With summer just around the corner, there has never been a better time to get healthier. Plus, the warmer weather calls for more refreshing recipes, and this green smoothie fits the bill. You can slurp up this low-calorie, nutrient-dense smoothie in no time! And do you want to know the best part? It can help you stay hydrated and may even help you slim down.

Pineapples offer a sweetly tart tropical flavor and make for a great summertime snack. They are naturally rich in bromelain, an enzyme that works to boost metabolism. When your metabolic rate is higher, the body can burn more calories at a quicker rate. Bromelain also works to aid digestion, helping your body absorb nutrients from the foods you eat more efficiently. Pineapples are also rich in fiber, which helps you feel fuller for longer. That means that you’ll be less likely to eat excess calories.

Much like spinach and pineapple, grapefruit is also a weight loss-friendly food. Grapefruit also contains fiber, offering two grams per half a grapefruit, which is the amount this recipe calls for. Grapefruit also contains a lot of water and very few calories, two characteristics known to help with weight loss. One study found that people experienced a reduction in waist size when they consumed grapefruit daily with their meals. That said, study authors didn’t notice significant differences in waist sized reduction between participants who ate grapefruit and those who drank water. More research is necessary but the initial research is promising.

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Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, have a long history of use in Middle Eastern countries. They have a nutty taste that pairs well with numerous ingredients and dishes. Chickpeas are technically a type of pulses, which are the dried, edible seeds of plants in the legume family. Although there are many types of garbanzo beans, the most common is the Kabuli variety, which exhibits a smooth texture and buttery flavor. This is the most common variety in the United States. 

Chickpeas contain a moderate amount of calories at 269 per cup. Roughly 67% of those calories come from complex carbohydrates, while the rest come from protein and healthy fats. They also provide different vitamins and minerals, some of which are listed in the following nutritional profile, which is from a one-cup serving of cooked chickpeas:

• Calories: 269
• Fat: 4 grams (g)
• Protein: 14.5 g
• Fiber: 12.5 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Copper: 64% of the daily value (DV)
• Iron: 26% of the DV
• Manganese: 74% of the DV
• Zinc: 23% of the DV
• Thiamine: 16% of the DV
• Phosphorus: 22% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 13% of the DV
• Selenium: 11% of the DV
• Potassium: 10% of the DV

As you can see, chickpeas contain an array of nutrients and are particularly rich in manganese, folate, and protein. Learn more about their health benefits below. 

They May Protect Heart Health

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. Your risk increases if you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or high blood sugar. By adding more fiber-rich foods to your diet, you can help care for your heart. Fiber works to lower cholesterol by decreasing cholesterol absorption by the body. It also helps you increase the excretion cholesterol via stool. Chickpeas also contain phytonutrients, including isoflavones and saponins, which have heart-protective properties. Research shows that isoflavones protect against high blood lipid levels and plaque buildup in the arteries. Saponins bind to cholesterol and inhibit its absorption by the digestive system, which ultimately lowers blood cholesterol levels. 

They Help Regulate Blood Sugar

Chickpeas have a low glycemic index (GI), which is a marker for how quickly blood sugar rises after eating food. Most diets that promote blood sugar management include chickpeas for this reason. Chickpeas also contain fiber and protein, both of which may help regulate blood sugar levels. Fiber slows the absorption of carbs, promoting a steady rise in blood sugar instead of a spike. One small study found that eating 1.25 cups of chickpeas suppressed post-meal increases in blood sugar by 35% compared to eating 2 slices of white bread. Other studies associated chickpea intake with a reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases. 

They May Support Healthy Body Weight

As previously mentioned, chickpeas contain a lot of fiber and protein, two nutrients that play a role in satiety. These nutrients slow digestion and increase glucagon-like cholecystokinin and peptide-1, both of which help you feel fuller after eating. Choosing foods, like chickpeas, that are richer in fiber and protein can help you eat fewer calories, which is good news for your waistline. Studies show that eating chickpeas can reduce appetite and help you eat fewer calories per day. A small study from 2017 included 12 women and compared a serving of white bread to 200 grams of chickpeas. Study authors observed that the women consumed 194 fewer calories at their next meal, which was two hours later, after consuming the chickpeas.

