TUESDAY TABATA TIME!

Its time for your Tabata! This one is for Francesca ;)

Doing as little as one Tabata (about a 10 minute session) can increase your endurance, resting metabolic rate, and will help aide in fat loss more so than the traditional hour long workout.

My Tabata routine below is quite simple. If your not familar with the exercise, Google the workout beforehand for instructions on how to perform each excercise. You can always feel free to email me directly with any questions at Marlenafits@gmail.com

Remember, breathe through every exercise and do your cat stretches when completed.

READY SET CRUNCH!

30 Second Toe Reach Ups
20 Second Rest

30 Second Reverse Ab Curls
20 Second Rest

30 Flutter Kicks
20 Second Rest

30 Second Frog Ins & Outs
20 Second Rest

30 Second Side Twists
20 Second Rest

30 Second Cross Body Mountain Climbers
20 Second Rest

30 Second Standing Side Imprints - right side
20 Second Rest

30 Second Standing Side Imrpints - left side

NOW PLANK.... for one minute. Stop & Repeat

2 Minute REST & REPEAT (TOTAL OF 2 TIMES)

USE APP - To get the most out of this workout I suggest downloading an interval timer on your smart phone. I use Seconds Pro and customize each timer for all my tabata workouts (pretty sure it cost aroun $1.99)

SUGAR AND SPICE & EVERYTHING NICE, thats what rods are made of...

I wanted to share a quick and easy holiday treat to make, Holiday Dipped Pretzel Sticks! These are great as gifts to give, just wrap them up in a beautiful mitten and tie with a bow Or fill up an old mason jar and keep them on your kitchen counter. I can promise you this, these will go quicker than you know! Whats great about these, you can pretty much dip them and top them with anything you please!



Melted Dark Chocolate with Crushed Walnuts




White Chocolate with crushed m&m mint candies (these lil guys smell amazing)




White Chocolate with crushed candy canes



BAM!



Hope you enjoy making these as much as I have! Happy Holidays! 

Love, Mar

CHESTNUTS ROASTING ON......

It has been such a rainy and cold past couple of days in NYC and I cant stop dreaming about snuggling up next to a warm fireplace.. Imagining the smell of the burning wood and the pops of the crackling fireplace. To have one in Manhattan is truly a luxury, sadly my humble abode did not come with one ...So for now, gazing at a few of my favorite images will have to do. Hope these images inspire you to get warm and toasty with your loved ones ...



I can imagine enjoying the quiet moments with my morning Hazelnut Brew ....




Great place for a girls night in! White Wine, Cheese and Figs!




Adorable idea for a non working fireplace, plus its safe for the kiddies :)




Now this has my name written all over it. Just me, a good book, a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon and a few bites of Green & Blacks Dark Chocolate. My kinda heaven.....



HOLIDAY FIT LIST!

Whether you have been naughty or nice, these are some great gifts to add to your fit life.
With less than a week away from Christmas, here are some must have items to add to your holiday fit list. 

1. Nike Sneakers - Since my exercise routine involves a mix of cardio and weight training I have always been most comfortable in cross trainers. I get a new pair every six months....& its almost that time, ahem Santa! Plus, with the vibrant array of colors you can choose from, these bright sneaks will make the gloomiest day seem brighter at the gym. Plus++ they are on Sale!

2. Omega Juicer The Omega Juicer has been my internal and external medicine in so many ways. I encourage you to watch the documentary "Fat Sick and Nearly Dead"” and tell me your not inspired. I do a juice feast every 6 months (usually lasting about 3 days of pure vegetable juice). Some people call it a juice "fast", but to me  filling your body up with delicious juice all day is an absolute "feast" not "fast". Pricey, but worth it. Remember, good health is wealth.

3. Eco Friendly Cleaning Products – Ok, so your thinking, cleaning products as a gift? Well if your as nuts as I am and enjoy having clean home then you can understand. & haven't you ever heard.... Cleanliness is godliness (insert angels singing) Mrs Meyers cleaning products (personally love the lemon verbena line) work just as good as the toxic pollutants you may currently use in your home. Try it out and don't say I didn't warn you on your new healthy obsession.....

4. StellaMcCartney iPad Case - Need I say more. For the vegans out there....Faux leather, faux python, environmentally friendly and ridiculously adorable - faux realllll! Plus, its on sale!

5. Day At the Spa. Who wouldn't love to be pampered in a relaxed soothing environment. My favorite is a full body scrub and wrap. Not only do I leave fully relaxed but I also leave looking more toned and less bloated.

These gifts may just be the boost you need for a fitter, healthier and happier new you in the new year~ Cheers to you!

untitled....

May the God of consolation touch their hearts and ease their pain....


CLICK TO WATCH - NYC Children's Choir tribute to the Sandy Shooting Victims