No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #27 Cardio, Strength Circuit Training with Jessica Smith

I love Jessica Smith, she is so encouraging!  You will definitely feel the burn after doing this 35 minute strength circuit workout! (You don’t need to have a step in order to do this workout.)

Take 15-30 minutes and improve your day! Your heath and wellness is worth it!  Remember to keep good proper form, warm up before, and stretch after you exercise!

Are you enjoying these “No Gym? No Problem!” posts?  If so, you can check out the rest by clicking HERE!

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No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #26 Six Minute Standing Ab Workout

This ab workout it literally 6 minutes long!  Six minutes!!!  You definitely have time for this one!  You won’t even have to get down onto the ground.  Keep your abs engaged and remember to breathe.

6 Minute Standing Ab Workout: A Great Ab Workout without the Floor

Do you have 6 minutes to improve your health and wellness? Yes, You Do! No Excuses, Just do it! Remember to keep good proper form, warm up before, and stretch after you exercise!

Are you enjoying these “No Gym? No Problem!” posts?  If so, you can check out the rest by clicking HERE!

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Lifestyle

The Blessing of the Storm

The other day was a hot humid summer day. As I was out in my yard in the evening, I noticed the flowers in my garden were all wilting from the heat.

That night as it started to rain, I listened to the thunder and watched the lightning, it made me think… Sometimes the storm turns out to really be a blessing. It cooled off the air and brought the rain my flower beds needed.

Sometimes in life, it takes storms to bring special blessings too. When everything goes the way we’d like, we often forget how much we need Jesus. But when we go through difficult times, we learn more about Him and about how much He loves and cares for us. No matter how fierce the storm seems, He loves and cares for us more than you can even imagine.

I don’t like the “storms” in my life. I don’t like to be unhappy or uncomfortable or disappointed. During those times, I need to learn to stop questioning why God sends storms into my life, and just trust Him to be with me and see me through them. (Proverbs 3:5-7)

Having faith in Jesus and trusting Him will give us the strength to brave any storm that comes our way. Then just like my flower beds, after the storm has passed, we’ll be refreshed.

Heavenly Father, help me to search for you in the storm.  Guide me with your strength. May I search for the blessings among the pain.

james 1:2-3 | lookingjoligood.blog

James 1:2-3

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Psalms 46:1‭-‬3 | lookingjoligood.blog

Psalms 46:1‭-‬3

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Proverbs 3:5‭-‬7 | lookingjoligood.blog

Proverbs 3:5‭-‬7

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord , and depart from evil.

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Health/ Fitness · Jillian Michaels Body Revolution

Review of Body Revolution by Jillian Michaels Phase 1 Workouts 3 and 4

**Please see update below.

Did you think that I totally forgot about these?  Nope, I didn’t!  My sore muscles haven’t forgotten either! 😉

The Body Revolution program consists of 3 phases that claim to lead to “total body transformation.” It is a 90-day program with 6 workouts a week and one day to rest.  Each phase consists of 4 metabolic training workouts and one cardio workout.  Each workout is “only” 30 minutes long.  Even numbered workouts work the front of the body, odd numbered workouts concentrate on working the back of the body.  Every workout works the abdominals.

What is included with the purchase of Jillian Michael’s Body Revolution:

15 DVDs
resistance cable
fitness guide
90-day journal
“customizable” 90-day fat-burning meal plan,
FREE 30-day web club access
bonus 7 day Kick Start Your Metabolism diet plan that will help to “detox your body and curb your food cravings or addictions.”

The first phase is 4 weeks and includes workouts 1-4 and the cardio level 1 workout.

Here is a review of  Phase 1 Workouts 3 and 4:

Phase 1 Workout 3 for Weeks 3 and 4

What will you need?  exercise mat and free weights (3, 5 or 8 lbs depending on your strength level) 
Get ready to squat!
  Regular squats, sumo squats, chair squats, and step out step in squats.

wpid-wp-1447122272758.jpg

Just like workout 1, workout 3 is focused on the front of the body.  It incorporates some yoga moves as well as strength training.  Right away you will notice that the workout is more intense than 1+2, but you will also notice how much stronger you already are.
Where can you expect to be sore the next day?  

  • Chest
  • Shoulders,
  • Abs,
  • Triceps
  • Quads

The workout is broken down into 4 circuits; each of which are repeated once with  one minute of cardio  in between the circuit repetition.  Some of these things are harder to name/explain.

