This video is from the makers of the Turbo Jam workout and the P90X workout. Even if you don’t have either one of those exercise DVDs, you still might be interested in the differences in exercise shoes.
Even if you’re doing everything else right, your efforts can be undermined by improper footwear. Working out with the wrong shoes increases pounding on the joints, and can lead to injuries like plantar fasciitis or tendinitis. - from www.WebMD.com
I have several pairs of workout shoes in my closet. The pair I choose depends on what workout I’m doing. I have walking, running and bouncing up and down workout shoes. I also have gardening shoes (they haven’t seen much use lately) and shoes from 20 years ago. I suppose my next exercise should be cleaning out my closet or my flower bed.
I have a real hard time finding an exercise partner. My workout schedule doesn’t always run like clock work. So it’s hard for me to commit to being in a certain place at a certain time. But yet I enjoy having the accountability that an exercise partner brings. Knowing that someone will be disappointed if I miss a workout is great motivation to make sure I get it done. This calls for some creative problem-solving.
So I found a four-legged workout partner. She’s great! She doesn’t complain when I’m late in fact, she’ll workout at any time. She never cancels on me. She lets me set the pace of our workout. And she encourages me to go on walks when I just “don’t feel like it.” (Well, actually it’s more like, if I don’t give her regular exercise she behaves badly - and that’s enough to encourage me to take her often). She’s much more well behaved when she gets in her exercise. And so am I. The rush of endorphins really help to keep the stress level down (a very welcome added benefit of exercise).
You might have a four-legged furry friend scampering around your feet. If you do, get a leash and take your friend for a walk or a jog. In fact, find a way to work this into your exercise routine. Both you and your dog will get fresh air and exercise (and hopefully be more well behaved - yes, both of you).
If you are looking for a four-legged workout partner - I found mine at PetFinder.com and she’s perfect for accountability, motivation and encouragement. Those are standard features for most four-legged exercise partners.
Have you ever had a four-legged exercise partner? Are you thinking about getting one?
I am a huge fan of Billy Blanks. I have his original Tae Bo exercise videos and have just recently purchased his Tae Bo AMPED exercise DVD’s. In fact, I just finished a Tae Bo AMPED workout. That is where I got the idea to post this review. Here is a sample of the workout:
As I was saying, I love his workouts. I love the motivation that he provides. I love that the workout is truly a total-body workout. It usually encompasses all body parts and includes both strength training and cardio. It eliminates the need to do other exercises (like crunches for my abs) in addition to the video because my abs are worked during the workout. I love efficiency.
Okay, so here’s my complaint: (Sorry Billy, you know I still love ya) There are times when Billy gets in “amped” mode or “cardio” mode where he encourages me to exercise in “double time”. Well, a) this 40+ body doesn’t do that mode so easily anymore, b) I’d much rather focus on my form and doing the exercise properly at the slower speed and c) there are times where I feel that just wouldn’t be safe for my back.
So what’s a 40+ exerciser to do (or someone at any age who just isn’t “feelin” the “amped” mode)? LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. That’s right. Just because Billy is an expert at exercise, doesn’t mean he’s an expert on your body. That’s YOUR job. Whether you’re listening to Billy Blanks or any other expert on exercising or eating right, pay attention to what your body is telling you. You need to become the expert on your body. You need to know what is going to help it and what is going to hurt it. You determine this by paying attention to how your body feels. Yes, knowledge from other people is good and necessary but don’t forget to engage your brain with the knowledge that you have about your own body. If something doesn’t feel right when you exercise, then modify what you are doing.
And that’s what I do. I modify my “amped” mode. Most of the time I just ignore the “amped” mode and just continue at a regular pace. Trust me, this is still enough to get an awesome workout in.
In summary, I love Billy Blanks’ Tae Bo AMPED workout videos. Great motivation. Great total-body exercises. And they come with a cool, 3 pound “Amplifier” bar that I also use for other exercises when I’m not doing the video workouts.
Word of caution: In my opinion, his “amped” mode is done too fast, especially if you are using the amplifier bar. If you feel the same way, just “listen to your body” and do it at your own pace. It is still a great workout and a good opportunity to tune into what your body is telling you.
“I loved the military workout article on your site. Frankly, that site gives me a total guilt trip. I’m sorry, but I don’t abide by one single principle on that site of yours. Geez, I feel like a slug - all hopped up on caffeine, sugar and toxic substances. I’m going to have to force myself to look at it more and maybe take some baby steps toward becoming 1/10th the pillar of fitness that you are! It’s a really, REALLY good site and has lots of great info - now when I look at my big exercise ball sitting in the wheelbarrow in the garage, I give it a second glance (hey that’s something, right??) and think, hey, maybe I should bring it in the house and use it for a chair instead of letting the kids kick it around the cul de sac… baby steps, girlfriend, baby steps!!”
I emailed her back encouraging her not to be afraid to log on to my blog. She doesn’t have to do everything all at once. I told her that taking the stability ball out of the wheelbarrow and into the house was a good first step. Let the ball into your world. Sit on the ball one night while you are watching TV. Who knows, maybe the next night you might do a stretch or two on the ball. Eventually you will start thinking of other things you could do with the ball.
Every little baby step in the right direction counts!
So drink an extra glass of water today and go to bed knowing that you are at least moving in the right direction.
Whether you are just starting to discover baby steps toward getting into better shape or you are at “Boot Camp Level” with your fitness - it’s all about moving forward in a positive direction on your health and fitness journey.
