☼╟░░Get Fit at Home Thread░░╢☼
 

Welcome!

This is a new thread designed for those who get fit in the comfort of their own home or outdoors without the use of a gym. We believe that it is possible to get fit and stay fit at home. Perhaps you use exercise DVDs, a treadmill, an elliptical, other equipment, or a combination of these items.

The primary purpose of this thread is accountability and workout variety discussions.

Please feel free to post your daily workout accomplishments here.

We also discuss ideas for mixing up your workout routine at home with the use of new exercise DVDs, equipment, etc. Feel free to write reviews or ask questions about fitness DVDs or at-home fitness equipment.

Don’t forget to check out collagevideo.com where you can preview exercise videos before purchasing!

Have a great, fit day!

Hi!

I have been an at-home exerciser for about 10 years. I was a member of a gym for about four months last year, but transportation to and from the gym took nearly 45 minutes. Now that I workout at home, I'm more dedicated again and have more time to exercise each day. It's great to get up in the morning and head straight upstairs for a great workout!

I use a combination of exercise dvds, the treadmill and elliptical. My favorite videos are Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds videos. I own nearly 20 of her workouts! I also enjoy step aerobics videos. For toning, I use Denise Austin's Get Fit Fast, Hit the Spot Pilates, and Yoga Body Burn (all only 10 minute workouts, which is very convenient).

This morning, I did a 2 mile WATP video and 15 minutes on the elliptical. This evening, I'll do another 15 minutes of walking.

Hope everyone has a great evening, and I hope we can support each other here each day!

Hi there,

I'm 40 and most of my life have been either an athlete or at least very active. I played sports through college, then took up cycling and rode a lot, doing a good bit of mountain biking and long road rides, including centuries. In my early 30s I had some health issues and, while I continued some cycling, the intensity and distance dropped dramatically.

The last few years I've been doing a lot of walking (I have a workout buddy and we like to walk FAST for an hour a few times per week), and I still do a bit of this and that (tennis, biking, etc.).

But recently (the last year maybe), I've really enjoyed doing workout dvds at home. It's such a time saver - I enjoy the privacy my home affords, and I have enough dvds now that I get a real variety. And I really enjoy the option of doing the dvds when it's either really hot or really cold (or raining) outside.

Yesterday my husband and I did Yoga Zones Stress Relief and Flexiblity (about 1 hour). I could never get him to a yoga class, but he actually enjoys doing it at home!

Today I did Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred -- Level 1 and Level 2 back to back. I thought I was going to die! It was pretty killer, but I do want to build up to Level 3.

So yes, I would say I'm now a home exerciser. In fact I put a "freeze" on my gym membership just this week.

Streudel - I'm jealous that you have your own elliptical - I'd love to have some equipment (besides my dumb bells and yoga mat)!

I am a reasonably new at-home exerciser... I have an elliptical trainer, a recumbent bike, a few small weights, a yoga mat, and DH just ordered a Weider Max home strength training system. I also use on demand exercise videos from exercise tv pretty frequently.

Lately I've been doing a 10 minute yoga warm up, either "Pilates for Abs" or "Abs & Back Workout" on demand and then 45 minutes on the elliptical with varying incline and resistance. I don't use the bike as often, but when I do it is usually 35 minutes - DH uses it more than me.

I need to mix things up a little - I know that i'm missing target groups and focusing too much on cardio, but I'm seeing some great fat burning result and have lost inches, so I'm afraid to change what is working! :-)

Exercise TV has a "Walk at Home" program and list Leslie Sansone as the trainer. Wonder if it is the same one you have? There are a lot of different episodes of it and it looks pretty cool.

Any suggestions for me on things to do?

I became an at-home exerciser last year after I moved and got a new job that had me driving a lot farther. That extra 20 minutes a day driving to the gym was just too much. I have tried early morning exercise but it hasn't been working for me. I typically exercise IMMEDIATELY after I get home from work at 6:30.

I have no elliptical or treadmill, although I'd really love to have one. Our house is VERY small and there's just no room. Even the living room where I do my workout videos is pretty cramped and there's a lot I can't manage in that space.