They May Support Brain Health

Chickpeas contain choline, which plays a role in brain function. This nutrient is necessary for the production of certain neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers for your body’s nerve cells. Although choline is vital for infants, its role in adult health is not well researched. Research shows that magnesium, selenium, and zinc, all of which are in chickpeas, protect against anxiety and depression. 

They May Boost Digestive Health

The fiber in chickpeas is mostly soluble, meaning it blends with water to form a gel-like substance in the digestive tract. Not only does soluble fiber make it easier to pass stool, but it also helps increase the beneficial bacteria in the gut. That may reduce the risk of certain digestive conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colon cancer. Lastly, one review found that chickpeas may support digestive health by improving the ease, consistency, and frequency of bowel movements.

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You try to encourage hair growth with serums, oils, scalp scrubs, and more, but your efforts don’t seem to yield positive results. What’s the deal? Well, hair loss is complicated and several factors, from genetics to lifestyle, are potential causes. More often than not, there are several factors that contribute to hair thinning or hair loss, so it can be difficult to address the exact problem. 

Hair loss is frustrating because you don’t always know how to fight it. What can you do to contribute to better growth and healthier hair? Stress management practices are a great starting point because anxiety often triggers hair loss. There are several science-backed hair growth products that have proven to be effective for many people. And the last thing, which you may overlook, is what you eat. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet with the right nutrients can contribute to healthier hair. 

You don’t have to look further than the grocery store if you want to optimize your hair nutrition. Hair supplements, vitamins, and minerals can be beneficial, but you can typically get the hair nutrients you need from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and other foods. If you experience hair loss and want to fight back through your diet, you’ll need more of the following nutrients. 

Iron

Protein, which we’ll get to next, is an essential nutrient for hair growth, but iron is just as important. Iron, which you can easily find in lentils, kidney beans, cashews, spinach, beets, and other foods, is stored in keratin. When you do not consume enough iron-rich foods, the body scavenges for it from other sources, such as your hair. In fact, many studies have linked iron deficiency to hair loss. If you are worried about your iron levels, consult a doctor for guidance before taking an iron supplement. Taking too much iron may have adverse effects. 

Protein

There are various sources of protein, some of which are animal-based and some of which are plant-based. Greek yogurt, wild caught salmon, free-range organic chicken, tempeh, lentils, beans, spelt, hemp seeds, green peas, quinoa, oats, wild rice, chia seeds, broccoli, nuts, spinach, asparagus, and sweet potatoes are all great protein sources. Protein is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. 

Hair is made up of keratin, which is a protein, so you need to eat protein in order to have a sufficient supply of amino acids. The recommended daily amount (RDA) of protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. For optimal hair growth and to reduce hair shedding, consume 1.2 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Lastly, diversify your protein intake so that you get protein from different foods. The body also requires protein for nails and the skin!

Prebiotic Fibers And Fermented Foods

According to research, foods that support gut health can positively affect your hair. Nourish the gut microbiome with fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, miso, natto, and more. You also need to feed the healthy bacteria in your gut with prebiotic fibers, which include garlic, asparagus, onions, sunchokes, among other foods. Prebiotic fibers and fermented foods are not directly related to hair growth, but they do reduce overall inflammation and increase nutrient absorption. Researchers note that chronic inflammation can trigger hair loss because it prematurely sends hair to its shedding phase. 

Zinc

The final nutrient to pay attention to is zinc, which you can find in pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sesame butter, wheat germ, oats, ginger, and raw cacao. Much like fermented foods and prebiotic fibers, the relationship between zinc and hair loss isn’t fully understood. Some studies found that men with male-pattern baldness had low levels of zinc. Other research notes that zinc may influence the production of DHT, a hormone that’s linked to hair loss in both men and women.

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Sometimes, you make a salad dressing that is so good that it causes you to eat more salad. It doesn’t have to be a dressing filled with cheese, ketchup, or some other unhealthy product in order to taste great. This dressing, for example, only contains 5 ingredients and you can put it on just about anything. Dress your salads, pour it over Buddha bowls, drizzle it on potatoes, or pour it over anything else you can think of. Okay, maybe don’t pour it over cereal or ice cream, but it works with so many other recipes.

Nutritional yeast is valuable currency for vegans and raw vegans alike. It is a deactivated yeast that works as a cheese substitute in vegan and raw vegan recipes. Not only does it impart a cheesy flavor to your food, but it is also a great source of nutrients, especially vitamin B12, which can be tricky for vegans to get without supplementation. Nutritional yeast also contains protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.

