SSU 2013 Week 1 Workout and Meal Ideas

So excited you’re here! I hope you’re PUMPED to kill it next week. Make sure to print out your weekly calendar (in the newsletter) and stay tuned for the Summer Shape Up intro page (posted Sunday) with all of the details.

SSU 2013

In the meantime, I wanted to give you the week 1 meal ideas and workout in advance so that you can plan for the upcoming week.


Ssu2013 week 1 workout
The week 1 workout consists of mostly supersets of the above moves.

Here’s what you’ll do:

(Optional dynamic stretch and foam roll)

Warm up for 5 minutes, cardio of choice

Complete the following workout:

1) Walking lunge with a twist a knee lift. Holding a moderate dumbbell, 15 on each leg.

2) Superset 1: weighted squats and squat jumps (3 sets, 15 each). You’ll do 15 weighted squats immediately into squat jumps (15). Squat, squat jump, squat, squat jump.

3) Superset 2: bent-over wide row and pushups (3 sets, 12 each). Alternate between your 12 bent-over wide rows and 12 pushups, modifying (on your knees) as needed. Try to avoid resting in between exercises.

4) Dumbbell swing. This is an awesome glute and core workout! Check out the tutorial on this site. Do 2 sets: of 15-20 on each side.

4) Superset 3: knee tuck and tricep dips (3 sets, 10 each). Come into a plank position with your feet raised on a sturdy bench or chair. Use your core to bring one knee in towards your chest then back to start position. Complete 10 on each side before going into your triceps dips. For the dips, bent knees will be easier than straight legs, and if you’re looking for a challenge, lift up one leg)

5) The banana (20 total): Come into a V-up (exhale on the way up), then roll onto your stomach and lift up into a back extension. Roll back up into your V-up, back to the superman.

*Follow with cardio as indicated in the calendar.

Cool down and stretch.

Some meal ideas for week 1:

(*= can be made on Sunday and stored in the fridge or freezer for the week)

Pancake  1 of 1 5

Breakfasts:

Smashed avocado and one egg on top of toast

*Chia pancakes + one egg

Egg burrito with fajita veggies, cheese and salsa

*Breakfast cookie

*Perfect protein pancakes

Nut butter on one slice of toast and a small smoothie

Eggs, bacon (turkey or tempeh bacon is great, too!), small bowl of chia pudding

Salad  1 of 1 2

Lunches/dinners:

*Crustless quiche with salad

*Tempeh tacos with black beans and sautéed zucchini

*Carrot/beet/bean burger on whole-grain bread with salad

*Grilled/baked protein with sweet potato and veggies

Chicken or veggie coconut curry and quinoa

Homemade Cobb salad

 

Snacks (2 snacks each day)

*Amazeballs (2)

*Veggies and hummus

Fresh veggie/fruit juice with a *quinoa muffin (savory or sweet)

*Chicken crust pizza with lots of veggies and/or cheese

Fresh fruit and some cheese

Juice and fruit  1 of 1

Dessert:

*Sweet potato brownies

Glass of wine or small cocktail

Dark chocolate

Baked apple with a drizzle of almond butter

Anything you love that you don’t want to kick out of your life. Since we’re working on fitness gains, I would just recommend keeping portion control in mind. At the same time, don’t make anything off limits; it will just make you want it more.

Dessert tray

What are you planning and prepping for the upcoming week? Leave a comment with your meal plan and this Sunday, start to make it happen!!

xo

 

220 Comments

  1. Veronica Hasty on May 31, 2013 at 5:02 pm

    So excited! Can’t wait to start my SSU! And plus the food!!!!

  2. Amy Ramos on May 31, 2013 at 5:55 pm

    Man, that stuff looks so good. I have been making your amazeballs for months as my pre and post workout snackage (with my own versions). I love them. In fact, I have to make so many b/c hubby likes them now too!

  3. Jay on May 31, 2013 at 6:11 pm

    Woohoo! I’m ready!

  4. Alexa on May 31, 2013 at 6:19 pm

    I can’t wait to get this started! I was just wondering if you could explain a little better some of the workouts or show a video or pictures of them. I feel so inexperienced in the gym and some of the names of exercises I just don’t know and don’t know exactly how to do them. Thanks!!

  5. liz on May 31, 2013 at 7:36 pm

    M-F will be protein pancakes or a shake for breakfast, tilapia and sweet potato with cucumbers/red pepper for lunch. Veg/hummus & amazeballs for snacks! Dinner will be quinoa with a protein and veg!

    thank you so much for this. 🙂

  6. Heather on May 31, 2013 at 8:20 pm

    I don’t have a bench or sturdy chair at home. Suggestions?

