Tag: Circuit Training Workout
Looking for a little excitement in your life? Experience the Shock and Awe of Blue Angels Fleet Week from Mt. Livermore, Angel Island State Park for top of the world views!
by Aprilanne on Aug.14, 2010, under Healthy Living, Tiburon, CA, Tourism

San Francisco, CA - Mount Livermore (at the top of Angel Island State Park) is the absolute BEST place to take in the sights during the Blue Angel’s Fleet Week happening October 7 - 12 in the Bay Area.

Views from the top of Angel Island State Park's Mt. Livermore are out of this world!
Getting there: For the most scenic route and your overall convenience, head to Tiburon, CA and take a ride with the - Angel Island Tiburon Ferry to Angel Island State Park, where you can hike up to Mt. Livermore (approximately a 2 hour round trip - moderate intensity adventure) or arrange to take a tram ride to experience the incredible sights this “top of the world” destination delivers! Please call Angel Island Company for tram tour information at: 415.897.0715, or the Cove Cafe @ 415.435.3392.

CA Insider Aprilanne Hurley, CN takes in a specialty cruise on SF Bay with Captain Maggie and the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry Company..."now this is the life!"
Make a great day of it - and reserve your tickets for one of Angel Island Tiburon Ferry’s Fleet Week Specialty Cruises scheduled on Saturday October 9th and Sunday October 10th for the best seats on SF Bay for viewing the Annual “Parade of Navy Ships” and Blue Angels Air-show taking place in Northern California! Both cruises will offer a stocked bar with beverages and snacks for purchase. Appetizers and a complimentary beverage are included with Angle Island Tiburon Ferry’s Saturday, 10/9 Blue Angels Fleet Week Cruise which runs from 11:30 - 4:30 PM - Tickets are $100.00/Adults, and $$75.00 for children ages 6 - 12.
HURRY - space is limited and will sell out quickly! For more info. and to reserve your tickets please call 415.435.2131 ext. # 5 - and/or visit: CaptainMaggie.com
A ferry ride with Angel Island Tiburon Ferry also offers some unique health benefits thanks to the fabulous negative ions present in the ocean and bay air! For more information read my post on “The Positives of Negatives - Ions that is” on this site and Enjoy! Aprilanne
Aprilanne Hurley, CN, is a Certified Nutrition Professional specializing in Public Nutrition Education and Weight Management in the Lifecycle. To pre-order Aprilanne’s dynamic new diet and lifestyle book (title to be announced October 2010) coming out on Amazon.com and book outlets globally November, 2010 contact Hope Gilmore @ pr@insidelooktv.com.
Healthy Grilling: Decrease your cancer risk when cooking on the grill this season…
by Aprilanne on Jul.19, 2010, under California Living, Diet Day News, Food & Wine, Healthy Living, Healthy Recipes

When it heats up outside use our healthy living guidlines when cooking on the grill!
When things starts heating up outside it’s our cue to fire up the grill and start cooking outdoors! Now while I’m not aiming to be a total killjoy here - it is important to report that the process of cooking meat, poultry and fish on the grill has been proven to cause the formation of carcinogens known as HCAs (Heterocyclic Aromatic Aminies) and PAH’s (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). We all love to BBQ, and cooking on the grill is a quick, easy, and fun way to prepare meals - so here are a few steps you can take to decrease the cancer risk when grilling:
1. Use fruit marinades such as orange, lemon, lime, etc., and anti-oxidant rich herbs and spices such as cumin, rosemary, oregano, etc., and marinating meats and poultry at least an hour before cooking to reduce carcinogenetic damage up to 90%!
2. Using fresh foods such as garlic, onions, rosemary, tomatoes, etc. that contain antioxidants to protect one’s DNA from the carcinogenic damage caused by the Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines HCA’s and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons – PAHs formed when grilling meats, poultry, and fish.
3. Cooking in tinfoil to prevent the fat drippings and subsequent production of PAHs that are deposited back onto the food by smoke and flare-ups.
4. Using smaller cuts of meat so they take less time to cook; flipping frequently to promote faster cooking and prevent HCAs from forming.
Ultimately you are in control when it comes to the foods you eat and prepare for yourself and your family so do take a few extra moments when grilling to include some of the ideas above to protect yourself and loved ones from the carcinogens created when grilling meat, fish, and poultry. Carcinogen byproducts are not formed by the way when grilling vegetables - so be sure to include lots of great roasted veggies such as colorful peppers, onions, tomatoes, eggplant, and zucchini and enjoy them all completely guilt free! Enjoy - Aprilanne
This information is offered to provide general good living tips and guidelines and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or illness. Please check with your doctor or health care provider before starting any new heath regimen. Yours in good living, Aprilanne
Aprilanne Hurley, CN is a Certified Health Professional specializing in Public Nutrition Education and Weight Management in the Lifestyle. Please forward your personal health and nutrition questions to Aprilanne @ info@insidelooktv.com.
Aprilanne’s Grilled Pizza Recipe
Check out CA Living’s Insider’s Guide to Paring Wine and the BBQ on CAInsider.com NOW! And try marinading your meat in the Olive Salsa Verde
How to avoid “Fad Diets” in Quest to Loose Weight & Feel Great…
by Aprilanne on Jun.24, 2010, under Diet Day News, Nutrition News

