[bekko]

Ok, not sure about anyone else.. but I'm starting to get bored at the gym! I know there is so much more to fitness than walking on a treadmill day in and day out.

Lets come up with a list to mix it up some!

I want to start "treating" myself to a yoga class. I've been really intimiated to try, but it looks so challenging that I think I could get into it

My ideas:

bikram yoga
30 day shred! I see so many posts on this, I'm curious to try

[mandos]

I don't know the availability of classes, but I've found belly dancing to be fun, different, and it REALLY works up a sweat!

[mazza]

I've recently started a new kind of plyometric training - involving different jumping combinations over a bench. Of course - make sure the area is clear at the gym.
I:
- vault over the bench with both hands and land with 2 feet on the other side
- jump over it with two feet together
- jump on it, then off and repeat.
-... and some other stuff I can't really explain here
It might sound kind of crazy as far as training goes.. but my heart rate was at around 180 and it was a great addition to my work out.

[AngelMae]

I just started to do pilates in the am. Kind of a way to stretch and wake up.

[bekko]

Does Pilates give you a pretty good workout? Its so expensive! :x

[mazza]

Pilates is good for core strength and reducing the chance of your body getting injured. It isn't the best thing in the world for weight loss.

[CountingDown]

I love mixing it up with yoga, pilates, fitness ball, weights, dance and walking! The more variety, the better! It works different muscle groups in different ways, and helps with the boredom factor!

I started all of those at my top weight, so I say - give it a try!!! So, if this 50+ 215 lb. chickie could do it - You CAN do yoga!!!

[MBN]

One of the things I like about yoga and pilates is they emphasize stretching/lengthening as well as contracting muscles. So many of the other exercises only focus on contraction, and we tend to neglect stretching. I think the stretching component is extremely important in helping to prevent injury. Also, you can take the classes at any level ... from beginner to expert. Some of the advanced poses are REALLY challenging!!! But all can be modified for beginners, so don't be intimidated -- anybody can do it, like anything else, just do what you can at first and you'll improve over time.

I get bored easy, so I like to mix things up and try different approaches. And I agree that working different muscles in different ways keeps things interesting and challenging. So, don't be afraid to try out different classes!

[AngelMae]

Originally Posted by bekko

Does Pilates give you a pretty good workout? Its so expensive! :x

I bought a $15 video at Wal-Mart and it came with two bands!! It probably dosent compare to a class at the gym but its all I can afford right now!