Beginner

I have categorized this workout as "beginner" only because anyone can do it. EVERYONE should actually be doing these moves on a regular basis. As Americans, we sit hunched over in chairs and at desks all day. This creates what I call "computer body," rounded shoulders, forward head, tight hip flexors, weak and inactive core and glutes. This poor posture causes all sorts of problems such as pain and injuries. It is extremely important to strengthen the postural muscles to help avoid shoulder injuries. The older we get, this poor posture can turn into a "hunchback" and no one wants that! These 3 exercises are all done standing with a light resistance band. This means you could bring your band to work with you and do them throughout the day. Remember, frequency is the most important. That means you don't have to do a ton of reps with these exercises. You just need to do them often.

The back is a very important group of muscles to work. This 17 minute workout consists of 3 basic back exercises repeated as a circuit. Remember to focus on your form and feel the back working. You will need one pair of dumbbells for this routine.

This 23 minute upper body is a level 1 option for those who are new to fitness or trying to get back into shape after a long break from exercising. These are standard upper body exercises that will teach you proper form and help you build a base level of strength. After a few weeks your body will get stronger and you will be able to progress to the more challenging workouts.

This 25 minute lower body workout focuses on the muscles in the legs and glutes. You will need a chair to sit in and hold on to for balance. These moves are great to do at your office or at home.

This is a great, beginner friendly workout that will help you strengthen your core and will prepare you for more challenging workouts. The average American has a weak core and it can lead to back pain, injuries, muscle imbalances and poor posture. I recommend doing this 24 minute routine twice a week. Once you have reached the point where the sets are not challenging near the end anymore you can progress to more difficult routines.

The 3 exercises in this workout are very important for the strength of the core. The circuit is repeated 3 times.

Boost your metabolic rate with this 16 minute beginner workout. These 5 exercises, repeated twice, will help you learn how to push yourself out of your comfort zone with intervals that challenge you in a new way. Learn proper form and build a base of strength so that you are ready for more advanced HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) routines. No eqipment required!

Work your entire core with this beginner ab routine. This is a great way to start building core strength. This 7 minute workout starts with the front, moves to the side and finishes with the back.

This 19 minute workout is the perfect routine for beginners to do once or twice a week. The exercises used are: glute bridges, hill climbers, side lying leg lifts, and supermans. These 4 moves are repeated 3 times. This workout will help you build strength as well as develop the proper exercise form and technique.

This 15 minute workout is the perfect way to start my Butts & Guts program. You will do 4 exercises on the right and then repeat them on the left. These foundational moves will teach you the proper form and will help you build strength preparing you for the more challenging sequences and rotations.

This 33 minute routine works the whole body from a standing position. You will need 1 pair of light to medium dumbbells (2 pair if you have an extra set). This is a great way to start building your strength and learning proper form so you will be ready to progress to more challenging exercises. Don't be fooled though, you will still feel the burn with this workout!

This 10 minute workout is a great way to build up your cardio endurance. Start with this routine and work your way up to the more high intensity exercises.