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Workout: Mirrored Images

woman in pink top jumping in the mountains

Time: 45 - 60 minutes

Equipment Needed: Box / Step and a Weight or Other Heavy Item

Warm Up: 5 - 10 minutes

Workout:

Perform the following workout at your own pace. Rest as needed.

  • 50 Walking Lunges (25 EACH leg) with Bicep Curls

  • 50 Box Jumps or Modify with Step-Ups

  • ¼ mile Run

  • 25 Pulse Squats (Shortie Squats)

  • 25 Jump Squats

  • ¼ mile Run

  • 25 Rows (each side)

  • 25 Push-Ups

  • 100 Suicide Tap Downs

  • 25 Hydrants (each side)

  • 25 Donkey Kicks (each side)

  • 100 Power Jacks

  • 25 Skull Crushers

  • 25 Suicide Push-Ups (25 each side)

  • 100 Mountain Climbers (50 each side)

  • 25 Skull Crushers

  • 25 Suicide Push-Ups (25 each side)

  • 100 Mountain Climbers (50 each side)

  • 25 Hydrants (each side)

  • 25 Donkey Kicks (each side)

  • 100 Power Jacks

  • 25 Rows (each side)

  • 25 Push-Ups

  • 100 Suicide Tap Downs

  • 25 Pulse Squats (Shortie Squats)

  • 25 Jump Squats

  • ¼ mile Run

  • 50 Walking Lunges (25 EACH leg) with Bicep Curls

  • 50 Box Jumps or Modify with Step-Ups

  • ¼ mile Run

Finisher: 18 Burpees / 18 Spiderman (each side)!

Cool Down and Stretch: 5 - 10 minutes

Workout by: Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by Maridav

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Recipe: Sparkling Kombucha Spritzer

sparkling kombucha spritzer on a wood cutting board with fruit

This is so simple it almost isn’t a recipe, but the result is a refreshing good-for-you beverage you can enjoy any time of day.

 

Make sure to choose sugar-free sparkling water.

 

Mix-and-match flavors to find your favorite combo!

 

Ingredients:

  • 6 ounces of your favorite sparkling water (unsweetened)

  • A bottle of your favorite kombucha flavor

  • ¼-½ cup frozen fruit, lemon slices, or fresh fruit

Directions:

  1. Pour the sparkling water into a glass, then add the fruit. Add enough kombucha to top off the glass and enjoy!

 

Recipe by: Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by Jane Vershinin from Getty Images

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5 Simple Tips to Help You Live a Healthier Lifestyle While Cutting Costs

woman rolling a yoga mat

Are you hoping to improve your health and well-being but worried that your bank account isn’t large enough to support this new lifestyle? Fortunately, you don’t need extensive funds to live well. From trying my at-home workouts to taking cooking classes and more, there are several simple ways you can adopt a healthier lifestyle while still saving money.

 

1. Use the Financial Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle as Your Motivation

Motivation is essential when it comes to adopting healthier habits and sticking with them for the long run. That’s why learning about the financial benefits of a healthier lifestyle can help kick your efforts into high gear.

For example, cooking at home instead of eating out can help you save. Instead of paying for gas and car maintenance, ditch your vehicle and ride a bike or walk when possible. Not only that but healthier individuals are likely to qualify for lower health insurance premiums.

 

2. Cut Expensive and Unhealthy Foods Out of Your Diet and Focus on Healthy Home Cooking

According to one study, cooking your meals at home instead of eating out can help to improve your nutrition while lowering your food bills.

 

Save money while eating healthfully by:

  • Avoiding expensive restaurants, fast food, and junk food

  • Starting a small vegetable and herb garden in your backyard

  • Purchasing nonperishable health foods, such as beans and rice, in bulk

  • Buying seasonal fruits and vegetables on sale

 

3. Get Outdoors to Enjoy Fresh Air and Free Fitness Opportunities

Adequate exercise is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle. You don’t need to spend hundreds on pricey health club memberships to get fit. Instead, simply get outdoors!

