Gentle Exercises to Get Ready for Summer
Well, summer is actually already upon us, so I guess this post is a tad too late!
But summer means warm-weather clothes. We can no longer hide our flabby arms and jello abs under layers and layers of winter clothing.
I’m not big on strenuous exercise, so to get my body summer ready, I’ve been working out indoors with these exercise DVDs:
Madeleine Lewis’ “Get Moving: Walking for Weight Loss” DVD
I like being able to keep up with my walking program even if it’s too cold or wet to go outside. This DVD combines simple walking and marching moves with arm movements to push you more. Each exercise or routine is demonstrated in 3 levels, from easy to advance. So you don’t have to feel like a klutz if you can’t quite keep up with the main presenter. Madeleine gives easy-to-follow cues and instructions. Plus, the movements are varied enough to keep your interest and motivation levels high.
The DVD is made up of four 10-minute segments. The first 3 segments are each made up of 8 minutes of cardio and 2 minutes of strength training. The cardio exercises, which are really just walking, marching or jogging in place, vary from mild to challenging. You can do the level you’re most comfortable with. The strength training portion can be done with or without weights – do them without if you’re just starting out. The last segment is a cool-down segment composed of stretches and yoga-like movements. It’s very relaxing and calming.
What I love the most about this DVD is that you can customize it. You can program your workout by choosing and combining which segments you’d like to do. You could also do just one segment at a time, if that’s all you can squeeze into your busy schedule. Or mix up the segments any way you look. Do one walking segment + the cool down, or just do the cool down segment if you want to relax and stretch for the day. It’s all up to you!
[ad#ad-2]
“Pilates Complete for Everyone” DVD
I just love Pilates, but I hadn’t done it since I was pregnant with my boy (which was, um, 3 years ago). So when I thought of doing Pilates again, I was a bit nervous. It took me a few months to even get to the point where I could do most of the exercises. Would I have to start all over again?
Fortunately, I didn’t. I still can’t do the roll up and teaser, but I can do what I was able to do 3 years ago. Yay!
This DVD isn’t quite customizable, but it does combine the various Pilates exercises into many routines. First, choose from Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced. Then choose a routine for “less flexible people” and for the amount of time you have to exercise. The variations add up to over 20 routines to choose from! So this is well worth the money.
The DVD is produced in a no-fluff way. There’s a demonstrator against a simple backdrop and that’s it. The detailed instructions for each exercise are in a separate introduction video – so your routine is not interrupted by explanations of how to do the exercise.
One of the things I like most about Pilates is that you don’t have to do a lot to get results. I credit Pilates for “fixing” my back. Before I discovered Pilates, I was going to physical therapy sessions for my back pain, but the pain always returned after a few days. I was only in my 30s! I knew I couldn’t go on like that for the rest of my life, so I looked for a way to strengthen my back and get rid of the pain.
That’s when I discovered Pilates. At first, I couldn’t do even half of the exercises. I kept at it, feeling like such a dork. But my persistence paid off. The first few days of doing Pilates, I noticed my spine and hips “creaking”. I could actually hear them! I can only guess that the Pilates exercises were properly aligning my spine.
I’m not on physical therapy for back pain any more. And I hardly ever feel back pain. Thank you, Joseph Pilates!
By the way, if you’re a complete beginner, I recommend that you sign up with either a personal trainer or group class with an instructor who’s a certified Pilates instructor.
PS: If you’ve been reading my earlier posts, you know that I’ve been recommending the Fit Yummy Mummy exercise system. I still do. I just need some variety now and then. No, I guess I need a lot! So I switch from my favorite fitness programs once in a while. Find which ones you enjoy. The exercise program that’s best for you is the one you actually do!
PPS: (Disclosure) I wasn’t paid to write the reviews above. However, if you buy these DVDs through my links above, I will get a commission from Amazon.com. If that offends you, just point your browser to Amazon.com then search for the DVDs.
If you liked this post, submit your email address below to get new posts by email:
