After having Owen last February, I couldn’t wait to get cleared by the doc to start exercising again. I had worked out my entire pregnancy, but quickly lost all of my cardiovascular endurance and little muscle I had, those eight weeks after delivery. When I finally got the go ahead, I quickly realized my exercise schedule would revolve around Owen’s schedule and it had to be flexible.
And sometimes, flexible, means working it out at home and busting out your inner Richard Simmons.
Okay, maybe not so much the Sweatin’ With the Oldies dvds, but a few that I actually do have and incorporate when I can’t get to the gym or get out for a run include:
The Windsor Pilates series. I was suckered in by their late-night infomercials back in college. Still love ’em. I really do feel more flexible and “long and lean” when I do them regularly. Videos range from 20 minutes to an hour, so when I’m cramped for time I do the quicker ones and still feel the burn.
My friend Traci lent me a few of the Turbo Jam dvd’s after I had Owen. It’s great if you like kickboxing. I didn’t get Chalean’s rockin’ bod from them, but I always got a good sweat on. There is a short all abs video that I still like to pop in when I need a good ab workout.
And of course, there is P90X-probably the most popular at home workout out there. I’ve never followed the program strictly- I don’t have the discipline for that- but a few of the routines are my go to’s when it’s an “at home workout” kind of day. The Core Synergistic and Plyometrics are both great full-body workouts and always get me sweaty and sore! The Ab Ripper X routine is probably the hardest ab workout I’ve ever attempted. I say attempted because I usually can’t get through the whole thing. It’s like an eight minute workout:)
What are some of your favorite at home workouts or dvd’s? I’m always up for new ideas.
I’ve heard great things about Kettlebell workouts that can be done at home, and I just learned about Yogadownload.com. If you are into Yoga, Teri at a Foodie Stays Fit is giving away a free one-month membership to yogadownload.com. Check it out here. I’m not much of yoga-er, but I really want to try the Yoga for Runners!
I love kickboxing! Don’t know if you got my email…but your post is up on my blog!
http://run-on-riot.blogspot.com/2011/01/friday-foodies-guest-post-style.html
I have a new love for home videos since having a baby too! I also got suckered into buying the whole The Firm series from a infomercial in college!
I also pick and choose from my p90x set. I like the cardio x video.
I also like Jillian Michaels No more Trouble zones. I kinda HATE Jillian and typically want to punch her in the face but if I have it on mute, it’s a good 50 minute strength circuit workout.
FYI: many libraries let you rent exercise videos for free. I like doing this because I don’t like wasting my money on a video I end uo not liking.
@ Jody- I forgot all about Jillian Michaels, I’ve heard her 30 min shred (something like that) is awesome too. I’m gonna check out the library too, thanks for the tip!
Jillian’s 30 day shred and No More Trouble Zones kick my butt every time. I’m amazed at how sore I am the next day. and I agree w/ Jody, I find myself saying naughty words to the TV ’cause I hurt SO bad. LOL.
Jillian’s 30 day shred and No More Trouble Zones kick my butt every time. I’m amazed at how sore I am the next day. and I agree w/ Jody, I find myself saying naughty words to the TV ’cause I hurt SO bad. LOL.
I LOVE Physique 57 (Kelly Ripa’s program) and Tracy Anderson (Gwyneth Paltrow’s trainer)! They are the best, and Tracy Anderson particularly focuses on long and lean muscles and NOT bulking!