Compound Your Workout

In Jillian Michaels' Shred workout, she uses three kinds of compound exercises with dumbbells: A squat and shoulder press, side lunge and lateral lift, and a forward lunge with a curl. This type of exercise is extremely powerful and works you very hard! You are working more muscles at once and bringing in an element of cardio. This technique is the key to most kettlebell exercises. The swing is a large body movement with a weight. A combination of compound and isolation exercises should be part of your regimen.

I find that the squat/press combination really works me good! It's also a very natural kind of movement. When you feel the upward momentum of standing up from the squat, keep it going with a good strong press up. Squat with two kettlebells or dumbbells held at shoulder height, where you'd hold the weight normally anyway.

Here's a video to show you how: Learn the Squat/Press

My arms are still bothered somewhat by cardio so I've substituted kettlebell swings during the cardio portion of the Shred workout. Feels really good to be back to swingin'! Knockin' on 7 cals/minute during my workout according to the BodyBugg.

Downloaded a GREAT album this morning: "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" by Phoenix! Definitely recommend it!! They're kinda Modest Mouse-ish with MUCH better vocals. I like MM's songwriting but can't stand their lead singer. OK I'm at a birthday thing all day. I won't overeat!!!