Collage Video, For An Introverted Exerciser
Image credit: Microsoft Clip Art
I love to exercise. Really, I do. I know that’s not fashionable to admit, but it’s the truth. And when one considers the benefits, my passion for motion makes sense.
Exercise:
- Helps maintain a healthy weight
- Increases muscle tone and strength
- Improves blood pressure
- Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Lessens the symptoms of arthritis and improves balance
- Boosts the immune system
- Protects the brain from age-related deficits
- Improves mood (can be as effective as medication for mild to moderate depression)
- Boosts energy
- Improves sleep
- Enhances one’s sex life—Ooh la la…
- And more!
But working out almost every day requires repetition. Like Rain Man and Sheldon, I enjoy my routine, but even for us rigid types, that could get dull. So how does one stay motivated, especially an introvert like me who shuns the gym scene and finds cardio machines as appealing as bamboo shards underneath my fingernails?
Beat the Boredom
For years I have jumped and pumped to exercise DVDs. Well, let’s be honest. Originally it was Jane Fonda’s audio cassettes that kept my inner and outer thighs pulsing (now that just sounds dirty). But then those fancy VHS tapes ratcheted up my routine. And now I’m squatting and lunging to a large collection of DVDs. My assortment includes everything from step aerobics to kickboxing to weight lifting to—my favorite—circuit training and high-intensity interval training. Which means I’m never bored. An anticipated workout consistently drags me out of bed every morning and gets my heart thumping.
This one’s a doozy, but I love it. (Image credit: collagevideo.com)
So today I wanted to share with you one of my favorite online shopping sites. I am in no way affiliated with this business, and they don’t know me from Connie, but I’d be lost without them. Collage Video, a Minneapolis-based, family-owned business, sells a huge variety of exercise videos produced by professional fitness instructors. In addition, their staff performs every workout and gives a detailed review of the product, helping the buyer know whether the exercise routine is suitable for him or her (advanced, intermediate, beginner, equipment needed, etc.). They even include a sample video clip.
Below is my own crappy photo showing part of the company’s description of the workout I previously imaged. For a better idea, visit the actual website and peruse their product descriptions.
Try it. I dare you.
Some of my favorite instructors based on intensity level are:
Advanced:
Cathe Friedrich, Patrick Goudeau, Jari Love, Amy Bento Ross, Paul Katami, Seasun Zieger, Amy Dixon, Mindy Mylrea, Kristi Molinaro, Toby Massenburg, Sharon Twombly
Intermediate/Advanced:
Kelly Coffey-Meyer, Jeanette Jenkins, Michelle Dozois, Tracie Long, Rob Glick
Intermediate:
Chris Freytag, Tonya Larson
There are plenty of beginner videos as well and also specialty workouts for those with back pain, arthritis, or other limitations.
I apologize if this sounds like a commercial (and no, I am not receiving any compensation from Collage Video; they don’t even know I’m singing their praises), but I’m passionate about maintaining good health, and I remember how thrilled I was years ago to discover this company—back when it was a mail-order catalogue business. So I figured it was only fair I shared. Some of you might be interested.
What type of exercise do you do? Do you enjoy working out or would you rather eat barbed wire? Do you have any favorite instructors? Do you pee when you jump up and down? Oh, sorry, maybe that’s too personal…
138 Responses to “Collage Video, For An Introverted Exerciser”
[...] Video: I’ve already shared my perverse love of this exercise-DVD site in a previous post, but their service is so great, I wanted to mention them again. There. Mentioned [...]
Okay, as much as I love this blog (and all your writing), I can’t seem to find the reference to National Cream-filled Donut Day??? How does that fit into the workout plan?
(I’m still smiling, Carrie. After you posted the question on my post about my mom, when I came back from getting groceries–and a Boston Cream-filled pastry!–you’d already beat me to it and gobbled down your donut.)
My mom would be proud of both of us!
Yeah, I guess I kind of contradict myself there–cream-filled donuts and a post on exercise. Hmmm.
It was funny, because I read your post earlier this am. A couple hours later, my husband came home from his coffee run carrying a box of donuts, and he had a vanilla-cream one for me. I never said anything to him about it. But, of course, I ate it.
I envy people who actually like to exercise. I do not enjoy exercise, generally. I like walking, and I like walking long distances, but exercise of the “working out” variety doesn’t interest me. I like swimming. I just joined a gym with a pool so I can go swimming. But I stay far away from the rest of the gym equipment.
Well, swimming is a good choice. Good cardio (unless one’s just splashing for fun…) and good for muscle tone.
I like going for long walks, too. I should probably use the time to contemplate and plan, but instead, I pop on my headphones and veg out to music. But even then, sometimes ‘A ha!’ moments come through.