Here is a breakdown of phase one workout one

Warm-up

  • Jumping Jacks
  • Cat Cow Stretch
  • High Kicks
  • Lateral Leg Swings R/L
  • Jumping Jacks

Circuit 1:

  •  Push-ups
  • Down Dog with ankle grab R/L
  • Alternating Backwards Lunges-advanced modification-add weights
  • Plank walks outs

Cardio -1 minute Jumprope

Circuit 2:

  • Sumo Squats with tricep extension-advanced modification- add heavier weights
  •  Camel yoga pose with ankle stretch (looks a lot easier than it is.)
  • Squat press -advanced modification-add heavier weights
  • Cable press with static lunge

Cardio -1 minute Punches with half squat-repeat circuit 2

Circuit 3:

  • Plank to Crescent pose back to plank
  • Crab position with dip
  • Side Crunches R/L

Cardio -1 minute- Plie Hops-repeat circuit 3

Circuit 4:

  • Tree pose with Lateral raises-use lighter weights – right
  • Plank ups (these are so hard, but I love them)
  • Tree pose with Lateral raises-use liter weights – left
  • Inchworm crunches

Cardio -1 minute-Skiers-repeat circuit 4

Cool Down/Stretches

 

“You have no idea the strength you have within you!”

Phase 1 Workout 4 for Weeks 3 and 4

Like workout 2, workout 4 is focused on the back of the body but has more compound movements than the earlier 2 workouts.

jillian-michaels-body-revolution | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

What will you need?  exercise mat and free weights (3, 5 or 8 lbs depending on your strength level)

While this phase is still meant to be low impact you will still be sore when you first start out.
Where can you expect to be sore the next day?  

  • Back
  • Biceps
  • Glutes
  • Hamstrings
  • Abs

The workout is broken down into 4 circuits; each of which are repeated once with  one minute of cardio  in between the circuit repetition.

comfortable with being uncomfortable | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Here is a breakdown of phase one workout four:

Warm-up

  • Butt Kicks
  • Single Leg Hip/Glute Stretch
  • Backwards Arm Circles
  • Repeat

Circuit 1:

  •  Alternating forward Lunges
  • Static Squat with a Medium Row
  • Single Leg Deadlift with Upright Row
  • Opposite Leg Deadlift

Cardio -1 minute Plyo Skaters -repeat circuit 1

Circuit 2:

  • Side Lunge Bicep Curl
  •  Bent Over Wide Row High and Wide
  • With arms holding weights strait up, step back with front knee down onto the ground into kneeling position back up to standing with weights lifted over the head the entire time (does that even make any sense?  Trust me, it is super hard and not fun at all!)

Cardio -1 minute-Alternate step up/hops with weights-repeat circuit 2

Circuit 3:

  • Side laying single leg lift with heavy weight
  • Plank with alternating leg raise
  • Side laying single leg lift with heavy weight opposite side
  • Hollowman

Cardio -1 minute- Fast Feet-repeat circuit 3

Circuit 4:

  • Terry Pulls right side (looks easy, but if done correctly it is a lot harder that it seems)
  • Good Mornings with 2 heavy weights
  • Terry Pulls left side (not an ab move, think about the terry muscles that you are using.)
  • Swarms (crunch up and rotate touching your ankles.)

Cardio -1 minute-Jab Cross Hook Upper Cut Combo- repeat circuit 4

Cool Down/Stretches

Since I haven’t written about Body revolution in a while, I finished phase one and now moved on to the second half of phase 1-workouts 3 and 4.   I was super sore from the workouts the first two days, but after that not much at all.
I will write a detailed review of Workout 2 and Cardio 1 soon.

If you are interested in my review of Workouts 1+2 and Cardio 1 click HERE.

I hope this was helpful if you are trying to decide if Jillian Michaels Body Revolution is right for you!

One of Jillian Micheals’ strong points is her motivational quotes:

This is where it matters the most. This is where lives are made, in these moments when you can choose whether or not to say ‘I cant’ or ‘I can.’ It is a choice that will either make or break you for life.

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**Update:

Initially, I found Jillian Michaels’ approach to exercise and dieting highly motivational. Her intense workouts and strict dietary guidelines pushed me to achieve remarkable physical results, which fueled my motivation and determination. I embraced her no-nonsense attitude and believed that pushing my body to its limits was the only way to achieve success. However, as time went on, I began to realize that this approach was taking a toll on my mental health. The relentless pursuit of physical perfection and the constant pressure I placed on myself led to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a distorted body image. It was then that I decided to change my perspective and adopt a more balanced and loving approach to my body. By prioritizing self-compassion, listening to my body’s needs, and embracing acceptance, I discovered a newfound sense of mental well-being. This shift in thinking allowed me to find joy in movement, cultivate a positive relationship with my body, and ultimately, achieve a healthier and more sustainable approach to overall well-being.

