A few days ago, I came across a fun post from my good pal Lindsey over at the blog Cardio Pizza.

Her post went through a bunch of light-hearted questions related to her personal fitness preferences and goals. I immediately thought “I want to play!”.

Since Friday means fun and light-hearted around here, why not break it out today? I can’t wait to hear some of your answers in the comments! Or read them on your own blog.

FUN FITNESS SURVEY

Five Fitness Things I Can’t Live Without:

• running shoes
• Bosu or stability ball – love the extra challenge from them!
• someone to watch the kids – yes it’s a fitness thing because it often makes the difference between a workout or not
• Cathe or Turbo Jam/Kick/Fire DVDs – I need the extra variety
• dumbbells – most versatile piece of strength equipment

Favorite Pre-Workout Snack or Meal:

I usually have to grab something as I’m rushing to get the kids ready in the morning. This means I need something quick, easy to eat one-handed, and that digests quickly so I don’t feel sick while working out. My favorite options are:

• a larabar
• a banana
• a few handfuls of cereal/granola (Love Grown!!!)

Then, I always eat a big ole breakfast post workout. Oats for the win!

On My Fitness Bucket List:

Hmmm…you know. I don’t really have anything on a bucket list. I guess my biggest thing is to continue having fun with fitness and working on challenging myself in fun, new ways. That changes all the time, so I can’t definitively say what I would put on my fitness bucket list.

Must-Have Tech Tools:

• Garmin – mainly so I don’t have to pre-plan my running path!!
• iPhone – for music

Top Exercise Gear:

I love working out in a good sports bra, a tee (preferably wicking material), and either running shorts or capris. I’m still fully in love with all my Champion gear.

Motivational Mantra:

“The finish is worth it” is probably the biggest mantra I use. However, nothing gets me going like my crazy Hammer flash-mob mental game.

Next Big Exercise Goal:

Crossing the finish line of my first half-marathon. Rest assured – I will cry.

Favorite Cardio Exercise:

I never thought this day would come, but running has truly become my favorite form of cardio. I love that I can either push myself for a workout that makes me feel amazed at what my body can handle or simply keep it low and have it recharge me mentally and physically. It’s so versatile and I love that! Cycle classes will always be up there too as a close second.

Favorite Strength Move:

I would have to say the push-up. They never get easier!!! And they work.

• What’s your next fitness goal?
• What are some of your fitness must-haves?

Happy Friday, friends! Regular FFF reader? Then may I suggest you check me out on the Fit Bottomed Girls site this morning?

And if you found your way over here for the first time from my post on Fit Bottomed Girls, I’m super excited you stopped by! Get acquainted by checking out a little more on what to expect when visiting FFF and who I am. Then, say hello so I can get to know you. It’s all about supporting each other in our quests for fit living!

The Key Is In The Sculpted Shoulders

You want to know what I find the most attractive body part on a man? The shoulders. Strong looking shoulders.

Yummy. Is it obvious I just wanted an excuse to post that picture again?

I think sculpted shoulders go a long way in giving anyone a more defined, toned look to the upper body. Shoulders are one of my favorite body parts to train. The few key movements have seemingly endless variations. Plus, I find results in that area come relatively quickly and you can really push them hard.

Allow me to share some variations of my favorite shoulder exercises.

Barbell Front Raise With Rear Delt Pull

Start by gripping a barbell with hands just outside thighs and the bar hanging in front of your. Keeping your arms straight, raise the bar up in front of you to chest level. Then slowly draw the bar back to your chest, keeping it at chest level, before returning it to the start position.

L Raises (Front/Side Raise Combo)

Start with hands palm down by side, one towards the front and one towards the side. Raise straight out, up to shoulder level, in an L position. Repeat on one side for reps, then focus on the other side. For an additional challenge, you can rotate the L from one side to the other with the dumbbells raised before returning to start.

Rotating Overhead Shoulder Press

Start an overhead dumbbell shoulder press with palms facing each other. Press straight up, then open arms out wide with palms facing the front. Bring slowly down to shoulder level, before rotating back in to the start position.

Band Raises

Any move with a resistance band always challenges my shoulders in new ways. I love this one. Sit with a resistance band looped around your toes in the center. Grab both ends of the band and pull back, keeping your back straight and chest out. Pulse back as many times as possible.

Rotator Cuff On Stability Ball

After excusing the lovely shut eye picture, grab a stability ball. lay sideways across the ball. Plant your top leg in front of you and extend the bottom leg out to the side for a solid base. Keeping your arm raised off the side of your body, bend it at a 90 degree angle and rotate the dumbbell from parallel with the floor to perpendicular.

These are just 5 variations of the many great shoulder moves out there. Use resistance bands, cables, dumbbells, or barbells to complete a wide variety of lateral raises, front raises, rear delt raises, overhead presses, and upright rows. Toss in a stability ball or Bosu ball for some added challenge. Keep things at a super slow tempo to really feel the burn. Add a couple moves into your regular upper body work or 4-6 for a fully focused shoulder workout. Now, get those shoulders burning!

• Do you like working your shoulders? What’s your favorite move?
• For Friday fun – what body part do you find most attractive on the opposite sex (not including facial features)?