I’m glad to hear you like your fitness! Cool post for people who need workout videos for at home. I’m more of a gym, and especially group fitness class, person. I don’t know what it is, but put me in a room full of sweating fitness fans all moving to the same beat and I go a little crazy. Back home my routine consisted of a healthy balance of Turbo Kick, Zumba Fitness, Body Pump, and Spin!
I figured you’d be a gym person, what with your job and all. I suppose when one is a fitness trainer, it’s a good thing to want to work out with other people. I’d be in a heap of trouble. I’m not sure if you saw my blog award acceptance post a couple entries back (A Threesome, How About an Eightsome?), but in the award from you, I mentioned you might make me do burpees if I made any fuss.
As always, thanks for stopping by!
I loved the burpees comment! (sorry if I didn’t actually reply back then…I’ve been in catch-up mode)
Oh, please, no worries! There are too many blogs and too little time.
I walk everywhere when I am in England as I don’t own a car there, so no exercise needed, but when state side…wow…where is the nearest gymn! I prefer having it as a part of daily life and not something you have to go and do!
So true, and that’s the key to success: exercise has to be a part of daily life and not just an occasional after thought.
I love vacationing in big cities. We do so much walking. It’s great to have everything accessible by foot.
I’m a huge fan of exercise DVDs. Especially when there isn’t a class in the area. I have a couple BellyDance videos I adore. It’s cool to see yourself improve and not have to worry about taking down a classmate.
I’ve never been brave enough to buy a belly dance DVD. Even in the privacy of my own home with no one home, it wouldn’t be fair. After all, there’s always the chance of a ghost wandering by. And who in their afterlife would want to see that?…
What type of exercise do you do?
I go through extreme-cardio when opening my bills.
Do you enjoy working out or would you rather eat barbed wire?
Eat barbed wire. Ingesting it isn’t so bad, it’s the next part that gets unpleasant…
Do you have any favorite instructors?
Sure, Marisa Miller, Jessica Biel or Brooke Burke; I could watch them all day.
Do you pee when you jump up and down?
No, because I stopped jumping up and down.
Ha ha–great answers! And yes, I imagine the digestion of barbed wire could be a bit tricky, not to mention its ultimate expulsion.
Thanks so much for stopping by! Here’s hoping your day is free of bills and full of Jessica Biel.
I’m a bit late to the party on this one but…
I love exercise, for me I use the gym. I couldn’t manage working out at home. I use the weights and other cardio machines which works for me. When I’m doing exercise with weights, or the weight machines, I tend to write down what I’m going to do so I can focus on more specific things. On the cardio front I like running but cannot do too much of it as I seem to have a calf problem that flares up with too much running.
Each to their own though, clearly the videos etc work well for you.
My husband prefers weight machines, too, but I like using free weights, so working out at home works great for that. I’m just not a gym scene person, though I used to be when I didn’t have any equipment at home. But you’re right–it’s whatever works for a person and will keep them coming back.
Thanks for coming by. One’s never late to my parties. Probably because I never throw them…
Actually I prefer free weights too, but certain weight machines are useful. When I first moved over here, I worked out with a trainer for a few months, so I learnt loads of decent things I could use on my own.
I try to aim for three times a week, although I’m not yet sure how I fit that in with the new job.
Yes, the job can throw the workout schedule for a loop. That’s probably another reason I work out at home–no travel time. When I had to be to work by 8:30, I could still work out in the morning without having to worry about driving to and from the gym.
I’m not fond of gyms and my patience levels are too low for DVDs but I LOVE working out in my garden. I can zen out for hours until sunburn or pulled muscles tell me it’s time to go inside
There is something so damn good about feeling tired after you’ve done something physical. It’s great for the brain too.
It is good for the brain–makes us sharper. There have even been findings that some of those routines with difficult choreography challenge the brain even more–in a good way.
I’m sure gardening can get your muscles moving and your heart rate going. Plus, you get a tangible product out of your efforts!
lol – I can’t say my brain gets much of a workout when I’m weeding but when I’m making drystone walls it’s like doing 3D jigsaw puzzles! And yes, the tangible and very yummy produce is the icing on the cake. Oops…did I say cake?
Don’t worry. I’ll eat the cake before anyone notices…
lmao – thank you… I think.
I am probably giving away too much by saying I used to do AEROBICS when people wore LEG WARMERS. The thought makes me cringe! I used to run–even did a half marathon and numerous 10Ks–until my knees and back gave out. Now it’s just walking, a very occasional bike ride, and regular Bikram yoga. Yes, that crazy yoga where it’s 105 degrees in the studio. After 20 years of other types of yoga, I never thought I’d go for it. But I tried it out, got hooked, and after a year it has been the key to helping heal a chronic back injury. I’m a little concerned about how repetitive it is, but I only do it once a week or so.