I was going strong with Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred, and I've also gone through stages with Hip Hop Abs and Turbo Jam. I also try to walk at least 4 days a week for a half hour or more. I recently had something removed from my foot that caused me not to be able to wear sneakers or workout for awhile, so I'm just getting back into my routine. It's SO hard after missing a couple of weeks. This week I've just started Callanetics and I'm excited to see how it works. I also am walking more frequently for cardio.

I am definitely better at gym workouts and find it hard to keep myself motivated at home. A new gym close to me will be opening up in December (supposedly) and I can't wait to get back into that routine.

I would like to join.
 

Hi there.

I would like to join your thread. :wave:

I workout at home and outside. I try to get in some stretching and toning at least four mornings a week. Pilates, yoga or Callanetics. Four - five evenings I either walk outdoors or use one of my Leslie Sansone dvds.

OnceUponaDrive, I did Callanetics for the first time in about 2 years yesterday. Afterwards my abdominal muscles burned. Today my thigh muscles burned. It was from Callan kicking my behind! When I did it a couple of years ago, it was only for about two weeks. I liked the results though. I felt stronger, straighter and more "drawn in".

Shannon, I say definitely keep doing what works! You'll probably end up throwing in some other types of exercise eventually anyway. Just to keep from getting bored.

Walking, you're so lucky to have a workout buddy. I would love one. Until then, I will keep going it alone.

Streudel, I'd love more of Leslie's dvds. She used to have a walk and yoga, but I don't think it's sold anymore.

Hiya, I've just started this exercising at home lark.,
Today I did Billy Blanks Bootcamp vid and jogged a small length.
Im hoping to build on that. together it took 1hr and 15mins.
I rly hope this works!

I have an exercise bike, a rowing machine and a step. My favourite exercise, if I have enough time, is to drive to the beach (20mins) and jog/walk on the damp sand. I live at the bottom of a steep hill and that should provide plenty of opportunity for getting puffed - but it is a narrow coutry road that the cars whiz up and down and there is no pavement - too dangerous on busy days.
Today I'm going to do a mini circuit on my equipment at home!

Hi girls!

Streudel - Thanks so much for starting this thread - seems there are quite a few of us working out at home instead of the gym!

My recent workouts:

Friday -- :yoga: yoga in morning --45 min. Yoga Zone dvd with DH (it is a miracle that he is enjoying doing yoga with me), and Level 1 and Level 2 of 30 Day Shred. Can I just say I thought I was going to keel over during this???

Saturday -- 90 minute bike ride on road and fire trail. Beautiful day! :bike2:

Today -- Plan is to walk in neighborhood alone with ipod (walking partner still out of town) and later on (after house cleaning) either Pilates dvd with resistance bands or Level 2 again (depends on my energy level)

Shannon - your home gym sounds pretty awesome! Do you have a room devoted to all your work out equipment? Currently I'm working out in our office (I have no large equipment, just my yoga mat!), but I would LOOOVE to have an exercise room. It sounds to be like you have a good routine going, and you say it's working; I would stick with what you're doing, until you get bored.

Once - I've been doing 30 Day Shred too -- It is BRUTAL! I have done Level 2 about 3x now and finally decided to just watch Level 3. Good gosh... I'm wondering if I'll be able to make it through that... what do you think??

Hi Amany! Yes, I am lucky to have a work out buddy - she's been out of town for over a week, and I have been doing lots at home. She and I are supposed to walk again this week. Sounds like you are doing great with your plan!

Angel - Lots of people seem to love the Billy Blanks - I've heard it's a killer workout. Do you have any other dvds? I really like the Jillian Michaels if you're looking for a very basic, quick, but very tough workout.

Puffin - What equipment do you have? And, where do you live??? Sounds gorgeous with hilly country roads and the beach so close by - wow! Too bad about the danged cars though.

I think this thread is going to keep me accountable with exercise. It's all good now, but I teach, and when school starts in 3 weeks I lose a lot of steam. I am going to try hard to continue my workouts and post them here!

Have a great day, girls!

I have an exercise bike, rowing machine and a step. Just tried to do a workout and the bike is not working AAAAARRRGGGGHHHH!!!!! The pedals just whiz round with no resistance and no mileage appears on the screen. Now I am in a thoroughly bad temper and endangering today's food control by munching a handful of almonds for comfort. I live in Scotland by the way.

