3 kick-butt workout DVD

This post is all thanks to my friends. They are the type of people who need somebody or something “yelling” at them to keep working and not to quit. Every video I am going to give to you I have tried know people who have used them. From this I give you:

My top 3 favorite video workouts:

Photo taken from P90X website

1.

The first is the extremely popular, P90X. Trainer Tony Horton has created 12 weeks of fitness videos that will help you get from flab to fab in just 90 days. Each disc goes through a different workout for that part of the body. The discs also come with a workout calendar and nutrition plan. The beauty of P90X is that each disc works an entirely different muscle than the last. I have yet to try every disc, but from the ones I’ve done my favorites are: Ab Ripper X; Plyometrics; Core Synergistics; Legs & Back; and Chest, Shoulders and Triceps. Tony Horton has three to four other people workout with him doing different intensities of the workout, allowing all skill levels an excelent workout. For more information check out P90X

2. 

The Moore Trainer is a video combined with 4 resistance bands that you attach right above your knee. Each resistance band is a different weight that strengthen any workout. Trainer Shay along with 3 others go through an intense 20 minute workout that will increase your stamina and strength. I bought this product at the begining of the semester (January), and use it 3-5 times a week and I can already see and feel my legs getting stronger. The resistance bands that the video comes with are the main part of the program. These bands are portable and can be worn anytime of the day, and during any workout to add a little bit extra weight onto your legs. This program is excelent for those who are trying to gain stamina and loose inches on your waist and thighs.  For more information check out: Moore Trainer’s website here!

3. 

Jillian Michaels on the cover of Fitness magazine

The Jillian Michaels workout DVDs give you the feeling that Jillian Michaels is actually in the room yelling at you like she does to the contestants on the biggest loser.  She has 10 DVD programs that are great workouts that will help you stay motivated and get ready for that summer hot summer bod you always wanted. One of my good friends has three of these DVDs and is obsessed with them. On the days she cannot do them she can hear Jillian Michaels’ voice, in her head, telling her to do them. For more information about Jillian Michaels and her fitness plans: join the fitness fun!

Anyone have a workout DVD that they really enjoy doing, let me know! Or if you have any more questions regarding my selections I will be happy to answer them for you!

Why to keep track of your fitness

Keeping track of your fitness is an important way to remain healthy. When you keep track off your food intake and fitness you can see the progress you are making to obtain your fitness goals. This infograph goes into detail about the importance of keeping track and doing so in a quick and simple way.

For the past year I have been using different online and mobile tools to keep track of my food and workouts of that day. This allows me to see if I am eating enough of things like protein and fiber and not too much of things like sugar and fat. Some good sites and apps that help you keep track of your fitness Gand food goalaltered MyFitnessPal, LoseIt, Livestrong, and ACEfitness. I have found that when I use these sites/ apps I get a better workout in because I know how much cardio and strength training I have done, to still need to Do.

According to BodyBuilder.com, keeping track of your daily fitness is important when trying to loose weight, gain muscle and to get stronger. When you keep a log of what fitness exercises, sets, reps and weights you do you are able to change up your workout routine until it is exactly what you want. It is also important to change up your routine every so often so your body does not get too comfortable and stuck in the same boring repetitive routine.

Investment vs. Equiptment

Before you enter into a workout plan, there are a few things that you should invest in.

SHOES

The first and most important investment is a good and stable pair of shoes.

Each brand of sneakers and style number is based on what type of sneaker you are looking for and how they feel on your feet.

TYPES:

• ASICS
• New Balance
• Saucony
• Nike
• Brooks
• Under Armor
• Nike
• Adidas
• Mizuno

These are only a few of the many brands of shoes. My preferred choice in footwear are my Asics 2000 series. I have been wearing ASICS when working out since I was in Middle School. The comfort and support I get when wearing my ASICS, but that doesn’t mean I dis-like the other brands.

The very first time I bought running sneakers I was unsure what type to get so I went to the closest Road Runner Sports store. They put me through a number of tests to determine what type of sneaker I would need to support my foot the best. Just because I went to Road Runner Sports doesn’t mean you have to; any store that sells sneakers will do.

* Make sure to lightly jog around the store when trying on sneakers so you can accurately determine which shoe fits and feels best. *

WRISTWATCH

Once you have the right pair of shoes, the next thing you should invest in is a wrist watch with a start/stop feature. Having a stopwatch isn’t required to get a great workout, but it makes a timed workout easier to keep track of than constantly looking at the clock on your wall.

When working out it is more important to focus on your breathing than to focus on counting. This is where the stopwatch comes in handy. A basic wristwatch stopwatch is all you really need when working out from home so there is no need to spend more than $80. I have noticed that most of my teammates throughout high school had a Timex or a Garmin. You can find numerous Timex or Garmin watches for under $80, but I suggest going to the closest Target and getting one of the sports watches there. Target has multiple brands and colors of sports watches, many of which are under $20.

WEIGHTS AND RESISTANCE BANDS

Having a pair of 3, 5 and/or 8 pound weights will come in handy for most arm workouts. Strength training is an important part of remaining fit and active. Most of my arm workouts require a set of weights to complete. This will increase the intensity of the workout. Resistance bands are also good to have when work

ing out.Adding a resistance band to your ankles or thighs will increase the intensity in your leg workouts. Just like I said with the wristwatch stopwatch,  resistance bands are not required for my workouts but they are a smart thing to consider looking into getting. Weights however are something you should go out and get. Without a set of weights it will be extremely hard to finish any of my arm workouts.

So, do you have the proper shoes, a watch or weights? If the answer is no, go out and get some before my next post. It will be worth it, I promise.