    • Kate on June 2, 2013 at 9:19 am

      Heather, I’ve used my couch or a hotel room bed for tricep dips before. Works just fine! For the knee tucks, I think you could use the same couch/bed and maybe just take off your shoes for that move. I have also done knee tucks from plank position (feet on the floor). It’s slightly less challenging but will get a similar effect.

  7. Danielle on May 31, 2013 at 8:38 pm

    <3 this! Would love if you posted videos, just to help know if I'm doing the moves correctly and with proper form. Thank you for all you do this is excellent I can't wait to start!

  8. Brittany on May 31, 2013 at 10:12 pm

    You planned this at the BEST time for me! Summer is just starting and I really need to get more active! AND the rest day you have planned JUST so happens to be the day of my high school graduation AND that sunday (the other rest day) is the day of my graduation party. Perfectly planned! So I am planning on making a ton of pancakes to have in the fridge on Sunday night for the week (except for Wednesday. That’s my senior breakfast at school!) but my dinner ideas for this week are:
    Monday: Chicken with a healthier version of a pancetta cream sauce (as healthy as I can get it!)
    Tuesday: Salad beast!
    Wednesday:Chicken ceaser salad
    Thursday: GRADUATION DAY!!!!! Dinner out
    Friday: Chicken with a peach glaze and walnuts
    Saturday: Grandparents in town so most likely pizza (I’ll have a big salad and a tiny slice)

    So excited for this!!! Thank you for taking the time to do this for us Gina!

  9. Chelsea Anthony on May 31, 2013 at 11:06 pm

    Super excited! Love getting the details in advance also so I can start on MY monday (i’m 16 hours ahead of you). I’m ready to get my butt back into shape. An overseas move and getting settled has made a workout routine/motivation difficult! YAY for summer shape up!!

  10. Lea on June 1, 2013 at 12:32 am

    This could not have come at a better time. I’m so happy to have been able to sign up for this summer’s challenge. I cannot wait to get started!

  11. Amy Ramos on June 1, 2013 at 1:18 am

    I am soooo making those sweet potato brownies too!

  12. PluvK on June 1, 2013 at 1:51 am

    I’m definitely prepping some Cobb salads! I am a big salad fan. I’m also going to be making some fish tacos, summer rolls, and maybe try out your coconut curry. 🙂

  13. Allison on June 1, 2013 at 8:42 am

    Did this workout yesterday, so effective! Definitely feeling it today.

  14. Jen on June 1, 2013 at 8:49 am

    I’m so excited! Grabbing a new notebook and water bottle today to celebrate! 😀

  15. Maggie on June 1, 2013 at 8:51 am

    Do we repeat this workout everyday week one? I’m having a blonde moment 🙂

  16. Jennifer on June 1, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    I’m so excited!

  17. Arin Segal on June 1, 2013 at 11:26 pm

    On the calendar it mentions a Hill Challenge on wednesday, what exactly is that? Also is steady state just mean a set speed/incline/etc. for a bike or run or elliptical for the specified time? Thanks!!

  18. Morgan on June 2, 2013 at 10:05 am

    Can’t wait to start!!

  19. Krystal on June 2, 2013 at 10:39 am

    I’m ready, I’m ready!

  20. Mandie on June 2, 2013 at 12:32 pm

    Definitely going to be doing a lot of salads and smoothies this week. It’s SO HOT in NYC!

    I agree that video demonstrations of the moves would be helpful. Want to make sure I’m doing everything correctly!

  21. Danica @ It's Progression on June 2, 2013 at 1:29 pm

    This is my first time participating in summer shape-up and I’m so excited!!

  22. Jaime on June 2, 2013 at 2:06 pm

    Had to do some schedule adjusting, so I just completed Monday’s work out this afternoon! My arms are pooped 🙂 I love keeping up with your blog and can’t wait to hear how fellow Shape Up-ers first day/week go!!!

  23. Joanna on June 2, 2013 at 2:10 pm

    I am excited to start the summer shape up. This is my first time doing your seasonal workouts but I am excited to try. I am getting a journal today and also some clean eats. (farmer’s market is today so its all good timing)

  24. Joanna on June 2, 2013 at 2:15 pm

    Sorry, don’t mean to be a pain, but you make reference to a calendar and maybe because I signed up late, but I never received it. Is there a way of getting that?? Thank you.

  25. Karen on June 2, 2013 at 2:26 pm

    Just prepped tons of salad stuff for the week. Plan for fish tacos, buffalo chicken salad, shrimp stir fry and salmon cakes for dinners.

