My Workout

 

I usually prefer to hit the gym for my workouts, but I don't always have the time to go with my two kids and all.  Fortunately, I have a treadmill machine at home so that helps fit in my cardio at my convenience.  As for strength training exercises, I like to follow instruction by classes or DVDs.  I try to attend a class at the gym whenever I can, but usually my best bet is at home with a DVD. 

So, I've stocked up on some workout DVDs over time to accommodate my workouts at home.  I've grown to love some and dread others.  

My all time favorite cardio exercise is kick boxing.  I've never taken a kick boxing class and have only done it in the comfort of my own home.  I know I probably look really silly throwing jabs and punches and 'cowabunga' style jump kicks here and there, but it works!  I'm talking about Taebo!  I've been a huge fan of Taebo since the 90's when it first came out.  I love how the moves aren't too complicated, but at the same time challenging enough for you to get a great, sweaty workout!  It's also fun which I think is important to any exercise.  I tried a few Taebo DVDs and I can't say there is much of a difference between the variations that they offer.  In my opinion, you can't go wrong with any one.

One of my new favorite workout DVD is by Tracy Anderson, The Mat Workout DVD.  What sparked my interest in Tracy Anderson was her impressive clientele including Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jennifer Lopez.  I wanted to know their secret!  For quite some time I had been debating whether or not I should purchase her Metamorphosis workout dvd set.  I'm usually a little weary about buying complete sets because it seems like such a huge investment that I'm not sure is right for me.  Anyways, I decided to try her Mat Workout DVD to get a taste of what her workouts are like.  I've been doing it for several weeks and I really like it.  I might seriously consider her Metamorphosis set.  It's a different kind of workout than I've ever tried, but it works.  The arm exercises are KILLER.  Total killer.  I like that. 

Lastly, Jung Da Yeon's Figurerobics.  I stumbled upon this while searching for free workouts on Youtube.  It's not as challenging as the other DVDs that I own, but it is definitely a fun, low intensity workout that I like to do every now and then.  I can't figure out where to get my hands on her DVD set, but I'd love to own a copy. 

 

Lately, I've been really amping up my workouts.   I'm exercising longer, harder, and more consistently to see that muscle definition I have been striving for.  I workout about 5 times a week with a mix of DVDs, treadmill, gym, and strength training classes.  Beside the fact that I'm trying to achieve a certain body image, fitness has become more of a stress outlet for me.  Working out is usually the only hour or two I have to myself during the whole day.  It's quite necessary for my sanity.

 And, of course... diet, the most important element of getting fit.  There are a few changes I've made to my diet.  I can't commit to big changes.  I just set myself up for failure when I do.  So, I've made little adjustments that are reasonable and realistic for my lifestyle.  Few steps I have implemented are food journaling.  I write my daily intake and physical activity.  It is such a great tool.  I can't stress it enough.  Another is eating in moderation.  I can't simply cut out any particular food from my life.  I wish it were that easy.  Instead, I eat what I want but in small portions.  That way I don't set myself up for a binge fest. 

I wanted to track my transformation process by starting with a "before" picture of me in my undergarments, but soon realized I didn't want to reveal too much of myself so publicly.  So, scratch that idea, what the heck was I thinking....me in my undergarments?!  

Hopefully, I'll have an "after" picture available in time with a better choice of attire.

In the mean time, good luck with your new years resolutions!