This week I started a new workout routine. I've tried out quite a lot in the past year but I think this one could really stick.
Actually, now that I'm sitting here writing about it, maybe I haven't tried that much. I've tried Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, Jillian Michaels Banish Fat/Boost Metabolism, Insanity, and 10 Minute Trainer. I also do yoga but I don't really count that as a workout. And I was running in the spring but it petered out in late summer when I fell into a rut and the temps got too high for me. But somehow I also don't count the running as working out.
Hm. I guess I consider things I don't really like a "workout." Hahaha. Let's sugar coat it and say that I think a workout is something I have to do in order to get better at things I want to do/look better. Yeah, let's say that.
So let me run through the workouts I've tried before I introduce you to the new thing I'm trying.
First- 30 Day Shred.
I LOVE this DVD. It's short, it kicks your butt and it's easy to follow. I am seriously sweating balls during this workout. I like Jillian because she seems tough and I like tough girls. I only saw minor results but I felt great. To tell you the truth, I could never do this every day for 30 days straight so maybe I'm not doing it right. Also, I loved this DVD so much that I actually got tired of it.
This led me to trying out the other Jillian Michaels DVDs. I tried the Yoga Meltdown for like five minutes and then I had to turn it off because I just didn't like it. I'm very picky about Yoga DVDs. Banish Fat/Boost Metabolism is like the 30 Day Shred on drugs. Also, it's mostly cardio moves. I liked it but the workout was too long for everyday use. Also, I didn't like some of the interval sets so I skipped some altogether.
I tried Insanity just a few times but I didn't like the exercises he used and I just couldn't get into it.
10 Minute Trainer used too much equipment for me. Actually, it didn't use that much but I don't have a strong door to attach a resistance band to and I also didn't have a resistance band. Also I like short workouts but 10 minutes is TOO SHORT. I know that I could just do 2 or 3 in a row but that takes too much work on my part. Haha. I did end up buying some resistance bands but I never used them with the videos. Now they're just sitting in my closet. (Fortunately they were only about a dollar each since I found them at the 100yen shop!)
As for yoga, I basically used just one DVD every time I wanted to follow a routine- American Power Yoga. I really like this routine because it focuses on a lot of strength moves and isn't too spiritual. I like my yoga to be very physical. Unfortunately, the DVD got scratched really badly (a clean straight cut...seems fishy) so I had to find something else. I've turned to Ashtanga Yoga in the meantime. And I really love it. I don't even think I'll buy another copy of American Power Yoga. (I might though.) I like that Ashtanga has a set form. It allows me to easily practice on my own without having to make up a flow on my own. Also, doing the same poses in the same order allows me to see where I'm improving and where I need improving. I ordered a copy of the Short Forms with David Swenson and I'm currently using his First Series DVD as a guide.
As for running, at the moment Sapporo is in deep freeze and will not thaw out until April the earliest. I plan to begin running again as soon as the streets defrost. I've already found a half marathon in October that I want to join. I was supposed to run a half marathon last October but like I mentioned I fell into a rut and just kind of stopped running for awhile. For no good reason. I am resolved to do it in 2012!
And now what is the new routine that I'm trying out? I'm doing the Basic Program from the book You Are Your Own Gym. I skimmed the book a bit- the author is some elite Special Ops dude and super athlete. He doesn't train celebrities- he trains SOLDIERS. I like this line in the first paragraph: "For decades of I've bodyweight exercises to create the leanest, strongest, most confident people of our civilization." (Not just because it's the only paragraph I read in the book!)
Anyway, that's exactly what I want! I want to be lean and strong and confident. And I don't want to go to the gym or use fancy equipment (though a homebuilt dip station would be nice). I've always thought that all you need is your body and gravity to get a good workout. Also, I prefer exercises that are functional.
So far I'm in my first week of the program and it's great. The workouts are short and challenging and I really feel the burn the next day.
I'll write more as I continue with the program and finish reading the book. (The book is great- I really like his humor.) For now it's way past my bedtime and this post is already late so I'll just promise you all a proper review later. Goodnight!
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