I'm off to kick the bike....:tantrum:

Ah... Scotland! How wonderful! So sorry about your bike - that stinks! I wouldn't have the first clue as to how to fix it. Maybe you could do your beach run today instead?? Resist those almonds! I've hidden mine in back of fridge because I kept getting into them...

It's bucketing out there! :D

Any dvds?? :D

Claire - I am in a very bad mood. You seem determined to snap me out of it:D. Yes I do have DVD's but I am too cross to do them. However...the sun is coming out!:carrot:

Ha, ha! I have lots of good practice snapping my husband out of his moods. Yay for sun. I am now lacing up to go on my "wog" (walk/jog). Need to get off the danged computer and move...

We can both report back later what we did... Ok, now I'm getting darn right pushy :D

Thanks Claire! I went to the beach on the way to the supermarket and earned some very useful calories! I wouldn't have gone without your prodding!

Yay! I did a 45 min walk and may do my dvd yet ... :carrot:

Puff and Walking - You guys are too funny! :) I'm glad to hear you both got your exercise in.

Yesterday I walked a mile outside. It got dark, so I came back in and walked three more miles with Leslie Sansone. I didn't get any cardio done today, but I completely my Callanetics 10/10 dvd.

Hurrah for Claire and Amanda!!!!!

Hiya!
tbh I used his abs boot camp from youtube, and found a taebo one for this mornin, and after 30mins the laptop run out of battery so I went for a little jog.
I didnt wanna waste money on dvds that Im not going to use, but I can see me using the billy blanks ones, so now Im considering getting a couple off of ebay to mix it up a little.

I'll have a look for Jillian Michaels, cheers :)

Walking2Lose - I do have a room that is for mostly exercise equipment. DH also has a stereo set up with his turntable so he uses it for a music room when I'm not exercising. The elliptical and the bike are in there, tv and yoga/exercise mats, good floor space. The Weider is going to be set up in the garage, and I actually have a currently unused punching bag I'm thinking about putting in the garage with it or scooting into a corner in the guest room.

We just bought a new house, well, a year ago, so not too new, and I have more space than I really need so I set some up for exercise before other parts of life took over!

I'm not finding myself bored yet, but I'm cataloging things I see other people doing just in case! I switched from elliptical to bike this weekend to change it up a little and that was fun. I figure a few more weeks of heavy cardio before I look at switching things around. I'm in my third month of consistent exercise, so still a beginner really! :)

Wow... that sounds so awesome, Shannon!! :ebike:

Morning girls!

Yesterday I did a very brisk (but short) walk with my folks' dog. I went over to can tomatoes and had a little downtime. I think it was 35 min or so. I also take a Pilates class on Monday evenings. It's a 10 week class, and I really enjoying it. It's the only "organized" working out I do.

Have a happy and healthy day girls! :carrot: I'll report back with what I did later on (not sure yet).

I did 45 minutes on the elliptical yesterday, the same Ab/Back core workout. Today I'm feeling a little rundown (head cold or sinus infection I believe...) so I did a Pilates Ab video and 30 minutes on the exercise bike... DH has to work late, so I'll likely do more when I get home... I'll let you guys know... :)

Hope everyone has a great day!

Shannon - good job getting a work out in, even though you feel worn out. Maybe you shouldn't try to do anything else - rest some so you can feel better tomorrow.

I am actually feeling run down today too, and I don't think I'll be able to do much cardio. I coach field hockey, so I do run around a lot for 3 hours in the mornings with them, but now I'm pooped. I think I've been staying up too late watching the Olympics!

Well done with the commitment everyone! Hope you feel better today Claire. It's odd how some days you just feel like that. Yesterday was a beach day and I did my jogging which made me feel good. I'm on early shift this morning so I may not get anything done today - I always feel whacked when I get home after an early.
Have a good day everyone!

Today was one of those days where I turned my clock off when it went off, then actually reset it for later and rolled back over - forget that elliptical trainer, who needs it! I couldn't fall back asleep, just kept thinking about how I was supposed to be exercising...

So I got up! :carrot: 10 minute yoga video, 45 minutes on the elliptical at mostly 85% heart rate... Yay! And, I actually feel a lot better than I did yesterday!

Puffin, what is an early shift for you? I used to work 5a-2p and always had a hard time working out after those, too... There was no way I was doing anything other than shower and coffee before one, either!

