At-Home Workouts

I borrow work out videos from the Library. It's nice because I don't get bored of the same videos. Also, having access to different videos offers a variety of muscle group work outs and/or cardio work outs.

I've been thinking about this, too, especially when my two boys are napping and I feel tied to the house. I think I might buy a jumprope and just take it in the backyard or driveway (looking ridiculous) and bring their baby monitors out with me. That way I get outside without leaving the home. I really don't want to use a workout video because I know I won't follow through. I really like to get away from the television anyway.

M., you got a lot of great ideas. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, besides the library idea and similar ones, the Spark People website is free and they have exercise videos and tips on there that are very very helpful and easy to learn and follow. Look me up if you join :D (screen name Wanaka)

Otherwise, if you want dvds and can spend some money, some have mentioned Turbo Jam and Kathy Smith that you can get from Beachbody.com or thru my webpage (www.teambeachbody.com/Wanaka). I've used their dvds for almost 8 years now and they are very effective...workouts anywhere from 10 minutes to 90 minutes and for all kinds of personalities (from standard to dancy moves). Feel free to email me if you want/need more info.

Good luck finding something that works for you!

I suggest the FIRM workouts. Go to firmdirect.com or you can even find them on ebay. You will get a cardio workout with toning exercises in 45 - 60 min a day. They are the best. I have been doing them for over 20 years and nothing keeps me in as good a shape as the FIRM. I have a 5,3 and almost 5 month old and I still get the time in 4 days a week.

I have the same issue - my 15 mo DD wants to "participate" with whatever I'm doing. Because of that, I've started doing things like squats in the living room while holding her. It provides a harder workout and she thinks its great. I carry her while I climb lots of stairs, etc. Try to be creative and work exercise into your daily activities. Good luck!

Hi M.,
I have been using Turbo Jam Cardio Party which gives me the toning and cardio. I get bored of videos though and cannot wait to get back outside to walk and run. I like being outside because I can take my son with me :)
L.

Hello - I purchased Bob's weight loss yoga dvd; from the biggest loser show. I love it and have seen results already. My husband even get envolved and does it with me.

If you have cable try FITtv...And get an exercise ball.

my hubby and i started doing a quick cardio 3-4 times a week pick your cardio activity (running, bike, eliptical running in place even) then you will do 30 seconds are hard and fast as you can go followed by 4 mins of rest or slower pace repeat 4 times and you are done! i combined with our normal healthy eating and a strength train 3 times a week and i was down 8 lbs in 3 weeks.

http://www.self.com/fitness/workouts/2008/12/get-fit-in-1...

If you have Comcast Digital TV check out their Exercise TV on demand. Step aerobics are always good and all of Jillian Michaels workouts combine cardio and weight training - try her DVD's.

Hi M.,

There are lots of good workouts to do at home. I'm a single mom who works full time so I also feel the time I have with my daughter is precious. Sometimes my work out is simple as chasing her around the house or lifting her up so she can be an airplane or giving her horse back rides. You would not believe how many calories playing with your child can burn!

I also went to this website...www.sparkpeople.com. They have a cardio section where I track all my cardio, and I also had them build me my strength training program which I do twice a week. If I can't do a particular exercise, I can click on it and replace it with one I can do that works the same area of my body.

Also check out your favorite stores where you buy videos. My favorite is Denise Austin, but Kathy Smith is also very good too. I also got the Turbo Jam videos which I intend to be able to do someday since it is very energizing and really felt like I got a good workout. Unfortunately, it aggravated my neck. I found out I have artritis so I'm strengthening that area first before trying again.

Good luck and have fun with this!

Angie

There are wonderful workout DVD's that you can purchase thru Collagevideo.com or check out at your local library. That's what I do 5 mornings per week before anyone wakes up.
Good Luck!

If you have Comcast cable in the free On Demand section the are great cardio & yoga workouts.
They change them up often & it helps you can pause for interruptions.

Hi M.!
Try kettlebells. You can find what you need at Target to get started. It's a wonderfully efficient workout, providing both cardio and strength in one vicious workout.

Other than a bell and a DVD (Sarah Lurie's), you'll need a yoga mat and your bare feet, and a little room to swing the bell around.

You will have to do this when your son is napping or sleeping, or when he is otherwise occupied by another family memeber

You can get in a great workout in 30 - 45 minutes, depending upon how long you want to go. You won't need anything over 45 minutes.

Let me know what you think.

S.

Hi M.! Since you like to spend time with your child, it is hard to do workouts with them around (when I try my kids use me as a jungle gym. Anyway, I do like to do pilates for when I can but last summer I rediscovered the joys of biking, I have a child seat on the back of my bike for my older child that can't ride yet and I found a Trek bike trailer that I put my then 3 month old in in his car seat and rode around. I loved it, it gave me a great cardio workout and I didn't have to leave my kids!! I can't wait to get my bike out again!!

I know this may sound silly... but have you tried Wii fit? My husband and I just tried it this weekend and my hubby thought it was great. He is a personal trainer and always likes to have ideas to give to clients. I think we may invest in one as well.

I highly reccomend Denise Austin's videos-body blast boot camp or maybe its just called boot camp, and shrink your female fat zones which uses weights and a ball. Both are great for getting a worthwhile fairly intense workout in just 20 min. I have 3 kids so the gym is NOT an option. I have done pilates before too which is also great.

I bought a heavy bag and do boxing at home. I love it! It's a really good cardio workout and you don't have to do it for very long to get a great workout in. And, it's nice if you need to relieve some stress!

Pick up 10-minute workouts! I got mine from Target and there are a few different kinds. There are usually 3 different 10-min segments on each DVD. If you have time, you can do all of them for a great 30-40 min workout or just one segment for a 10-min. cardio blast. They are great, fun workouts and 10 min is better than nothing!