It's Bikini Season - Beware the "Fad-Diet Syndrome"
It’s that time of year again when the temptation to go a “diet” can be so strong many people find themselves with all good intentions to eat right and loose weight throwing caution to the wind and going on the latest and greatest “fad diet” out there.
Naturally your intentions to eat right, exercise, and loose weight are admirable and with adherence to the proper diet plan will ultimately deliver success. The problem is, most “fad diets” can be disguised as “quick weight loss miracle plans” which may unfortunately set people up for failure from the get-go because they are too rigid, promise unrealistic outcomes, and/or do not have the proven scientific research behind them to support their outrages weight loss promotion claims. So how can one distinguish between a fad-diet and a wholesome, healthy weight loss strategy? If a diet you are considering has any or all of the following components proceed with caution:
Tell-tale Signs of a “Fad-Diet:”
1. The diet offers inflated marketing claims of ultra-quick weight loss (more than a few pounds a week).
2. The diet restricts certain food groups completely - “No carb” diets fall into this category which recommend you eat a diet full of health harming saturated fats in the form of eating all the full fat cheese, dairy, and animal proteins you want while eliminating heart healthy grains and legumes, and health promoting fruits and veggies.
3. The diet requires you to consume specific foods only such as eating only grapefruits, bananas, cabbage soup, all liquids, or large quantities of fat and protein for extended periods of time for instance.
4. The diet requires dieter to purchase specific weight loss supplements, drink powders, prepackaged foods and bars, etc. which can be an impractical “eating lifestyle” to adhere to and/or maintain over a long period of time.
5. The diet does not promote exercise and claims you do not need to be physically active to loose weight on the diet.
While the above list is rather abbreviated to get the message out to avoid “fad-diets” like the plague - it does encapsulate nicely the top “diet pitfalls” to avoid when considering a diet plan to loose weight. To complete the picture, below are the signs of a healthy diet - one that will offer you the most rewards for your efforts and the best results in your quest to loose weight and feel great this season:
Attributes of a Healthy Weight Loss Plan:
1. The diet allows you to eat all of the food groups in moderation - without limiting your intake of food groups that are proven to enhance and longevity such as fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes, whole grains, etc.
2. The diet plan is one that you can sustain (stay on) for long periods of time - ask yourself: “will I be able to easily stay on this diet plan for “the rest of my life?” If the answer is “yes” you may have found the perfect diet plan for you as long as it includes the rest of the points on this list!
3. The diet encourages the use of functional foods and healthful herbs, spices, servings of organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean protein sources such as chicken, eggs, and wild caught cold water fish, etc.
4. Consumption of good fats such as monounsaturated fats found in nuts, olives/olive oil, and fatty fish such as salmon for your omega 3’s are encouraged as part of a healthy eating plan.
5. Exercise is promoted and required daily/weekly to keep you healthy and help you burn calories in order to loose weight.
The information in the above list has also been provided in an abbreviated fashion in order to get the message of “healthy dieting” out there, and while loosing weight is not easy for many people the following simple, tried and true weight loss formula will help you in reaching your weight loss success goals:
ENERGY IN - (minus) ENERGY EXPENDED = CALORIES/WEIGHT LOST OR GAINED.
Calories/Energy consumed in the form of food - minus - Calories burned through exercise/activity equals = Calories/Weight lost or gained depending on whether a caloric deficit or surplus is created.
While it would be fantastic if everyone consumed a diet rich in nutrition and antioxidant rich fruits, vegetables, fish, lean protein and monounsaturated (good) fats - no matter what the calories consumed consist of - if a person of normal/average metabolism consistently expends more calories in energy (such as exercise) than they consume they will loose weight accordingly.
3,500 calories equals a pound of weight - when we burn 3,500 calories more than we have eaten we loose a pound. “Calories in - Calories Burned” = a successful weight loss strategy when you consume less calories than you burn or burn more calories than you consume.
If you are interested in getting more reliable, “No BS” information on “Dieting,” “Weight Loss,” and “Healthy Eating” - including details on our new diet book underway please subscribe to our RSS Feed for ongoing posts - there’s much more to come! Enjoy - Aprilanne
Related California Living with Aprilanne primetime TV segments now available for online viewing:
Watch “Toned-By-Tonight” Online
Watch “Beach Body Workout” Online
Aprilanne’s Top 10 Foods Proven to Enhance Health & Longevity
Aprilanne Hurley CN - is a Certified Health Professional specializing in Public Nutrition Education and Weight Management in the Lifecycle. Please forward your private nutrition, dieting/weight loss questions to Aprilanne @ info@insidelooktv.com or post a public reply - thank you!
Health information on this site is provided to enhance the nutrition and wellness of the general public. It is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please check with your health care professional prior to starting any new diet or exercise regimen - thank you. Yours in Good Living, Aprilanne
No time for the gym? No sweat! Get “Toned-By-Tonight”™ with Aprilanne.com
by Aprilanne on May.06, 2010, under Diet Day News, Healthy Living, Toned-By-Tonight Workout™, Watch Online