Have a good day everyone!

hi all -- I just did "beginner callanetics" for the second time; it's only a 30 minute tape, but it is kicking my butt. It really feels like a workout, but I don't HURT. It kinda feels...good. I can't get over how demanding it is, though, to get in position and make these little tiny movements. I'm totally humbled -- guess I'm not as strong as I thought!! I'm also lifting weights for upper body, and I do other stretching, but this might be my new favorite thing to do at home.

I'll be reading for cardio recommendations too -- I have some joint injuries (knees, one ankle), so I'd prefer low impact. Thanks! Hope you all are having a great day,
anita

Hi Angel - I know what you mean about wasting $$ on videos. I have a lot of them, but I probably only use 8 of them. Four of them get a lot of use.

Shannon - Three months of exercise is pretty major in my book. i used to be really good about it (many, many, many) years ago. Over the past ten years the most I've done it consistently has probably been about 2 months. I have to improve. Congrats on getting up and doing your yoga by the way.

Walking - I know what you mean about feeling pooped. I had to make myself exercise yesterday and the day before. The only thing that motivated me is that I've set mini goals. Ultimately I have another 56 pounds to lose, but being 8 pounds from my first mini goal helped motivate me.

Puffin - You're the best cheerleader! :cheer3::cheer2: I admire you for jogging. I've been wanting to get started, but I've had a problem well... getting started. lol I had started loosely following the Couch to 5k program in early spring, but then I got sick and fell off track.

Hi Guynn - Yes Callanetics will kick you in the rear and have you begging for mercy. lol Last night I did Cardio Callanetics for the first time. The cardio part is these yoga / ballet inspired moves. The second part is the updated version of callanetics. Good grief! I had to take Advil last night after working my muscles like that. My back felt great though. This morning, my muscles just felt completely relaxed. Maybe too relaxed. lol I guess it will just take time.
For low impact cardio, I love Leslie Sansones Walking dvds. She's great. Her movements are not complicated and the workouts are solid.

Well, as I mentioned, I did the Cardio Callanetics last night. The night before I did one of Leslie Sansone's Four Mile dvd. It's kind of old. The people in the video have really big hair and everyone is wearing neon colors. lol Great workout though!

Well tonight I walked roughly four miles through my neighborhood. I was using my 2 pound dumbbells. The last 3 or so times I walked with them, they didn't give me much of a challenge. In fact, it's as if they weren't there. I need to increase, but to what? Three pounds? Or should I just jump to four?

It's been kind of quiet. I hope you're all hanging in there and doing ok.

I've never used dumbbells while walking (tho I do lift); I'd be kinda worried that I might get into swinging my arms or something and hurt myself with the momentum, you know? But maybe that's a faux worry : o I really don't know. Sounds like you had a great exercise day!
anita

Hi Anita.

Your concern is valid. I have to be careful to hold the dumbbells properly and not swing them. Elbows bent, arms at 90 degrees, not gripping they dumbbells too tight so they can work my biceps.... lol I've seen women holding them by their tops and just kind of swinging them. I always think, "Her back is going to hurt later. If not already.".

Yeah, it was definitely a good day. Although I appreciate working out at home, I enjoy the outdoors too.

Amanda - sounds like you are kicking butt this week!

My week has been, unfortunately, slack. After Monday's walk and Pilates class, I have done no real work out. I'm coaching hockey, and we have 2 a day practices right now. I've been super busy in between the practices, extra meetings, and other life obligations. It has me pretty exhausted this week, although I know that's not a good excuse.

On a positive note, I know I am burning calories just being out at hockey for so many hours - I run around to move cones, I do push ups with the girls, etc. And eating has been ok.

But I MUST do a dvd or bike ride today and next week... gotta do better!

Happy Friday, Ladies!

Good job Amanda! You are on it!

Well, I did exercise yesterday, just didn't post it - Ab workout, short yoga video, 45 minutes on the elliptical... Today, not so good... I really didn't sleep well last night - was still tossing and turning, wide awake at 1:45, woke up several times after that, finally fell asleep around 3, alarm went off at 6:45 and there was no way I was getting up and exercising...

On the plus side, I did weigh myself and am down 1.8 pounds from last official weigh in two weeks ago... Yay! 130.4!

