MMA Photo Shoot for ATTACK!

I recently had a video shoot in the windy city of Chicago for a new MMA DVD series called "ATTACK!", a Weider product. I filmed with two other models (Sideny Wilson and Scott McKendry), who are actual MMA fighters and trainers!! I relayed on their expertise along with the crews to make sure I was using proper technique while we were filming, with some experience in Mixed Martial Arts I caught on fairly quick. But that wasn't even half the battle!! The first day of filming we shot 4 DVD's back to back full of high intensity and high cardiovascular training. To say this was a challenge would be an understatement. The work outs consisted of resistant bands connected to either our hands or feet while preforming MMA exercises. Scott, Sidney and myself are all in top shape and workout for a living per se, but after hours of exercise we would drop to our knees in between takes in pure exhaustion while crew members brought us water and dabbed off our sweat! Luckily for our sore bodies day two of filming was much more relaxed and ended with a photo shoot for the packaging of the product. All in all it was a great experience that was a good test to my physical and mental toughness! ATTACK! is the real deal when it comes to getting the ultimate workout. You can get it when it hits Walmart shelves in September 2013!
-Heidi xo    

Behind the scenes of ATTACK!

Behind the scenes of ATTACK!

Behind the scenes of ATTACK!

Behind the scenes of ATTACK!

Behind the scenes of ATTACK!

Ab Circuit!

I have gotten a lot of questions about ab work outs, I love when people share their routines because its nice to see what works for others, so I thought I'd share my ab circuit today;

Heidi Carlsen - click to enlarge pic

*Barbell or wheel roll outs
*Weighted Russian twist
*Hanging knee raise
*Cable ball crunch

3-4 rounds, 15-20 reps, 60 sec rest between rounds. I like wheel roll outs first because you need your abs to be fresh because you don't want to arch your back. Also I use light weight for weighted russian twists, if you go too heavy it can thicken your waist. Typically I do abs 2-3 times a week. I hope this is helpful!


Happy Training! 
Heidi xo

Exercise of the Day!

Negative pull ups are one of my favorite upper body workouts. Start by jumping or climbing up into peak pull up position. Then begin lowering yourself slowly with control. When your arms are strait and your in hanging position climb back up and repeat. Try 4 sets of 4 reps. If you need more of a challenge add extra weight by holding a dumbbell between your feet before lowering yourself.
Heidi xo

Heidi Carlsen Fitness