How did I just know this topic would be the most popular? Let’s catch up.
I started running, debated over shorts and shoes, completed the C25K program and kept it up for months. Unfortunately, my pesky right ankle would have nothing to do with my running plans. Add in cold winter mornings, a huge dose of laziness, and well, here I am after a stagnant winter and spring.
(My ankle feels great, though. Thanks for asking.)
During the past couple of months, I’ve been taking a Pilates class at my local community center, but my teacher has been less than stellar. It seems she would rather talk about Neti Pots and male Kegel muscles (did you know men can do Kegels too? No? Well, let me tell you about it again and again! And AGAIN.) than focus on the exercises. Plus, once a week is fun, but it’s pretty hard to see results at that rate.
Keep in mind I stay home with Wito, so day classes are out and I’m not really interested in a stinky gym with childcare. However, the motivation is there.
After seeing this post a year ago and this recent one, I decided I just HAD to buy this exercise DVD. (How could I not? DID YOU SEE LINDA’S ARMS? Good God.)
I found a gently used copy on Amazon, and it doesn’t disappoint, considering I am not the cardio-bouncy-dancing type. I don’t find Chalene, the instructor, to be annoying and the routine is challenging yet attainable. Oh, and it will make you sweat. I do this workout at 6 in the morning, before I can give myself the chance to make excuses. Plus, Wito is still sleeping so I don’t need to worry about delivering an accidental roundhouse kick to his noggin.
Earlier this year, I also bought this Pilates DVD (to supplement my Neti Kegel Class) and it rocks. It’s absolutely amazing how controlled movements can make such quick improvement to your body. The DVD has two different sections – one for beginners needing position modification and one for advanced beginners. Within each section is a full workout, plus tons of individual 10-20 minute segments (if you don’t have time for the full workout). I usually do the 30-minute full workout during Wito’s nap.
Combining these two workouts is awesome because you are working your body in completely different ways. Turbo Kick and Jam is more of a cardiovascular workout with quick muscle movements, while Pilates is completely controlled with very little movement. (Honestly, I was shocked at how sore I was after my first Pilates class. It burns, baby.) The combination of the two has really made a difference already. I highly recommend it.
(Plus, no gyms! Just you and the DVD player.)
So, my new exercise plan consists of this:
Turbo Kick and Jam – 2x/week
Pilates – 2x/week
And the kicker. My pinch hitter and seriously the best part of my workouts. The Wii Fit.
DUDE.
(You’ll have to wait to hear about that one until Friday, when I review it over at ParentDish. See photos of me in exercise pants, unsuccessfully trying to master yoga! BONUS.)
As for running, I do miss it and hope to sporadically add some runs into my regimen. (Although, let’s be serious. I have a drawer filled with 4,000 running-related items and it mocks me EVERY DAMN DAY. I have to run, if not for that reason alone.)
There you go! My new and improved kick ass workout plan!
Questions? Any other DVDs I should know about for the future? What’s YOUR workout plan this summer? Do tell.
Jummy
June 18, 2008 at 8:06 amI found Linda’s post motivating too but sadly I didn’t really act on it. Perhaps the combined power of whoorl and Linda will work.
Waking up early to workout just plain makes sense—you get it out of the way for the day and don’t have to worry about trying to fit it in later. I just don’t know how to drag myself out of bed…got any tips for that?
Seriously, don’t think about it. Put your workout clothes and shoes by your bed the night before, wake up, roll over, put the clothes on, walk to the television, turn on the DVD and go. Do not allow yourself to think of ANYTHING during the process. ;)
Angella
June 18, 2008 at 8:15 amI have the original Tae Bo video. Billy Blanks in a unitard is disturbing, yes, but the workout is crazy.
I have been in a boot camp that is almost over, and have started pulling out my other DVD’s. Cardio Boot Camp is one, and ten-minute-toning is another.
I’m going to stay in shape if it kills me. And it just might.
Pam
June 18, 2008 at 8:20 amLinda motivated me into buying the Turbo Jam DVD as well. It really does kick ass!
My ultimate plan is to do that twice a week and then run on the elliptical twice a week. However, last week I ended up doing about 4 days on the elliptical and no DVDs. This week has kicked my ass and I’ve done nothing.
So, motivation and regularity seem to be unattainable at times. But, I try not to make myself feel too bad about it. Guilt is not a motivator for me.
