How I got Started with Exercise
There are a variety of exercises I enjoy and this was not always the case. To get moving I started with
the Leslie-Sansone Walking at Home DVD. It is slow pace and at 318 pounds was fairly easy to do. When I got bored I ventured to new DVD's (past exercise classes and DVD's list below). Yoga made a large contribution to my weight loss in the past so I added Morning Yoga to my routine.I started to walk outdoors for 30 minutes 3 days a week when I became comfortable with moving.
My relationship with exercise now.
I'm always willing to try something new but I'm cautious. I do not want to be stopped by injury so form and doing it "right" is important for me. I set goals and test my progress. The strength, flexibility, stability and endurance tests serves as my benchmark to try something new. It is part of my incentive and my reward. I get pretty intense and focused so yoga and dance help me balance things out. I also love to socialize and a fitness class serves a double purpose. For example, vixenology is a super fun class where everyone is funny, energetic and outgoing. We enjoy dancing while we work on the routine and perform the piece at the end of class.My Current Rotation
5K Conditioning Series - This is an outdoor series led by Coach Free-man. It is a monthly series which requires a reservation. Contact information@kikisjourney.com for details.
Below the Belt (1 x a week) - This 60 minute class works on Tightening & Toning exercises for the entire lower body.
Callenetics (1 x a week) - This is one of those DVD's I really like but rarely follow when scheduled. Then when I complete the routine I feel great and stretched. I complete this routine at least once a week.
Hiking (1 to 2 x's a month) - I Hike Trails suitable for beginners. I use several different sites for research.
Kickboxing (1 x a week) - Combat sport based on kicking and punching.
Kickboxing (1 x a week) - Combat sport based on kicking and punching.
ROAR (3-two hours sessions 3x's a week for a total of 6 hours) - The trainer describes it as the "Ultimate Fitness Class" because he mixes "circuit training, intense cardio kickboxing, TRX, tire flipping, battle ropes, body scuplting, zumba, plyometrics, calistenics, squat burnouts, team challenges, a little hip hop and more". Sign-me up and give it to me!!! I LOVE his classes. He was the trainer working at the pole studio. He instructed the Abs and Butt Blast and Body Blast which I totally looked forward to. I always feel beat but powerful after each and every work-out. ROAR is right!
Running Training (as scheduled on plan) - On my cardio days I follow the 8-week walking to running training schedule. I will be continuing with a half-marathon training once the 8-week training is complete.
Spinning (2x's a week) - Indoor cycling at a vigorous speed for maximum calorie burn.
Running Training (as scheduled on plan) - On my cardio days I follow the 8-week walking to running training schedule. I will be continuing with a half-marathon training once the 8-week training is complete.
Spinning (2x's a week) - Indoor cycling at a vigorous speed for maximum calorie burn.
Yoga (at home 4 x's a week and a class 2x's a week) - I start or end my days with Yoga. I use the AM & PM Yoga or AM Yoga DVD
at home. I also go to the local Yoga Studio for a class once or twice a
week. I have also started to do guide myself through Yoga poses when I
just want to listen to the meditation station on Pandora.
Challenge Me
If there is a DVD or Class you want to know more about than send me a message and I will try it. I will provide a rating and provide you with the best review possible. I'm always willing to try something new.Past Exercise Classes and DVD's
12-Week Body-for-Life Challenge - This is the core of my exercise routine right now. I plan out what I am going to be working on weekly and follow through the routines as described in the instructions
Body Blast - This 60 minute Full Body was an intense work-out to blast away the fat pounds, firm the butt, tone arms and slim the midsection. This is the class I reference as one of the circuit training classes I took 3-4 times a week. Anthony, the coach, would use a variety of tools including weights, rope, kettle balls and our own body weight for these sessions. Unfortunately, this class is no longer offered at Allure Dance Studio.
Cardio Barre - "Cardio Barre is a unique, high energy/no impact exercise class that combines barre work and light weights with continual fat burning motion. Central to the workout are toning and resistance exercises for the butt, legs, torso and arms to sculpt muscles and elongate the appearance of your body." - Cardio Barre Website
Circuit Training - Is my favorite type of training. I was doing this regularly with 2 different trainers 3-4 times a week. I am currently only doing it once a week with a trainer on Wednesdays. Here is a good circuit training guide if you would like to start it on your own.
Core Rhythms - This is a DVD series I throw into rotation when I need a quick fix for movement and do not have the time to go to the gym. It is also a good way to work up a sweat.
Jillian Michaels - I have a few friends that are not fans of the Jillian Michaels DVD's. I don't mind them and they always make me break a sweat fast. They are easy to follow and go by quickly. I do not like her voice or the song selection on the DVD's so I usually play my own music and follow along visually since I already know the routines. This is the Jillian Michaels DVD series I use (with the exception of the Yoga).
Mini-Challenges - I am hooked on doing more exercise daily. I used to have some type of mini-challenge monthly. For example in the month of March I did the strengthening ankles and better sex exercises three times a week. I also did the ab and squat challenge daily.
Pole Dancing - "This class offers over 30 beginner pole spins & tricks including sensual dance movement, dance flow, sensual floor work & basic strength training drills to strengthen your upper body, abs & core. " -Allure Dance Studio
Pop Physique - I purchased a groupon for these classes and will be using them all up by the next week. It is good isolated movement. I would only continue to do this if they have another good new student special and it works with my schedule. Otherwise I prefer Cardio Barre which I have done in the past and hope to do again in the future.
Pinterest - I have a lot of work-out pins on my board that I perform at different times. I usually follow the circuit trainings or challenges when I want to do a little extra moving.
Richard Simmons - This is one of those DVD series I used when I was at my heaviest and I could not do much of anything else. Yes, Richard Simmons is corny but he is also very entertaining and he got me moving.
Vixenology - "Learn a mix of Sultry & Hard Poppin' dance routines to turn you into a Video Vixen. You’ll jam to the hottest songs and learn routines that’ll vary each week w/ hips shakin, booty poppin, twerkin & more." - Allure Dance Studio
XBOX Kinect - I used these games when I first started to become active because it was fun and easy for me to follow. I viewed it as anything to make me get up and move. The games I used were Zumba, Dance Central, Kinect Sports and Kinect Adventures.