- Get “Toned by Tonight” with Aprilanne - No Gym Required!
Looking for a “Quickie Workout” that will get your body totally toned sans the gym? Well while you can’t change your body in a day - you can look more toned and defined by nightfall with California Living’s “Toned-By-Tonight Workout”™ No gym or fancy equipment required!
1. Limit your intake of salt and salty foods to avoid excessive bloating and water retention for at least 3 days before the event.
2. Avoid alcoholic beverages a few days before the event.
3. Get you “beauty sleep” - consistently aim for at least 7-8 hours a night to be well rested and look your best.
4. Do 12 reps of each exercise - 3 times in a row and try to do the routine 3 days a week if you want to maximize it’s muscle firming benefits.
5. Work in at least 30 minutes of cardio exercise a day. You can hike, bike, swim, walk, just get active and have some fun!
6. Eat a well balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and avoid eating 3 hours before you go to bed.
7. Drink 8 glasses of water a day; and add green tea to your day.
8. Enjoy your event looking and feeling your best!
Aprilanne Hurley CN - is a Certified Health Professional specializing in Public Nutrition Education and Weight Management in the Lifecycle. Please forward your nutrition, dieting/weight loss questions to Aprilanne @ info@insidelooktv.com or post a reply below - thank you!
Site Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes and is not intended to cure or treat any disease or illness. Please consult with your doctor or health care provider prior to starting any new diet or exercise regimen.
Nutrition News - Get Aprilanne’s Top Ten Food List for Health & Longevity!
by Aprilanne on Apr.14, 2010, under Diet Day News, Nutrition News

Aprilanne's Top Ten Foods for health and longevity.
Proven “Top Ten Foods” for Health & Longevity!

