Delle (delle) wrote, @ 2008-01-06 10:23:00

Exercise
I need some. My promise to myself for 2008 is to strengthen my stomach muscles and hips and just get a bit fitter overall. My problem is, I don't know what to do. So what would be a good idea? I don't really do gyms, exercise classes are difficult to fit in around the boy, so I think some kind of exercise DVD would be best, but I need a recommendation of a good one.

I thought about trying yoga, but hate the only tape I have of that (I think it's the woman, rather than the type of excercise). I have one of the kickboxing ones, but think I need to at least start off a little more slowly.

Can anyone suggest anything? What they like and why. I need to get some momentum going.

callie_demeter 2008-01-06 06:06 (link)

Hmmm... I have Tae Bo one (good overall cardio, but yes, maybe start slower). I have Yoga For Dummies, but the woman's voice annoyed me (and after talking you into a pose she'd then spend ages extolling the virtues of the pose, how to make it easier, etc. I ended up making notes and stick diagrams! Otherwise, I have MTV Pilates (quite good, and she talks you through things, but not while waiting for you to start!). The one I found useful, was the New York City Ballet workout. Given you did dance, you'd probably find stuff you already knew - it was good for working out the legs and stomach (oh man, the abs workout.... [/flashback]). This is the one I have: http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-York-City-Ballet-Workout/dp/0688152023/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199617453&sr=8-2 (they did a second one too). (Reply to this) (Thread)

lulamae 2008-01-06 12:19 (link)

I really like the Yoga Booty Ballet series. It's a good combination of light cardio, strength and stretching. If you can't get it in the UK, I'll see if there's a way I can copy my DVDs if you want. I have both the NYC Ballet Workout DVDs... I haven't actually done the second one, yet, as quite a bit of the first one is still tough for me. Well... was as I've been out of commission for two months. (Reply to this) (Thread)

cosmicavatar 2008-01-06 13:02 (link)

If you want a short but sweat-inducing workout, I recommend Billy Blanks's Tae-Bo (Basic) workouts. Get Ripped and Energize are my faves. I was also impressed with the Charlie Brooks Workout because it has different forms of exercise for all situations. It's a bit girly and giggly at times, but it works you bloody hard and, as it's broken down into sections, you can pick and choose (I like Combat best). If you want a mini-workout, the ten-minute Pilates cooldown will give your core muscles a good pounding but is still very gentle and relaxing. (Reply to this) (Thread)