Fitness Friday ~ My Favorite "No Jillian Michael's" Workouts

Happy Friday, Friends! This week while I was unpacking yet another box, I dug out my stash of exercise videos.  I'll be the first to admit that most of them have only seen the inside of the DVD player once or twice, but there are a few that I've actually *ahem* enjoyed.  What that really means is that I actually completed more than 20 minutes of the workout, and all of my half-assed determination and effort miraculously paid off.

I think it's kind of a travesty that mom's actually need to exercise at all.  Why is it that we can hold our little Buddah-babies all day long and our arms aren't buffity buff? After 5 years of toddler toting my biceps should make Serena Williams cry.  I may feel like I could work the night shift bouncing at the local bar, but unfortunately my un-toned triceps just aren't that intimidating.

Thanks to motherhood, exercise, for me, has evolved into a pure desire for good physical health, stress management, emotional balance and the strength to keep up with the demands of family life rather than a mere desire to be a certain jean size.  Although running is my passion, cross training is an essential element that helps me run stronger and longer.  Since I don't belong to a gym, and at times snow and ice can limit exercise to the indoors, I rely on other resources to get in a good work-out.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to cross-train, the videos that I didn't trash before the move, including the Pilate's DVD that helped me through my 5th pregnancy!

1. Kettleworx

It's true.  I fell into the infomercial trance.  It was the middle of the night, 2 years ago, I was nursing Charlie and trying desperately to stay awake.  The only thing on at 3 a.m. is infomercials. I must say, however, that this system really is awesome.  You get cardio, strength training and core exercise all in one workout - with just an inexpensive 10lb kettle bell and 30 minutes, anyone can do it.  

I've tried all of the Jillian Michael's videos and I must say, I'm not a fan. I don't know about you, but the only way I can survive 20 minutes with her is on mute. When she yells, "I'm going to break you!" I want to yell back, "You're 5 labors and 5 deliveries without drugs too late, honey!" The Kettleworx instructor is positive and encouraging, the music is great and the participants are modestly dressed (for the most part), so I don't have to keep my sons out of the room.

Two years later I still enjoy the exercise and the benefits from Kettleworx.  Even the programs that are specialized for resistance, core, legs etc, give you a good cardio boost.  I highly recommend this series, and you can find it at a super-reasonable price on ebay.

2. Viniyoga Therapy for Low Back, Sacrum & Hips

Let me just start by saying that this girl does NOT do yoga.  I know I should, but I just don't want to!  However, when I was marathon training, my lower sacrum was giving me some serious trouble, and dedicating a few minutes each day to do these yoga poses really helped fixe the issue (along with a great chiropractor).  It also helped strengthen my core, and improved my running posture.  If you're a mom, I highly recommend it for lower core strength and toning.

3. 10 Minute Solution: Prenatal Pilates

With every pregnancy, I run up to the 6 month mark then switch to walking.  During my last pregnancy, I decided to try a couple of different videos, and this one was definitely my favorite.  I really do believe that exercise during pregnancy helps with labor and delivery endurance and speeds up recovery time!

4.  Sworkit Circuit Training App

Sometimes I only have 20 minutes to squeeze in a workout.  With the Sworkit training app on my phone, I can customize a workout that suits my mood or needs for the day.  My favorite is the total body workout.  To amp it up a little, I like to lift weights on the occasional "30 second" interval breaks.  Another nice thing about it is you can do the exercises without equipment and it's like having a personal trainer with you when you travel!

5.  Leah's Busy Mom's Workout

Last fall, my friend, Leah, designed this awesome workout for my readers.  It's been circulating around Pinterest with some great feedback.  If you can complete the exercises without resting between intervals, and maintain a good level of intensity, your effort will really pay off!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND, EVERYONE!!

More great ideas for Fitness Friday right here!