DIY Wooden Letters

I can't tell you how many times my mom and I drove by the church picturing my big day.  Most churches and venues have gorgeous landscaping and aesthetic value, but dressing it up makes it uniquely personalized.  I remember going to a wedding at our church, just to see what the church looks like when a wedding is going on.  We drive up, look at each other and think are we at a funeral or a wedding? Now ask yourself, do you want your guests saying that?

• You don't need an invitation to go to a church ceremony.  It's a worship service and most churches have an open door policy.  I recommend going to at least 1 wedding at your church to you can figure out how you want to decorate the church. (Please don't use this as advice for every church, check their website, bulletin or ask).  Also, dress up for the occasion, don't wear jeans.  You will stick out like a sore thumb!

DIY Wooden Letters

I bought our initials (2 each for the front and back of the door, that way if the doors are open or closed you can see the letters) (A for Amanda and M for Matt) and 2 inch light blue ribbon at Michaels and borrowed my dad's staple gun for the project. You could also use a hot glue gun to attach the letters to the ribbon.

Step 1: Sand the wood (optional, the wood may be smooth enough to paint)

Step 2: Paint the wooden letters ( I noticed foam brushes worked best )

Step 3: Figure out how long the ribbon should be ( since most churches don't allow nails or pins we draped the ribbon over the top of the door )

Step 4: Cut the ribbon

Step 5: Staple or hot glue the letters to the ribbon

Step 6: Bring the decoration to the church, hang and boom, you have a beautiful personalized church door!

DIY Wooden Letter Decoration

Pre-Wedding Girls Day

     Visiting with out of town guests and extended family on your wedding day can be hard.  It is a busy day. Aside from hugging everyone and thanking them for being there, there isn't much time to 'catch up' with people you haven't seen in 6 months or sometimes more. You struggle with knowing they spent a lot of money and time to be there for you, and knowing you will be busy getting ready, saying vows, getting pictures taken, eating, and dancing. So how do you catch up with these wonderful people you dearly love?

     Luckily weddings aren't just one day, it's a whole weekend. Think about it, there is the day before where you are prepping/decorating, and having the rehearsal dinner.  The day of the wedding you get ready, have the wedding ceremony, wedding reception, and typically an after party at the hotel bar.  Then the day after you have a brunch with all the out of town guests and extended family.

Pew Bows

Decorations at the front of the church

     The day before my wedding we had a girls day. About a month before I emailed my mom, sister, grandmothers, Matt's mom, his sister, his grandmothers, my aunts, cousins and the bridesmaids, and gave them the plan. I knew they all wouldn't be able to make it, but the important part is that everyone knew what was going on, and they felt included (which was important to me.) Keep in mind to invite close friends that aren't in your wedding, but who are traveling, to events like these.  My good friend Danielle was flying in so I made sure to invite her to lunch and nails. You want people traveling to feel welcome, enjoy their time, and look back and say 'that was a great wedding! I am so glad I went!'

Girl's Day Schedule:

French Manicure

Decorating the church from 9:30am-11:30am

Lunch at 12:00pm

Nails at 1:30pm

Not only did this allow me to spend time with family and friends, but the mani/pedi gave me a chance to relax, which is important on such a busy/exhausting/exhilarating weekend.

Bathroom Basket

Wedding Bathroom Basket

A small element in the grand scheme of things

that can help a grateful guest out in time of need   



Wedding Bathroom Basket

This is another project you can tackle early on and set aside.  It takes about an hour to buy the basket and supplies and about 30 minutes to make the basket look pretty and assemble it.

