There was “blizzard” earlier this week and it’s mid-March!
It’s supposed be the time of crocuses popping up under remnants of snow. Not a
full on blizzard. But hey, we must all roll with the punches of life –
rearranging schedules, appointments, social outings and more. However, the one
thing blizzards don’t have to do is derail your workouts and movement schedule, unless you succumb to the strong desire to cuddle up under the blanket to watch
movies, read a book or sleep – which by all means do, if that’s what your body
is craving! We all need some rest and recharge. However, if cabin fever is at
an all-time high, then I strongly recommend adding some movement to your
morning, mid-day or 3pm slump.
I hate or rather hated, working
out at home. Despised. I never thought it as good as the gym. Before having
our daughter, I needed the gym to work out. Period. I loved the social atmosphere, organized classes, and the accountability from a paying monthly fee. Albeit, to make
life work, we sometimes need to compromise. So I began working out at home
especially after a friend said “Look at this space you have to work out”. So I got over getting sweaty in my living
room and the need for “machines” and embraced the videos as workout classes. Here’s
a couple of my favorites for home or work!
Jessica
Smith TV. – Approachable, fun workouts with varying intensities, duration
and muscle groups. She touches on everything from walking programs, H.I.T. (high
intensity training), yoga, strength, cardio, flexibility and stretching. And
who doesn’t love, Peanut, her “active” French bulldog. She adds humor and intelligence while staying
focused. She is ideal for those who are new to working out at home and has convinced
me to slow down and focus on full range body movements for healing and
integrated techniques versus the hamster wheel of the treadmill.
Fitness Blender
– These are results oriented quick workouts, that are easy to follow with varying
intensities; focused on one body part or total body. I worked up a
sweat unexpectedly with a 5 min leg workout. They are efficient, with minimal
talking and get right to the point. Best of all, the site has an easy to use search
function for finding workouts based on duration, intensity, style (yoga,
strength, cardio, HIT), body group (arms) and equipment. Pick your workout to
start the day! I look forward to exploring their site more and interchanging
with Jessica Smith T.V.
For those in the office, I provide a presentation
on D.I.Y. Wellness Tips, in which I discuss how to incorporate movement at the
office in various ways from unused conference rooms, to your desk, to even your
stairwell. Otherwise, check out the following two sites.
Activity Bursts Everywhere – A.B.E.
– These are 10 minute videos focusing on various parts of the body using your
chair, your desk or by standing. If nothing else, watch for a good chuckle
and you might find yourself partaking in the exercises. Don’t underestimate how
just a few moves and deep breathing exercises can help curb cravings, refocus
energy and provide that extra boost of focus to power through an hour two. I
did these routinely at 11am at my desk vs reaching for those snacks. Worked
every time.
Yoga – For a free
version, try Yoga with
Adriene. It's a six minute video for the desk stretch break. Otherwise, Desk Yogi, is a paid program
with reminders, playlists, competitions and more for a virtually integrated at
your desk wellness program.
Although I still prefer the gym, I
knew I needed to continue these videos when my toddler joined the fun!
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