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The BRAND NEW P90 - the "gateway to fitness"

9/15/2014

It's HERE - get the P90 Challenge Pack for $160 until November 3rd!

Have you ever done P90X??? It is hard!!! Have you ever tried P90X and failed?!?! YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Do you want to do P90X but you don't feel like you are at that fitness level just yet? Do you want a stepping stone to build a base level of fitness so that you can tackle something like P90X?

Well, Tony saw the need for a program that was the foundational skills to advancing to a more extreme workout and he created P90! He created it for people who want to be in the best shape of our lives, but need to start at the beginning and build core strength, stability and have correct form! It's about creating a safe and effective starting point for people to introduce fitness into their lives. It's also a great way for people to conquer their fears of strength training and working out.

Who would this program be perfect for?

You don't want a hardcore workout but you want to lose weight.
You want to get back some of the muscle tone you have lost over the years.
You want to just get out of bed in the morning without a backache.
If you are just someone who wants to be in good health, get regular exercise and feel strong then this could be the workout for you.

So what is this program all about?
It's not high intensity, its not pounding your joints. It's literally simple cardio, simple workouts, 25 minutes a day for 90 days to totally and completely transform your body and your life. It's more than just a workout, it comes with a simple nutrition guide that is going to help you clean up your daily food intake and focus on the right foods to fuel your body for health! The moves are modified right from day 1 so that everyone can do the workouts.

So when will it be available?
The expected release date is September 23rd, 2014 through a Team Beachbody coach which is ME!

Who should do P90?
I believe that if you want to change your body, you want to start creating a healthy exercise routine then this is going to be the best way to do it. Tony Horton is an amazing trainer with an entire team behind his workout philosophy that is tried, tested and true. I know he presents amazing fitness programs: P90X, P90X2 and P90X3 and there is nothing short of amazing results from them all!

I know for a fact that this is truly going to be a spectacular workout. There is something out there for everyone! Sometimes we just need a little motivation in order to make it happen!

How Do I Make Sure I Am THE FIRST TO GET IT?!?!
I want to make sure that this doesn't become another fitness program that you invest in that sits on your shelf and collects dust. I want to make sure that when you get the program in the mail, you bust it out, you make a plan and you SUCCEED! My job as a coach is to be your support system, to help you to decipher the meal plan and put a list of foods in place. CLICK HERE to sign up to get more information!

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FitYaf's 1 Year Blogiversary

6/20/2014

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Tomorrow marks the first day of summer, which is also my 1-year Blogiversary (check out my first blog post ever)! Although my blogging has been a little sporadic lately, I thought I'd update you all on how things are going over here at FitYaf! I first started this blog after running a "100 days till summer" Challenge Group. There were so many great things that came out of the challenge - I wanted a place to share it beyond my group.

What has my fitness been like lately?

When 2014 rolled around, I set myself some fitness goals for the year. I was very happy with everything I achieved in 2013, and was looking forward to what 2014 had in store. I also had some personal (non fitness related goals), and if you follow be on Instagram or Twitter, you might already know that my husband and I are expecting our first child in October of this year! While I planned to be (and to this day still am) very active throughout my whole pregnancy, I quickly decided that maybe this year was not the year for these goals. After talking to my doctor, I got the go ahead to continue exercising (and teaching fitness classes), but as far as pushing myself beyond my current fitness level - I just didn't feel comfortable doing that. I did manage to hit one of those goals about a week before I got pregnant, so I can check off "run a 5k in under 25 minutes".

Once I found out I was pregnant, I was a little scared to keep up with my workouts, specifically running. My running workouts were typically completed in the early hours of the morning, and while I was very lucky in the "morning sickness" department, I still didn't feel great in the mornings. At first I did try to keep up with my "1000 miles in 2014" goal, running 91 miles in January, 84 miles in February and 74 miles in March, but tracking the miles was putting a lot of pressure on me, so I decided to save this goal for 2015. As it turns out, at around 14 weeks, I developed some pelvic pain that has pretty much stopped all running for the time being. I was able to run the Philly Love Run in March, and although I didn't train to hit my "under 1 hour and 50 minutes" goal, I finished the race (came in at about 2 hours and 10 minutes) and felt AMAZING!