How to put together a bathroom basket

Step 1: Print your list of needed supplies

• Tampax Tampons
• Carefree Pantyliners
• Hair Elastics
• Bobby Pins
• Singer Sewing Kit
• Safety Pins
• Spray Deodorant (because no one wants to share a gel or solid)
• Hair spray
• Advil
• Mints/Gum
•  Dental Floss
• Tums
• Clear Nail Polish
• Lint Roller
• Lotion
• Perfume/Body Spray
• Bandaids
• Tide to go pen

 Step 2: Take your list to the store (Walmart, Target, Kmart) and buy supplies (keep in mind, if the supplies aren't used up, you will be stuck with them so don't go crazy & try not to spend too much)

Step 3: If you don't have a basket (or 2, depending on how many bathrooms are at the reception) Look at JoAnn Fabrics, Michaels, AC Moore, Tuesday Morning, etc. for baskets. (Again, get something you like because once the wedding is over you can use these somewhere around your house!)

Step 4: If you don't have craft supplies to make the sign for the basket, buy some ribbon, cardstock and craft paper while you are at the store.

Step 5: Type up or write out the saying for the sign

So happy you’re here sharing our special day
But just in case something should go astray:

Please help yourself to the contents within
Band-Aids, hairspray or ibuprofen

Use what you need, and just leave the rest
For it may be useful to some other guest!

Repair the damage that may have been done,
Then hurry back and join in the fun!

Step 6: Jazz up the sign

I printed mine on cardstock and backed it with light blue paper and then on black and white swirly paper.

Step 7: Weave the ribbon through the basket

Step 8: Attach the saying to the ribbon/basket (double stick tape works wonders with projects like this)

Step 9: Assemble the basket with all the supplies.  Take everything out of the plastic and packaging (your guests will be more likely to use them) Place tallest items in the back and try to configure everything so it can all be seen.

Step 10:  Don't forget to bring the bathroom basket to the reception site with you when you set up or to the planner (depends on who sets up)

Tip- If it is a Men/Women's bathroom, you don't need women's body spray and tampons in the men's basket ! ;-)

Table Name/Number Banner

Table Name/Number Banner

Table Number/Name Banner

This is a perfect way to incorporate your theme. 

I went to my cousins wedding where all the tables were named after cities in Texas, where they were going to be moving to. I thought 'what a creative idea!?' So much better than 1, 2, 3, 4, and so on. Since Matt and I met swimming we decided this would be our theme.  Early on in our planning phase we thought it would be fun to name our table numbers after swimming events. Not only would this be different, but it would possibly start a conversation at the table. The table numbers fit perfectly with our swimmer ribbon place cards.

Once we had the table names figured out, we had to find a nice way to display them.  I had heard of people 'jazzin up' dollar store frames, but when I went to look at them, they looked soo cheap. 

After looking online and racking our brains during an afternoon of wedding planning my mom found a banner coming out of the centerpiece. Can you say perfect!?

Banners/flags are all over the place in swimming.

DIY Table Number/Name Banner

** One thing my mom and I learned while planning was to always toss an idea out there.  If we didn't use the original idea, it got the 'wheels turning' and came up with a greater one.  There were so many times one of us would say something and the other person would say "umm no, oh but what about this?" **

HOW TO COME UP WITH CREATIVE TABLE NAMES

Ask yourself questions

&

 

Tie it in with your theme and interests

• Are you a couple that travels? Name your tables after cities you have been to.
• Do you love a sports team? Name your tables about players with their number or football stadiums. Love golf? Name the tables about holes and have holes on flags.
• Did you meet at college? Name your tables after the halls.
• A fun spin on number 1, 2, 3, etc. is framed pictures of the bride and groom at that age. Talk about a conversation starter!
• Love to read? Name your tables after books and incorporate this into your centerpiece. It is so easy to get your hands on cheap books! *DIY project* love it!
• Run marathons or do triathlons? Name your tables after all the races you have done. Rock N' Roll Marathon, Pittsburgh Marathon, etc. Then make little number bibs for place cards!
• Love gardening or flowers? There are hundreds of flowers you can use to name your tables after. Each centerpiece could be a bouquet of that flower.
• Love dogs? Name your table after breeds.
• Are you getting married at an art museum? Name the tables after famous pieces of art.

