Sunday, July 19, 2009

There's No Place Like HOME!!

I have to say, getting all the positive comments regarding people WANTING to get back out there and workout--baby weight or just to be healthier--has gotten me so excited!!! Several people have mentioned not being able to afford the gym, or having the time it takes to actually get there. Some people also just flat out hate going to the gym. I have a few suggestions for some home workouts and alternatives to the gym that that are great! Check them out and see what you think. There are a few drawbacks to home workouts. One being cost. I know some of these may seem pricey. You sort of have to weigh how often you will use them and consider it an investment. Secondly, boredom. That can happen at the gym as well. I always think it is better to find a couple or several workouts that you like and alternate them.

1. Turbo Fan -this is super cool. These are the routines I teach in my Turbo Kick class!! Chalene just starting offering this to the public to own at home. The routines are so fun! Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced

2. Turbo Jam- another Chalene masterpiece (see why I was psyched when she commented)! I think this package is da bomb because you get several different types of workouts for the maximun results and it also prevents the boredom factor! This series is also a version of Turbo Kick so if it isn't offered at your gym, you can get a little taste of all the action! Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced

3. P90X- this is pretty advanced. Think heavier weights. Lots of toning. Anyone I have ever talked to who does this loves it. My ironman/marathoner neighbor loves it. Intermediate/Advanced

4. ChaLean Extreme- I promise I am not a commercial for Chalene, but this is another one of her genius workouts! It is sculpting/toning using heavy weights with smaller reps. Muscle burning fat. Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced

5. Baby Boot Camp or Stroller Strides- This is actually a class. Super class if you have a tot! Classes are generally held at outdoor parks, so weather is an issue sometimes. Also, you have to have a stroller. What I like about it is that it is a network of mommy friends with a shared goal--to make friends, have fun and slim down! I would say this work out is beginner/intermediate. You can intensify it, but if you are pretty advanced physically, you may want something more challenging.

6. Stroller-sometimes you just need to get outside with jogger. Honestly, it does not have to be a fancy one. You can accomplish what you need with a less pricey one. However, just like most things out there, the more you spend, the more bells and whistles. I love the BOB because it is lightweight. However, if you are not going to use one all the time, it is probably not worth the dough.

-$ or $$$

7. Your legs and feet (this one is free)-Good ol' walking or running. Simplicity. You can do it pretty much anywhere. Does require a good pair of shoes. Maybe also some great tunage on the ol' ipod or if you kick old school, the headsets! The key to these are starting at your level and working up. If you walk, you need intervals and speed increments. I wish I could sit here and tell you a brisk walk would shed the pounds, but you really do need some intensity if you are a walker wanting to lose weight. Unless, that is, you are someone who has been totally sedentary for a long time. In this case, a brisk walk is a good place to start! It's all about heart rate!

Hope some of you find these helpful!! I would looooove to hear if you all try any of these and what has worked for you. If anyone else has any suggestions, do comment (POLITELY please ;) )! I think I want to start some sort of blog about fitness, but not sure what I want to do?!?! hmmmm...
xoxo

11 comments:

Alison said...

So glad you posted this, Nicki! I need to mix up my routine, so I may need to try some of those DVDs. I also recommend having a great stroller, and you truly should get some kind of commission on those BOBs.;) I would love a fitness blog! Get it started!

Charla (SHar-la) said...

I know you have ended the discussion, but I haven't been on here in a couple of days to write this, so I just HAD to do so...AND, I wrote it in one of the below posts, initially, but I was afraid you wouldn't see it, so I copied and pasted and republished it here...hee hee!!!



Hey Nic!!

I read your original post and then the "anonymous comment" and your response. Then, I wasn't on the blog for a couple of days and I come back to an EXPLOSION of opinions! Well, not one to be left out (lol), I had to share my own. When I saw the pic of your 115 ell-bees, I had a few responses...1.) made me start planning how I was going to start working out again...2.) made me start thinking about how I need to be in the BEST shape possible BEFORE I get preggers as it will be much easier to lose it afterwards...3.) You MUST be a smurf (j/k, but I already knew from your other pics you were a tiny little thang!),.

And also, I find that people who are very insecure with both themselves and don't know themselves as a child of God, are the first to criticize. For some it is easier to be jealous and hateful, than to be truly happy for others.

God has called you to be an inspiration to others. this is one of His gifts to you. He wouldn't give you a desire and passion, if He didn't want you to use it to glorify Him!

If people who do not know you, choose to assume your intent was negative, that's their problem!

You have an awesome hubby, two fabulous kiddos, and a Father who loves you SOOO much...plus some bloggy friends who think you're pretty cool, too!

Keep that chin up and don't give this nonsense another thought! YOu know who you are!!!

Love ya, girl!

Page said...

