While living it up on vacation, I have still found time to fit in regular workouts. I actually enjoy starting my day with some action. It gives me energy, leaves me feeling strong, and sets a positive tone for the day. Plus, beach workouts are fun!

After Peter & I completed his second Couch to 5K workout, we ran through a quick lower body circuit that included some cardio drills and bodyweight resistance training. The ten moves added up to really work the lower body. Welcome to the Lower Body Beach Blast!

Warm-up for at least 5 minutes before beginning. You will do each exercise for one full minute. Complete each move for a minute, then move right to the next move for the next minute. Rest 2 to 3 minutes at the end of the circuit, then go through the moves again. If you’re up for it, you can complete the circuit a third time through after that. Make sure to challenge yourself, while still focusing on good form. Use this workout on vacation, for an at-home blast, or even at the gym to mix it up.

Frog Jumps

Squat down low to the ground in a wide stance. Jump forward as far as possible, landing back in the same low, wide squat. Complete for reps.

Walking Squat

Lower yourself into a standard squat position. Walk forward about 15-20 steps, turn, and walk back to where you started. Aim to remain in a squat position the full minute.

High Knees

Jog in place, pulling your knees up to at least hip level or higher.

Walking Lunge with Front Kick

Step forward into a lunge. Continuing in a forward motion, pull your back leg up to a knee and then kick forward with a powerful front kick. Tap your foot down and then bring it forward to your next lunge. You should alternate legs.

Suicides

Sprint forward about 25 yards, then tap the ground as you stop and reverse directions. Continue sprinting back and forth between the two points.

Plie Curtsy Lunges with a Lift

Begin in a wide stance plie-squat. Move your right leg back behind your left for a curtsy lunge. Then, pull your left leg back and up into a leg lift. Return back to the curtsy lunge and then back to the plie squat. Repeat the motion on the other side – doing a curtsy lunge back with your left leg and then raising your right leg. Alternate between the two sides for the full minute.

Side Shuffles

Once again get in a squat position. Shuffle quickly about 25 yards down, then shuffle back to where you started. Continue shuffling back and forth in a squat position for the full minute.

Pulsing Lunge

Get in a lunge position and pulse low for 30 seconds. Switch sides and finish the last 30 seconds pulsing in a low lunge on the other leg.

High Bounding Skips

Skip high and long with a bounding movement for 25 yards. Turn and return to start. Continue with the bounding skips for your minute.

Glute Kickbacks

Go ahead and get on all fours. Straighten your leg behind you while keeping hips level. Raise and lower your leg slowly for 30 seconds, squeezing tightly through the movement. Switch legs at 30 seconds.

Reminder: I am not a certified trainer and simply strive to share workouts I enjoy. If you choose to do any of these moves, do so at your own discretion.

And don’t worry about bystanders looking. They will only be jealous of your hardcore ways. You will deserve to rule the beach after that butt-kicking! 😉

• Do you like working out on vacation? What types of exercise do you do?

I think I need a new Bondi Band.

Instead of “Will Run for Margaritas”, I need one that says “Will Putt-Putt for Food”. After all, that described my day yesterday perfectly. After a typical morning at the beach and lunch/naps, we decided to take advantage of a Groupon we purchased for some putt-putt action.

Take note: sign up for deals in the areas to which you plan to travel. You can score deals on fun activities for the trip without extra hassle. That’s what we did to score a great price on a round of putt-putt, or miniature golf as some call it.

   

We picked up our clubs, balls, and scorecard and began a super serious game of golf.

Makenzie dominated the game, of course. She decided that the start of each part of the course was about 1 inch away from the hole.

Smart girl. I could have used such handicaps for myself. I clearly do not have good hand/eye coordination and scored at least a 3, but usually a 5, on each hole. Somehow Peter knocked out more than a few hole-in-ones.

 

Oh, well. I still had a blast. How could I not watching this little one have the time of her life? Although, I think she got more excited over the pirate flag than the actual game.

Once we finished our round of putt-putt we got showered and ready for our family dinner for the night. We went to one of our favorite restaurants – Stonewood Grill and Tavern.

We love this place. They have amazing food and drink. We look forward to it every year.

Tonight I started with a rosemary infused blueberry martini.

Then, a group of us split a bruschetta appetizer that included a fantastically delicious balsamic reduction. I happily devoured my piece.

Once again, my sister and I decided to share a dish. For tonight’s dinner we went with the filet and portabella ravioli combo. Each of our portions included a 3 oz filet, ravioli “pillows” stuffed with a wine sauce and portabella mushrooms, a Caesar salad, and creamed spinach for a side.

I wish the pictures could do this meal justice because it tasted incredible. Splitting a meal created the perfect portions, too. I left perfectly satisfied, but not overly full. I love when that happens after dining out. I know I can easily eat a bit past my comfort zone when faced with an abundance of delicious food. So restaurants that serve realistic portions always win in my book. Hopefully we will get the chance to return again next year!

• Is it easy for you to eat more when restaurants serve a huge portion?
• Do you call it “putt-putt” or “miniature golf”?