DIY Table Number Banners

Table Number/Name Banner

You will need a computer with photo shop, a printer with ink (make sure you have enough, you don't want it to look faded), cardstock, scissors, thin sticks of wood, wood stain, brush, and double sided tape. The cardstock, thin sticks of wood, and double sided tape were from Michaels.

Step 1: Find an image of a banner you like on www.dreamstime.com

Step 2: Edit the banner in Photo Shop. Play around with the banner to make it look 3D.

Step 3: Print several pages to make sure you like it.

Step 4: Add the table numbers/names ((100 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle, 500 Freestyle, 100 Backstroke, etc.) *Print 2 copies (so you have a front and back to glue together)

Step 5: Carefully cut the banners.

Step 6: Stain the thin sticks of wood. Wait for them to dry.

Step 7: Once the sticks are dry, put the banners at the top using double sided tape.

Step 8: Make sure the banner isn't too heavy on the thin wood stick. We brought the banners to the florist along with the wood boxes (the week before the wedding)

Newspaper

One of the reasons I love Pinterest is the ideas it gives you. 

One night I found a pin with wedding rings on the newspaper and thought great idea! I immediately pinned it and added to the comment 'get the newspaper on wedding day, on the To Do List!' Even with a million things going on, on the morning of my wedding my brother was running out to get milk from the store and asked "Does anybody need anything?" "Yes!!" I shouted. "Grab today's paper!"

15 minutes later..He comes back and we burst out laughing...

Grab a Newspaper On Your Wedding Day

YUP, Pot Raid on the front page of the newspaper.  I thought "guess we won't be getting any nice pictures of our rings with this newspaper."

It's a great idea for a fun picture with your wedding rings. Grab a paper on your wedding day and if it's a nice front page, ask your photographer to get a picture like this pin I found...

Flowers

Flowers are everywhere when it comes to your wedding day.

Bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, alter pieces, and centerpieces. 

Blue Hydrangeas

Tips for finding a Florist 

• Start your search early!! 
• Research online for local florists.  Look at their reviews

• Ask people who have recently got married who they used and what they thought. Try not use a recommendation from someone that hasn't gotten married yet. You want to hear how the actual wedding day went.

• Have a budget. Communicate this to your florist.

• Meet with 3-5 florists. During the meeting share your vision, likes, dislikes, and expectations.

• Listen for statements that let you know your florist is educated and will do a good job.

• Compare quotes. 

• Ask yourself "Which florist did I like the most?"

• 75% of the florists we met with, I walked away saying "wow, florists are crazy nice and have such a fun personality!" So if you leave a meeting say "what a dud" remember they are going to be creating your wedding flowers. Do you want to pay them for a service and not be happy with the product?  

Tips for figuring out what flowers you want

• Look through bridal magazines and save pictures you like

• Pin flower arrangements you like on pinterest

• When you see a flower you like (such as in a movie or show) write it down and keep it in your wedding folder

• Ask yourself some questions:

• What are your wedding colors?

• What is your theme?

• Research what flowers will be in season

• You can get flowers that aren't in season, but it will cost more

•  What does your dress look like.. what bouquet will look best with your dress

• If your dress is simple, consider adding embellishments to your bouquet

• What kind of atmosphere do you want for your ceremony and reception

My Flower Story!

I had tossed around the idea of making our own centerpieces for the reception.  We had done this for my sister's wedding and it worked out well.  But there are a few things you need to keep in mind if this is the route you choose.  Where are you going to order the flowers from?  Jess had the wrong flowers sent to her the week of her wedding (bright Home Depot orange!) and had to make some quick decisions on what to do.  This can be a very time consuming task.  It took us close to 4-5 hours to assemble the centerpieces.  Once you create the centerpieces you need to safely get them to the reception hall.  This was not an issue with her wedding, because we created them at the hall.  A professional florist is equipped to travel with 10-15 centerpieces and knows how to handle the amount of water in the vases, etc.  So, this can be fun if you can figure out all of the details.  In the long run I decided to have a professional florist create all of my center pieces, bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages.  Honestly, it was one less thing to stress about when it came down to 'crunch time' (i.e. 48 hours before the wedding.) I liked knowing my florist would deliver everything and set the centerpieces up for us.