105 degree yoga. I’m impressed. I do yoga once or twice a week, not so much because I like it, but because I know it’s good for me. But I prefer a nice comfy room temp. I’m a bit of a wuss when it comes to temperature control.
And although it pains me to admit it, I too have owned leg warmers in the past. I never wore them while exercising, but I wore them nonetheless. I suppose I’ll regret sharing that tidbit…
I would walk into other people thinking they are walls with out my glasses so no blind aerobics for me either. I ride a bike with my son, we do that a few times a week. When I’m not getting over surgery I do yoga like a mad thing. Maybe I look like a mad thing doing it. I walk a lot, if I can avoid taking the car, I will.
I haven’t tried videos, but they sound like an introverts dream. Do they sound like drill sergeants though?
I try to get the DVDs without the drill sargeants, though I do have some Jillian Michaels workouts, and she is a bit bossy.
My husband bike rides for exercise. I really should do it more, because I love it once I’m out there, but I end up just going for a walk instead. But in no time it will be winter. I draw the line at snowy walks.
Sometimes I would rather eat barbed wire. Yes. But I exercise anyway. I workout at the gym. To make it worse, I work out at a university gym. It’s cheap for staff (me) but it means I have to work out next to people who are younger and in way better shape than me.
My solution is to take off my glasses and pretend I’m alone. Sometimes it works. Okay, really, it doesn’t work at all, but it makes all those fit people fuzzier. That’s something.
You have no idea how much your comment made me laugh. Without my glasses (or contacts), I’d see nothing but fuzz balls. I never thought of using this to my advantage. The next time I’m at a hotel and have to use the cramped gym, I’ll have to try your technique. Of course, I’ll probably fly off the treadmill in the process, but at least if I can’t see anyone else, than surely they can’t see me, either…
Thanks for stopping by and making me smile.
I run-ish and cycle. It’s great for well being. Oh and raising the heart rate so I know it still works.
I like that–”run-ish.”
I used to be an avid exerciser (I love hiking, swimming, pilates, free weights, treadmill), but then I had kids and they became my exercise.
I kept thinking I’d return to a regular regimen by now, but in the past year I developed arthritis in my neck, back, hips. Talk about a downer. So, now I’m trying to learn more about exercise that’s still beneficial yet won’t exacerbate the symptoms. I hear yoga is the way to go…?
I give you a high ten for being so healthy. We need more spokespeople like you!
Thank you.
Sorry to hear about the arthritis. Yoga can be good, but even some yoga moves have been touted as being potentially dangerous.
I’ve had to modify some things as I’ve gotten older, which is always a downer. But at least it’s better than sustaining an injury. Always listen to the body, they say.
Thanks for stopping by. Of course, you know now that every time I see your Gravatar, I’m going to think of a squid.
I always been involved in a lot of sports and I walk rather than drive if I can, but I don’t specifically work out.
It’s all about movement and occasionally getting the heart rate up, and it sounds like you already do that. I imagine some of your work experiences also get your heart rate up. But not in a good way…
I was a fly on the wall the other day when a newly minted pair of RNs came to visit my brother (friends of his daughters) and they were asking about which 1/2 marathon the youngest was running next. Somehow the chat turned to new research that indicated that extreme cardio (of any variety, not just marathoners) actually generated lesions on the heart muscle! Just saying…everything in moderation? Or perhaps, everything you read in a research study ain’t necessarily so? -Nikki
Interesting. I haven’t seen that. I’ll have to do a literature search. But that being said, variety is key. One should not do extreme cardio every day. I alternate between high impact, low impact, yoga, etc. Helps prevent injuries, too.
Thanks for telling me about that. You know the scientist in me will immediately go check it out.
I like gypsy music. But…I don’t dance to it enough. I walk dogs. I don’t like to get up early. Not a good combo. I did once buy an exercise video but unlike you I didn’t change it often enough and I got bored. Oh well.
I think you should produce your own exercise DVD in which you dance to gypsy music. I will be first in line to buy it! And the best part is, I could do it in the privacy of my own home so no one would see how ridiculous I looked. “The Gypsy Rose Workout DVD.” I’m so there.
I admire you for supporting a small business, and not just caving to the giant that is Amazon – I used to do an even more dorkarific vas workout *on a trampoline* years ago. It kicked my butt (and I only fell off once). Now, I run a lot (as you know) but I really miss that bad lighting, dodgy frozen smiles of the instructors and having watched one of those a billion times, spotting the places where one of the instructors was out of step
Yes, it’s always a treat to see the instructors mess up. I have one step workout where the instructor trips on his step. You’d think they would’ve edited that out, but no siree, he just keeps on stepping. Makes me feel better about my own awkwardness.
But alas, this woman has learned trampolines were not meant for women who’ve had babies. I only had to try it once to understand why…
you did hit the nail on the head as to the gym. i couldn’t do that either. someday i’ll get a bowflex and that would work. nice finish on your piece as that got a chuckle out of me.
