And the Feds say...

on www.health.gov,  our fine Federal Health guidelines page - there is the recommended daily exercise amount... you ready... 

Key Guidelines for Adults

• All adults should avoid inactivity. Some physical activity is better than none, and adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits.
• For substantial health benefits, adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous intensity aerobic activity. Aerobic activity should be performed in episodes of at least 10 minutes, and preferably, it should be spread throughout the week.
• For additional and more extensive health benefits, adults should increase their aerobic physical activity to 300 minutes (5 hours) a week of moderate intensity, or 150 minutes a week of vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity. Additional health benefits are gained by engaging in physical activity beyond this amount.
• Adults should also do muscle-strengthening activities that are moderate or high intensity and involve all major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week, as these activities provide additional health benefits.

REALLY????    2 hours and 30 minutes a week.... for some of us,  currently,  that's a HUGE chunk of time.  I USED to do that and more when I was at a gym.  Lately,  not even CLOSE... This week,  I did 45 minutes on the trainer and that was it.

That being said,  i don't want the "lose 10 pounds in 2 weeks" thing (well, I do,  but we all know that 's not healthy !) ,  I don't want the 800 calorie a day diet, and I don't want to feel icky.  I DO want my tone back,  I DO want to have my lungs back, and I DO want to fit in my clothes :) 

In my Women's Health magazine this month,  they have a "Two Weeks to a Bikini Ready Body". OK,  i'm not sure if ANYONE is ever 'ready' for a bikini,  but the routine looks do-able at home, and I can fit that in.   They've done it 'superset', which I love !   I'll be starting this today and I'll keep you all posted :) 

Last Minute Beach Body Workout

8 exercises that will incinerate fat and tighten muscle in record time

When your goal is to torch calories in a hurry, the secret is to do sets of two moves back-to-back with no rest. Trainers call this a "superset," and it can increase your metabolic rate by 13 percent. 

For this workout, designed by Craig Ballantyne, M.Sc., author of Turbulence Training, all you need are a pair of 5- to 10 pound dumbbells, a stability ball, and a bench or step. 

Start with move 1A, then immediately do 1B. Rest for one minute, then move on to 2A and 2B. Continue through 3A/3B and 4A/4B, rest for one minute, then start over and do one more set of all the exercises. 

Do the complete workout twice a week on nonconsecutive days. Keep challenging your muscles and your metabolism by increasing the weight or the number of reps. 

Superset 1A Dumbbell Step-Up

Hold a pair of dumbbells and stand facing a bench or step. Put your left foot on the bench (A), push down through your left heel, and lift your right leg up (B). Return to start. That's 1 rep. Do 8 reps leading with your left leg, then 8 reps leading with your right leg.

Superset 1B Stability Ball Ab Pike

Start in pushup position with your shins resting on a stability ball (A). Brace your abs and keep your legs straight as you raise your hips toward the ceiling, drawing the ball toward your arms (B). Hold for 1 second and roll back to start. That's 1 rep. Do 10.

Superset 2A Dumbbell Chest Press

Lie on a bench with your feet flat on the floor or bench platform. Hold a dumbbell in each hand on either side of your chest, upper arms parallel to the floor (A). Press the weights straight up (B). Pause, then slowly lower back to start. That's 1 rep; do 8.

Superset 2B Stability Ball Leg Curl

Lie on the floor, calves on top of the ball. Squeeze your glutes and raise your hips (A). Bend your knees to roll the ball toward you (B). Straighten your legs to roll the ball back, then lower your body to the floor. That's 1 rep. Do 10 to 15.

Superset 3A Dumbbell Row

Place your left knee and left hand on a bench. Hold a dumbbell in your right hand, palm facing the bench (A). Slowly bend your elbow and pull the dumbbell up as far toward your shoulder as possible (B). Pause, then lower the dumbbell back to start. That's 1 rep. Do 12 on each side.

Superset 3B Cross-Body Mountain Climber

Start at the top of the pushup position (A). Keeping your abs braced, pick up your right foot and slowly bring your right knee toward your left shoulder (B). Return to start. Alternate legs until you complete 12 reps per leg.

Superset 4A Bodyweight Lunge

Stand with your feet hip-width apart (A). Step forward with your left leg, bending your left knee until both legs form 90-degree angles—your right knee should nearly touch the floor (B). Push back to start. Repeat, stepping forward with your right leg. Alternate legs for a total of 12 lunges on each side.

Superset 4B Plank

Assume a modified pushup position with elbows on the floor and beneath your shoulders. Keep your shoulder blades back and down and your body in a straight line. Brace your abs and hold the position for 30 seconds.