Now that school is a week away, it’s time for me to recommit to a fitness routine I’ve abandoned the past month. So what works for you to get the best results in the shortest amount of time? Translation: I am looking for the biggest reward with the smallest output–I’ll admit it. Cross training and muscle confusion are popular approaches I hear people talk about. And it makes sense to change things up because, let’s be honest, you’re not going to do 5-day-a-week kickboxing for the rest of your life or run marathons indefinitely. Well the sane people reading this won’t. 
I can run or take a cardio class or do a Zumba routine on the Wii… but I would like to know what you’re doing so I can be inspired to get moving again. This exercise thing never ends, it just goes on hiatus.
Posted under Baby Thomas: Month 50
This post was written by Tara on August 10, 2012
My summer has not been the best for exercise or diet, so I’m now back in my normal routine and teaching, I am trying a few new things. I am taking an Abs and More class twice a week, but started also doing Jillian Michaels’ Six Weeks to a Six Pack. Wow! Her workouts always make me feel like I’ve done something even though this one is about 35 minutes long. I like all of her DVDs but especially the 30 Day Shred and her new Kickboxing one. I’m not sure there is any quick fix – if you find one, be sure to blog about it
I am jogging three days a week (2-3 miles/day), doing a modified P90x routine on the other days.
In the past year I’ve lost 45 lbs. I did it by watching what I ate most times and exercise. I hate to exercise, but committed to doing just 30 minutes 5 days a week and IT WORKED! I elliptical 3 days a week and the other 2 days I do a Jillian video or a Biggest Loser video. With the nice weather and the constant BBQ’s over the summer I’ve gone into maintain mode. I eat pretty much whatever I want and just keep up the exercise about 4 days a week. I’ve added running about 2-3 miles 1-2 times a week in place of an elliptical day and a video day. And for an “extra” workout I’ve been riding my bike. Once the weather cools and life calms down I will try to get back on track with the food. It’s always my downfall.
My routine is 4 days a week with elliptical, treadmill, and track. At home I do my situps and arm weights. I know for myself, even a little food extra does add to the scale. I find that the exercise is not just a weight control thing. It really makes stress more managable too. The summer problem at my house has been, getting up and just doing it. I have to be up for a while before exercise is approachable. It will be easier after the kids go to school, my usual routine. Have fun with what you choose.
kayaking & biking at the gym…watching the caloric intake and 51.5 now off, WHOO HOO!
…and no POP!
The RIPT program at Covenant is the best kept secret in town! Price is reasonable, great instructors. This will be my fifth session. It’s three days a week and offered in the early am, noon, and evening.
Whatever you end up doing, get it on your schedule – write it down on the calendar. If you don’t, chances are you won’t make time for it. It is as important/often more important than anything else you have on your schedule since it is about you and your health.
Over the past 2 years I have lost and kept off 30 pounds. Most of it was lost within the first year. No diets, still eat cake, chocolate, cheeseburgers. Lifestyle changes work. I know I can only commit to 2 mornings of exercise a week. So that is all I do, and if by chance I get a walk in or some other type of exercise, great! I watch the amount of what I eat more than what I eat. You have do what you believe you can stick with. Good luck!
I have lost 30 pounds since last fall. I have watched what I have eaten, do not drink Pop, take a spinning class 4 mornings a week and do kettlebells 2 nights a week. I also try to get a walk in a few nights a week. Taking classes keeps me motivated and also holds me accountable to getting out of bed and getting to class! Good Luck!!