Thanks. I do have to try and keep the humor in there somewhere. You men don’t have to worry about that, but every woman out there who’s had a baby knows of what I speak.
We had a bowflex for a while. My husband really liked it, but for whatever reason, it soon began collecting dust. I prefer free weights, and after seeing it so neglected, we ended up passing it on to someone who’d use it. I think it’s much happier now.
Thanks for stopping by!
The key is to convince every writer you enjoy to publish in magazine form. I swear if it weren’t for magazines I would weight six hundred pounds, and would require a crane to get out of my house. Books work too, but magazines rest more easily on most machines.
I rarely talk to anyone at the gym, and no one ever cares. My theory is that it drags out what is already a bit of a chore. (I like it afterwards, but I also do NOT like it, if that makes any sense.)
I agree about needing to read something if you’re doing a cardio machine. Or else listen to music, which is what I do if I’m traveling and cardio machines are all that is available to me. I have a cheap, plastic treadmill shelf that holds my reading materials and even my laptop for when I walk at a VERY slow pace while I’m writing. Keeps me from sitting all day. But mostly I use my treadmill at night to do a little walking while reading.
Thanks so much for stopping by! I enjoyed checking out your blog. Good luck with your classes.
Thanks for the reminder to do my elevator exercises for the pelvic floor.
Oh, and thanks for the lead on a new site 8)
Ha ha!! Elevator exercises. I can only imagine what those are.
I hate exercise so I don’t have much to say. Hi Carrie!
Oh, boy, I couldn’t persuade you, huh? Good thing I’m not a lawyer. Or a politician. But I do have a couple Canadian instructors whose workouts I do regularly. I guess I’ll think of you when I do them.
I have 13 lousy pounds to lose and I know I will need to exercise (I am eating well) to lose them. I start something with lots of vigor but within a few days or at most a week or two, I stop. Happens every time. I’ve yet to find something that I “love” enough to keep doing.
Guess you’ll have to take up pole dancing…
And just what are you saying?? lol
Well, I thought that might hold your attention longer. I’ve read some of your blog posts afterall…
hehehe…well, I can’t argue with that.
I’m a walker. I have a treadmill (I can crank up the music and do my thing) I worked out a gym for a little while, but didn’t really care for it. Craziest thing I did was tae bo (not sure if I’m spelling that right) about a 100 years back, hehe – that almost killed me.
Oh, yes, I used to do the Tae Bo thing. It was like that guy was on crack or something. Man, he could move. But that weird group counting thing kind of turned me off–it was like a cult or something–so I stopped doing those tapes and never looked back…
I love my treadmill for reading at night, but I get too bored to put a hard workout into it. Unless I’m at a hotel and that’s all there is.
Thanks for stopping by! I always appreciate the lady in the hood visits.
Thanks for the recommendation. I will check it out for sure as it seems I no longer have access to the fitness on demand channel.
We get Fit TV on our cable, and I should probably use it more, but the commercial breaks bug me, and it seems whenever I think to see what’s on and give it a try, it’s Denise Austin or someone like that. Nothing against her, but she’s a bit too chipper for an early morning workout.
Walking is standard and NEVER w/o my shapeup shoes. When tendinitis isn’t messing with me I do a small weight workout, some unstructured dancing or swinging a tennis racquet, even against a wall. I’m just not into getting into gym clothes and going to a smelly gym. It’s been working for close to four years now. I don’t do videos either. Sometimes they require more coordination than I can handle and forget Zumba. That’s frustration city.
Sounds like you’ve managed to develop a nice varied routine for yourself without the need of some pretty, spandexed instructor. I, too, don’t like going to a gym. And as for Zumba, I wouldn’t even dare try. Nothing would look more comical than that.
Uh…I beg to differ on comical and Zumba, lol. I’m sure I could stand to learn from a trainer but time and $$ are issues. Plus, I’m bad with people telling me what to do.
When I mentioned comical, I was referring to how I would look doing Zumba, not the exercise itself. I’ve heard it’s great exercise and lots of fun. I would just look like a major dork, because dancing is not my forte. I’m sure that comes as a shock!
And yeah, I, too, am not too great at having people tell me what to do. Just ask my husband.
That’s exactly what I meant about Zumba too–how silly I look and feel trying to keep up or even figure out the simplest steps. My husband just might say the same about me, lol.
Have a great weekend!
You, too!
Thanks!
Zumba. And the music needs to be loud so you can’t hear your voice singing (woefully).
Marti
You’re brave. I would look so ridiculous doing Zumba that it wouldn’t even matter I was in the privacy of my own home. Somewhere, somehow, people would be laughing.