As most of you know finding the perfect florist is just like finding the perfect DJ/Emcee.  At first I thought this task was easy.  My mom's friend recommended a florist to us.  We called her up, made an appointment, met with her, and loved her!  She told us she would get back to us in 2 weeks with a quote.  I waited patiently, and after 2 weeks I called her once a week...for 6 weeks.  Yup, 8 weeks after our first appointment is when I finally received the quote! If you can't keep your promise with typing up and giving a potential client a quote, there is a small possibility you are going to mess up on my wedding day. Not taking that risk! 

This is similar to my photographer story. You don't want to settle for a lousy 'professional' that is going to provide questionable services ..for your wedding!  It is never too late to switch or find a professional service.  There are so many florists, DJs, photographers, etc. that want your business (you just have to find them!)

 My mom and I did some research online and set up about 4 more meetings with potential florists. It was a pretty easy decision.   We went with the florist that was easy to talk to, knew her stuff, gave me several suggestions, showed me pictures of her past work, and gave me the impression she loves what she does.  It also helped that she provided me with a quote in 7-10 days, as promised. I highly recommend Kris Gardy at Colonial Gardens if you live in Phoenixville, Exton, West Chester, Pottstown Area of PA.

Bridal Bouquet



 My Bouquet had ins and outs (not a round mound),  with seeded eucalyptus and rolled thin grasses for a touch of green, a mixture of blue hydrangeas (my FAVORITE!), white roses,  spray roses, white calla lilies, white stock, blue salvia, and pale blue delphinium.  To match the 'bling' theme, she added clear crystal pics in the center of the roses and a band of rhinestones around the satin ribbon on the handle. She worked in my grandmother's handkerchief, which was my 'something old'.  The bouquet cost $200.

It was really hard to decide what blue flowers wouldn't clash with the bridesmaids dress so we decided to have them carry green and white bouquets with blue crystal pics in the center of their roses and a hint of blue iridescent beads on thin silver wire worked in for a touch of blue.  Their bouquets were had a combination of dusty miller, green spray roses, green hydrangea, white salvia, white roses, white calla lilies, and green hypericum berries.  Each bouquet cost  $65 and in total it was  $325.

Light blue bridesmaids dresses with white & green bouquets



Groom's boutonniere

Matt's Boutonniere matched my bouquet,  containing a  white calla lily with pale blue delphinium and seeded eucalyptus.  The cost was $15

The groomsmen had white calla lilies with green hypericum berries.  The cost was $12 and in total it was  $60.

We wanted the Dads and Grandfathers to be a little different than the groomsmen.  Their boutonnieres had a  white rose with green hypericum berries.  The cost was $10 and in total is was $40.

Our moms wore  wrist corsages on white pearl bracelets.  They were able to choose from bracelets the florist had or bring the florist a bracelet. The florist told us she can work in flowers into mostly any bracelet, which is pretty cool! I suggest Charming Charlie (a jewelry fanatics heaven!)  Their corsages had a mix of white and green flowers to match the bridal party.  We made sure to tell the florist their dress color.  The cost was $30 and in total it was $60.

Use any bracelet for your corsage

The Grandmothers had pin-on corsages in neutral colors.  They were given the option of a wrist corsage (it was nice to give them a chioce!) The cost was $20 and in total $80.

Church Altar Flower Arrangement

For the Church we decided on 1 long and low piece to be placed on the altar.  It had a mix of blue, white and green flowers to compliment the wedding parties flowers.  The cost was $125. You can either bring this with you to your reception or leave them for church the next day.