Aprilanne's Top Ten Foods for health and longevity.
Watch Aprilanne’s Top Ten Foods for Health and Longevity On-Demand Now!
As seen on CA Living’s “Health & Wellness” Special - below is a list of the Top Ten foods science has proven can make you healthier and help you loose weight when eaten as part of a nutritious diet in moderation and live longer:
1. TOMATOES – TOMATOES ARE A MAJOR SOURCE OF THE ANTIOXIDANT LYCOPENE – LYCOPENE REDUCES THE RISK OF CANCER BY 40 % - NOTABLY PROSTATE, LUNG, AND STOMACH CANCERS AND INCREASE CANCER SURVIVAL – AND HERE’S AN INTERESTING TIP – CONCENTRATED TOMATOES SAUCES LIKE THE ONES FOUND ON PIZZA AND IN PASTA SAUCES HAVE FIVE TIMES MORE LYCOPINE THAN FRESH TOMATOES AND CANNED TOMATOES HAVE THREE MORE THAN FRESH SO –THERE’S NO EXCUSE TO ALWAYS HAVING THIS POWERFOOD ON HAND ANY TIME YOU WANT A LYCOPINE BOOST!
2. OLIVE OIL – IT IS A MAJOR PART OF THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET – SHOWN TO HELP REDUCE DEATH FROM HEART DISEASE AND CANCER – HEART ATTACH SURVIVORS ON A MEDITERRANEAN DIET HAD HALF THE DEATH RATES OF THOSE ON AN ORDINARY LOW-FAT DIET, RECENT RESEARCH SHOWS. THE REMARKABLY LOW MORTALITY RATES AMONG MEDITERRANEAN POPULATIONS IS ATTRIBUTED TO OLIVE OIL – WHICH IS ALSO HIGH IN ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY.
3. RED GRAPES – THIS CATEGORY INCLUDES RED GRAPE JUICE AND WINE. CERTAIN RED GRAPES HAVE MODERATE ANTIOXIDANT POWER WITH PURPLE GRAPE JUICE TOPPING OTHER JUICES IN ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY – HAVING FOUR MORE THAN ORANGE OR TOMATO JUICE – RED WINE HAS ABOUT THE SAME ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY AS PURPLE GRAPE JUICE OR TEA. FRENCH RESEARCH ALSO SHOWS THAT DRINKING RED WINE IN MODERATION INCREASES LONGEVITY – BUT AS WE JUST TOLD YOU – YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH THE SAME ANTIOXIDANT BENEFITS WITH GRAPE JUICE IF YOU DO NOT WANT THE ALCOHOL.
4. NUTS – RECENT HARVARD UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUND THAT EATING MORE THAN 5 OUNCES OF NUTS A WEEK CAN CUT HEART ATTACK DEATHS IN WOMEN BY OVER 40 PERCENT – AND HELPED PREVENT DEADLY IRREGULAR HEARTBEATS IN MEN. ALMONDS AND WALNUTS LOWER BLOOD CHOLESTEROL – AND NUTS ARE HIGH IN FAT – MOST IN THE GOOD TYPE MONOUNSATURATED AND OR OMEGA -3 FATTY ACIDS – SO IF YOUR WATCHING YOUR FAT INTAKE KEEP PORTIONS TO ONCE OUNCE.
5. WHOLE GRAINS THE MORE WHOLE GRAINS YOU EAT – THE LOWER YOUR ODDS OF DEATH A UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA STUDY REVEALS. – MIDDLE AGED WOMEN WHO ATE SLIGHTLY MORE THAN ONE WHOLE GRAIN FOOD PER DAY HAD A 15% LOWER DEATH RATE TAN WOMEN EATING LOTS OF REFINED PROCESSED GRAINS. LOOK TO INCLUDE MORE WHOLE GRAIN DARK BREADS, AND CEREALS SUCH AS ALL BRAN AND OLD FASHIONED OATMEAL INTO YOUR DIET. WHOLE GRAINS CONTAIN ANTI-CANCER AGENTS AND HELP STABILIZE BLOOD SUGAR AND INSULIN WHICH MAY PROMOTE LONGEVITY.
6. SALMON AND OTHER FATTY FISH – THESE CONTAIN HIGH AMOUNTS OF THE TYPE OF FAT – OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS – THAT PERFORMS MIRACLES THROUGHOUT THE BODY – FIGHTING VIRTUALLY EVERY CHRONIC DISEASE KNOW – WITHOUT IT YOUR BRAIN CANNOT THINK YOUR HEART CANNOT BEAT PROPERLY - YOUR ARTERIES CLOG AND YOUR JOINTS BECOME INFLAMED. YOU NEED AT LEAST AN OUNCE OF A DAY RO TWO SERVING OF FATTY FISH A WEEK – BOTH RED AND PINK CANNED SALMON – SARDINES – MACKEREL HERRING AND TUNA ARE RICH IN ESSENTIAL OMEGA – 3’S.
7. BLUEBERRIES – ONE OF THE BEST ANTIOXIDANT-RICH FOODS SAY TUFFS UNIVERSITY RESEARCHERS. BLUEBERRIES ARE SO POWERFUL IN RETARDING AGING IN ANIMALS THAT THEY CAN BLOCK BRAIN CHANGES LEADING TO DECLINE AND EVEN REVERSE FAILING MEMORY. – AIM FOR A HALF-CUP OF FROZEN OR FRESH BLUEBERRIES A DAY.
8. GARLIC – GARLIC IS PACKED WITH NUTRIENTS KNOWN TO HELP FEND OFF CANCER, HEART DISEASE, AGING, AND OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS – GARLIC HAS PROLONGED CANCER SURVIVAL IN TIME AND EXTENDED ANIMAL LIFE SPANS ABOUT 5 PERCENT – WHICH IN HUMANS MAY ADD ABOUT FOUR YEARS - HERE’S A TIP FROM RESEARCHERS AT PENN STATE – LET CRUSHED GARLIC ‘REST ‘ ABOUT TEN MINUTES BEFORE COOKING IT TO PRESERVE IT’S DISEASE FIGHTING AGENTS.
9. SPINACH – THIS SUPER HEALTH PROMOTER IS SECOND AMONG VEGETABLES ONLY TO GARLIC IN ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY. IT IS ALSO RICH IN FOLIC ACID, WHICH HELPS FIGHT CANER, HEART DISEASE, AND MENTAL DISORDERS. BOTH RAW AND STEAMED CONTAIN HIGH ANTIOXIDANT AND OTHER ESSENTIAL NUTRIENT COUNT.
10. TEA – GREEN AND ORDINARY BLACK TEA PACKS THE SAME AMOUNTS OF ANTIOXIDANTS AND HAVE EQUAL BENEFITS EXPERTS SAY. HARVARD RESEARCHERS RECENTLY FOUND THAT DRINKING ONE CUP OF BLACK TEA A DAY CUT HEART-DISEASE RISK IN HALF. BE SURE YOU MAKE YOUR ICED TEA FROM BAGS OR LOOSE TEA – BECAUSE ACCORDING TO TESTS AT TUFTS UNIVERSITY THE BOTTLED AND INSTANT TEAS CONTAIN MINIMAL ANTIOXIDANTS.
Watch Aprilanne’s Top 10 Foods for Health and Longevity
*This information has been provided as a general healthy living guide - it is not intended to treat, cure, evaluate,or diagnose illness or disease. Please check with your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any new exercise or diet regimen and enjoy!
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We welcome your comments please email us: info@insidelooktv.com
Grandma Rose’s Authentic Italian Meatball Recipe
by Aprilanne on Mar.15, 2010, under Food & Wine