Lifestyle

“What About The Things You Can’t Change?” A Devotional by Anna Light

I really enjoyed this devotional by Anna Light entitled “What about the things you can’t change?” It spoke to my heart and I wanted to share it with all of you!

Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Psalms 37:4 | lookingjoligood.blog
“We can’t change another person’s heart. We can’t change the past. We might not be able to change or control our circumstances. But do you believe, in His divine understanding, that God has placed you in this life with your issues, relationships, and station, for a specific reason? Could He be using those things that are out of our control, to teach us absolute trust in His perfect plan for our lives? God doesn’t waste anything. He doesn’t waste a hardened heart, tough circumstances, or things outside our control. What might He be showing you through the things in your life that you don’t like, but cannot change?”
Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

“Another question to ask ourselves: are we enduring the things we can’t change or embracing them?
There’s a big difference between enduring and embracing and the difference is in our attitude. Enduring means we do just enough to get by while embracing elevates us from survival to thriving, even in the midst of our hardship.
When we choose to embrace instead of enduring, nothing might change in our circumstances, but the change will be in our heart. He can use those unmoving circumstances to soften our heart, which might not have changed otherwise.
Psalm 37:4 can help us understand this idea a little better. “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Growing up I always thought that meant if I did all the right things I would get what I wanted… only later did I learn the true meaning of the word “delight.” The Hebrew word translated “delight” literally means to be delicate. It carries the idea of being pliable and soft. So when God says to delight ourselves in Him, He’s saying, “Let Me mold and shape your desires. As you delight in Me, your desires will become My desires. What I want will be what you want.”
Is He asking you to dive into what He’s given you so that through the things that cannot be changed become the things that change you?
Mark 11:24 | lookingjoligood.blog

Mark 11:23-24 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Lord, there are some things in my life that I do not like, but I have no power to change. Show me what it is I can do to change my attitude and mindset. I want a heart of flesh, molded and shaped by your loving hands. Help me trust You even when I don’t understand what I’m going through. I place this difficult, unchanging situation in Your hands and ask that Your will be done.”
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Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness · Jillian Michaels Body Revolution

I May Be Crazy… The Return of Flab To Fab and Body Revolution

If you have been a long time reader of Looking Joli Good, you may remember the Flab to Fab series from 2016. While I still think of myself as fab 😉 I have let myself get a little flab over the last few winter months. That is all about to change!

About two years ago, I wrote a post entitled Where is the Body Revolution? At the point that I wrote that post, I had completed 10 of the 12 Jillian Michaels’ Body Revolution workouts. My whole body was in pain and constantly so sore that I chose to give up on completing the rest of the system. I have regretted not finishing ever since.

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Phase 2 Workout 5 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Recently, I found myself lacking the motivation to exercise. I was half-heartedly doing my daily workouts and dreading them. I knew exactly what I needed, a good kick in the pants from my best friend. I love Jillian! Her workouts are by far my favorites! Something about her method is so motivating. I always feel amazing and accomplished after I complete one of her workouts.

image

A few weeks ago I started Body Revolution over again. I started right at the beginning back at week one of the system. Since I exercise on a regular basis it starts off “easy”, it almost seems to be too simple for a Jillian workout. Do not be fooled by the first few workouts, it gets a lot harder! I am beginning week 6, so I have completed workouts 1-4 as well as cardio 1 and 2. Last week I did workouts 5 and 6 and will repeat them again this week. (So far workout 6 has been my favorite.)

I am sore in places I forgot existed.

jillian-michaels-body-revolution | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

The last time I did this workout program, I wrote detailed reviews with all the information that I was looking for when I was researching this workout program. If you would like to read those reviews you can click HERE. In the next few weeks, as I complete the workouts, I will be writing reviews of workouts 7-12 and cardio 3.

Yes, I may be crazy, but I am so motivated again. Forget the flab, I’ll be fab again in no time! As for right now, I need to go stretch out my sore muscles. 😉

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Lifestyle · Love and Life

Happy Mother’s Day, 2018!

 

I have been blessed with two wonderful, sweet, loving, healthy children.  I have also been blessed with a wonderful, loving, and healthy mother!

