Dumbbell February: Dumbbell Jacks

Get some cardio in by doing jumping jacks with a twist. It is Dumbbell February so that means we're including dumbbells. All you have to do is hold the dumbbells close to your chest, and do a regular jack opening and closing your legs. Try not to bounce your upper body back and forth as you jump. And note that my knees bend slightly and don't buckle as I land; this is to protect my joints. Do this for 3 rounds of 1 minute each. Mix it up with other cardio exercises.

Cheers Eights & Weights!

Dumbbell February: Bicep Curl in a Squat

This works soooo many muscle groups, including your biceps, your glutes, your quads, and your core. Start in a standing position with the dumbbells in front of you (5 to 10lbs) and wrists forward like in 'Position 1' above. Squat and do a bicep curl at the same time with elbows inside your knees but not touching them. Keep your back straight. Return to position 1. Repeat this sequence 15 times. Rest and do 2 more sets of 15 (for a total of 3 sets).

Cheers Eights & Weights!

Dumbbell February: Dumbbell Toe Reaches

So this one is kind of tough. But it does really work your core. Lie on your back holding a dumbbell with your two hands over your head. Lift your legs until they are straight up and perpendicular to the floor. This is position 1. Get into position 2 by lifting the dumbbell to try to reach your toes. Your shoulders should come off the floor in the process, but make sure you are not putting a lot of pressure on your neck. Return to position 1 still keeping your legs up. That is 1 rep. Repeat this for 3 sets of 15 reps. And do not rush it. Do it slowly so you really work those ab muscles.

You can use a dumbbell from 5 to 15 lbs. But using one too heavy could restrict your motion so take note of how you feel.

Cheers Eights & Weights!

Dumbbell February: Dumbbell Side Planks

As you probably know, abs are more than just the front of your midsection, and strength training for abs is more than just crunches. Side planks are a great way to work your core strength, especially your obliques (side of your abs). Let's incorporate more tension in the side plank like we've been doing all month by adding in some dumbbells.

Dumbbell February: Dumbbell Burpees!

You hate burpees... I know. So logically, why don't we make it even harder? Add dumbbells :) If you don't know what a burpee is, here is a step-by-step:

• Bend your knees with your palms on the floor.
• Jump back into a plank
• Do a pushup
• Jump forward into the original position
• Jump up with one dumbbell in each hand lifted towards the ceiling

Try to do 3 sets of 10. Here is a video to help out.

Cheers Eights & Weights!

Dumbbell February: Russian Twists

Use dumbbells to work your obliques. How? Russian twists! Start seated with your knees angled and your heels on the floor (like in option 2 in the image above). Extend the dumbbell in front of you and slowly twist from side to side (twist from your waist, not your neck). As you twist to one side look at that side as well. Repeat 10 times on each side, and do that for 3 sets.

To work your core even more, lift your feet up like in option 1 in the image above. This is harder so try to hold it a little longer every time you do it.

Cheers Eights & Weights!

February Challenge: Dumbbell February!

Come join us this February on Instagram as we show you exercises that you can do with dumbbells for an all-over workout. This month, I am partnering with Maje Ayida of Eden Lifestyle, a Nigerian fitness website. If you are not on Instagram, join now! 

Cheers Eights & Weights!

Are you Doing the October Total Body Challenge?

We are almost halfway through the October challenge on Instagram. Have you been participating? You don't need an Instagram account. You can follow me on Twitter (@eightsnweights) to get daily updates, or you can click my Instagram link here where you can view all my pictures in a web view, even if you don't have an account. The October challenge is a total body challenge, including cardio, strength, and stretching, and we release a routine every day. Here are some samples from last week:

The October Total Body Challenge is Onnnnnn!

By now, you know that I love our challenges because it gives me the chance to share this journey with people who are just as passionate as me. This month, it is even better because I am partnering up with two amazing ladies (@oluwasparkle and @adura_o) on Instagram to bring you another great challenge! Look at us. Aren't we cute? :)