You know what I love about you guys? Before I could write this post, I had to go and throw in my guaranteed-if-I-do-nothing-else obligatory 30 minutes on the Wii Fit before I could even write this post. 🙂 I’ve been fairly good at sticking with that (I think only missing one day thus far this year). And just so you don’t think I’m standing in one place dodging pandas and shoes (I am rather awesome at that game though), I do a good mix of aerobic (mainly Rhythm Kung Fu, Step, and Hula Hoop), strength (some squats, leg extensions, and torso twists today), and yoga (hellooooo half moon) exercises. Several evenings, I’ve also done the Solo Step deal where you can speed up the pace, hear the Wii Lady count through the remote, and then turn the channel to watch Chuck. Sooo, it’s going well. I’ve also officially worked on out on our new to us free eliptical (thanks again Lady Joanna and Sir Morgan!). It’s a little odd since it’s in our garage for now but it’s all good. And the bike Lady Cousin Taylor graciously lets me use for years on end while she travels the world is on the trainer, in good shape (thanks to Sir Uncle Bob), and I even took her for a little indoor spin this week. Nice.
Today, let’s chat about Fitness DVDs. My top tip for them is to actually use them if you buy them. Otherwise, they make pretty unattractive shelf decorations. Now I’m preaching these words to the choir. I have several DVDs that I love but just do very often. Among my favs are The 30 Day Shred (which I did and loved and then didn’t know what to do after 30 Days were over), Women’s Health Train for Your Body Type (and just about anything else they produce), anything by the FIRM, and the King likes P90x.
But fitness DVDs can be an investment. And you want to be sure that you reallllly love them before you invest in one (by the way, I found several great ones at Target this week in their seasonal area for only $7). Here are my tips to keep from dropping too much cash on something you’ll never use.
1) Use the library. Many libraries have fitness DVDs available for check out. Our library actually allows you to reserve things online and merely pick them up at the counter when they’re available (usually within a day or two if they’re on the shelf).
2) Give Netflix a try. Many of the Money Saving Lords and Ladies on the Queen of Free Facebook Fan Page have suggested using Netflix to check out fitness DVDs. That way, you don’t get bored with what you have and/or can find out if it’s going to work for you before you invest in it. Now, if you don’t already have a Netflix subscription, I wouldn’t suggest getting one just for this but if it’s a part of your monthly budget, then why not check out a fitness DVD along with the latest romantic comedy?
3) Use Your Friends. I don’t mean like use them to get what you want. But instead host a Saturday AM fitness DVD swap with your favorite fitness pals. Serve some yummy fruit, oatmeal, and healthy brunchy fare, swap DVDs and tips. Make a promise to use the DVD you take at least once before you get together again. Your friends will more than likely have insight on said DVDs – (i.e. the lady in the background drives me crazy when she smiles that empty smile, watch out for the push ups in level 2, you’ll love the stretching). Just keep in mind what works for you might not work for your best pal and vice versa.
My goal for next week? A different fitness DVD everyday just to keep things interesting and report back to you what I’ve discovered. Good luck to you in your health pursuit. Keep your chin and your heart rate up people. You CAN do it! You CAN get buff on a budget.
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Let me know when you want to try the Your Shape for Wii. I’ll let you borrow it. I’m not exactly able to use it at the moment.
Thanks for the encouragement to do Wii Fit strength trainer. I didn’t think it looked all that useful after receiving Wii Fit for Christmas, so I didn’t do any of the options. Loved the yoga and aerobics. Now I can see it isn’t so bad.