It's summertime! Time to get those abs in shape. You'll look better and feel better- and reap the benefits of stronger core muscles to benefit your posture, balance, and overall sports performance. Let's do this together!

This month's challenge consists of 6 abdominal exercises. You will do each exercise for 1 minute for a 6 minute, all-around ab workout. Every week, or whenever you are ready, add another round to your daily routine. Take a photo before you start, and at the end and post it here on our website or our social media @fuertefitness Instagram and Fuerte Fitness page. Let's bring in some accountability to this challenge- we can help you, and invite your friends for some friendly competition!  There's nothing like it when you can see the results of all your hard work.

Here are some photos of each exercise to get you started. I will be posting videos to keep you motivated throughout the month. You can find them here, or subscribe to the Fuerte Fitness YouTube channel. There, you'll find other workouts and instructional videos to guide your fitness journey.

Exercises, in the order they are shown below (hover over the photo to see the names):

1. Sit Ups- squeeze butt to protect back.
2. Leg Lifts or raises- tuck chin or place hands under back to keep it from arching & keep lower back glued to the mat.
3. Hip Raises- lift tail bone to ceiling as best as you can, you can allow chin to touch or hold on to a kettle bell from behind to get your hips higher. Don't lower legs to touch the floor.
4. Power Sit Ups- similar to bicycle abs, but bring torso up and touch knee to elbow. 
5. Hanging Abs- a bit more challenging, but you can also use a roman chair or slings for elbows
6. Bench Hip Raises- grab bench behind you and use your arms to help get the hips up higher, go slow on the way down!

We have been having so much fun in our semi-private sessions! Every class is different, providing some combination of strength training, high intensity, training, conditioning, and endurance. Although the focus changes, you can count on a challenge every time.

Do you ever struggle with accountability? Put a semi-private session or two on your calendar every week, and you have a commitment to work out. Exercising with other people increases your drive and motivation. You are all carried by the group’s energy as you push your limits.

Best of all- you will get results!

There is still room in our Monday and Wednesday sessions. If those don’t fit your schedule, feel free to inquire about the other sessions. See you there!

​Family fun and activity! Sofía doesn’t quite realize how different our world is when it comes to movement. She’s just hanging fun!

If you like kale as much as I do, you will want to give this dairy and gluten free fennel, chickpeas, and kale salad a try. The roasted fennel and garlic taste incredible, and turmeric adds extra health benefits.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 fennel bulb
• 1 can chickpeas 
• 3 garlic cloves (I roast the whole head of garlic)
• 1 tsp turmeric
• sea salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• large bunch of curly kale
• fresh coriander to garnish, optional

Dressing:

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ lemon, juiced
• pinch of sea salt

1. Toss fennel (cut into wedges), drained chickpeas, and garlic with 1 tsp turmeric, sea salt and 1 tbsp olive oil.
2. Bake at 390°F (200°C) for about 30min, stirring occasionally.
3. Tear kale leaves from the thick stems and wash thoroughly. Pat dry, place into a bowl and toss with sea salt and 1tbsp olive oil. Spread onto a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15min, stirring occasionally.
4. Toss everything together and drizzle with the salad dressing. Garnish with fresh coriander.
5. Enjoy!