beginner! Bring on the 🔥PRESSURE🔥 and keep me accountable!!)

I’ve passed the first rest day, and I’m now on Day #5. Directly related to the workout, I feel pretty good all over. In almost every Workout video, the exercises seem to really focus on the legs and gluteus muscle in particular. It’s important to end each workout with some deep leg stretches, or you will ache the next day! So, do yourself a favor, and don’t forget to do the optional cool-down at the end.

Compared to the 2019 SHRED, more of these workouts are standing ones, which are fun! Make sure you’re wearing runners, or you might slip or twist your ankle. I’m greatly enjoying the lack of up-and-down-planks (😂), and the abundance of combo workouts! I’m more breathless doing these workouts but hey – what’s life without doing hard things?

For this specific challenge, here are some tips to have fun, stay loose, and give you your best chance of success!

  • Begin to eat more healthily. Learn to average the correct diet percentages of protein, carbs and fat. Some people start with 20% protein, 50% carbs, and 30% fat, but depending on your activity level you can play with it a bit. This will enable you to gauge what you personally want and need, and which foods are good for your lifestyle. See this article for details.
  • Stretch every day! Focus on those areas that were the hardest to hold in place/keep going with during your workout.
  • Rub peppermint essential oil on your limbs and joints to help with flexibility. Breathing in peppermint can also assist in clearing your airway and help with blood flow.
  • As always, pay close attention to the form. I know it can be hard to determine whether you’re arching your back or not, or whether you’re going deep enough into the stretch, but for any questions you may have, be sure to do some research. You may find a video that explains it in more detail.
  • Be kind to yourself and your body! Don’t force yourself to finish a workout that will hurt you in the end. I literally, just today, fell really hard on my tailbone, and was unable to finish the Day #5 workouts!😱 But you know what? It’s okay! I did half of it already. Sometimes, you have to know when it’s merely mental block keeping you from finishing your workout, or something more serious, like an injury. I’m hoping that hot water, some essential oils, and tonight’s rest will fix me up enough to get back at it tomorrow.

Thanks for coming back to the blog! Be sure to subscribe for future content on faith, fitness, lifestyle and more!

Have a great day everyone!

Makayla

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I did the 2019 SHRED Challenge!

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Hey y’all! For those of you who have not read my previous post on the Chloe Ting 2019 Workout Challenge (and my tips on how to get through it!), go ahead and read it here!! As I explained in that post, I began the Challenge in the end of November, and have just finished last Sunday!

So, how did it go for me?

My complete experience!

I had a blast!!

I began the ab challenge before realizing that it was part of a bigger challenge – the 2019 SHRED. (This guy’s post inspired me to start the ab workout, and of course it all began with this girl and her playlist! Thanks you two!!) So, for the first few days, I had only done the ab workout, but personally, I don’t mind. It let me ease myself into a hard workout.

The soreness subsided after the first few days. I found the up-and-down planks to be the most challenging, and the Burpees to be just plain annoying! 😂 But y’all … the feeling when you finish! It’s awesome!! (Be warned that you may experience jelly legs at some point!)

Towards the end, I really had to push myself into my workouts! Let the memory of how good it feels afterward and the endurance you’re gaining push you on to finish the challenge!!

Alrighty, now we get to the scary part …

My results!

Who cares about the number on the scale? Not me. (But just in case you were wondering, the evil number went down 1.5 pounds. 😝) These past few weeks, looking back, have shaped the way I think about working my body and healthy eating. I’ve gone on a few runs, helped load a moving truck with heavy stuff, and walked every day.

I haven’t noticed visible results (although my Mom said she did!) I have noticed that my legs feel more muscular, and that squats have been getting easier to perform for longer periods of time.

Aside from physical results, I’ve begun to develop stick-to-it-iveness. I had determination at the beginning and I had determination right up until the end. I got tired. Yes, at times I got demotivated. But mental growth comes from sticking with it even when it gets tough. And now I feel bolder, more ready to continue on to do bigger and more intense workouts.

(Note: Yes, I did play with the schedule a bit, taking some out, putting some in, and honestly? I’m okay with that, because I loved it. Don’t force yourself to follow it strictly if you’re going to hate it. Feel free to tailor it a bit to fit your individual needs.)

Why you should do this workout:

(Yep, I’m going to give you reasons! Keep reading!)

#1 – It’s really good for you. Any workout that gets your heart rate up, releases endorphins, and strengthens your body overall is a great workout! You’re doing yourself a favor in the long run!

