Getting in shape is a huge topic of discussion lately and there are so many different products, apps and more out there that claim to help you get to where you want to be. Here are 10 of these things I either need to work out, I have tried or that I want to try.
1. Music to Move
I cannot work out without music. A lot of the videos I do have music built in which is handy, but the bad thing is their music sucks most of the time. The only reason it works on their is the beat keeps you in rhythm, which makes your workout stronger.
2. Netflix and Treadmill
About nine months ago, I got so stressed out that I began to get blisters in my mouth, so I had to find a better outlet for my stress. I chose the treadmill. About three times a week, I spent about 30 minutes to an hour on the treadmill. Most of that time, I had my iPad sitting just like this one, streaming Netflix the entire time. Ironically, I broke my arm shortly after that, but thankfully I was still able to do the treadmill.
3. Hit the Gym
Once I was medically cleared to do so, my friends and I started hitting the gym five days a week. At first, it was torture! We combined our cardio with strength training and when it got easier, we pushed harder.
4. BBG Workouts
For those of you who don't know, BBG stands for Bikini Body Guide. These are sets of workouts designed to get you ready for a summer on the beach. These workouts are good, but can be easier to give yourself a break, and not go as hard as you should. On Pinterest, you can find these workouts and most do not need more equipment than that of which is naturally in your home, although a couple free weights may be handy.
5. Sworkit
Sworkit is an app that tells you what to do. You choose the area you want to focus on, you set a time, and then you do it. It names and demonstrates the move you are suppose to do. Every 30 seconds, it switches moves giving you five seconds in order to get in position. It also schedules in 30-second water breaks so don't stop unless it lets you. Did I mention it's free? So no excuses!!
6. Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred
I tried this a couple of times, but I did not like this one. Jillian is just not the right coach for me, but a few of my friends have used her DVDs and they love her.
7. Insanity
Although this is harder than Jillian's, I like this a lot better. Its downfall is its a lot more expensive and takes more time out of your day, but its results are phenomenal. I will warn you there is one girl in these videos that you just want to smack because she looks so dang happy to be working her ass off.
8. P90X
We tried P90X one time, but it does not have the cardio in it the way that Insanity does. If you just need the strength training and are getting the cardio elsewhere, these videos would be great for you. They are also an hour long on their own. They are not as fast paced as Insanity.
9. Insanity Max 30
This is the step up from regular Insanity. They say you have to be insane to do Insanity so what does it make me if this is the one I prefer? Shaun T is an ass, but he doesn't drive me insane... This is similar to the original Insanity, but without the stretching and without the annoying girl in the back.
10. Friends
The most important part of a successful workout program is friends who support you and do it with you. I would not have made all the progress I have had my friends not been their supporting me and pushing me every step of the way. I love you and thank you, even when I hate you for making me keep going.
Working out is hard and it sucks but it gets better because you do, too. The key to success is finding what works for you and to be around people who support you.