We also had 2 single white roses at the front of the Church in honor of Matt's Grandfathers.  We provided the vases to the florist.

Wood Box Flower Centerpiece

I had always known I wanted a low centerpiece at the reception because I have been to a few weddings where you can't see the people across from you because of the tall, bulky center piece.  Yes, they are gorgeous, but they are also outrageously expensive and block your view from each other.  I had seen a wood box centerpieces somewhere on Pinterest and knew that is what I wanted.  After looking around in stores such as Tuesday Morning and online I finally found a site that was reasonable.  I got a case of 12 wood boxes for $84 from Jamali Garden.  We stained the wood boxes and then supplied them to the florist a week before the wedding.  Each box had a combination of hydrangeas, roses, spray roses, stock, salvia, seeded eucalyptus and a few other fill flowers.  The cost was $55 and in total $825.



Wood Box Flower Centerpiece



Don't forget to think about how to give away your centerpieces.  It's one less thing to take home, I mean do you really want 15 centerpieces in your house (flowers dying while you are on your honeymoon).. I didn't think so. Make 12-15 wedding guests super happy by giving them the centerpiece.  To give away our centerpieces we had Abe, our Emcee, announce the person that traveled the farthest got to take home the centerpiece. You can also do person who has known the couple the longest, person with the closest birthday, etc.

 The delivery and set up fee was 150$, which is reasonable considering she drove the bouquets to my parents house, the boutonnieres, corsages and altar piece to the church, and the center pieces to the reception hall.

Yes, flowers are expensive, but they have such beauty that really adds something special to your wedding.  There are other alternatives to bouquets and centerpieces.  You have to ask yourself what you are willing to spend, what your vision is, what you have always dreamed of.... AND make it happen!



What's your Vision?
Mine came true...
Gold Chiavari Chairs, Ivory Table Cloths, Light Blue Napkins, Wood Box Flower Centerpieces, Light Blue Votives

One last tip, don't forget to feed your flowers, my florist had us put our flowers in water when we were in the limo to keep them lively and good-looking. 



Wedding Workout

Full time job, part time job, taking care of the dog, house work, meals, social life, PLANNING a wedding AND working out. Talk about a FULL plate. 

 Did anyone ever tell you...

 you can do anything you put your mind to!!

Over 8 months I lost 15 pounds and had to have my wedding dress taken in 1-2 sizes!



DISCLAIMER:  I am NOT a dietitian, qualified nutritionist or personal trainer. This is simply what I did to get into shape to look the best on my wedding day. 

A little bit about my fitness background.  I swam competitively for 12 years on 3 teams; YMCA, High School and College.  A lot of my ideas come from a swimming sets and dry land workouts.  I swam breaststroke, butterfly and the Individual Medley.  One of the reasons I loved the IM was because I got bored of the same stroke. So you will notice in my workout pattern, I mix it up. I find it boring to run 5 days a week. Some people love it, it's not for me.

10 months before my wedding I had to have a mole removed on my calf.  This wouldn't have been bad, but it forced me to avoid the gym for 2 months. Every time you walk, your calf muscle bulges. The first time my stitches were removed the area opened up and I had to have a second set of stitches.  The point of this rant is to let you know I had 8 months to get in shape, after doing nothing for 2 months (this was also during Thanksgiving pie and Christmas Cookie season).

Please read this with an open mind. Feel free to change anything and adapt the workouts/plan to what is best for you.

I believe it is way easier to get in shape so you can have fun on your wedding day; rather than to constantly be thinking *stick chin out* and *angle arm out* while pictures are being taken.

Perfect low-calorie snack that satisfies like the crunch of a chip!