Authentic Italian Meatballs and Spaghetti can be yours!
A little background on this recipe: Grandma Rose’s generation did not use measurements in recipes, but rather cooked with their senses, how the food looked, tasted, and even felt, adding more cheese, or spices etc., to perfect the texture, consistency, and flavor of a dish. With this in mind, the following recipe is the official recipe known as “Grandma Rose’s Authentic Italian Meatballs,” compliments of Joe Mack, Grandma Roses’ eldest son, who recommends tasting one as soon as it’s cool enough, “because that’s when they taste the best.”
Get in touch with your “Inner Italian” and give it a try…Buona Fortuna!
2 pounds of chopped beef, veal and pork
2-3 eggs depending on size, slightly beaten
1/2 cup plus of finely chopped onion
3 slices of white bread or 2-3 hotdog rolls, chopped finely - About 1/2 cup of skim milk or more - Very big bunch of Italian Parsley chopped fine/leaves only
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Heaping tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1. Soak chopped bread in milk till it is nice and mushy
2. Add eggs, parsley, onions, cheese, salt and pepper and mix well
3. Add chopped meat and mix well using your *hands; there is no alternative
*Fun Fact # 1 -Grandma Rose would never wear nail polish when cooking for fear that it may chip into the food she was preparing..
4. When thoroughly mixed, form into meatballs by rolling in your palms. You should make 18 to 24 meatballs.
5. Place meatballs in lightly oiled, olive of course, cookie tin and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Do not overcook. The meatballs may be browned in a frying pan; however, the baking is easier and probably healthier.
6. When cool remove meatballs from pan and scrape off any fat that has formed. Did you make more than you need or want to freeze some to enjoy at another time? Try Joe Mack’s Freezing Trick - by laying them out on a cookie sheet and covering to freeze for later use. Check back periodically for additional “Authentic Italian,” Wine Country Cuisine, and “California Living” inspired recipes to try out!
Watch “Making Meatballs with Aprilanne” now On-Demand on Aprilanne.com
Get your “Feel good” endorphin release by Volunteering…
by Aprilanne on Mar.02, 2010, under California Giving, California Living, Healthy Living