I'll put my two cents in and add that I got the 10 minute trainer (also by the guy who did P90X) and LOVED it. Obviously, I can't do it right now since I'm preggo, but it is several 10 minute DVDs and the point is to do three in a row with a warm up and cool down of two minutes before and after. When all is said and done you get about a 45 minute workout and you get to mix them up each time. They use resistance bands and that's it. And each 10 minutes is a HARD workout (really great for beginners, I think) especially the abs. I never was able to complete that whole video!! That's a goal!

P.S. I think it would be a GREAT idea to start a fitness blog, if you'd like. I will definitely need the motivation when I am cleared to workout again after Brayton is born. Question: When did you start exercising after your kiddos were born?? Did you have to wait six weeks?

Tiffany said...

Hey Nic! Wow...a few days out of the blog world and I am apparently waaay behind! Just wanted to say that while laying in bed days before I was to be induced I came across an infomercial for Turbo Jam and was immediately hooked. It was the first time I have ever bought anything off television. I finally got around to trying it when the buddy was a couple months old and Steven even joined me a couple of times. It was a lot of fun but alas life got in the way.

I have had so many friends and family that have borrowed it from me and after reading "the post" I decided I HAD to get it back.

I just want to say that my heart hurt for you while reading those opinions. I for one was impressed by you reaching your goal! I guess I fully understand your stature and you are at the weight I need to be at. I sort of felt that I was led to your blog that day to receive the encouragement to even just start thinking about getting on the bandwagon. After that I felt like I don't have to "just be fat now" as I have told my husband on many occasions.

I now have my dvd's back and was happy to see that they made your list. Now I just have to get my butt of the couch and do it.

Just wanted to say Thanks. I appreciated your honesty and felt maybe it was written just for me to see on the particularly blah day.

Tiffany
(PS) How cool was it that Chalene commented!?!

Meredith said...

Hey! My name is Meredith and I found your blog through a few of our mutual friends and I enjoy reading it!! I rarely comment on people's blogs whom I don't know but since I love getting comments from anybody and everybody (although after an Anon hater last year I did take away the "anonymous" comments!) I thought I'd comment on yours! :) Anyway, I love working out and staying fit and so I've loved your fitness posts. I've heard great things about the P90x and so I ordered the video series that I plan to start as soon as I can after Baby #2 arrives and I'm able to work out at that level! I've been so nervous wondering if I can reclaim my body (well, the "new" body after baby) after a 2nd so it's so encouraging to see that it's possible! You look fabulous! Anyway, just wanted to say "hi!!"
Here's my blog link: www.reidmichael.blogspot.com

Jennifer said...

I love, love, love the Turbo Jam DVDs! I need your advice on how often to do the videos vs. running. I just can't do it all together because little man gets fussy. What kind of schedule do you think is best for the week? Definitely start a fitness blog...I would be a fan!

Jill said...

Ok, I have to admit you and another friend have encouraged me to start working out again. I started today! Yea me! I'll keep you posted. And I decided not to join a gym for awhile. (until Hollyn gets older and adapts to being left a little better)

Amy Mc said...

Hi there, my name is Amy and I read your blog because my friend Erin was your roomate at Baylor. I met you once when i was visiting but i am sure you don't remember! I think you are a very talented writer, your posts almost always make me laugh, and your kiddos are super cute. So I read your blog often!
I know this post is a little late from your original but I, like everyone else, wanted to say that I am sorry about the negative comments you have received but I am so glad for the way it propelled you to give suggestions about fitness after baby! I was a little shocked by your weight post but that was only because I think the last time I weighed 115 was in middle school...or maybe even elementary! :0) But honestly prepregnancy weight is prepregnancy weight, whether it is 115 or 200! I think you have handled it well and you are putting the perfect spin on this negativity- turning it around to enccourage others! Thanks!
I just had a baby a little over a month ago and I am struggling with the 20 extra pounds I put on during pregnancy. I was really getting into good shape before i got pregnant but the first trimester had its way with me and completely knocked me off the fitness bandwagon. My question is how in the heck you run with a breastfeeding chest? I was a big runner before pregnancy and now I can't do it, it's too painful! I have the P90x dvd's but I am not sure if I can hang with them after my 9 month hiatus. Maybe I will try some of your other suggestions.
Thanks again for the encouragement and the ideas. You should become a personal trainer strictly for post partum women. I would want to go to someone who has actually been there instead of some muscle bound man that doesn't understand! You should consider it!

Katie and Justin Cox said...

So I'm behind! I just caught up on all of your drama... WOAH! I recently made my blog private b/c of weirdos out there... you just never know... but that's not the point! The point is... you are super encouraging and I would LOVE IT if you started a fitness blog! I love to workout. I have a 6 month old so I find fast-paced walks in the mornings (would love to run but the breastfeeding boobs are not so cooperative in the mornings...ouch!) and Gillian's 30 Day Shred at night are the prefect combo for me right now... but I'd love to have a community of fitness-minded mommy bloggers!! Go for it!! (In your spare time of course!) Congrats on your weight loss by the way... SO awesome!!

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