  26. Amy on June 2, 2013 at 3:45 pm

    Hi Gina!
    I tried to use the print icon but it is not printing the meals and workouts. 🙁

  27. Megan S. on June 2, 2013 at 4:36 pm

    Excited to start this up! For some reason neither of my browsers (Safari and Chrome) will open with the details when I click on the Printer icon. I will write it down if it doesn’t work, but didn’t know if you had any suggestions on why it might not come up?

    • Fitnessista on June 2, 2013 at 4:44 pm

      i’m not sure why the widget is acting weird. copy and paste into word and print that way!

  28. Danielle on June 2, 2013 at 4:59 pm

    Here’s my meal ideas for the week:

    Monday – Black bean burgers with sweet potatoes fries and zucchini
    Tuesday – Italian baked chicken roasted red potatoes and salad
    Wednesday – Chicken taco bowl (shredded lettuce, chicken, corn, guac, salsa!)
    Thursday – Salmon sweet potatoes and zucchini
    Friday – Breakfast for dinner (most likely eggs with veggies, toast)
    Saturday – OUT

    Snacks – protein balls, string cheese, fruit, yogurt, almonds, popcorn, protein bars, hard boiled eggs

    Breakfasts will most likely be something quick – green protein smoothies or breakfast cookies. Lunches will be leftovers or turkey avocado wraps with fruit/large salads!

    Planning on prepping the burgers to freeze tonight, protein balls, boil eggs, wash/cut fruit veggies. Plan to be up at 5:30 am for my workout can’t wait!

    • Jackie on June 3, 2013 at 9:38 am

      Danielle-
      MMM – love your chicken taco bowl idea:) Might have to ammend my meal plan to include that. YUM

  29. liz @ sweat-happy.com on June 2, 2013 at 5:18 pm

    SSU fits in perfectly with my gym’s June Wellness Month – I signed up for body fat loss so yay!

    “Tha banana” looks like so much fun. Can’t wait to get started with workouts. I’ll also be doing my regular CrossFit WODs.

    As for food/diet, I’m going to try carb cycling. I’m excited to make changes to my diet and see what happens. 🙂

  30. Kelly on June 2, 2013 at 5:37 pm

    Getting ready for tomorrow 🙂

  31. Shari on June 2, 2013 at 6:17 pm

    so excited to start!!! I need this!! 🙂

  32. Kristen B. on June 2, 2013 at 6:37 pm

    I am so excited! This is exactly what I need to change up my workout routine…I have been doing the same lifting routine for a while. I kept meaning to add HIIT but it only happened occasionally. Prepared all of my clean food for the week and tried new recipes to keep me on track. I will do all 4 weeks, no backing out for me at the half way point!!!

  33. Paige Callahan on June 2, 2013 at 6:40 pm

    Might try the breakfast cookie tomorrow, other breakfasts include plain greek yogurt with chocolate protein powder and organic musili and berries, or omlettes with veggies and always coffee and water
    Lunches are usually a mix of salad, hummus or fish pitas, or veggie souffles with fruit or vegatables on the side
    Snacks are frozen yogurt, trial mix, pop chips, dry cereal with peanut butter, or minimal ingredient protein bars

    Dinners planned are:
    Sunday: Spaghetti squash with edamane-Cilantro pesto (cooking light way to cook vegetarian) and spiced sweet potato fries with creamy avocado dip
    Monday: refried black beans topped with soy cheese, quac, and salsa with TJ’s veggies & flax seed tortilla chips and cucumbers
    Tuesday: salad with roasted peppers, tomatoes, slivered almonds, and garlic shrimp
    Wednesday: TJs organic polenta and eggplant cutlets topped with salsa and a side salad
    Thursday: eggs with veggies soy cheese and avocado and side of carrots and hummus
    Friday: Leftovers from the week or veggie burgers since I leave for Chicago early Saturday

  34. Andrea on June 2, 2013 at 6:46 pm

    So pumped to start tomorrow! I think it’s really great that you do this – people pay lots of money for well-designed workouts like this, and you’re willing to share with all of us. It’s awesome!

    • Samantha on June 2, 2013 at 8:14 pm

      I totally agree. I feel beyond lucky to have this opportunity.

  35. Elena on June 2, 2013 at 7:34 pm

    Had a big TJs haul this morning! Excited to prep and cook for the week: carrot-orange juice, green juice at the end of the week with left-over vegees, protein fudge, perfect protein pancakes, ham and bean crock pot soup, chicken tacos, greek chicken salad, and GF turkey lasagna!

  36. Beth on June 2, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    This is going to be tough, since I am traveling and staying with a friend while I finish up work here in Houston. I am going to be sure to keep clean snacks with me at all times so I don’t feel tempted to pick up fast food! I might have to switch around the off and active recovery day but I will get all the work outs in!

