Now that December is well and truly upon us and Christmas is just a few days away I thought it would be fitting that we have ourselves a fun and festive holiday themed workout, that you can do anytime, anywhere in around 20 minutes!

And yes, this really is my idea of fun 😉

How it works is, you will progress through the workout just like you do when you sing that much loved Christmas classic . . .

For example –

Round 1 – We start simply by doing the first exercise;

1 x burpee

Then round 2 we add on the second exercise ;

1 x burpee + 2 x  push ups

Then round 3 –  1 x burpee, 2 x push ups and 3 x V-Ups

And keep going, starting at the beginning and adding in the next exercise until you get to the 12th and final one.

Oh and FYI – all uni-lateral/single leg movements like rear leg raises, mountain climbers, step ups, twists and lunges count reps per leg, you’re welcome 😉

I know it looks pretty innocent on paper, especially when you have it in mind that you’re “just” using your body weight as resistance but, trust me, this workout is no joke!

It may be only 20 minutes but, you will be one hot, sweaty mess once this workout is complete.

Hot sweaty mess = yes but, you will also feel like a million bucks, energized, recharged and focused and ready to take on the rest of your day. Promise!

What do you say, are you in?

Nothing complicated, basic movements done with good form for a short but effective total body workout.

We will move from one exercise to the next with minimal/no rest in between – I’m not allocating any specific rest breaks in today’s workout but I want you to listen to that beautiful body of yours and rest as needed.

Anytime you feel like you need to take a break to catch your breath and grab a little drink then by all means please do so, and take all the time you need. However, if possible try to wait until you get to the bottom of each round to do so but, do what you gotta do, OK?!

Take your time, concentrate, focus and breathe through each and every exercise. You are strong, you are amazing, you have big energy! You’ve totally got this!

And because nothing makes a workout challenge more fun than getting a buddy to join you. Why not grab your BFF or a family member or your fave workmate and have them join you, power in numbers baby!

Don’t forget to come back and let me know how you did once you’re done. Either leave me a message in the comments below, or you can give me a shout on the Facebook page or tag me (@EmSwanston) on Twitter , or Instagram (@emsswanston) . I mean it, I wanna hear how you did!

Ok enough chit chat time to work –

12 Days of Christmas
– No Equipment –
Total Body Workout

As always make sure you are nice an warm before you start your workout – Run on the spot, do jumping jacks, jump rope, dance around your living room, anything to get you warm then it’s time to get serious.

Finish with a nice little cool down and stretch, maybe take a walk or something anything to help bring your heart rate down. Finish with a few of your fave stretches. Please don’t skip the stretch people, its like dessert for the body.

Now onto our smoothie recipe . . .

How does a nice tall, creamy, dreamy, subtly sweet, secretly healthy, perfectly spiced, espresso infused, iced gingerbread latte?!

You guys, this smoothie . . .

It’s all of my holiday faves served up in one delicious little cup and I know you are going to just love, love, LOVE it!

It really is simply divine, the perfect way to treat yo’ self while you re-fuel and re-energize yourself on this fabulous Friday.

Oh and I should probably mention that not only does our deliciously indulgent, secretly healthy, fun and festive smoothie taste like an absolute dream but, it also happens to be vegan, gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free, BANANA FREE, keto and paleo friendly – so much to love I tell you  and love it you will ! ❤️❤️❤️

Iced Chai Spiced Gingerbread Latte
{Refined Sugar Free. Vegan. Gluten Free. Dairy Free. Keto & Paleo Friendly}
Makes 1 all natural, light, fresh, creamy, dreamy, subtly sweet, perfectly spiced, espresso infused, iced gingerbread latte.

Ingredients –

1/4 cup Vanilla coconut or Greek style

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice – I ♥ Ulu Hye Plant Based Mylk’s )

1 (or 2) shots of your fave espresso – or 1 teaspoon of instant coffee

1/2 teaspoon of healthy, homemade chai spice

1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger

1 teaspoon of maple syrup – sub honey or a medjool date, – more or less to taste

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1 Tablespoon of almond butter

1/4-1/2  cup of ice – more or less to desired consistency.

Optional add in’s;

1 teaspoon of maca –  for hormone balance

1-2 scoops of Vital proteins unflavored collagen peptides – for an extra boost of protein and gut healing goodness

1 scp protein powder – for extra protein – I use Proganics Vanilla whey – you can use EMS10 to get 10% off

1 scp Locako natural keto creamer – healthy fats / brain function & extra luscious creaminess – Use EMS10 to get 10% off

Method –

1 – Place all ingredients into a blender and process until smooth and creamy.

2 – To serve, pour into a chilled glass/mason jar or bowl and top with toppings of choice.

Enjoy xoxo

Don’t forget to give me a shout out when you’re done – hit me up in the comments below via the Facebook page on Twitter or on Instagram

Now go,

and have yourself a killer day 👊🏼 xoxo

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Question of the day –

What’s your favorite Christmas song?!

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make this smoothie (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to 🙂

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