Mother's day Proverbs 31:28 | lookingjoligood.blog

I never knew just how much I was loved by my mom until I became a mother myself!  Being a mother is the best and most important job in the world.  It is also the hardest and most rewarding thing I have ever done.

I appreciate all that my mom has done for me throughout my life.  Happy Mother’s Day, I love you, Mom!

Proverbs 31:28 | lookingjoligood.blog

Happy Mother’s day to all you moms and if you are not a mom make sure you call your mother to tell her that you love and appreciate her!

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No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #19 Jessica Smith 30-Minute Stepping Strength Total Body Workout

30-Minute Stepping Strength Total Body Workout with Dumbbells no Floor Work, Walking Circuit Workout

I love Jessica Smith!  She is so encouraging and upbeat!  Her workouts are great without being too difficult that you will get discouraged.

Never miss a Monday workout, it sets the tone for the entire week!  Remember to keep proper form, warm up before, and stretch after you exercise!

Are you enjoying these “No Gym? No Problem!” posts?  If so, you can check out the rest by clicking HERE!

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I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram,  Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #17 Fitness Blender Low Impact Cardio Workout for Beginners

I always enjoy these Fitness Blender workouts!  You will be sweating!  Take a few minutes and improve your day! Your health and wellness are worth it! Remember to keep proper form, warm up before, and stretch after you exercise!

There is no music, so if you like to workout with some tunes, you’ll have to provide your own.  😀

Workout Structure
1. Jog in Place Jacks
2. Windmill Steps
3. Static Squat + Punches
4. Static Lunge + Curls
5. Static Lunge + Tricep Extension
6. Fingertip to Toe Jacks
7. Stutter Step

Here are a few cool down options, pick one with a length that works for your needs:

Are you enjoying these “No Gym? No Problem!” posts?  If so, you can check out the rest by clicking HERE!

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I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram,  Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Free/Good Deals · Lifestyle · Love and Life

The Greatest Gift- Eternal Life

I have been writing here on Looking JoliGood for almost three years now. (Wow, does time fly!!!) I have shared many things about all kinds of different topics, some beauty related, some health-related, some related to spiritual things.

Today I am sharing with you what I believe to be the purpose of our lives here on earth.  I believe that God gave us life so that we can love and glorify Him.

Many people believe that eternal life in Heaven is something that we earn through good works, or something we inherit because our parents are religious, or possibly we can attain it through good intentions.  While all these things sound good, the Bible tells us that eternal life is not something we can earn or buy, but instead, it is a gift.

God’s gift is eternal life with Him.

Romans 6:23 | lookingjoligood.blog

The thing about this gift is that before you can get it, you first have to realize that you need this it. Romans 3:23 tells us that “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

All of us have sinned by breaking God’s rules.  Some of the rules are broken by things that we have been doing, and some of the rules have been broken by things that we haven’t been doing.  We have all sinned in one way or another.Romans 3:23 | lookingjoligood.blog

Romans 6:23 tells us that the price for those broken rules is death.  That death isn’t just talking about our physical body dying, but about our spiritual body as well.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

When our physical body dies, our spiritual body will go to one of two places, either an eternity in Heaven or an eternal death apart from God in Hell.

God doesn’t want to be separated from us! Romans 5:8 says “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” 

Christ died for us | lookingjoligood.blog

The price of our sin is death, but Jesus Christ already paid the price for our sins when he died on the cross.

Jesus came to earth as God in the flesh. He lived a perfect life and voluntarily took our place on the cross, all because He loves us!  He took your place, He took my place, He paid your price with His life. He loves you!

The Bible tells us in 2 Peter 3:9 that “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9 | lookingjoligood.blog

Any time you get a gift you have to accept it in order to own it.  It is no different with the gift of eternal life, you have to turn to Christ and place our full trust in Him alone.

Romans 10:13 tells us that “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:13 | lookingjoligood.blog

 

If you have never trusted in Jesus Christ to be your personal savior, you can do it right now! It is as simple as believing in your heart that Christ is the only way to have eternal life in Heaven and saying a prayer that is something like this…

“Dear Lord God,
Thank you for the sacrifice you made in sending your only perfect son to die on the cross for my sins!  It should have been me sentenced to that horrible death, but you Lord, gave Jesus to save me from the punishment that I deserve.  Thank you for this free gift of salvation! Amen!”

You will never regret that decision! I know how much this decision has changed my life!  If you have just trusted Christ and received the gift of eternal life, I would love for you to tell me!

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