Not running has given me more time to try out other workouts, or spend more time doing the workouts I was already doing. I'm spending more time with Insanity (about 2 times/week) and Melissa Bender workouts (about once/week). I've also been able to continue teaching 3 classes/week (boot camp, Bodypump and step aerobics). Sometimes it takes a little extra creativity to motivate the class when my own energy is dragging, but I'm up for the challenge. I'm also BEYOND excited to start Chalene Johnson's BRAND NEW AT HOME PiYo workout program. I just ordered mine yesterday, and I think it's going to be a great way to add some variety to my fitness. PiYo is an amazing workout that previously was only available in select gyms, but now you can order your own at a HUGE discount (while supplies last). This program is a mix between Pilates and Yoga and helps build lean muscle! Think - fast hot yoga but with the air conditioning on and awesome music playing!

So for now, I'm still working out about 6 times/week and loving this whole pregnancy journey. I'm taking it day by day without any expectations. I'm trying my best not to worry about every workout or every pound gained, and I look forward to revisiting my 2014 goals next year!

What have I been blogging about?

Over the past year, my blog posts have covered topics from recipes to healthy habits to workouts and more! Below are my top 5 blog posts:

My readers come from all over the world, but here are the top 5 cities where people love FitYaf:

Philadelphia
New York
Chicago
Minneapolis
Los Angeles

And finally, here are the top 5 blog posts that people find through searching on Google:

What is coming in the future?

In the immediate future, I have two Challenge Groups starting soon: a Shaun T boot camp and a PiYo boot camp. You can email me if you have any questions or if you're interested in joining on of these.

I do have some exciting product reviews, giveaways and recipes, coming your way this summer, and I'm going to be posting some more Fitness Friday Workouts. I'm not signed up for any races, and I don't plan to race again until next year. I look forward to the second half of my pregnancy and of course meeting my baby fitness guru in October!

What do you want to see more of on FitYaf.com? Have you had experience working out through a pregnancy?

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FitYaf's Summer Fitness Challenge with Shaun T

6/5/2014

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With summer coming up and some AMAZING deals on Beachbody workout programs, I'm so excited to announce my upcoming Fitness Challenge Group, starting JUNE 23! This Challenge Group is specifically for anyone who wants to start a Shaun T fitness program or add Shaun T workouts to their current routine. If you already own one of Shaun's programs, you can dust that one off and use it, or if you're looking for something new, you can get a brand new program from Beachbody's June promotions or SUMMER SALE (this includes discounts on Insanity, Asylum, Hip Hop Abs and Rockin' Body).

FitYaf's Summer Fitness Challenge with Shaun T

How long is the fitness challenge?

The fitness challenge will last for 21 days, as it takes about this amount of time to form a new habit.

What will participating mean for me?

The challenge will take place in a private Facebook group, where you'll check in daily and post updates about your goals. You can participate by following one of Shaun T's exercise programs or incorporating some of his workouts into your own workout routine.

What will the workouts be like?

The workouts will be at your own pace - even if you're a beginner doing Insanity, you will approach each workout from you own fitness level. I will help anyone come up with modifications, such as low-impact options if necessary.

What sort of nutrition program will I be following?

This group will focus on cleaner eating - we will share recipes and tips for helping you meat your health and fitness goals. You will also have the chance to buy discounted Shakeology for the 21 days (purchase of Shakeology NOT necessary to participate).

How do I sign up?

You can email me with any questions or if you're interested in signing up, OR you can head on over to my Facebook page and send me a message there!

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Introducing PiYo: The Workout Your Body Needs

4/1/2014

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Q & A with Celebrity Trainer and Creator, Chalene Johnson

PiYo is NOW AVAILABLE! Follow THIS LINK for the base kit ($59.85) and THIS LINK for the Challenge Pack ($160)!