Aprilanne and Hilary Newsom filming "Step Out on the Town for a Cause" Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
Endorphins are those “feel good” chemicals that get released in our bodies when we exercise (among other vigorous activities), are in pain, laugh, and do something nice like volunteer or help out others in need - which has been dubbed the “helpers high.”
HeroesHappen.com recently lauched it’s “Find the Hero in You” - Public Awareness TV Campaign and “Volunteer Match Making” Website to encourage people of all ages “unleash their inner hero and volunteer.”
Click here to go to HeroesHappen.com to watch this Public Awareness Campaign produced promoting Volunteerism featuring Masi Oka - star of hit TV series “Heroes” and program supporter Captain Maggie of the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry on location in beautiful Tiburon, CA!

Get On-Board with Captain Maggie & Crew - the fresh air will do you a world of good!
Oh, and the dose of Negative Ions you will get out on San Francisco Bay with Captain Maggie’s crew will also boost your endorphin production - making you feel happier, more relaxed, and ready for anything you encounter on your mission in Life…Enjoy! Aprilanne
Visit CaptainMaggie.com and get your FREE companion Ferry Ride Ticket!
Health Benefits of “Cheese” something to talk about…
by Aprilanne on Feb.08, 2010, under Food & Wine

You can add "cheese" to the list of reasons why its just more FUN living in California!
According the the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition “women who ate an ounce of full fat cheese daily gained fewer pounds over time than those who did not eat full-fat cheese daily. ” According to this research, “whole-dairy contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) which may boost your metabolism.”
Many varieties of cheese offer decent amounts of bone strengthening calcium and muscle supporting protein. I think the real trick to including cheese into your everyday diet is adhering to the adage: “everything in moderation.” You see, the problem is an actual serving of cheese is rather small with a single ounce serving about an inch long and a half inch wide. Now I ask you - have you ever just had one piece of cheese and said to yourself - okay that was my cheese allotment for the day? Didn’t think so!
To make the most of your cheese endeavors the suggestions below offer some interesting cheese tidbits to keep in mind when buying, serving, and eating cheese:
- Make the most of your cheese serving by using a grater as shredded portions appear more substantial.
- Lactose intolerant? You may want to stick to firmer cheese varieties which usually have less lactose.
- Soft, fluffy cheeses have less fat content and fewer calories than hard cheeses because they contain more water.
Did you know that in France entire courses and even entire meals revolve around cheese? Some cheeses even taking on the role of a dessert item to be savored with a fine glass of wine or port.
A simple, elegant entertaining idea is to host a Wine & Cheese Pairing Party during which you and your guests pair up your favorite cheeses with the right wine selection. For “Wine & Cheese Pairing Party & Entertaining Tips” check out my recent Food & Wine post on CAInsider.com and Enjoy! Aprilanne
What is Circuit Training? Your Insider’s Guide…
by Aprilanne on Jan.30, 2010, under Beach Body Workout, California Living, Circuit Training, Healthy Living
What is Circuit Training?
Everyone complains about time these days - the lack of it, that is. Getting in shape and shedding pounds takes precious time, which can be at a premium. Circuit Training may be just the answer. It’s defined as the execution of a selected number of exercises in a determined sequence and time.
Circuit Training provides a one-stop total-body exercise session, combining strength training and cardio in a single workout. It can reduce body weight and inches, burn fat, and build lean muscle. It can also improve your overall strength and endurance and add variety.
Safety Guidelines:
1. Always check with your doctor or health care provider prior to starting a new exercise program.
2. Keep well hydrated during your routine and throughout the day.
3. Stop immediately if you feel pain, or experience shortness of breath and call your doctor.
4. Start each workout with a few minutes of low impact cardio, cool down and stretch afterward:
Performing a Circuit:
Choose three exercises to perform as a circuit. Beginners - perform once with a 2 minute cardio blast such as jogging in place after the second exercise. Add additional cardio blasts (see Intermediate/Advanced below) and add additional circuits as you progress in strength and endurance.
Intermediate/Advanced - Perform a 1 minute cardio blast after the first and third exercise and a 2 minute cardio blast after the 2nd exercise. Repeat your desired circuit (3 exercises - 3 cardio blasts) 3 times.
Your circuit can consist of a total body workout, or upper body, lower body, or core exercises. You can vary the program to add variety.
Do your circuit training 2 - 3 times a week, and remember to schedule a day off between each session to allow the muscles to repair and rest.
CA Living’s Beach Body Workout On-Demand offers a Total Body Workout in just 20 minutes with Circuit Training - no gym or fancy equipment required!
Cardio Blast Options: Run/Jog in place, Jump rope, mountain climbers, etc. (see video on right)
__________________________________
Aprilanne Hurley’s Fitness Career began in the 1980’s, working as a Fitness Specialist with the Elaine Powers Figure Salons (East Coast) teaching “American Yoga,” and “Total Body Fitness.” As she progressed, the role of fitness in her life evolved into a passion for making fitness practical, accessible, healthy and fun for others through TV segments such as:
-”Mission Stay-Fit” - A comprehensive look at ways to get and stay fit.
-”The Stress - Fat Connection,” - A look at the effects of too much cortisol (a stress hormone) in the body, and how exercise counteracts the negative effects of this “stress hormone” on the body.
-Breast Cancer Prevention Special Report” - In Part - 2 of Aprilanne’s Special TV Report on “Breast Cancer Prevention” the focus was on the connection between stress and Breast Cancer, empowering viewers with ways meditation and exercise can be utilized to combat the negative effects of stress, and reduce their risk for diseases such as cancer.
We are looking forward to bringing you more Health & Fitness Special Features in the months to come - after all - “Good health is a big part of good living - California Living.” Aprilanne may be contacted at: info@insidelooktv.com
The “CA Living Double Crunch” - 1 AMAZING Move! Shapes your abs, thighs, chest, and shoulders all at once!
by Aprilanne on Jan.30, 2010, under Beach Body Workout, California Living, Circuit Training, The "Double Crunch"
CA Living Beach Body Workout
Here is “One AMAZING Exercise” that shapes your thighs, abs, back, chest and shoulders all at once:
“The Double Crunch”
1. Lie face up with knees bent toes on floor, a 3-5 pound medicine ball gripped between your ankles. With arms at your sides, contract abs and straighten legs perpendicular to the floor. (not shown)
2. Lifting your head and shoulder blades a few inches - reach up and grab the ball with both hands (see #2 below)
2.![]()
3.