So go ahead and click on the “comment” link below and tell me how you are “moving forward” - even if it is just taking the exercise ball out of the wheelbarrow … or maybe you’ve added a fourth Boot Camp workout to your week. Let me know.
Here’s a guided grocery store tour with a personal trainer. He reveals some interesting facts about why to buy organic, some common misconceptions that we might have and what items we should be buying if we are concerned about our health and fitness.
Of course, most of these suggestions are more time consuming than popping the preservative-laden frozen food in the oven. But aren’t you worth it? If you’re really short on time and you don’t want to sacrifice the health quality of what you eat - you could always just have your meals delivered to you.
For me, the time of cooking and the advanced planning of meals is a big mountain for me to overcome in order to stay on track with eating right. What holds you back from a healthy eating plan? Click on the comments link below and talk to me.
Question: What is the one thing that every diet has in common?
Answer: You need to drink a lot of water.
Diet sodas and coffee don’t count. Whatever your drink of choice is now, replace it with water and watch for the effect that one simple decision can have on your body.
“But I don’t like water … it’s boring” you say. I used to feel the same way but then I discovered if I added lemon juice and Stevia (a natural zero-calorie sweetener) to it, it tastes pretty darn good (a lot like lemonade) and it’s still zero calories. I actually have times when I crave my lemon water.
Did you know that if you don’t drink enough water that your body can confuse your signals for thirst with your signal for hunger? Basically, you could be feeling hungry when your body just really needs a drink of water. Can you imagine how getting this straightened out can save you potentially hundreds of calories a day?
Also, drinking water actually allows your body to release extra body water that you might be retaining. If you don’t drink enough water your body will work to retain the water that it has, thinking that there is a shortage. If you give your body the water it needs then your body will more readily get rid of the excess water. This explains all the extra trips to the bathroom. But isn’t it worth it for a better body?
Even if you’re not ready to start a full-blown new eating plan, you can still take a step towards a better body by drinking more water every day.
Cheers - (*Imaginary clink of our water glasses ;)
Do you ever wonder why our soldiers in the military workout so hard? I mean really, wouldn’t a simple jog and lifting a few weights be enough to keep them in reasonably good shape? Well, reasonably good shape isn’t enough if they are put in a position where the level of fitness that they have, could mean the difference between life and death.
WARNING: I’m going to be kind of blunt here: The same thing holds true for you.
I’m not suggesting you go out and sign up for the popular Boot Camps that are being held in fitness centers everywhere. Although if that is what would motivate you to get in shape, by all means, go for it. I am suggesting that if you don’t take care of your health and fitness level, then you become an easy target for the enemy (obesity, diabetes, cancer, even low energy).
Someone is counting on you. Only you know who that is. Is it your parents, your children, your spouse, your friends? They are counting on you to be around and be healthy for as long as you possibly can. If you’ve already been hit by the enemy (obesity, diabetes, cancer, etc.) you can still fight back by increasing your fitness level. Take inspiration from our soldiers. They wouldn’t give up and neither should you.
Happy 4th of July, everyone! If you are a military person reading this, I would like to thank you for the sacrifice that you and your family make everyday, so that me and my family can remain free. You are an inspiration to me, to not give up in the face of the enemy.
I like this exercise because it is simple and most of us have a stability ball and a set of dumbbells included in our home gym equipment. If this exercise is challenging for you, try doing it without the weights. If it is easy, then don’t just gloat about it, add some extra weight or do it for more reps or hold the position longer.
And remember - if you don’t have time for a full workout, then just do this one exercise and go about your business. Go ahead, get up and do it now - you know you want to. C’mon … at least try it.
When I first started drinking protein drinks after a workout, I would make them exactly as the instructions said. No wonder most people don’t like them. They would either taste too watery or like cake batter. True to my nature, I realized that the instructions are merely “suggestions” (at least that’s how I read the situation). I mean they have to put something on the product before they send it out the door, right?
So, with a little creativity, I’ve created some delicious protein shakes that I have come to crave. They actually replace my Starbucks addiction on most days. Here is one of my favorite creations: “Lori’s Mocha Coconut Protein Drink”. I use 8 oz. (or so) of water (I used to use Soy Milk but then one day I ran out and had to use water and discovered I liked it better). I put in a Splash of Coconut flavored creamer (yes, the kind you would put in your coffee - and yes, I know it has sugar in it but hey, I’m not sweating the small stuff). I then put in a spoon full of instant dehydrated coffee, for that yummy coffee flavor and a scoop of protein powder. I then stir well and drink up feeling very satisfied that a) I just worked out and this drink tastes awesome b) I’m building muscles and c) I just saved myself from spending $4 at Starbucks.
Here’s what I use for the protein drink. You can find the coffee creamer and instant coffee at your local grocery store. And I think you know where you can find the water…
What has been your experience with protein drinks? Click on “comment” below and let me know.
These three simple exercises cover most of the muscles in your upper body, lower body and your core.Research still shows that these are some of the most effective exercises to do. The cool thing is that they can be done with equipment (like an exercise ball) or without. So if you’re thinking that you don’t have enough cash for home gym equipment - well, that excuse just flew out the window.
Oh yeah, and if you’re planning on playing the “I don’t have time” card… you could always split up your exercises if you don’t have time to do them all at once. Do your crunches before breakfast, your squats after dinner and push ups before bed. It might take 5-10 minutes. Just about everyone can find 5-10 minutes here and there. Of course, it’s easier if you do them all at once but splitting them up is better than not doing them at all.
See, you do have time and you don’t need cash. Now is there anything else that is holding you back?