What makes celebrity trainer Chalene Johnson’s programs so effective? She answers common fitness needs by creating targeted, killer workouts.

That’s where PiYo® comes in. A few years ago, Chalene noticed people wanted a program that combined strength, flexibility and cardio. She developed and introduced PiYo to gyms around the world and now, for the first time on DVD, Beachbody is releasing this low impact workout with high intensity results to YOU.

Chalene shared with us why PiYo is the workout your body wants, what you should stop skipping during a sweat sesh and the music that powers her through a typical PiYo workout.

Why are you so excited to introduce PiYo?
PiYo is a proven program that has been so effective in gyms around the world. I’m super excited to bring it to DVD because it’s the program that will shape, strengthen and heal people’s bodies.

Sounds incredible. Who is the ideal PiYo customer, then?
PiYo is for anyone who wants a workout that will help them work on flexibility, cardio and strength—at the same time.

What are the main things you need to know about PiYo?
Studies show that a more flexible muscle has greater strength potential which leads to better results. The training you get during PiYo allows you to burn incredible amounts of calories that you wouldn’t in a static type workout.

What inspired you to create PiYo?
Whenever I create a fitness program I start with a need. I was doing yoga, but I still felt like I needed to stretch certain areas, do more cardio, and lift more weights. So, I started to think, “How can I get more flexible and develop strength and cardio?”

Did you develop PiYo in response to anything you struggled with personally in your own training?
Totally! I always found I would finish and feel like I didn’t really stretch certain areas. I felt so tight and I’m a fitness professional, it was embarrassing. So when I was developing PiYo I asked my students to show me the one muscle that was the tightest. When people did that I saw five different stretches. It made me realize the important of focusing on flexibility needs so my students could be better at running, etc. I wanted to make PiYo really functional and forget the traditional rules of stretching.

What types of results can people expect to see from PiYo?
My goal is to make everything easier for you. I want you to trust that you can use your own body weight to make yourself stronger. The transformation people will see is amazing.

For example, I have a letter from a lady who said, “Since I started PiYo six months ago, I have broken every single personal marathon pace and I’m astonishingly faster than I ever dreamed possible. I broke the four-hour mark for my marathon time and I know it’s because of Piyo. Plus, normally I’m spent for a week after a marathon, but the next day I felt great!

Would you say PiYo is accessible for all fitness levels?
Yes! PiYo is truly accessible for everyone from the brand spanking new, to the super tight, but super fit. We did some cool things with camera angles so it is very clear how to do each move.

You always have such good playlists. Do you have favorite songs for your PiYo workouts?
When I do PiYo I like moody, cool indie music. I love Marine and the Diamonds, Lady Gaga, even old school like Marvin Gaye – anything that gives me a sexy, cool, soulful mood. The music in PiYo is really important because if the right song is playing it tells you how to move and flow.

Do you have a favorite move or workout from PiYo?
It’s not a move or workout, but Beachbody granted me my wish. I had an idea to incorporate a piece of equipment that we don’t currently have in our catalog. I’m absolutely in love with it and all the workouts that feature this equipment are my favorite. It’s going to blow peoples’ minds and it’s killing me not to tell you what it is. But more details to come soon…

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MASH Up Conditioning review and a giveaway!

2/10/2014

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I was recently contacted by Jamie at MASH Up Conditioning to review one of their home-fitness DVDs. One of the things I love about home-fitness DVDs is their reliability. With all of the snow and ice we've been having in Philadelphia lately, I know that I can count on my home-fitness DVDs! I couldn't wait to try this one out!

From Jamie:
My business partner and I are two moms on a mission to help others achieve optimal wellness in less time. We produce fitness DVDs and certify instructors to teach our group training format. Our workouts are based on the science of high intensity intervals which are 5-6 times as effective as steady state exercise. Our format combines Mind/Body, Agility & Strength, and High Intensity Intervals and are designed for 3 different fitness levels for safety and so that everyone can benefit.

