Avocado Athlete: CardioYoga

Ok, I'm no yogi, and I'm not sure if cardio yoga is even a thing. All I know is that whenever I do a yoga video in my living room, my favorite thing to do is a shoulder stand, because it makes me feel like a little kid. This week in personal training my trainer switched up my core routine and I've become completely obsessed with incorporating this new move into my workout routine. Check it out:

Began on your back with your knees bent.

Raise your legs back over your head, but try to keep your core strong the entire time, not using your shoulders or neck for support.

Bring your legs down with momentum and plant your feet firmly on the ground shoulder width apart, using your hands to brace yourself. Do these two steps a few times until you feel confident with the movement.

Next, try planting your feet firmly and standing up in one smooth motion. Then, immediately drop into a burpee.

You can either do a burpee with a full pushup, or drop your body to the ground and, with your glutes and core TIGHT, use a worm movement to get yourself off the ground.

Finish with a jump! Immediately sit back down and repeat.

I usually do these in sets of 10-15 in between my arm circuits to get my heart rate up and build core strength.

In case you think you look like a fool, let me assure you, you probably do. Proof:

My rest day yesterday was actually phenomenal. I thoroughly enjoyed it and used it as a great day to get my diet back on track. I started my morning yesterday with a great cleanser:

1.5 cups hot water
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
4 drops liquid stevia

I actually love this drink! I'm planning on making it iced again today.

This morning I got back in the gym with a vengeance. Here's a link to the upper body routine I've been doing: shoulders, chest, triceps. Although upper body isn't my favorite, I do love doing shoulder press, because it gives you a chance to see how strong you've gotten in the mirror! Big changes happening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hOjsHe7xCQ

After my workout, I took it back to basics and threw together a chocolate strawberry protein shake: