Awhile ago I downloaded a season of yoga workouts on iTunes by ExerciseTV. Today I decided to try Total Body Pilates with Nicole Stewart. I forgot how much I enjoy pilates. I feel like in the 20 minutes, I got a decent core, leg and butt workout which makes the 20 minute video worth my time. I need to get some more pilates workouts seeing as how I'm trying to reattain my long lean legs.
Before having kids, my legs were always my favorite body part. I was a figure skater for 10 years, then ran cross country and track for two years. My abs were always my problem area (and still bug me at times today).
After having Gavin (now almost 6), my hips definitely widened, stretching out my lower abs, making them the flattest they ever have been. My legs were still pretty good, but I was not exercising like I do now, so I was just thin, not fit. After having Kailee (now 2 and 1/2), my thighs have become my problem area. My waist and abs are not too bad for someone who has had 2 pregnancies and 1 c-section, but my pants are snugger in the thigh area. This is still new territory for me, so I am trying to do more to focus on that area--though I know you cannot spot reduce fat.
Today I did Jillian Michael's Killer Buns & Thighs level 1. If you've never tried it, she incorporates cardio and strength but does not encourage the use of weights on your thighs. Weight machines at the gym are for building muscle--and frankly, I don't want built thighs; I want long and lean thighs. I think I'm gonna focus on these workouts a bit the next few weeks to encourage my thighs to shrink while still incorporating cardio (to reduce fat).
Tonight I felt like hopping on the elliptical and after reading a tweet recommending listening to health/fitness podcasts (specifically the Jillian Michaels Show), I decided to investigate. The tweet (which I can't find to give the person credit, sadly) recommended starting a podcast mid-cardio when you start to lose interest, and basically begin to count down the minutes. I decided to start with it from the beginning, planning to turn it off if I got bored and just read one of my magazines on my iPad. I picked the top one listed on the Jillian Michaels show on iTunes and started my workout. Let me just say, this made the time pass way faster than TV. Typically, I prefer to read fitness/health magazines while on the elliptical; they keep me motivated to workout longer. The podcast did the same thing. As a huge Jillian Michaels fan, I am excited to see that there's a plethora of 50-minute podcasts that I can listen to straight through iTunes on my phone without having to download them. Maybe soon I'll be willing and have the stamina to stay on the elliptical for 50-minute workouts :). I certainly have the entertainment options to keep me going!
Tonight my kids were quite cranky and after constant bickering and screaming (from them, not me), I needed something to burn off some tension. I decided to get some serious core work with Chris Freytag's 10 Pound Slimdown: Core. It's only 20 minutes, but I can feel the sore creeping in already in my abs. I'm so glad :). Bikini season is around the corner and I'm looking forward to it for the second year in a row--something that was NEVER true until I started getting fit. I'm turning 30 in August and I plan to have my best body yet in my 30s!
While attempting to get my sick toddler to nap, I decided to hop on the elliptical. I did 2.5 miles in 35 minutes and according to the calorie counter I burned 316 calories (though the machine does not know my weight and age). Anyways, it has been a workout productive day home with Kailee. With my husband out of town, I had to take advantage of an opportunity to fit in two workouts in one day since the evenings the rest of this week will be more hectic without my partner to help.
I also have plans for more cardio with Gavin later playing Just Dance Kids. I know I'm crazy-obsessed with exercise right now but I can't help it! That's my personality! Now off to pick up big brother.
I was scared to do this workout having recently read my review of my first attempt. Good news though! I am much stronger now at workout 63 than I was at workout 1 of this year (when I first attempted the DVD). It was still tough, my heart rate was definitely off the charts by the end--she definitely makes you gurgle your heart--but I can do it. I love feeling such a difference in my body already this year! It makes me look forward to attempting to do level 1 and 2 together as one workout. Of course, I first have to work up the courage to try level 2 :).