The dressing is very simple to make and you can tinker with the measurements over time. Perhaps you decide to add a little bit of this or that to enhance this already delicious dressing. Great additions include ginger, green onion, cilantro, raw sesame seeds, grade A maple syrup, and red pepper flakes. What goes great with such a creation? More like what doesn’t go great with this creation?!

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It’s not quite summer, but the warmer weather is here. Although you may not be able to turn on vacation mode, you can enjoy a healthy, tropical vegan recipe. This pineapple coconut chia pudding will take you to that sandy beach on that secluded island in the Pacific. Instead of an unhealthy, sugary cocktail that delivers empty calories, this chia pudding provides lots of fiber, protein, healthy fats, and many vitamins and minerals.

As a quick note, this recipe is not raw vegan because it contains canned coconut milk. Now, you can make this recipe raw vegan and cleanse-approved if you make the coconut milk from scratch? Yes, this is actually possible, but requires a lot of effort. Click here to learn how to make your own raw vegan coconut milk. Plus, if you decide to make your own coconut milk, you know that it has no added sugars in it. The coconut milk provides a lot of creaminess and healthy fat, giving this chia pudding a more pudding-like texture. Plus, is there a more classic combination than coconut and pineapple? This is the piña colada of healthy breakfasts, people!

This chia pudding is a great way to start your day because it helps to energize the body and keep you full until lunch. You get a lot of omega-3s from the coconut milk and the chia seeds, and you get healthy digestive enzymes from the pineapple. The pineapple also offers lots of vitamin C, with just one cup satisfying 88% of your recommended daily intake. It also provides vitamin B6, potassium, folate, magnesium, riboflavin, copper, thiamine, manganese, and more!

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With spring in full swing, you need recipes that make you feel lighter. Like we always say, it’s never too early to start getting your body ready for summer. Before you know it, summer will be over and those 15 pounds you wanted to lose haven’t gone anywhere. Get started on your summer health journey while it’s still spring! There is no better way to do that than with this kale, apple, and pomegranate salad.

Kale is somewhat bitter and offers a slightly peppery flavor, making it a great salad green to pair with tangy, sweet, and even zesty ingredients. In this recipe, you get to enjoy an assortment of flavors and textures. Offering creamy avocado, crunchy pecans, crisp apples, and pomegranate arils that burst with tartness, this salad is unbeatable. The key is to thinly slice the kale, which makes for a more enjoyable eating experience. It also helps to take some of that bitter intensity away. A pro tip: you can use larger pieces of kale and massage them with a little olive oil and lemon juice to break down the fibers and intensify the flavors.

Do you want to know the best part of this salad? If you don’t have all of the ingredients, you can customize it and use the ingredients you do have. Don’t have raw pecans? Swap them out for raw walnuts or almonds. Thought you had an apple, when you really have a pear? Use the pear instead! You can even swap the pomegranate arils for little mandarin segments. Be creative and follow your taste buds, but make sure those substitutions are raw vegan if you are cleansing!

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First off, what is cholesterol and why do you need to lower it? Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that the body uses to build healthy cells. If that’s the case, why is it so dangerous and do you really need to lower it? Yes and no, because not all cholesterol is created equal. 

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol can form plaque in the arteries and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol can help remove bad cholesterol from the bloodstream. If you have high cholesterol, you have a higher risk of heart disease and heart attack. It also means that you have too much LDL and not enough HDL, but there are lifestyle changes you can make to lower your LDL and increase your HDL.

Eat Healthier

This is such a broad concept, right? It can be difficult to know which healthy foods to eat to benefit your situation. Regarding heart health, a few simple dietary changes can reduce cholesterol: 

• Avoid trans fats: These fats are common in margarines, store-bought cookies, crackers and cakes. On ingredients lists, you may see hydrogenated oils or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, both of which are trans fats that raise total cholesterol levels.
• Increase soluble fiber intake: Soluble fiber essentially grabs cholesterol in the gut before it gets into the bloodstream, a process that helps lower LDL levels. It exists in oats, barley, quinoa, lentils, chickpeas, whole grains, kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, walnuts, and flaxseeds. 
• Reduce intake of saturated fats: Saturated fats are primarily found in full-fat dairy products and red meats. Much like trans fats, saturated fats can raise bad LDL cholesterol levels. 
• Eat more omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3s don’t affect LDL levels, but they do offer other heart-healthy benefits, such as reducing blood pressure and boosting HDL levels. Foods that are rich in omega-3s include flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, avocados, salmon, and cod.

