The ideas behind my cLEANmomma™ Routine are simple and with proper technique you can  sculpt a lean body, while you cLEAN!

Those of you whole want to sweat ,pass out and get peeled off the floor…pay attention, (Debbie, I am talking specifically to you).

I want to be very clear that this is not just about kicking your legs back and forth while you do your dishes, and laundry. But rather, a different approach to exercise that is ballet/ pilates based and if done with purpose, and the proper technique not only can you achieve a dancer’s trim, toned shape. ( working muscles less than you think you have to,) you get a cLEAN, organized home! a win win!)

How it works

Each of my ten basic exercises are ballet/cardio based. They integrate a fat burning format of interval training. By doing these muscle shaping exercises with the proper  technique of isometrics, and applying the elongating principles of dance conditioning, you can truly transform your body while doing your basic household chores.

The cLean Routine takes you through learning the ten basic moves and teaches you how to incorporate them into your life.

More importantly, however, it teaches you where how to do it in a way to realize maximize your results while you fold your laundry or anything else mundane for that matter.

It sounds a little nuts but I promise you it really works!

NO MORE EXCUSES PEOPLE!

Happy cleaning!

I’ve been told by my fellow mommies that they like my arms. I wanted to share one of my fab secrets to great arms while cleaning countertops, which seriously is a gazillion times a day, because my kids like to make their own food using paprika, flour, and dirt. Don’t ask. Long and short, there is constant goo on them. I figure, if I’m already cleaning them, I might as well get the bonus on toning up my arms, core, and tush!

Wax On Wax Off

• Get into a plie position (great for the tush FYI).

• Engage your tummy while standing up tall, with your shoulders down.  The more you engage your abs the more of an ab work out you’ll get.

• Pick an arm to start with and as you clean your countertops press down hard to create a resistance. Think about isolating the muscles.

• Do ten circles on each side really getting the crap off your countertops!

• Do this through out your day on each counter top and it really adds up!

Make sure you don’t wiggle your hips and really pay attention to your posture (don’t forget to plie)!

Let me know how it works for ya!

Who actually LIKES to do laundry?

Let’s be honest – there’s nothing fun about washing clothes. I used to be the worst – I’d wait until I had 14 loads piled to the ceiling before I was ready to face that washing machine, which succeeded more in stressing me out (and reinforcing how much I hated doing laundry) than in actually getting the job done.
One day I decided to try something different starting with this very simple idea: I do a little bit every day (don’t forget – Less is More!!).
Things really clicked when I built a workout routine around it and did it every morning at the same time (Secret: I like to watch Regis and Kelly or throw on some 80’s Music to get going)!

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Here is my cLEAN Laundry Routine:

• After I take the clothes out of the dryer, I put them on a table (time to crank up the TV or some tunes!).

• While sorting out the clothes, I’ll engage my tummy muscles and pull up, then I’ll balance on one leg as I do endless amounts of leg kicks to the back and side – try to do at least 15 -20 on each leg.

• Throw in some squats as you fold the towels or clothes, and lunge your way into your kids rooms or hall closets to put your clothes away!

• I also take advantage of my empty detergent bottles by filling them with 3 lbs. of water and using them as weights.

For the flabby back part of your arm

• Keep your arm next to your side and kick it back 10 times on each side – do 3 sets of 10.

Remember your posture. Stand tall, pull up, and engage your tummy.

Good luck ! Let me know how it works for you and watch for the video soon!

• Learn How to Maximize Your Time While Getting a Full Body Workout!

• Strengthen and Tighten Your Abs and Lower Back!

• Get Rid of Your Jiggly Thighs!
  

• Do It All While You Multitask and Get Things Done!!!!

I want to share a fun sample from my program that I call “The Rag Drag™“.

This is the main cardio part of my routine that will really strengthen, tighten, and tone the inner and outer parts of your thighs while elevating your heart rate as you work around your house. If you are going to clean – YUCK – you might as well get something more out of it!

I came up with “The Rag Drag™“ while wiping up orange juice off the floor with my foot on a rag. I thought to myself, “Oooh, I really felt a good burn in the tush!” and that was the beginning of a routine I could use not only while I’m cleaning floors, but even while I’m doing dishes or folding laundry (I know I’m insane)!!

Here’s what you do:

Step 2: Plié position. Shoulders relaxed, spine straight, tummy tight.

Step 1. Take two damp rags (or your husband’s old shirt that’s been sitting under the couch for a month) and place one under each foot. If you are cleaning your floors, add a little bit of soap to the water and ring out. For hardwoods, use whatever oil you like, but not too much (I don’t want you to slip and fall).

Step 2. Get into a plié position (it’s a ballet term defined as a bending of the knees outward with the back held straight) with your rags under each foot and your feet faced forward, knees slightly bent, and tummy muscles engaged.

Step 3: Slide your left foot out and bring it back to the right five times

Step 3. Slide your left foot out and bring it back to the right five times.

Step 4. Now slide your right foot out and bring it back to the left five times.

Note: A huge part of this routine is learning how to keep your upper body limber and relaxed with loose arms so that you can create working hands that can cook, wash dishes or fold laundry while you are burning off those love handles and thunder thighs.

Step 4: Now slide your right foot out and bring it back to the left five times.

If you are just doing your floors, you can either put your hands on your hips or extend them and do tight circles for an extra burn.

What About Carpets?

Well what about them? If you have carpet somewhere that you want to do this routine, simply put two grocery bags over your feet just like they’re a pair of manolos and slide back and forth easily while you fold your laundry or multitask!

When I’ve been out of the house all day, and I missed the opportunity to get in a work out, I found a way to shove one in.

I came up with “Cardio Cooking.”

Cardio Cooking allows me to really maximize my time and multi – task while chopping vegetables or slicing chicken. I know sounds crazy, but it works. Wouldn’t  you want to burn off calories before you eat them?

Some might call me insane…. but for those of you on board with this, I came up with a bunch of recipes and a way to chop till you drop.

Recipe for:  Sophie’s “Candy Chickie” (“Apricot Chicken” if you don’t have a Sophie.)

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
2 pounds chicken tenderloins – cut in small pieces (the smaller the better according to my kids)
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons cider or white wine vinegar (optional)
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup apricot all fruit spread or apricot preserves

Serve with brown rice (if you can get away with it… otherwise, mix half white rice half brown rice, till your kids dig it!) Also, lemon juice and butter helps!

Directions
Heat a large skillet with a lid over medium high heat. Add oil and chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Lightly brown the chicken a few minutes on each side. Add the stock and vinegar (if you’re using it) and cook five minutes. When stock comes to a bubble, add preserves and stir to combine. Cover pan, reduce heat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes.

Your Workout!

1. Start your “Rag Drag”.
   
   
2. Engage your tummy muscles and create a loose upper body and controlled lower body.
3. Then, with your right leg, bring it in and out 5 -7 times alternating with the left 5-7 times. Do this while you dice your chicken and prep your food. You will elevate your heart rate and burn your butt and work your oblique’s quite a bit.
4. Next, while browning your chicken do several sets of leg lifts to the back and side. Lift your leg straight out to the side or back until your foot is 6 to 12 inches off the floor keeping your tummy tight.
5. While you are cooking at the counter top, take this opportunity to do 15 – 20 presses, like counter top push ups.
6. If you have anything to nuke in the microwave…always seize the opportunity to do something active. Instead of just standing around waiting for the beep, throw in 10-15  pushups at the counter top. What else are ya gonna do?