How are you doing on this fine Friday?
Thank you all so so so very much for all the encouragement regarding my health as of late! I know you’ve all probably heard this time and again from others, but I cannot tell you how grateful I am for you. It is most certainly a privilege to be a part of this community, whether you are a blogger or a reader. 
So thank you and God bless you abundantly.
Do you remember how I once mentioned that many people around me think I’m weeei-uhhhd for striving for a healthy and active lifestyle?!
Well guess what! I think I see a light at the end of the tunnel…hah! My friends and family members are timidly approaching me for help and fitness advice, wahooo!
Now, this isn’t to say that I’m superwoman or that I know it all because I’m definitely far from it–nor do I think that I am in great shape because there is certainly room for improvement. However, I am truly beginning to see that when we live our lives in such a manner that they become a positive example to others, naturally (and eventually) others will want to follow.
First, it started with my sister’s new life in Christ and a positive mindset. Now, there is the new addition of fitness to people around me as well.
I feel like an uber genuine dork posting these! Haha. But this is a workout I made for my sister and my friend Susan. I call it “The Big 5″. 
And bear with me because I feel silly and exposed enough as it is! 
***Pictures are courtesy of Susan.
1.) Ski jump lunges with medicine ball and twist <–long title
-Stand hip width apart
-Jump towards your right side and immediately cross left leg behind while doing a lunge.
-Keeping back straight+core engaged, twist torso and upper body to the right. (disregard messy desk)
2.) Burpees to jump
-Start by standing and dropping to the ground, do a pushup. (Can modify and do it on knees)
-Immediately jump your feet forward and get up to a stand
-And jump up as high as you can!! 
(If it’s too hard, you don’t have to jump & just simply stand)
3.) Deadlifts
-Start out by standing straight, holding desire weights. Keep chest open+shoulders back. Then, bend at the hips+lower back and go down as far as you’re able to. Keep back straight and look ahead. Then, carefully come back up and squeeze your glutes!
4.) High knee runs
-Do a running motion on the same spot while moving your arms as if you were running. Bring knees as high as possible. You should feel it in your abs.
5.) Crossed knee tucks
-Stand straight, hip width apart. Then, bring your leg up and bring down your opposite elbow. It feels like a crunch, standing up.
6.) I need a golden tan!
This is a circuit of 5 different exercises. I have my sister and Susan do 3-4 rounds of this circuit. Do not overdo it, and listen to your body! If you are literally dying after 2 rounds, then just go with 3. If you can do more, then that’s great. Typically, these take 15-20 minutes on average. Set a timer and see how fast you can do this circuit but without sacrificing good form and posture.
I was and am so crazy proud of Susan and my sister for taking this great leap to stay active!
Susan doing her burpee pushup.
The Big 5 Workout
- Ski jumps with medicine ball and twist- 10 reps (total of both sides)
- Burpees with jump (can be modified on knees) – 10
- Deadlifts with weights- 16
- High knee runs- 30
- Crossed knee tucks- 10 (total of both sides)
It looks simple, but trust me that it’s more challenging than it looks!
Here’s another set of exercises that I like to do every now and then when I am short on time.
Let’s remember that fitness and holistic health doesn’t just depend on the physical, but also the mental and spiritual aspect. If we’re not emotionally well, then everything else in our lives will be affected through it.
By the way! This is random and hopefully Greg won’t kill me if he sees this…But wasn’t he just adorable as a child??!
Greg is the biggest one here. Doesn’t he look exactly like now, but just younger?!
I kind of took these incognito. *Muuuahhahaha*
Have a great weekend and live it to the fullest! I have a baby shower and a birthday to attend tomorrow.
Have you done HIIT type workouts or circuits?
Would you feel exposed showing these kinds of photos or is it just me?!
Love,
Ellie <33
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
I really, really wish I had someone in my life who could help me with this! I don’t really want to join a gym, as I quite like working out at home, but I’m totally hopeless, know nothing, and find reading descriptions of workouts really confusing!
Hannah, you can do it! Maybe you can start with some videos? I know that there are some great videos out there.
Great workout lady! I love the pictures you have here, they are so helpful
Hopefully they are helpful! I wasn’t sure
Thanks Tessa.
That’s so great that your sister and friend are getting into fitness, and that you’re so kind and are helping them!
And I love how you’re smiling in all the pictures – that’s how exercising should be done, with a big smile 
And you’re right that Greg hasn’t changed much! My brother hasn’t changed hardly at all either… must be a guy thing
Have a wonderful weekend, Ellie!
<3 <3
haha yess sometimes I’m red in the face and huffin+puffin. Then, I remember. “Heyyy this burn feels soooo good! Smile.” and I talk to myself.
Soo weird how they stay the same huh?! my parents were laughing at the cuteness. You have a great one too shwweeetiee!!
You are spreading the positive influence to your family and friends. That is so great. One of the reasons I started my blog is to have a place where I can put my recipes and ideas in one place, a place where my friends and family can see how I strive to live healthy.
Burpees…I hate doing them but I know they are a good workout for your body so I do them in my group exercise class. Sadly, I’m not motivated to do it on my own.
thanks Lea! I’m not an expert or anything, but I want to share whatever I can with everyone to strive for higher physical, mental, and spiritual health!!
Burpees ARE hard, but sooo fun! I’m sure if you put your mind to it, you can do it! haha. Or just choose something you like
Oh my gosh you are just too cute! And Greg WAS an adorable baby. I love sharing baby pictures – no shame in it if you ask me!
haha I’ll make sure I show some of mine once I get to it!
love love love this, such good pics girly
great job in providing examples to the workout, which by the way sounds like a good one!!!
Congratulations to your sister & her new life with Christ. I hope her walk with the Lord is blessed and full of love and happiness
When my family and friends started asking me for fitness advice I loved every second of it– It made me feel so knowledgeable
She’s doing rather well and so many things are changing~for the better!
ahh i need to get back into doing HIIT! it’s been awhile…:)
i LOVE crossed knee tucks! wow this looks like a fun sequence too- great movements that are also high energy! and you are ADORABLE <3 <3
Hi Ellie! You look great! Glowing and healthy! Great workout tips! Thanks. That’s nice that your family asks you for help! When my friends and family ask about cooking, it’s both motivating and sweet!
It IS motivating and makes you feel warm and fuzzy huh?
Yeaa slowly I see little things changing in that regard. Hopefully my parents start to be more active too! They’re so busy though you know?
Awesome post! I love HIIT workouts especiallu on the treadmill as I think they have really increased my endurance on long runs.
That’s really cool~! And I know that you’re one beast of a runner!
Ellie, I love you but you will never get me to do that workout circuit. Nuh-uh, not my style. I’ll stick to jogging at 4 mph pace and my hikes. That being said…I’ll be over at Pasadena this coming Sat for a bible study with one of the church sisters. Do you wanna meet up for a hike or something that early morning?
Ohh this looks awesome! I’mma try it out
weeeee! let me know how it goes if you do!
Remember to put full effort into every movement 