Quit Smoking

When you quit smoking, you can help raise HDL cholesterol levels and ultimately reduce your risk of lung cancer and lung disease. The chemicals in cigarettes damage your blood vessels and accelerate the accumulation of plaque in the arteries. Studies have shown that within 20 minutes of quitting, blood pressure and heart rate recover from the spike that comes from cigarettes. Within three months of quitting, both lung function and blood circulation start to improve. Within a year of quitting, your risk of heart disease is 50% less than someone who smokes. 

Lose Weight

If you carry a few extra pounds, you have a higher risk of high cholesterol. One study found that losing 5%-10% of total body weight for overweight or obese people, respectively, could be enough to improve cholesterol levels. It can be difficult to lose weight, especially if you have struggled with weight loss in the past. Consider small changes to start, rather than committing to an all-or-nothing diet. Start by drinking water or seltzer water in place of sugary beverages and sodas. If you crave sweets, opt for fresh fruit instead of processed boxes or bags of candy. Choose plain, air-popped popcorn instead of bags of flavored chips. Finally, look for ways to incorporate more activity into your daily life. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or park farther away from the office to walk more. Walk on your lunch breaks instead of sitting down the entire time. 

Prepare Foods A Little Differently

Sometimes it’s not what you eat, but how you eat it. If you can change what you buy in the grocery store, you can change how you prepare your meals. Food prep is just as important as food choices if you want to lower your LDL cholesterol levels. Instead of frying, breading, or cooking food in lots of butter, consider boiling, roasting, baking, poaching, or broiling as alternative cooking methods. Additionally, trim the fat and remove the skin off meat, poultry, or fish. That helps you get the protein you need without the need of excess fat intake. 

Exercise Most Days Of The Week

When you exercise at a  moderate-intense level, you can help raise HDL cholesterol. As long as you are able to exercise in your current condition, aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, five times per week. If you engage in high-intensity workouts, 20 minutes of exercise three times per week is sufficient, according to health experts. Adding physical activity, even in short intervals several times a day, can help you lose weight. Consider the following: 

• Riding your bike to work (provided you live within a feasible riding distance)
• Playing a sport you love, such as a community sport (soccer, pickleball, basketball, etc.)
• Taking a brisk walk during your lunch break

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It’s no secret that neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, are on the rise. Various factors contribute to the diagnosis of such conditions, but certain lifestyle considerations increase a person’s risk of memory loss or accelerated brain aging. Researchers  from the University of Oxford identified three lifestyle factors that increase the rate of aging and cognitive decline. This article will explain what they found. 

About The Study

Nature Communications published the recent study, during which researchers looked at the brain scans of about 40,000 people over the age of 45. These participants belonged to the UK Biobank database. The primary area of interest was how genetic and lifestyle factors impact areas of the brain that are vulnerable to the effects of aging and Alzheimer’s disease. 

• Genetic factors: usually classified as non-modifiable, but lifestyle habits may influence whether or not certain genes turn on. 
• Lifestyle: considered a modifiable risk factor because you have the power to change your habits and choices. That can ultimately increase or decrease the likelihood of developing a certain disease or illness. 

3 Risk Factors That Age The Brain Faster

Study authors noted three things that drove earlier degeneration of certain brain regions. These factors were: traffic-related air pollution, type 2 diabetes, and the frequency of alcohol intake. Interestingly enough, both traffic-related air pollution and alcohol intake have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes. 

• Air Pollution: You do not have full control of the amount of the air pollution you are exposed to on a daily basis. As a society, however, we can work to reduce the amount of pollution we produce. According to emerging data, exposure to pollution over time increases the risk of dementia.
• Diabetes: Previous studies have linked type 2 diabetes to an increased risk of dementia by as much as 60%.
• Alcohol frequency: Drinking alcohol, especially too much alcohol, can damage the brain. A 2023 study included over three million people in Korea and found that sustained heavy drinking increased the risk of dementia by 8%. Researchers noted that limiting alcohol consumption reduced the risk by 8%.