3. Lowering legs slightly, bring upper body almost all the way to floor as you lower ball behind you until arms are even with ears.
4. Crunch up again,(see # 4 above) placing the ball between the ankles, then bend knees and lower toes, arms and torso to floor to complete 1 rep. (See # 5 below). Do 10 - 12 reps. To progress, use a heavier medicine ball.
5.
Note: The photos provided on this page are for illustration purposes only, and may not show every move, at every point exactly. Follow the written instructions provided as your guide; and always check with your doctor prior to starting any new exercise regimen.
“The Side to Side Lunge”
*Circuits are designed to strengthen muscles while adding a fat-burning element in a very time efficient manner. So while your performing the exercises, you’re heart rate remains elevated to boost your overall fitness level. Try adding or substituting the exercise below to your circuit for additional fitness benefits - it is a great compound movement working the inner thighs, glutes, and shoulders:
THE SIDE LUNGE: 1. Begin with your feet together and stand with the ball in front of you (see #1 below).
1
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2.
3.
2. Raise the ball over your head as you bend one knee and bring the other leg out to the side, with toes pointing to the front . As you’re lunging, raise the ball above the head, concentrating on contracting the shoulders - Pause…
3- 4. Push off with the bent leg and lunge to the other side , lowering and raising the ball again while switching sides (see #4 below), Pause and repeat to complete number of desired reps.
4.
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Intermediate/Advanced Levels: Do up to four sets of 25 reps. on each side, follow with a 1 minute Cardio Blast and proceed to the next exercise in your Circuit.
Beginners: Start with one set of 25 reps on each side and add sets as you progress in stamina and strength.
Always check with your Doctor or Health Care provider prior to starting any new workout regimen.