I’ll have to check this site out. I was doing my Jillian videos regularly, but I’ve hurt my hip and that has thrown a kink into my exercise habits. I have to be super careful even walking now, which royally sucks. I still hike, but after 5 miles, I’m limping. Guess it’s time to break down and go to a PT…but I know he’ll be mean like an army seargent and I don’t know if I’m ready for healthy torture yet.
Sorry to hear about your hip. I have some Jillian DVDs. Her workouts are good, but some of them have weird moves I need to modify–too hard on the knees. And she’s too bossy for my tastes.
You’d be surprised how many workout DVDs they have now for those recovering from injuries and such. Definitely check it out.
I will. Jillian definitely is bossy, but I have 4 kids and am pretty good at ignoring people if I don’t like what they’re saying, so I always modified Jillian’s moves (for example…I don’t do any exercise in the plank position-my head hurts for half an hour afterward for some reason-ick!). But I will look for new videos for ‘old’ people (that’s how I feel since it’s my hip–only old people mess up their hip).
That comment made me laugh out loud. Maybe you should check out the exercise videos that can be done while sitting in a chair…
Now you’re making me feel really old! “Eh? What did you say, sonny?” Just practicing.
Oh, I’m right there with you. Probably even further along.
Except you like exercise, and I just endure it.
Carrie,
I agree! Exercise isn’t always fun, fun, fun (like I’m running down the road smiling the whole time), but I love the benefits. I’m sold.
I think it’s cool that you’ve found a system that works. I’ve often thought about trying one of those DVDs. Now I have a jumping-off point, so to speak.
I know you’re one in-shape bunny, what with all that running. Think of how strong your heart is. Exercise videos have really come a long way. There are some pretty challenging ones out there that can spice up one’s routine. Of course, you’re so used to being out in the open, you might feel a little claustrophobic if confined to a small space.
Yeah, the room where our big TV is is not totally conducive to jumping and “doing the grapevine.” (Keep in mind, my aerobic class experience peaked in the ’90s.)
Oh, but that grapevine is still around…
Whoa, sounds like you may be in need of an infomercial! I’ll be happy to be the sceptical co-host
That’s right! I’d forgotten how much you enjoy those things. Come to think of it, this does sound like an infomercial. I really should get some compensation out of it. At least a free DVD or something…
It would be an outrage if you didn’t!
Too bad the company isn’t on Twitter. I can’t even give them a hint that I’m promoting their site.
Yay! I’m the same way. I’ve had an exercise routine without a gym — I do it in my apartment and I go running — since I was a lass. I am totally motivated to exercise on my own. It helps me feel capable and in control of something.
I figured you were a fit chick. Good for you. And by not going to a gym, we don’t have to make nice with others or watch their sweat plop onto the floor. It’s a win win.
I used to pee all over myself while excercising, but then I stopped doing box jumps. Problem solved.
=)
Ha ha!! Guess it was either stop the box jumps or wear depends, huh?
Thanks for a good laugh, Stacie.
The best material for laughter is the reality of everyday life. Peeing all over yourself at the gym looks like crotch sweat. Neither visual is appealing, thus, the box jumps had to go. =/
I have one workout DVD where the poor instructor is sweating so much, you can see sweat marks directly over her nipples. She really should have chosen a darker colored top. The light gray didn’t work out too well for her…
What timing. I went back to the gym yesterday, as did my young husband. It felt sooo good. Brave Carrie! Spread the word. igj
Good for you! Glad to see you got the hubby out there as well.
No I don’t pee when I jump up and down :+) but it’s probably only a matter of time. :+)
I just got in trouble just the other day for having too many exercise videos. I was saying I needed a new one. Navar went into the usual “You have so many and you don’t ever watch them conversation.” Truth is I’m searching for “The One” it’s not an easy search. The ones I’ve used most Dancing with the Stars and Richard Simons. I talked Navar into doing the Richard Simons video with me he decided it was too easy to he would do the moves going up and down on a step. He threw his back and we had to go to the chiropractor who is a big guy a body builder. I was in stitches when he had to tell him how he threw his back out.
Thanks for the link I will check it out! For exercise for the most part I would rather exercise out doors doing somthing fun but in the winter cross counrty sking is about it.
The image of you and your hubby doing a Richard Simmons video had me laughing. But I hope his back is okay!
As for having a lot of exercise videos, it’s still cheaper than a gym membership. And you never have to leave the home.
Exactly that’s what I said it’s a lot cheeper than a gym membership. I also said even if I only use to video a few times it’s paid for itself. :+) His back is fine it just put him out of alignment. It was an easy fix.
By the way it’s September are you getting ready to roll out your book soon? When would you like to do a post over at my places or would you rather do a reblog either or is fine with me.
