Work it Out

Does anyone ever get into a workout rut? Do you ever lack motivation, get bored of the same old thing, or just get tired of not seeing any results? I think that there have been times that I have fallen into all three of these categories and have probably experienced them all at the same time too. I have good intentions every morning when I wake up to workout when I get home from work, but after I get home from a ten hour-work day, exercise is the last thing I want to do.

One thing that I have realized over time is that just because I don't visually see results, doesn't mean that they aren't happening. I may not be loosing inches or pounds, but I am being active and keeping my heart healthy. Another thing I have realized is that it doesn't matter how many times you do a workout video, you will never look like the person teaching the workout. Be realistic and love the body God gave you. Take care of what He has entrusted to you and you will feel better about yourself and have more energy.

I get teased at work because I am always coming in telling my co-workers about a new workout program I have found. For awhile my program was changing weekly. What I find out works the best for me is to not stick to one program but vary my workouts so that I don't get bored. I don't know about you, but I hate spending money on DVDs, workout equipment, and gym memberships without really knowing what I am getting into. I will provide some feedback from workouts that I have tried in case anyone is interested.

Total Body Cardio Workout Video

This DVD comes with 3 workouts. One is a 30 minute cardio/strength/yoga workout, one is a 45 minute cardio/strength/yoga workout, and one routine is dedicated to abs. There is no equipment required, but it is nice to have some hand weights during the strength portion of the video. I really enjoy this workout because it encompasses the entire body and burning as many calories as possible. The routines fly by because of the rotation from cardio, to strength, and to yoga.



Denise Austin Pilates Book
This book is great for teaching you the basic moves for pilates. The book provides total body pilates routines as well as special routines for lower body, upper body, and abs. The focus of pilates is to build up your strength, especially your core. There is no equipment required. I like to use this workout on nights that I have class. I can do a quick ab routine in 15 minutes right before I go to bed. It is so difficult fitting in exercise after working and going to school so on nights that I get home after 9, I focus on walking the dog and easier workouts, such as pilates.


Deck of Cards Workout

This workout was introduced by Jillian Michaels during one of the Biggest Loser episodes. My sister-in-law raved about it and so I attempted it for a couple of weeks. Without getting into too many details, each card represents a type of exercise and how many reps are to be performed. You draw a card and do the indicated exercise and reps and repeat until entire deck has been used. This is a great workout for traveling because all you need is a deck of cards, which is super easy to pack. The biggest downfall from this program is that the workouts can get extremely repetitive.



Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred

This is my absolute favorite workout DVD. There are 3 levels of routines that all kick your butt. Each level encompasses strength, cardio, and abs. The routines are approximately 20 minutes, but she sure makes you work to make up for the shorter workout. The workouts require hand weights and a mat if you are working out on a hard surface. If you ever decide to try this DVD, don't get discouraged if it takes a couple of weeks to work up to level 2. I have finally made it to level 3 and absolutely hate it. You know it is really working if you hate it.

Hot Bod in a Box by Jillian Michaels

Jillian Michaels provides different exercise cards that have 5 circuits on each exercise card as well as cards that describe how to properly perform each exercise. The box may not look very intimidating, but be very afraid. One exercise card takes me approximately 45 minutes to complete. At the end of the workout, I am exhausted and sweaty. Some of the workout cards are designated for gyms but the majority of them can be done in the comfort of your own home. Hand weights are definitely required. Some of the exercises require a balance ball or workout bench, but exercises can be easily adjusted to things that you already have at home. I don't have a workout bench so I use the stairs or a kitchen chair to complete the exercise. Overall, this is my favorite program because it is something that I can do while I watch a movie or a favorite TV show.

I am very interested in hearing reviews of other workout programs so please leave a comment if you have anything to share.