I can hardly believe it’s time for another round of Fit Friday Fun already?!

And just 9 days until Christmas!!!!

Say whaaaaat?!!!!!!

Ok, Ok before we freak out about how quickly Christmas is coming, let’s get our workout on . . .

Today I’m sharing a short, sharp lunge filled, lower body workout that you can get in and get done in just 20 minutes , with or without equipment, totally your call.

You guys know how how much I love, love, love my lower body workouts, The lower body is where your powerhouse muscles are (I’m looking at you quads, glutes and hamstrings) which means you get a serious bang for your workout butt, I mean buck 😉

So, here’s what we are going to do –

Just 4 exercises – Forward Lunges – Reverse Lunges – Side Lunges and Curtsy Lunges.

Aim to do 8-10 reps of each exercise (count reps per leg) then repeat the entire sequence through for a total of 3 rounds, resting as needed. Sound good?

Now you have 2 options on how you can do this – you can complete all reps of each exercise on one leg before switching to the other or, you can alternate legs as you go. Do what you think feels best for you and . . .

Keep in mind that just because I’m not allocating any specific rests breaks in today’s workout does not mean you push through without taking any rest!

I want you to listen to that beautiful body of yours and 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 end of each set or the bottom of each round to do so but, do what you gotta do, OK?!

If you feel like you need to stop, grab a drink and catch your breath, by all means do so, take all the time you need,  then get straight back into it and repeat for a total of 3 rounds, deal?

✳️4 exercises
✳️10 reps each
✳️x 3 rounds
✳️Boomshakalocka, done 👊🏻

Nothing complicated, basic movements done with good form for a short but effective lower body workout that will leave you feeling strong and energized ready to power through the rest of your day!

Now, for those of you who are just getting started or may not have access to a gym of any kind of weights you can absolutely do with workout without any added weight and let me tell you, you will be feeling it.

Not even kidding, this was me the day my first attempt at this workout –

Just because you’re “only” using your body-weight as resistance doesn’t not make this an easy workout. Your quads and glutes will be burning by the final round and you will definitely be feeling the effects of it tomorrow I assure you.

You have been warned 😉

For our fully functioning/more advanced lifters who might be looking to make things a little more challenging – grab yourself a weapon of choice – a set of dumbbells, a barbell, kettlebells, your EmPack, some resistance bands or any combination you like. Make sure you choose something appropriate for your strength but, don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.

Although, we want quality not quantity, always! Never compromise your form, ever! If your form starts to fail your done, got it?

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 –

Leg Day Lunge Fest

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 bonus smoothie recipe . . .

How does a nice tall, creamy, dreamy, secretly healthy, deliciously indulgent, fun and festive, iced, chai spiced eggnog latte sound?

You guys, this smoothie . . . honestly, I have no words!

I really does taste like Christmas in a cup!

The combination of those chai inspired spices with just a touch of caramel and a gentle hint of rum, can you say dreamy?!

It’s subtly sweet, perfectly spiced and deliciously creamy. For reals, no one would ever know it was secretly good for you! I won’t tell em’ if you don’t 😉

It really is simply divine, the perfect way to treat yo’ self and get a little festive on this fabulous Friday.

Oh and I should probably mention that not only does our delicious, nutritious, perfectly spiced, holiday latte taste like an absolute dream but, it also happens to be vegan, dairy free, sugar free, keto and paleo friendly – so much to love I tell you ❤️❤️❤️

Iced Chai Spiced Eggnog Latte
{Vegan. Gluten Free, Sugar Free & Paleo Friendly}
Makes 1 nice tall, creamy, dreamy, secretly healthy, deliciously indulgent, perfectly spiced  super smoothie that tastes like straight up dessert!

Ingredients –

1/3 cup coconut or Greek style yogurt

2/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice)

1/2 an overripe banana (preferably pre-frozen)

1 medjool date, pitted or 1 Tablespoon of maple syrup

1 Tablespoon of coconut butter or coconut oil

1/2 teaspoon of rum extract

1 teaspoon of vanilla (or 4-6 drops of vanilla cream stevia – I like to use Sweet Leaf Stevia )

1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon of cardamom

1/8 teaspoon of cloves

1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger

A pinch of pink salt

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

Optional but recommended for serving –

Coconut flakes

Cacao nibs

Cinnamon

Nutmeg

Method –

1 – Place all smoothie ingredients into your and process until smooth, creamy and well combined.

2 – Pour into a chilled glass or mason jar then top with coconut flakes, cacao nibs and spices if desired.

NOTE – You could also add in a scoop of protein powder (vanilla, chocolate or unflavoured,  would work well in this recipe ) and some some vital proteins collagen peptides (use the code NHN329 to get 10% off ) for an extra boost of protein if you’re into that kinda thing – do what you feel baby 🙂

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 way to refuel after a workout?

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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