 

Spending time outside lets you enjoy the sunshine and fresh air while taking advantage of free exercise opportunities. For instance, you can practice yoga in your backyard, go for a jog through the park, or bike through your neighborhood.

 

4. Use Apps, Employee Wellness Programs, and Other Free Resources to Stay Healthy

Search for free resources to support your wellness efforts. Your employer may even offer subsidized wellness programs.

 

Take advantage of:

  • Free fitness trackers and nutrition apps for your phone

  • Employer health and wellness programs (check out Move at Work Challenge to learn more about my corporate wellness program)

  • Local community center workout classes or cooking classes

 

5. Boost Your Bank Account by Finding Clever Ways to Monetize Your Healthy Lifestyle

Did you know you can even monetize your new healthy lifestyle? If you want to give your bank account a boost, identify your top wellness passions and start a business endeavor.

 

This may include:

  • Running a sports gear business (make sure you check out SaaraShades)

  • Starting a meditation and yoga studio

  • Opening a marketing blog complete with affiliate marketing about how you save money while living healthfully

 

If you do decide to open a business, you can opt to reduce your paperwork and liability load, take advantage of helpful tax benefits, and gain extra flexibility by forming an LLC. Prior to registering in Colorado, make sure your business complies with the state’s rules and requirements.

 

Although many people may be under the impression that living a healthy lifestyle requires a hefty bank account, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, you can improve your wellness and live a more well-rounded lifestyle while saving money and cutting down your bills by following these five helpful tips.


Photo Credit: Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

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Workout: Partner Challenge

two women working out together, high-fiving while planking in the partner challenge workout

Time: 45 - 60 minutes

Equipment Needed: A Partner 

Warm Up: 5 - 10 minutes

Partner Challenge:

Perform the following challenge exercises as a TEAM. The first set should work out to 30 reps per person, not 60. Example: Thrusters - each person should perform 30each to reach a team total of 60. Rows - each person should perform 30 rows per person on BOTH sides to reach a team total of 60 per side.

Challenge:

Complete the following exercises in your best time possible as a team. 

¼ mile Run (with your partner)

  • 60 Squat and Press (Thrusters)

  • 60 Rows on EACH Side

  • 60 Floppy Burpees

  • 60 Leg Throws

¼ mile Run (with your partner)

  • 40 Squat and Press (Thrusters)

  • 40 Rows on EACH Side

  • 40 Floppy Burpees

  • 40 Leg Throws

¼ mile Run (with your partner)

  • 20 Squat and Press (Thrusters)

  • 20 Rows on EACH Side

  • 20 Floppy Burpees

  • 20 Leg Throws

¼ mile Run (with your partner)

Cool Down and Stretch: 5 - 10 minutes

Workout by: Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by Antonio_Diaz from Getty Images

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Recipe: Beef and Brussels Sprouts

beef and brussels sprouts

Try this- the apple adds a sweet-tart taste to this healthy meal!

 

Serves 4

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp. avocado or coconut oil

  • 1 lb. grass-fed ground beef (mine was 85% lean)

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

  • 1 9-oz. package of shredded Brussels sprouts (or shred about 3½ cups of whole sprouts)

  • 1 organic apple, peeled

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • Sea salt

  • Pepper

 

Directions:

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add the onion and saute until it starts to caramelize, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks for about 4-5 minutes. Add the brussels sprouts and continue cooking until the beef is cooked through.

  2. Add the chopped apple to pan and saute for 2-3 minutes, and then stir in the lemon juice. Cook for another minute or so before seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.

At Performance is Haapanen, we understand the critical role of proper diet and nutrition in supporting individuals fighting cancer, including mesothelioma - a specific type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Explore this comprehensive resource to learn how a balanced diet can empower your body to combat cancer cells and aid in the healing process.

 

Recipe by: Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by margouillatphotos from Getty Images

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