What differentiated this study from previous studies was the why factor. These factors are so dangerous to brain health because they target the brain’s weak spots. 

How Do Genetics Influence Cognitive Decline?

There have been some findings about the relationship between genetics and the way the brain ages. Most of this information is useful in research settings, and not in individuals. Certain genes, for example, code for immune and inflammatory recommendations to protect the most vulnerable parts of the brain that influence poor brain aging. Those genetic factors are also connected to some modifiable factors, so lifestyle improvements may help you overcome genetic predispositions to early brain aging. Such modifiable categories include blood pressure, body weight, smoking, depressive mood, inflammation, sleep, social patterns, physical activity, and education status. 

How To Protect The Brain And Prevent Dementia

Based on the findings in this study, the researchers encourage the following actionable recommendations to protect the most vulnerable parts of the brain:

• Invest in an air purifier: Although you cannot control the pollution outside the home, you can help keep the air inside the home as clean as possible. One of the best ways to do that is to invest in an air purifier. Just make sure that you get one with a HEPA filter because they are the best at removing particles from the air. 
• Increase your fiber intake: Researchers note that people who eat high-fiber diets are less likely to have type 2 diabetes. Fiber is a non-digestible carbohydrate that works to stabilize blood sugar and promote healthy digestion. Only 5% of American adults consume the recommended daily amount (RDA) of fiber. Women should consume between 21-28 grams per day, while men should consume 30-38 grams per day. Get more fiber by focusing on fibrous foods, such as lentils, avocados, beans, chia seeds, and other fruits and vegetables. 
• Limit your alcohol intake: Alcohol is a known toxin, especially in regards to cognitive health. You don’t have to completely avoid alcohol, but mindful consumption is best. Reserve a drink or two for special occasions and spend less time indulging just because.

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Before we get started on great late-night snacks that support weight loss, let’s take note of a 2015 study that revealed snacking at night leads to overeating. As you know, overeating contributes to weight gain. However, if you plan to go to bed and hear your stomach growling, it is very tempting to reach for something quick and tasty. The problem is that most people reach for the wrong snacks to hold them over. 

Sometimes, it’s very possible that you did not eat enough during the day and need a snack to tide you over until morning. There are many hunger-curbing snacks that are healthy to enjoy before bed. The key is to choose low-calorie foods that keep you full without exceeding your caloric limit. Choose from the following healthy late-night snacks when hunger strikes. 

Oatmeal

There’s nothing wrong with a little A.M in the P.M. A bowl of warm oatmeal is quite the filling late-night snack because it is rich in fiber, offering four grams per half cup of uncooked oats. One serving of plain oatmeal has about 160 calories, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It is low in fat and sugar, provided you don’t use those packets of processed oatmeals. Cook your oats in water and season them with cinnamon and a little maple syrup to keep the calories down. 

Fruit With Nut Butter

Some people argue against eating fruit at night because it can ferment in the gut overnight. As long as you know your digestive system, you can plan to eat the right fruits, which are typically low in calories and high in fiber. If you want a sweet treat, opt for fruit instead of ice cream or cake because the natural sugar will satisfy your sweet tooth. Consider eating whole fruits, such as grapes, apples, pears, cherries, berries, or grapes, all of which provide about 80 calories per cup. If you need something a little more substantial than fruit, try dipping your fruit in either low-fat yogurt, natural peanut butter, or almond butter. Be careful with how much nut butter you eat, though, because it can have about 90-100 calories per tablespoon. 

Popcorn

Do not grab a packet of movie theater popcorn and eat the entire thing while watching Netflix. If you want to get your crunch on, sub those unhealthy chips and crackers with air-popped popcorn. One serving of popped popcorn without butter offers just 31 calories. You don’t have to eat it plain; rather, you can season your popcorn with some garlic powder, black pepper, chili powder, or other seasonings to liven up the flavor. You can choose to put nutritional yeast on the popcorn for a cheesy flavor, but keep in mind that a two tablespoon serving contains 50 calories. 

