The 5th Day of Christmas with Clare Smith–Peak 313 Fitness

Welcome to the 7th annual 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways!!!

12 Days.

12 friends guest posting sharing a Christmas idea, recipe or favorite with you.

12 great giveaways for you to enter along with one GRAND PRIZE for someone who comments to enter all 12 days!!

On this 5th Day of Christmas, I am  clapping for Clare Smith as she comes to our holiday fitness rescue! Clare lives with her husband and 2 children in Northeast Ohio. She has her bachelor’s degree in business management and left a promising career to be a stay-at-home mom to her children. She is a certified fitness instructor and teaches pilates and group fitness classes at her church and local university. Clare’s passion (outside of raising and nurturing her children and home) is motivating women of all ages and stages of life to live well physically, emotionally and spiritually. Visit her at Peak313!

Now, for Clare’s idea….

“In a Hustle” Holiday Workout and Hoppin’ Holiday Workout Playlist! I know that this time of year is CRAZY! We have extra parties to attend, shopping to fit in, Christmas cards to address, and volunteering to be done, so one of the first things we tend to leave out is our workout!

Many of you are determined to keep this in check thanks to our holiday challenge, “21 days to a Hunger-Free (& Healthy!) Holiday “, but for those of you who need some additional motivation, maybe this will help!

You’ve heard many times that quick, intense workouts do a great job in regards to your health–and I’ve found this to be true in my own life! Sometimes you just can’t hit a home run, but making a hit to first base is what you can do–and that’s just fine! Here is an 18 minute routine that you can do on your own as soon as those little feet hit the floor!

Blast your own music, OR, use this Christmas playlist I created! I tried to get some fun, up-tempo music that you may not usually choose. These songs are all done by Christian groups or musicians! Enjoy! Or grab playlist from iTunes!

And now, onto the workout!

The image below is just a quick reference for you. Read below for details on each move if you aren’t sure of them! You will need a timer of some sorts and a pair of dumbbells. (A light and heavy pair would be awesome, but if you don’t have both, then it’s not necessary)

You will want to do each exercise in each circuit for 45 seconds without stopping. Don’t sacrifice form and rest when you need at ANY time. Rest for 15 seconds before you move to the next exercise! (Right click and download the image to your computer or phone, or screensnap it on your smartphone for reference!)

Warm-Up

1.) Jumping Jack, Jog in place, Squat with circle knee

Circuit 1

1.) Curtsy Lunge with shoulder raises 2.) Skater Taps

Circuit 2

1.) Rear Lunge Kick with bicep curl

2.) Weighted Jumping Jack: Take one weight and press it into the air as you do a jumping jack.

Circuit 3

1.) Burpee/Renegade Row/Push-Up

2.) “W” Hops: Hop left, center, right,center, left and repeat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.) Weighted Plank Pull

Circuit 4

1.) Alternating Punches

2.) Cross Jab with a knee (Make sure you do both sides!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.) Knee Drive (right and left side)

Circuit 5

1.) “The Hover”

2.) Thread Thru Needle

Remember, you do not have to sacrifice your health during this season! There are very practical ways to keep you in the game if you want it!

 

Today’s Giveaway:  

Clare would love to give you a chance to grab some new workout tunes AND grab a new workout top or socks! She’s giving away a $5 gift card to iTunes and a $15 gift card to Target! For a chance to win these great gifts post a comment below sharing some of your tips to keep moving during the holidays. Or share your struggle with fitting in exercise at the holidays. Or how about this…what do you think your favorite Christmas tune to exercise to would be?

Don’t forget to come back for all 12 days! You can comment on all twelve posts until midnight December 14th. {And remember, if you comment on all 12 posts, you might win the Grand Prize!}