Hopefully it will be released mid-month. Very sweet of you to offer me a post on your blog! I probably won’t do a blog tour though. Partly because I don’t host similar posts on my blog (I think once you do that, it could potentially become all you do), and it wouldn’t be fair to others if I posted on their sites and then didn’t do the same for them on mine, but also because I don’t want to be too in-your-face about my book, you know what I mean? No one likes a non-stop promoter. Of course, if a blogger wants to mention my book on their site or reblog something, well, I’d think that was the equivalent of a gooey, chewy, chocolate brownie ice cream sundae. Delicious and sweet and an unexpected treat!
I understand following lots of writers you are right that’s all you would be doing is promoting other peoples blogs. I’ve been wanting to do something gooey and chewy for you for awhile now. :+) Well when it’s out maybe a blurb I can certainly do that. I appreciate the hard work and the comitment that goes into writing a book and of course I’m on the side lines cheering you on. I’m the goofy one with the pink hat.
Thanks so much, Starla–pink hat and all!
I used to do taebo before I had kids and I really liked it, except that some of the exercises could mess up my back. Same thing with yoga, those bend forwards are terrible for your lower back. So I wouldn’t even try it now, for fear of further injury. I honestly can’t find (justify?) the time to exercise every day. I don’t spend a lot of time sitting down and I’m often up and going most of the day without a break. I stay active with my kids when we go places (or if I have to run behind them when they ride bikes), and I walk with a friend about once a week.
I’ve weighed the same since I stopped growing in my teens so losing weight is not my motivation, or I’d have to eat even more than I do now. I’m sure exercise would be good for my heart too, but for me, sitting down and reading a good text is what helps me relax and lower my blood pressure. Go ahead, scold me!
Oh, I won’t scold you. Although it’s important to get regular bouts of moderate to vigorous activity in, it’s also important to stay active throughout the day, which you obviously do. New studies are showing how dangerous to our health sitting at desks all day can be, even if we work out every day. So all of your motion will keep you from getting “the sitting disease.”
My lower back hates the sitting position so I can’t sit for extended periods of time. I’d actually have a hard time holding an 8-hour day sitting at a desk job because of it. Oh, and I forgot to mention I go up and down my stairs about 20 times a day. It helps avoid a sagging butt!
I can’t sit for too long either. That’s why I do a fair amount of writing on my treadmill. My inexpensive plastic treadmill shelf is great. I can park my laptop on it and walk at a slow pace while I write. Not only does it get me away from my desk but it’s much better on my back to be in an upright position. And also fights against that sagging butt.
Oh, I’d never dare doing anything on a treadmill than watching TV! I fell several times off my old treadmill because I got distracted. I sold it after I got kids when I realized I was running after my boys the whole day and didn’t need it (or had time to use it).
Ha ha! Yes, well, I only walk at about a 2.3 pace–very slow. It’s actually really easy. If a clutz like me can do it, anyone can.
As I get older, I have to adjust how I work out. I worked out for decades (like a crazy person) and I think I grew a bit tired of it. I was an amateur bodybuilder (and trust me, most of these people weren’t that healthy — that was back THEN, I’m sure it’s changed now), but I have a tendency to gravitate toward weight training and some light cardio. I hate running, it bores the H*LL out of me. I wish I could get one of those runner highs everybody talks about but I never have. I just try to go the the gym four times a week. I’ve tried yoga, but it takes very long and I get bored.
Wow, I’m complaining alot. But I don’t like it (working out) as much as I once did!
You sound like me in that running and yoga bore you. I only jog if I’m on vacation and don’t have my workout DVDs. I do yoga once or twice a week because it’s good for me, but I certainly don’t love it. I keep thinking–am I almost done?
That’s cool you were a bodybuilder. But I know what you mean about some of them not being that healthy. I’ve known a few people who trained for contests, and the low amount of fat and calories they ate made me cringe.
And you’re right–sometimes people can work out excessively, and that’s not good for one’s body. In all my years of exercising, I’ve never seriously injured myself (my broken foot and injured knee came from other stupid moves). I really try to vary my routine to avoid overuse injuries and such. But exercise definitely keeps me sane.
I have two DVD’s I fluctuate between and then I just walk. Outside. I’m tempted to start running, but don’t tell anyone. I wouldn’t want them to hold me to it.
What I really want is a treadmill. That’s all I would need. In my exercise life, routine is a good thing for me.
~FringeGirl
thedomesticfringe.com
I do love my treadmill. I’ll often walk on it at night while I read, especially if I’ve sat at my desk for too long. They even have some exercise DVDs that you do on your treadmill. I have one, and it’s pretty fun, though I’d get bored if I did it too often.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I don’t think I’m anywhere near your intensity level, but I do a varied routine nearly every day from 45-70 minutes. There are medium-impact aerobics (some done with hand weights), and core routines (some with a stability ball). Additionally, there are one or two half-hour brisk walks per day.