Getting in shape goes hand in hand with eating right !  For 3 weeks I cut processed sugar out totally and ate tiny portions.  After those 3 weeks I ate small portions and made smart choices. If I wanted a cookie, I had a cookie. Not 10, but 1. If you keep saying no to that 1 cookie, all you will think about is that 1 cookie.. and end up eating 10 cookies. I also tried to substitute juice with water.  This keeps you hydrated, but keeps unnecessary calories out of your body.  Eat 3 meals a day and small snacks throughout the day.  I hate when I hear someone say "I don't eat breakfast"  People please, your body needs nourishment.  Most of my lunches consisted of water, salad, yogurt and veggie chips.

Tips for Success

Try on a pair of jeans to track your progress

• Keep track of your progress. I like to try on a pair of pants that are 'a little' tight and re-try them on every 3-4 weeks. 
• Workout 4-6 times a week for 30-70 minutes. Yes getting in shape and having a great looking body takes time and dedication.
• The more you put in, the more you will get out.
• Weigh in once a week (same time every time, morning or night) on the same scale (remember clothes add a little, but not much).  Weight is a motivating factor, but don't get mad if you aren't losing 2 pounds every week.
• Keep a log of when you workout. I kept a little notebook to keep me motivated.  When I looked at it, I either thought "great job, go me!" or "wow, I haven't worked out in 3 days, better get back to the gym!"  This is also a good way to keep track of how much weight you're lifting.
• Don't be scared of the gym, weights and machines.  
• If you have any questions, ask someone that works there.  The last thing you want is to use something improperly and hurt yourself. 
• Working out is a great stress reliever, once the blood gets flowing, endorphins are released and make ya' feel great! 
• Get up and GO! I can't tell you how many times I was dreading going to the gym, but once the workout was over, I had a 'workout-high' and was proud of myself. 
• When you're working on a machine, look at a magazine to help pass the time and take your mind off the workout itself. (I love reading People!!) 
• Bring your iPod. Music is the best to work-out to!

  

  Bring a small notepad with you to the gym to track your progress

23 songs on my iPod that I like to workout to:

• Beat me up by Allison Iraheta

• Best I Ever Had by Gavin DeGraw

• Forever by Chris Brown (I always picture The Office Wedding Episode!)

• I Do by Colbie Caillat (How can you not love this song when you are sheddin' for the weddin')

• Pour some sugar on me by Def Leppard (on the highest volume that doesn't hurt your ears)

• Calabria by Enur

• I love it by Icona Pop

• Electric Feel by MGMT

• Alex Chilton by The Replacements

• Untouched by The Veronicas

• Five Minutes to Midnight by Boys Like Girls

• Heels Over Head by Boys Like Girls 

• Gimme More by Britney Spears

• Womanizer by Britney Spears 

• See You Again by Miley Cyrus

• Single Ladies by Beyonce

• Bad Romance by Lady Gaga

• Love Games by Lady Gaga 

• Come & Get It by Selena Gomez

• Love You Like a Love Song by Selena Gomez 

• Dont Say Nuthin' by The Roots

• I Hope It Rains by Jana Kramer

• My Paper Heart by The All-American Rejects

  
  

5 weeks of training 

Week 1

Day 1

Elliptical - 30 minutes

100 crunches

Day 2

Row- 5 minutes

Treadmill- 10 minute run, 10 minute walk

200 crunches

Day 3

Bike- 30 minutes Total: [5 minutes at resistance 5, 5 minutes at resistance 8, 5 minutes at resistance 12] x2

200 crunches

Day 4

Zumba

Day 5

Run/Walk Outside- 30 minutes

Week 2

Day 1

Row- 10 minutes

Treadmill- 10 minute run

150 crunches

Day 2

Treadmill- 3 minute walk at incline 1, 9 minute run at incline 1, 3 minute walk at incline 1.5, 9 minute run at incline 1.5, 6 minute walk at incline 1

Ab Bench- [10 right side, 10 left side, 10 back] x3

Day 3

Zumba

Day 4

Elliptical - 30 minutes, Fat Burner- alternates between resistance 1-4

Day 5

Row- 10 minutes

Treadmill- 10 minute run, 10 minute walk

200 crunches

Week 3

Day 1

Treadmill- 33 Minutes Total: 3 minute walk at incline .5, 7 minute run at incline .5, 3 minute walk at incline 1, 7 minute run at incline 1, 3 minute walk at incline 1.5, 7 minute run at incline 1.5, 3 minute walk/cool down

150 Crunches

Day 2

Treadmill- 30 Minutes Total: 2 minute walk at incline 1, 26 minute run at incline 1, 2 minute walk at incline 1

Lifting: Tricep Pull down, 2x20- 30 lbs. Bicep Curls, 2x20- 10 lbs.