The DVD I was sent was the Tempo DVD, which consists of 7 15-minute workout, split up into three sections:

Agility and strength (5 minutes)
High intensity interval training, or HIIT (5 minutes)
Mind, body and core (5 minutes)

I did both the T1 and T2 workouts back to back for a 30-minute workout. Each move had a beginner, intermediate and advanced version so that anyone of any fitness level could complete the workout and stay challenged. The DVD started out by saying that you don't NEED dumbbells for the strength moves, but if you're an seasoned exerciser, you're going to want them for the extra challenge (anything between 5lbs and 10lbs should be enough).

The thing I like about these workouts is that you can custom design your workout to fit your schedule and your training plan. If you're pressed for time, you can do a 15-minute workout, or if you want to hit it hard, you can combine 4 workouts for a 60-minute workout. The moves in the workout were unique, and great for cross training or adding variety to your workout. There is even a free eating and exercise guide that comes with the DVD!

HIGHLIGHTS

all fitness levels are shown for every exercise
includes yoga/pilates, strength training, and high intensity intervals all in the same workout
includes an eating and exercise guide
the workouts are supported by Dr. Mercola (world-renowned natural health physician)
the DVDs are great if you're short on time

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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21 Reasons to Try The 21 Day Fix™

2/3/2014

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21 Day Fix Challenge Pack is on sale for the month of September 2014 - don't miss out on this great deal!

Need a reason to try Beachbody’s 21 Day Fix™? How about 21 reasons? Using simple portion control and effective 30-minute workouts, The 21 Day Fix is designed for real people trying to lead a healthy lifestyle in the real world. Read on to learn why you don’t want to miss out on Beachbody’s newest program! And when you're convinced, sign up for February's Challenge group!!

21 Day Fix is the first Beachbody program to place equal emphasis on nutrition and exercise. It’s simple. It’s straightforward. And it was created with two main goals in mind: to help you lose weight and get fit—fast.

It that doesn’t hook you, we have 21 more reasons to love the newest addition to the Beachbody family:

1. Rapid Results in just three weeks - Who says you have to bust your butt all spring to get a bathing-suit-ready body? 21 Day Fix is designed to help you lose up to 15 pounds in just 21 days. Slim down and tone up in under a month!

2. No room for nonsense – The most simplistic Beachbody program ever, 21 Day Fix is designed for actual people who don’t have time for complicated food math, or lengthy exercise regimens. Using portion control and effective 30-minute workouts, this program is easy to get on and stay on—even after your 21 days!

3. Shakeology’s new best friend- Already a Shakeology lover? You don’t have to miss out on your daily dose of dense nutrition with this program. It’s integrated right into the meal plan!

4. Give calorie counting the boot – Say goodbye to the labors of counting calories. Complete with seven food-storage containers specifically designed to measure correct food portions, this program let’s you ditch the calculator so you can spend more time enjoying your food!

5. Save BIG on the Challenge Pack Promotion – Save $20 off your Challenge Pack when you buy in February. Our Challenge Pack is reduced from $160 to $140 and makes a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for yourself and your loved ones!

6. Eat what you want - Lose weight by eating the right serving sizes—not by eliminating your favorite foods. Finally, a fitness program where you can have your wine and chocolate, and eat it, too!

7. FREE shipping for the month of February (Base Kit) – Need we say more? Rescue your waistline and your pocketbook by taking advantage of this limited-time, free-shipping offer.

8. Easy-to-follow workouts – Fitness trainer Autumn Calabrese’s 30-minute, total-body workouts have no complicated dances moves or choreography, so people at any fitness level can start the program and wind up a workout champion!

9. Modification for every move - Autumn’s workouts are designed to get your body moving while keeping you injury free. Whether you’re ready to push harder or need a modification, she provides the option you need so you get the workout you want.

10. No complicated recipes or weird food ingredients – 21 Day Fix is designed to help you make smarter choices about real food—none of that funky stuff you have to buy at a health food store. By eating your food in a smart way, you’ll set the routine for healthy eating habits that are sustainable for life.