I’m trying to ramp up the aerobics intensity, though, because since we moved close to DC, there are so many incredible restaurants to try. Some of the weight I lost in 2008-2009 has come back, and I’m really trying to knock it down again.
Maybe you could do your own exercise CD series with a medical thriller angle….
D’oh, 21st century calling! Let’s try exercise DVD series.
I knew what you meant. And remember, I used to do Jane Fonda’s audio cassettes. Talk about dating myself.
Sounds like you are in great shape. I like to walk in the evening, too–in addition to my morning workout. After all, sitting for too long is bad for one’s health, even if exercising daily.
Cathe Friedrich is one of my favorite instructors, and I’ve done her workouts for years. She has very high impact stuff, but more recently, she put out a low-impact series. No jumping but a lot of movement with weights that really keep the heart rate up. Low impact doesn’t have to mean low intensity, that’s for sure.
As for me doing an exercise DVD? I said I like to exercise. I never said I look good doing it…
I’m just starting to love exercising. Its taken me 29 years… but now I hope I’ve got the bug enough to stick with it! And I love Gillian Michaels! I think she’s awesome. It her attitude that I like the most, plus she says words like ‘Toosh!’ So American. So cute!
I have several Jillian Michael’s DVDs. She has great workouts, but she is a bit bossy.
And as you point out, it’s never too late to start exercising, whether one is 29 or 69. Thanks so much for stopping by. I appreciate it! Always nice to see a new face.
Okay – since you asked…I do sometimes pee a little bit if I have to do too many jumping jacks – which I usually do when I do the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred video. And, by the way, I hate Jillian and usually scream the word “bitch” at her randomly while trying to make it through the entire three minutes of the weight training circuit.
Ha ha!! I have the “30 Day Shred” video, too as well as other Jillian Michael’s DVDs. But like you, she makes me a bit crazy. She’s kind of bossy.
And if I’m jumping and bopping with a full bladder? Well, let’s just say I don’t jump and bop with a full bladder…
Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you did, because I’ve been trying to update my blogroll and just realized you’re not on there. That shall be corrected.
Thanks! You are too kind! And, sadly, my bladder doesn’t even have to be full. I just keep reminding myself how awesome my kids are.
Yep, that’s what you have to do. And never, under any circumstances, jump on a trampoline.
I’d go insane if I couldn’t exercise… and I almost did. I’ve always been a bit of a jock, but I had a lot of bad sh*t going on for much longer than it should have, and by the time I was 40, I was so injured and debilitated it was an effort just to get out of my car. I couldn’t even walk a block without pain. That was a real wake-up call for me.
I started swimming because it was the only thing I could do with to work around various old and recent injuries. It took 4 years for me to recover to the point where I could do a “regular” workout again.
These days, I pump iron twice a week, run 2-4 times a week, kickbox a couple of times a week, and walk everywhere in between. Every now and then I throw in some Ashtanga yoga, and a couple of weeks ago, my sister and I hiked up Sulphur Mountain in Banff (trail map recommends allowing 3-4 hours). We did it in an hour and half. We were pumped!
At 48, I’m back to the fitness level I had in my 20s (or maybe better), and I’ve lost nearly 30 pounds in the last 8 years. I’ve learned my lesson – nothing in life is more important than keeping myself healthy. I still have a long way to go in cardio fitness, though, so I’m heading over to check out your video site now – thanks for the heads-up!
Isn’t it amazing to feel as fit in your 40s as you did in your 20s? In fact, I’m actually more fit now, because I have a more regular schedule. We’ve all heard how we lose muscle mass every year we age, so we need to fight that loss.
I know what you mean about going crazy when you can’t exercise. This no way compares to your ordeal, but once I broke my foot (on my kid’s stroller–really smooth move) and another time I injured my knee. I knew I needed to make the proper rehabilitation to avoid reinjury, but it’s difficult when you want to move. Swimming is a great way to get the mojo back.
I think you’ll like that site. One of my favorite instructors is Jari Love. She’s a tiny little Canadian, but man, does she get the job done!
First of all, Connie, good for you and your sticktoitiveness. And since you’re not being paid for your endorsement, your audience will no doubt be more receptive to your advice. People don’t always like a whore, but they have sympathy for a zealot!
I have seen/heard some exercise videos that intrigue me, but there is quite literally not enough space in my house to exercise in front of the TV (I have the smallest house of anyone you know; it is quite awesome, however), and we only have one TV. There is no TV in my office, and again, room is an issue.
My current exercise routine (such as it is) is insufficient. I take walks at least once (and often twice) a day and perform some light resistance exercises. I also get a bit of a workout chasing down the kids.
Go for the burn, Connie!
Well, now, I’ve done some of these workouts on my computer in cramped hotel rooms, so, you know, just saying…
But you’re right. Some of them require room to move around, and of course, there’s that whole sweat flying thing to worry about. Luckily, we have a room in the basement where I can work out. We Midwesterners like our basements, don’t you know.