Veggies And Hummus

Vegetables are some of the lowest calorie foods you can enjoy, and they typically contain a lot of water and fiber. One cup of raw carrot sticks, celery, bell peppers, snap peas, cucumber, broccoli, or zucchini offers between 25 to 50 calories. In addition to helping you feel full, vegetables provide lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which benefit overall health. To provide extra sustenance, dip your vegetables in one to two tablespoons of hummus. Eating too much hummus will increase your caloric intake a lot, so be careful with your portions. 

Protein-Rich Foods

Don’t go grab a tomahawk steak and eat it like a caveman; rather, focus on high-fiber, protein-rich foods that move slowly through the digestive tract. A great high-protein and healthy fat option is mixed nuts. Just be mindful of your portions because an ounce provides 170 calories. You can also consume low-fat yogurt with some berries. Eggs can also be a great source of proteins, with one large hard-boiled egg providing 75 calories.

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You can go to the gym, hop on the treadmill, exercise bike, or elliptical for 45-60 minutes. There is nothing wrong with that, and many people enjoy the camaraderie of the gym. If you don’t have a gym membership, though, you can still lace up those sneakers, put on some workout attire, and get a workout in without leaving the house. 

Sometimes, there isn’t enough time in the day to make it to the gym. Not to mention, it is an extra expense, which is pointless if you don’t make use of the gym. With a little space and the ability to push yourself, you can easily exercise in your own home. The best way to get the blood flowing and sweat dripping is to engage in plyometric exercises. 

Benefits Of Plyometric Exercises

Plyometric exercises use the force and speed of various movements to build muscle power. The exercises activate fast-twitch muscle fibers that are for short bursts of energy. These are great at-home exercises because they don’t require a lot of space or gym equipment. They do, however, require max effort, which ultimately increases cardiovascular benefits. The key to reaping all of the benefits of these exercises is to fire up your core temperature. That causes the sweat to flow, which is the body’s way of cooling down. The more strenuous the workout, the more heat the body produces. 

If you go through the following exercises and do not sweat at all, you need to increase the intensity. Maybe that means you take fewer breaks between exercises. You can always find a way to either perform a low-impact variation of the exercise, or make it harder on yourself. The thing to remember with these exercises is that you want to get sweaty!

Squat Jumps

Stand straight up with your feet slightly wider than hip-distance apart. Push your hips back and down, keeping your weight in the heels and your back straight. Once you are in the squat position, engage your glutes, drive through your heels, and explode, extending your hips and springing off your toes to jump into the air. Land softly back into a squat position and continue to repeat the jumps. Complete three sets of 10 reps.

Skater Jumps

Stand straight up with your feet hip-distance apart. Steady your core and engage your left quad and glutes to jump to the right, landing on your right foot with your knee bent. Keep your chest up, hips, back, and bring your left foot behind your right, keeping it off the ground. Immediately push off your right foot to hop to the left. Continue alternating until you complete 10 reps per side. Complete two more sets, resting in between. 

Mountain Climbers

Begin in a high plank position, stacking your shoulders over your wrists. Engage your core and form a straight line from your shoulders to your heels. Maintain a flat back and tight core as you drive your right knee in toward your chest and then straighten it back quickly. Immediately drive the left knee toward your chest and continue alternating like this for a total of 30 seconds. Complete three 30-second sets, resting for one to two minutes between each set. 

Pike-Ups

Begin in a high plank position, stacking your shoulders over your wrists. Form a straight line from your shoulders to your heels. Jump your feet in as you drive your hips into the air, forming a pike shape, or reverse V-shape. You should engage your lower abdominals to help with this jump. Immediately hop your feet back into plank position and then repeat for 30 seconds. Complete three sets of 30-second reps, resting for one to two minutes between each set. 

Lateral Hurdle Hops

Begin by standing straight up with your feet together. Place a yoga block outside your right foot, or imagine that there is some sort of object that you must hurdle over. Bend your knees slightly and hop over the “hurdle” to your right, landing softly with your knees bent. Immediately jump back to your left and then continue alternating side to side for 20 seconds. Complete three sets of 20-second reps, resting for one minute between each set. 

Burpees

Stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart and arms by your sides. Bend your knees and place both hands on the ground before you hop your feet back behind you to enter a plank position. Keep your core tight and form a straight line from your shoulders to your heels. Quickly hop your feet back to your hands and engage your glutes to drive through your heels to jump up, while simultaneously extending your arms overhead. Land softly and continue through this cycle to complete 10 burpees. Complete three sets of 10 reps.

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