11. A trainer you can relate to - A single mom, Autumn understands that real people don’t have time for complicated fitness and diet regimens. Workout with a trainer who understands what will work out for you.

12. All of these testimonials are amazing reasons: Chelsea O. – Lost 10 lbs. & 14 “Finishing the Fix, I don’t think I have ever felt this healthy, this strong, this accomplished in my entire life. I’m going to look my best on my wedding day and that is the biggest gift I could have ever received.”

13. Neil B. – Lost 11 lbs. & 9″ “I went from 168 to 157. To be able to do that in 21 days was amazing. I feel light. I feel fresh. I feel renewed. The 21 Day Fix, it’s my new secret weapon.”

14. Mary C. – Lost 64 lbs. & 57” “The way I look and the energy I have is just fantastic. I feel like I’m at least 20 years younger. It’s never too late to lose the weight. 21 Day Fix has definitely changed my life.”

15. Deon C – Lost 111 lbs. & 58” “After completing the 21 Day Fix and achieving my results, I will continue to do the 21 Day Fix for as long as I live. I’m not stopping. It changed my life. It saved my life.”

16. Beachbody Co-founder and CEO, Carl Daikeler, even got amazing results! – Lost 12 lbs. “I was blown away at my 12-lb. weight loss and visible transformation in 21 days!”

17. Restaurant guide included – There’s no need to give up your social life in the name of weight loss. Using the 21 Day Fix Restaurant Guide, you’ll learn how to make smart choices while dining out with friends and family.

18. 21 days to a free t-shirt – Enter The Beachbody Challenge to get a free t-shirt and a chance to win up to $100,000! A shot at big money prizes and an ability to wear your hard-earned effort (literally) on your sleeve? Don’t pass this opportunity up.

19. Containers are perfect for meals on-the-go – Don’t let travel get in the way of your healthy eating. Your seven, perfectly portioned food containers are BPA free, DEHP free, top-rack dishwasher safe, and microwaveable, making them perfect to take to work or on your next vacation.

20. Keep cooking for your family – Unlike other diet plans that have you eating pre- packaged meals or unpalatable dishes, 21 Day Fix let’s you eat real food, including the recipes you cook for your family. As long as your portions fit in your containers, you can still enjoy chowing down with the people you love.

21. Stay on track with the post-FIX maintenance guide – The hardest part about getting fit is staying fit. With the 21 Day Fix maintenance guide, you’ll be able to keep those hard earned results long after bathing suit season is over.

Need more details about the program and the February Challenge Pack offer? E-mail me or comment below!

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The 21 Day Fix

1/20/2014

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21 Day Fix Challenge Pack is on sale for the month of September 2014 - don't miss out on this great deal!

Now there's a program that makes losing weight so simple and easy to follow, you'll never have to diet again! Introducing 21 Day Fix, the latest breakthrough from Beachbody®.

What is 21 Day Fix?

The 21 Day Fix program takes the guesswork out of weight loss. It's a unique portion-control system combined with easy-to-follow workouts that fit into anyone's busy schedule. Trainer Autumn Calabrese shares her passion for food and fitness as she shows you how to make simple choices that add up to life-changing results.

Who is Autumn Calabrese?

Autumn Calabrese is a celebrity fitness trainer and national-level bikini competitor. A rising star in the fitness community, she's made a name for herself by helping people lose weight and get fit through simple portion control and consistent exercise.

Autumn holds personal training certificates from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA). Her supportive, motivating style has made her a highly sought-after expert among celebrities and the fitness industry.

Building on a foundation of good food choices and exercise habits, Autumn empowers her clients to reach their goals in a healthy, sustainable way. In addition to her celebrity clientele, Autumn is the fitness specialist for ModernMom.com. Her workouts have been featured in C magazine, LA Parent, The Palisadian-Post, and Daily Candy, and on TV shows like Home & Family. With a passionate, entrepreneurial spirit, Autumn is the perfect addition to the Beachbody family of trainers.