By the way, there is no chance in Hades of me coming across a better line than this today: “People don’t always like a whore, but they have sympathy for a zealot!” Well done.
I have been in hotel suites that were bigger than my home. I lived in an apartment once that was bigger than my current home. There is not enough clear space in front of the TV for me to exercise. Now, I know you’re a tall person (it’s revealed by your intelligence), but I GUARANTEE you I take up “more space on the dance floor.”
And yes, I know that these are all excuses (but I really do live in a lovely little cracker box). Where there’s a will there’s a way, and where there’s an excuse, there’s a way out.
Well, you do live in sunny California, so you could take that laptop outside and boogie till your heart’s content. Your neighbors might enjoy it, and who knows? You may even end up on You Tube!
Nobody wants that. And I live in California, NOT (necessarily) sunny California. Have you ever seen the old horror movie “The Fog?” I’m guessing not, which will render this comment moot. But if you have, you know.
I’ve seen “The Fog,” but I can’t remember whether it was the older one or the newer one. And I’ve also seen fog, well, as much as anyone can “see” fog. But all the better to hide yourself in.
The original is much better. I was commenting on another site recently how much I enjoyed that movie as a kid, because it really spoke to me. Horror movies all took place in New England or Europe or the Midwest, but “The Fog,” which took place in the mythical “Antonio Bay” (I live in Morro Bay) could have been in my backyard. On some days, you can literally watch the fog roll up my street. It’s pretty awesome.
The remake of ‘The Fog’ was caca.
Then I suspect it was the remake I saw, because it was indeed caca.
Sadly, in the civilized, non-tornado-prone areas of the country, we don’t have basements. If we did, I’d be living in my parents’.
I mix it up, but that’s easy for me because I live alone. I do zumba, sometimes I run, other days I kick box, and at least once a week I do yoga. If I don’t feel like doing any of those things, I dance my ass off in my living room and then I hula hoop or do a youtube ab workout. Jillian Michaels kicks my butt sometimes, too, and I yell at her the whole time.
Extreme Calorie Burn looks scary hahaha.
That’s the way to do it–a lot of variety. Keeps your muscles guessing and your metabolism revved. Good for you. I have some Jillian Michaels DVDs, too. I like them for the challenge, but her bossiness gets to me.
As always, thanks for stopping by and commenting!
As I sit here crunching away on barbed wire, I contemplate my 8th grade gym teacher. He liked to pinch the girls butts as they left the gym. Ah the 70s. Those were the days for sleezeball gym teachers.
Does cooking count as exercise? I’ll have to refer to a blog post I did a while back:
http://gmbarlean.wordpress.com/2011/08/26/exerciseexorcism-its-all-the-same-to-me/
Now. Where did I put the chocolate sauce. I think this barbed wire would be better dipped in chocolate.
That post of yours is so funny. It’s the complete antithesis of my post. No worries. You enjoy your chocolate-coated barbed wire and I’ll enjoy my one-armed burpees. That way, when I’m through, I can eat some chocolate, too.
As for your gym teacher pinching your butt? Gross. And more gross.
Thanks as always, Gina, for a good laugh!
I believe you know I’m into yoga – in fact, that’s one of the things that’s kept me so tied up lately – I’m launching a yoga business in my small town. I’ve tried different exercise videos and can’t ever seem to either keep up or get into them. The closest I came to liking one at all was the Zumba videos but in all honesty I gave up on their specific moves and simply danced to that Latin music any goofy way I wanted to! lol My husband is doing his first triathlon this Saturday and I’m excited for him – I’m not into running or bicycling myself but he truly enjoys it. I’m finally at that place where I realize it is crucial we find some form of workout/exercise that works for us and do it – my state is very high on the obesity list and I really believe obesity contributes more to health costs than anything else, and that hurts all of us!
Oh, how I would love to see a video of you doing Zumba! I’m not really into those dancy videos, either. It really is not pretty when I try to be sexy.
I do yoga once or twice a week–not so much because I enjoy it, but because it’s good for the body. Flexibility is one of the components of fitness–along with cardio and strength training.
Best of luck with your yoga venture. You do have your fingers in lots of pies, don’t you? But it’s a good thing they’re figurative pies, because you’re right, the healthcare costs associated with obesity are mind-boggling.
As always, thanks for coming by!
I’ve taken the last year to slow down and ‘re-group’ as I was doing too much for everybody else and not meeting any of my personal goals. The writing is for me and the yoga is for me – both are healthy pursuits – one for is for the mind and the other for the mind and body. As for the ‘fingers in lots of pies’ – that’s something I have to keep in check because I definitely know how to overfill my plate…
Very true. It’s hard not to overfill our plates, especially when we have kids.