Coppertone, floaties, kool-aid, the smell of wet cement, goggle marks, a wet swimsuit under dry clothes…
There are certain things that take me right back to the carefree days of summer. And of all the sweet summer memories nothing gets me quite like the sound of the ice cream truck and an ice-cold popsicle on a warm summer night.
Gone are the days of sugar and food coloring but popsicles are here to stay. I’ve created 3 fresh, healthy popsicle recipes that are a perfect way to cool down on a hot day. Your kids will love them and you’ll feel good sneaking in extra nutrients into their diet. It’s a win-win.
Blueberry-Honey
1/2 cup blueberries
3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or coconut milk)
2 teaspoons raw honey
1 ice cube
Salted Chocolate Peanut Butter
1 large banana
1 1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or coconut milk)
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon raw honey
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
dash of sea salt (I use Pink Himalayan)
Tropical Strawberry-Mango
2/3 cup mango
1 cup strawberries
1 banana
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or coconut milk)
1.5 teaspoon raw honey
All 3 of these recipes are dairy-free but would still taste great with a bit of yogurt if that’s your style. Of course any popsicle mold will do, but here is a good one.
The directions are simple: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour ingredients into a popsicle mold and freeze until solid. Each recipe will make about 4 small popsicles. Feel free to adjust based on the size of your mold.
Tip: when ready to eat, hold popsicle mold under warm running water for 10 seconds for easy removal.
And if a beach booty workout doesn’t go perfectly with a popsicle I don’t know what does.
Today’s workout will tone, strengthen and lift your derriere. I’ve zeroed in on what I call the “butthigh.” That lovely area where the butt meets the thigh. If you don’t know what I’m talking about then consider yourself lucky. 🙂
Enjoy!
Today’s Check-In: Show me your workout space!
It doesn’t need to be fancy. It’s just fun to see where we’re all getting it done. 🙂
xo,
PS – you may also enjoy this blueberry-mango smoothie and peanut butter + banana soft serve.
WEARING:
Stripe Fast Track Tank (similar)
Double Dare Bra in Coral Sunset
Splits Revelation Capri (similar)
disclaimer: these videos were created for individuals in good health. Robin recommends that you speak with your doctor prior to beginning a new exercise routine. By doing this video you do so at your own risk and agree to release Robin Long and The Balanced Life of any and all liability. Clothing generously provided by Athleta.
48 thoughts on “Pilates Summer Series: Day #9 + Healthy Popsicle Recipes”
Done! That last set of exercises with the feet together was tough – I started off thinking they were easy but quickly changed my mind!
They have a way of sneaking up on you don’t they? Nice job!
Another awesome workout! Thanks, Robin!
You are welcome!
Delicious popsicle recipes! Fun treat.
Love the bridging and clamshell moves especially, in today’s workout!
Glad to hear that. And the popsicles are a great way to satisfy the summer sweet tooth. Hope you enjoy!
Great work out today! “Are you feeling the burn?” YES!
Haha, thank you for answering me! 🙂
Those clamshells get me every time, but in a good way
Hurts so good. 🙂
Thanks! I did this workout at my gym after Nia class. You’re so portable Robin. I love that about this program.
Oh I love that! Glad I was able to accompany you to the gym 🙂
I love how these exercises target such a specific area/muscle group! It’s amazing the little muscles that go unused for me, even as a runner. Thanks for another great workout. 🙂
It’s true! I’m a runner too and so we need Pilates to work some of the smaller, accessory muscles that don’t get used enough in running. Great to keep us healthy and prevent injury. 🙂
It’s kinda amazing how much stronger my legs and bottom half is compared to my top half, but i’m super motivated to get both halves of my body up to the same speed. These have been such great exercises, and I already feel myself getting stronger and I can see some improvement from when I started the series. Exciting!
Interesting to find those things out about your body isn’t it? So glad you’re already feeling stronger! Keep it up!
Love these videos. Short and sweet. It’s great to feel the burn and feel like I really got a workout after just 5-10 minutes. Thank you!!
My pleasure Rebeca!
Loved this workout!
Happy to hear that. Feel free to come back and do it again!:)
I caught up on yesterday’s arm workout and then did today’s. My upper body strength needs a lot of work! But I think this workout might have been my favorite. Challenging but mostly doable and boy did I feel the burn! #PilatesSummerSeries
Oh good! I’m glad you liked it. I love hearing what you think 🙂
Butthigh! Hahaha; love it!
🙂
Woo Hoo I could do this one with no modification, stronger legs but weak upper body. Really enjoyed it and love the background.
Never tried coconut milk so that is something for me to test out Thank you
That’s awesome! Yes, coconut milk will make a creamier popsicle than almond milk so it’s all a matter of personal preference. 🙂
Enjoying these workouts every day! I love that they are short but effective!!
Happy to hear that Linda. So glad you’re still with me!
I’m excited to try these popsicles! I went dairy-free several months ago because of my eczema and it’s strange to think about not having any cool treats this summer. Problem solved!
I have been dairy free for about 9 months now so I know the path well! I’m glad you’re doing better and these will be good for you and your diet. 🙂
Loved it
Completed today’s workout! Question – is it all right to let your head rest on your arm (as opposed to propping it up) for the clamshells?
worried as this is not my comment but comes up with my e-mail contact
Hi Anne! The comment above you isn’t yours? Don’t worry, no on can see your email address except me…:)
Absolutely!
After a morning run…didn’t realize how tired my butthighs were 😉
1st workout today. Thumbs up!!
Yay! Nice job!
I loved this workout! My 9yo son did it with me today, and we also did yesterday’s arm workout again! #PilatesSummerSeries
You are a great example to him! He is lucky to have you. Keep up the good work. 🙂
Will these workouts be available to do after these two weeks are finished? I’m having such a good time, and they are short enough my kids will join in, as well!
Yes, the will! Love that your kids are joining in too. 🙂
Loved this beach booty workout! Such a refreshing and unique sequence of exercises!
My 8 month old baby girl was a good helper!
Aw, that’s so sweet! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I look forward to these everyday workouts! They are awesome!
enjoying all the workouts, but so far this has been my favorite 🙂
I hope I am doing these correctly. I felt the burn mostly in my hips on that last set. Since beginning this series I have had such releif in my hips and back from the daily chronic pain from sciatic nerve and bursitis issues. I am amazed and am enjoying the break from the constant pain I have dealth with for the past few years. Thank you, Robin. You have made a difference in my life!
Felt awesome! Am catching up after distractions over the men day wkend: did #8 this morn, #9 tonight, etc then I might start the series all over again 🙂 thank you thank you thank you, Robin!!!