The 21 Day FIX Program that focuses on a 21 day Nutrition meal plan to follow with PORTION CONTROL TOOLS to get it right, it also includes a awesome 30 minute cross training exercise program. The 21 Day Fix comes out THIS FEBRUARY! E-mail me or comment below to get on the mailing list for more information!

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Death by Burpees and a partnership with FitMAPPED

12/13/2013

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Last weekend, I only had a little bit of time before I had to get ready for a wedding. I was debating on weather or not to squeeze in a workout, when my husband suggested we do the CrossFit "Death by Burpees" workout.

Death by burpees? Sounds awful. Also, it sounded like exactly what I wanted to do!

Death by burpees

With a continuously running clock:

1st minute - 1 burpee
2nd minute - 2 burpees
3rd minute - 3 burpees

Continue as long as you are able!

Don't be deceived by the first few (easier) minutes - as the minutes go by, you have more burpees to do and less recovery time. I was able to get through the 11th minute with a few seconds to spare. I probably could have kept going at least one more minute, but it was time to start getting ready (and I was spent)! Take the FitYaf challenge - start with pushup burpees and when you can't continue with them, switch to regular burpees!

My partnership with FitMapped

I'm also SUPER excited to announce my new partnership with FitMAPPED. FiTMAPPED is a comprehensive, fully searchable directory of fitness studios and gyms in NYC and Los Angeles, and it's coming to Philly! I'm so excited to be involved with such a great community - check out my first blog post!

Be sure to follow FitMAPPED if you live in NYC, LA, Boston, Chicago or Philly (and check back as we add new cities):

Also, don't forget you can enter to win my Shakeology Shake-Up package once/day!

How many round of burpees could you do?

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Fitness Friday Elf4Health Buddy Workout

12/6/2013

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If you've been following me on Instagram, you may have noticed a new hashtag I'm using - #elf4health. This hashtag is part of a four week challenge that is running from the Monday Nov 25- Sunday Dec 22, 2013. There are daily tasks, daily winners, prizes, weekly newsletters, and a Facebook group for support - pretty awesome, right? The challenge is split up into 2 week sessions, so if you haven't joined yet, it's not too late to join for the second half! Yesterday's challenge was to workout with a buddy, which isn't much of a challenge for me, since I teach group fitness classes. I'm ALWAYS working out with buddies! Some of the elves who couldn't find a workout buddy participated in a virtual buddy workout, where they were all doing the same workout at home. The workout looked awesome, I can't wait to try, and now you can too! Check it out below!

Check out my awesome workout buddies from last night!

Grab a buddy and start counting! See how many rounds you can do!

Elf4Health Buddy Workout

10 pushups

30 mountain climbers

20 burpees

40 jump squats

50 second plank

How many rounds did you do? How long did it take?

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FitYaf's Post-Thanksgiving Fitness Friday Workout

11/28/2013

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I hope everyone had a wonderful time spent with family and friends yesterday. Maybe you're shopping today, or maybe you're just lounging around, staying warm. Whatever you're doing today, I hope it's not stressing about the overeating yesterday - it's time to hit reset today! I can't think of a better way to do that than this post-Thanksgiving Fitness Friday Workout. Find what you ate yesterday and complete the exercise for each SERVING you had of each dish. Can't find what you ate? Just do the whole workout - I'm sure you'll feel better when you're done!

Notes about this workout:

Some of the moves in this workout are high-impact. Please feel free to modify the workout to make them low-impact if necessary.
Rest in between sets if needed, but no more than 1 minute!

Turkey - 20 minute run or 30 minute walk PER SERVING

Take these 20-30 minutes and give it your all. Challenge yourself with intervals if you wish, but I want you to work up a sweat and make this a great run. If you're walking on a treadmill, ramp up the incline!

Sweet Potato Casserole - 4 minute jump squat tabata

A tabata workout alternates periods of work with period of rest. When you're doing the 20 seconds of jump squats - give it everything you have, then enjoy your 10 seconds of rest.