#2 – It makes you feel good. Not only does endorphin release make you feel happier, but it’s empowering to be able to do something tough and stick with it for two weeks straight! I never knew I had it in me, and I bet you do too!

#3 – It strengthens you mentally. As I told another blogger, half the challenge is mental. Do I really want to get out of bed to workout, eat healthily, plan my day with more structure, and take an hour out to get all sweaty so I can shower for the third time in three days? (In case you can’t tell, the answer should be yes!) When you push yourself to do hard things because they’re good for you, it strengthens your willpower and decision-making process. So -> work out because it makes you smart. 🤨*shakes my head*

#4 – You’ll look cool in front of your friends. That is, unless they do it with you! Then you won’t! 🤣

#5 – This specific workout is well-structured for those who are new to working out and workout challenges. It lays things out in an easy-to-understand format, and I love that it switches things up every day!

Here are some resources that helped me in the past two weeks:

  • “Lose it Right”, book by James Fell
  • My mom’s amazing meals!
  • Whey Protein powder, from Natural Factors. (Yes, it tastes amazing! You may also want to consider just buying whey in its unpowdered form as well, since it’s pretty much the same thing.)

Well, adieu my friends! I hope you decide to eventually take the plunge and do a Chloe Ting workout! I dare you to be bold and do it! Have fun!!

Makayla

This was so much fun, I need to know your tips! Which workout program are YOU on? How do you get through a Chloe Ting challenge?

Chloe Ting 2019 SHRED Workout Challenge – Day #5

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Hey fabulous people!

I started the Chloe Ting Shred Workout Challenge! Guys, I am so excited to share this with you because I finally found a workout I like!! *cheers*

My friend SonofYHWH made a post about how he wants to complete the Chloe Ting Two-Week Ab Workout, and I’ve decided to take the plunge and begin the Challenge! He’s asking people to keep him accountable and to do it along with him, so go ahead and join us both!

(Check out SonofYHWH’s post here!)

I’ve decided to do a little more than just the Ab Workout for these next two weeks … I’m doing the whole 2019 SHRED Challenge! (Yes, I know, it’s my first workout challenge ever, but I can do it. And so can you!)

So, the Challenge includes 5 different exercises, which are paired up differently for different days, and it also includes two rest days.

You guys, rest days are really important! The rest day is when your body actually begins to build the muscle, in addition to letting you rest the parts of your body you’re working on so you don’t get burnt out. So be sure to take a break every fifth day of the program, and to take at LEAST a four day break from intense workouts after you finish the Challenge.

(Check out the Chloe Ting 2019 Shred Challenge!)

Having already gone through five days of the program, here are my tips for your best performance in the coming weeks, should you decide to join me in the Challenge.

  • Be sure to stretch before and after, even if it’s only a little. Stretching afterward is, in my opinion, one of the most important things to remember to do in tandem with your workout, because it causes your muscles (and potential muscle growth) to be relaxed and settled into their proper places, instead of leaving your workout tight and sore. Ballet dancers use and employ this technique for long, lean muscles.
  • Use a protein powder for maximum results in gaining muscle and satisfying your daily protein count without micro-managing your diet.
  • Don’t be afraid to make adjustments to the program for you personally. I’ve tinkered with it a bit, but it hasn’t changed the overall scope of the workout. You know what your body needs, and if you want to make a few small changes (swapping certain workouts, resting on different days, etc,) then go for it! Just keep in mind that too many adjustments can render the program less effective.
  • Eat as healthily as you possibly can. Most people embark on workout challenges for either fitness benefits or prestige, but healthy food is important anyway regardless of whether you actually want results or not. Just be aware of what you’re putting in your body. Think “Will this help my body function well through my physical activity for today, or will it drag me down and slow my progress?”
  • Make sure to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drinking water can get boring, but you can force yourself to get your quantity by flavoring it, keeping a bottle handy at all times, or sipping while at your desk.
  • Have fun! Don’t pressure yourself! A workout challenge can be way too stressful if you’re always pushing your body to the point of exhaustion. Take it easy – working out should never be a burden.

So people! If you want to do something awesome with 25 to 50 minutes of your day for the next two weeks, then join us! 😉 I hope you all have tons of fun with these workouts and feel awesome about your results!

Stay awesome, y’all!

Makayla

Are you going to join me in the SHRED challenge? Are you currently doing it? What are you doing differently during this challenge, and what are your best tips for staying hydrated and loose while working out?