  37. Samantha on June 2, 2013 at 8:13 pm

    I can’t be the only one that already tried the banana. 🙂

  38. Amie on June 2, 2013 at 8:40 pm

    Sunday prep:
    Steamed eggs
    Salad in a jar/homemade vinaigrette
    Breakfast cookies (baked)
    Chia bread

    Whoo hoo!! Ready for the week!!

  39. Lauren on June 2, 2013 at 8:43 pm

    Still meal planning but here’s what I have so far:

    Left over chicken & salad for a few lunches

    Dinner for Monday & Tuesday is fish & veggies

    I’m excited to get started.

  40. kristen on June 2, 2013 at 8:51 pm

    Have amazeballs and boiled eggs ready for the week. Also have lots of fruits and veggies!
    Tonight we had fish tacos. Some meals the rest of the week:
    Chicken sausage with red cabbage and green beans
    Venison nachos
    Pinto beans & cornbread with turnip greens

    And big salads for lunch!
    Clocked in a couple miles on the treadmill today and did some core work.

  41. Stacy on June 2, 2013 at 9:51 pm

    This looks challenging! I can’t wait to start tomorrow :)!

  42. Lauren on June 2, 2013 at 10:32 pm

    This SSU has come at the perfect time. My biggest dietary goal is to include 5 cups of veggies into my day. I seem to struggle with that (unlike fruits where I down a whole pint of blueberries in one sitting). Lunch tomorrow is the only thing planned so far: roast beef, veggie, guacamole wrap with a salad and Italian vinaigrette

    Breakfasts will be protein shakes, juices, kashi go lean and berries, Whole wheat English muffins and almond butter, AND LOTS OF EGGGSSSS!!!

    Lunches are usually sandwiches, salads, leftovers.

    Of course dinners tend to be Mexican themed. Quinoa, black beans, fajita veggies. Hot sauce. I’m really excited to try chicken crust pizza though. Cauliflower crust will be my next venture after that!

    Do we do 3 sets of the lunge, twist, lift? Or is it just one set of 15 each side

    • Fitnessista on June 2, 2013 at 11:36 pm

      one set of 15 each side 🙂

      • Lauren on June 3, 2013 at 3:07 pm

        Thank you!! 🙂

  43. mi-an dela cruz on June 2, 2013 at 10:40 pm

    Here’s what my meal plan for the week looks like:
    Monday: turkey meatballs, side of zuchini and baked sweet potato
    Tuesday: baked salmon, side of roasted cauliflower and brussel sprouts, acorn squash
    Wednesday: salad salad salad! lots of greens filled with veggies and grilled chicken, i make my own dressing (bragg’s liquid aminos, bragg’s raw apple cider vinegar, olive oil, mustard)
    Thursday: chicken meatballs, side of sauteed spinach and sweet potato
    Friday: leftover chicken meatballs over spaghetti squash…probably sauteed zucchini on top also and mushroom…

    • Fitnessista on June 2, 2013 at 11:36 pm

      what meatball recipe do you use??

  44. Laura H on June 3, 2013 at 12:30 am

    Ready to do this in the morning. Thank you so much for taking the time to plan this, I’m so excited! It looks pretty awesome!

  45. Angela Creamer on June 3, 2013 at 1:25 am

    Breakfast cookie ready and waiting for breakfast tomorrow! Weights and mat set out for workout #1.

  46. Tory on June 3, 2013 at 5:15 am

    I felt like a baby who hasn’t quite mastered rolling over doing the banana today. Good thing it was in the privacy of my own home!

  47. Zoe on June 3, 2013 at 6:32 am

    Just finished Workout 1 + HIIT! I definitely felt like I was working hard! 🙂 Excited to feel a little sore tomorrow!

  48. Kristen B. on June 3, 2013 at 6:36 am

    Finished Workout 1 & 20 mins HIIT on the elliptical. It was rough getting started with the squats, but kept going. I was a sweaty mess by the end 🙂

  49. LIz S. on June 3, 2013 at 8:03 am

    Quick question on the row/pushup combo…is it a row down into a pushup alternating or 12 rows then 12 pushups for one set?

    Really excited to try this!!

  50. Elyse @ fitness, food & engineering on June 3, 2013 at 8:28 am

    I prepped some lentil veggie burgers, Dreena Burton’s Goddess Garbonzos sandwich filling (mine will be on collard greens), a healthy zucchini loaf, protein bars, and green juice (phew!). Got all my groceries on Saturday and I am ready to Shape Up! Can’t wait to test out workout #1 tonight. It looks killer 😀

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