Isn't the weather BEAUTIFUL!?

The fresh crisp air actually makes me WANT to run! (A very unusual occurrence for me.)

Get your fall groove on by switching up your exercise routine. Skip the weights. Use your pumpkin!

In next few weeks I'll be giving you some circuit training tips using your favorite fall Superfood: The Pumpkin1

Now THIS is ecological living at it's finest.

Take your family shopping for their very own pumpkin (see the poundage suggestions below), follow the circuit training ideas I give to you throughout the month of October. Then when you're done working out with your pumpkin, cut it open, bake the seeds and cook the flesh eating it like squash and then top it off by making a delicious homemade healthy pumpkin pie! Have you noticed there has been a shortage of canned pumpkin this year? Make your own!

Here are your pumpkin shopping parameters.

Take the whole family shopping and make your exercise a fun, family affair!

Small: 5 pounds. Perfect for beginner and young exercisers.

Medium: 10+ pounds. Can be used for all exercises during a single workout in a circuit fashion.

Large: 15-20+ pounds.
The largest and heaviest pumpkins are SO awkward to handle and provide quite the challenge. Only experienced exercisers should choose this pumpkin to ensure a kick butt workout.

Here's your first circuit!

(If you're new to exercising, or unsure of correct form, please e-mail me to ask at WCabrera@Strategicwellness.net. Do not take chances.)

Perform each exercise for 1 minute.

Do not rest between exercises.

Rest for 1 minute after the entire circuit is done.

Repeat up to 4 times for optimal results.

1. Pumpkin Squats (Hug your pumpkin or hold it overhead. Be sure to get your rear back)

2. Pumpkin Push ups (Put your hands or feet on the pumpkin for incline or decline and proceed.)

3. Pumpkin Planks (Place hands on pumpkin directly below shoulders, get up on toes and hold.)

4. Pumpkin Mountain Climbers (Assume Pumpkin Plank Position but alternate running feet up to chest and back. Feels like you're running facing the floor.).

Rest. Repeat. Feel Great!

You can do this routine up to 3 days this week.

Be looking for your next circuit very soon!

Enjoying the journey,


Whitney Cabrera RN, BSN
Strategic Wellness