Ab Bench- [10 right side, 10 left side, 10 back] x3

Day 3

Bike- 30 Minutes Total: 5 minute warm up,  5 minutes at resistance 5/below 90 RPM, 1 minute at res. 5/above 90 RPM, 7 minutes at res. 7/below 90 RPM, 1 minute at res. 7/above 90 RPM, 1 minute at res. 9/below 90 RPM, 1 minute at res. 9/above 90 RPM, 1 minute at res. 11/below 90 RPM, 1 minute at res. 11/above 90 RPM, 1 minute at res. 13/below 90 RPM, 1 minute at res. 13/above 90 RPM 5 minute cool down

200 Crunches

Day 4

Zumba

Day 5

Elliptical - 30 minutes, Fat Burner- alternates between resistance 1-4

Strength Training- [10 push-ups, 10 squats, 10 tricep-dips, 10 lunges] x3

Week 4

Day 1

Treadmill- 30 Minutes Total: [3 minute walk at incline 1, 3 minutes run at incline 1, 1 minute sprint at incline 1, 3 minute walk at incline 1.5, 3 minutes run at incline 1.5, 1 minute sprint at incline 1.5] x2 2 minute cool down

Lifting: Tricep Pull down, 2x20- 30 lbs., Tricep exercise with dumbbell, 2x20- 20 lbs., Bicep Curls, 2x20- 10 lbs.

Day 2

Strength Training- Walk 10 minutes [20 Jumping Jacks, 5 Push-Ups, 10 Mountain Climbers, 5 Burpees, 20 crunches] x5

Day 3

Zumba

Day 4

Elliptical - 30 minutes, Fat Burner- alternates between resistance 1-4

Ab Bench- [10 right side, 10 left side, 10 back] x3

Day 5

Treadmill- 41 Minutes Total: [3 minute walk at incline 1, 10 minutes run at incline 1, 10 minute sprint at incline 2, 3 minute walk at incline 2, 10 minute run at incline 1.5, 5 minute walk/cool down

Lifting: Tricep Pull down, 2x20- 30 lbs., Tricep exercise with dumbbell, 2x20- 20 lbs., Bicep Curls, 2x20- 10 lbs.

Week 5

Day 1

Treadmill- 24 minutes total: 3 minute walk at incline 1, 18 minute run at incline 1, 3 minute walk at incline 1

Bike- 20 minutes total: 10 minutes at resistance 9, 5 minutes at res. 11, 5 minutes at res. 8 Lifting: Tricep Pull down, 2x20- 30 lbs., Tricep exercise with dumbbell, 2x20- 20 lbs., Bicep Curls, 2x20- 10 lbs.

100 crunches

Day 2

Body Combat

Day 3

Zumba

Day 4

Elliptical - 30 minutes

Lifting: Tricep Pull down, 2x20- 30 lbs., Tricep exercise with dumbbell, 2x20- 20 lbs., Bicep Curls, 2x20- 10 lbs.

100 crunches

Day 5

Row- 2000m

Bike- 20 minutes total: [2 minutes at resistance 8/above 50 RPM, 2 minutes at res.8/above 80 RPM] x5

150 crunches

* My favorite group classes are LesMills Body Pump, LesMills Body Combat, Zumba and Spinning*

If you are someone that does not like working out on their own, I would highly recommend these group classes.

Tricep exercise

Pushup