Valerie
June 18, 2008 at 8:31 amI have that DVD, and I totally blogged about it, too.
amy
June 18, 2008 at 8:32 amI cannot wait to read the Wii Fit post! I have got to get one!
My weekly workouts: Monday-weights with trainer, Tuesday-run outside after work or spin class at noon, Wednesday-power yoga, Thursday-run outside after work or spin class at noon, Friday-weights with trainer.
I stick to this…exclusively. Week after week. I am very motivated by guilt. I wish i did it…”just to feel good.” Sadly…not the case. I must admit i hate every minute of my workouts. But thank myself over and over once they are over.
If for some reason i miss during the week…I make myself run on the weekends. I cannot stand the sight of a gym more than i have to…not to mention the smell, the meatheads, etc. etc. so those turbo kick jam, pilates dvds you speak of are appealing to me…if i had more room in my apt. to actually accomplish a round house kick.
glad you got motivated…
a madhouse wife
June 18, 2008 at 8:40 amI am actually doing the C25K program this summer, which YOU inspired me to do. Tell me it can all work out! I keep thinking though, that as soon as I master it (2 1/2 weeks left) I’m SO done with it. Running is just not my thing.
But then again, I just bought a new pair of shoes.
What to do…what to do…
Do it! Do it! If you don’t have a bum ankle like me, don’t stop. I loved running!
rosalicious
June 18, 2008 at 8:43 amMonday – a cardio/weights class at gym
Tuesday – vinyasa yoga class
Wednesday – 3 mile run
Thursday – core/balance/weights class at gym
Friday – 6 am class so I am free for happy hour :)
Saturday/Sunday- whatever the hell I want!
Looking at that schedule you’d think I was some kind of fitness buff….alas, NO.
LVGurl
June 18, 2008 at 8:43 amSummer workouts are composed of six-day-a-week tri workouts at 5am. Two days swimming, two days biking, two days running. I have to go that early because a) it’s hotter than hades after 7am, and b) husband needs to leave for work by 8am. So far, it’s all going well!
Good luck with your program! :)
Heather B.
June 18, 2008 at 8:47 amUm, I run. A lot. Well it’s not really running as opposed to looking like an injured fawn trying to find its mama but it is what it is.
Also, I would really like Linda’s arms so perhaps the next stop is me, the DVD player and an excercise video.
Kristen
June 18, 2008 at 8:51 amLike I told Tracey (sweetney) the other day, Linda should be getting a cut of turbo jam sales. I drank the turbo jam kool aid after that post too!
I try to do it 5x week, switching between Punch, Kick and Jam, Fat Blaster, Cardio Party and Turbo Sculpt.
I also do Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. That’s a 20 minute work out that will kick your ass!
Linsley
June 18, 2008 at 8:53 amI totally bought the dvd too, after reading Linda’s post. I also do the Inhale yoga series that is on the Oxygen channel.
So my routine is a mix up of walking the dogs, yoga, turbo jam, Slim in 6 dvd’s and pilates. How’s that for mixing it up!
ali
June 18, 2008 at 8:53 ami’m a huge fan of winsor pilates. they are simple and don’t take long…but holy cow…my ass? AMAZING.
Emily
June 18, 2008 at 9:33 amAfter I’m done birthing this child and am all fat and happy and have thighs made completely out of ice cream, I am buying the Turbo Jam DVD. It was so easy when Asher was a baby to just pop him in the stroller and do three miles of hills in the neighborhood, but I suspect that won’t be as easy with two. (Although if I could push 40 pounds of baby plus 40 pounds of stroller up some hills, I bet I would look like… well, I don’t know who I’d look like, but I bet I would look HOT.)
Awesome plan, I think. Also, running is great, but don’t you think it’s one of those things you do best when you really FEEL like running? I personally only REALLY want to run if its a beautiful day or if I stuffed myself with pizza for two nights in a row. That’s when it’s worth it to me.
slynnro
June 18, 2008 at 9:47 amI am big fan of the “Of Steel” series. And I just posted cringeworthy pictures of myself doing my thigh toning routine. Embarassing. But I’m already getting emails of praise from those who have tried my workout!
martymankins
June 18, 2008 at 9:50 amYour plan sounds great. I think I need to find a Wii and get WiiFit, since I have a 3 yr membership to Bally’s and never go (why is that so common?)
Running is one of the best things for any exercise plan, since the cardio and weight toning benefits are so good for anyone.
I’ve never done pilates, but the gym has several classes available. I’d have to do a trial run before investing in any DVD program.