We have my stepson (3 years old and all boy) this weekend, so I figure that I'll get a decent amount of activity in chasing him around, plus it is always easier to get up and exercise when he wakes us up at 5:00 am - he doesn't have a snooze button! :)

Have a good weekend everyone!

I just purchased a used stepper and plan to start tonight; I also use DVD's my favorites so far have been "the firm" as I have a small step and weights I use.
But I have to say for me it has been a struggle to get back into a routine; how do you all stay motivated?

Hi nancylmrn -

My exercise room is at the top of the stairs that go downstairs, so I have to look at it every time I go up and downstairs... That helps me a little with the motivation because when I see the equipment sitting there I think about how much money I've spent on it and how I need to get something back! :)

Visual cues are good for me - my exercise clothes are hanging on the rocking chair in my bedroom rather than in the closet, so I see them when I wake up, the exercise room door wide open at the top of the stairs, that kind of thing.. I also need structure, so I make an effort to work out at about the same time everyday, following the same patterns, even on weekends.

More than anything else I'm motivated by the way the exercise makes me feel. I didn't do anything this morning because I was tired and I've felt worn out and out of sorts all day, more so than I have in the past with just a sleepless night.

Talking about it here and reporting what I'm doing has also helped with the accountability!

Good luck!

Thanks so much for the kind words and encouragement. :hug:

Walking, I'd imagine you're burning tons of calories coaching hockey. lol Besides, you've been staying on the ball with the eating, so that's good.

Shannon, Congrats on the loss. :cheer3: I hate nights like those. When it happens to me, I don't exercise the next morning either. You'll get tons of it with a three year old around though.

Hi Nancy :wave: Lately I've been motivating myself by setting mini goals. Currently I weigh 216. My goal is 160, so I have 56 pounds to lose. Here are my mini goals:

Eight pounds - I'll be the weight I was when I met my husband.

Thirteen more pounds - Ill be the weight I was when I still felt reasonably attractive.

Fifteen more pounds - I'll be the weight I was when I really liked the way I looked.

Twenty more pounds - I'll be close to my ideal weight.

That's how I've been staying on the ball lately. Eight pounds seems at more doable than fifty-six!

At first, I was motivated just because I wanted to feel better about myself. I wasn't sleeping well, I didn't feel pretty and I was scared to death of ending up with diabetes. Diabetes runs rampant in my family.

Another thing that helps me is, during the week, I eat Lean Cuisine, Smart Ones (by WW) or something like that for lunch and dinner. I have it with a baked potato, salad, piece of fruit or a vegetable. For breakfast I might have scrambled eggs and toast. Or fruit and almonds. Eating that way just makes it easier for me and I get some variety. On the weekends, I'll make a huge salad with some type of meat in it and tons of different veggies. I'll eat that all weekend. Or some type of stir fry. Ironically, eating that way has made me less obsessed with food. I just don't care about it the way I used to. There's probably some sort of psychology that goes along with that, but someone else will have to come along and make an analysis. All I know is that it's working for me. :D

Amanda- Love the mini goals you've set for yourself! It's amazing how sitting down and putting the goals in writing provides GREAT motivation! I need to update my sig with correct weight and new goals... will do that this weekend.

I just this week decided to stop counting calories for a while and focus on whole foods and moderation. I have been SUPER busy and rather stressed the last couple weeks, and I have been failing to log my calories in dailyplate. I will log half a day, then by evening, I'm so exhausted I often am too tired/lazy/forgetful to log dinner and evening snack. Then I was beating myself up a bit for not being better with this.

My mom gave me this heavy duty awesome juicer last week - an Acme Juicenator - that belonged to my great aunt who is 101. She went into a nursing home in early July (she's quite the inspiration). Anyway, I have always been curious about Dr. Oz's "green drink" - you may have seen him share the recipe with Oprah - so DH and I decided to give the juicer a whirl. I am in LOVE with the green drink. It's a bit of maintenance and $$ to get the ingredients together, but SO WORTH IT! To think that I already had more than 5 serving of high octane, antioxidant, vitamin rich, colorful veggies and fruit by breakfast was so cool. And I actually really, really liked the taste, which was a huge surprise to me (I was expecting it to taste like swamp water). Very citrusy and a tad sweet (from the apple).

So, I am shifting my focus a bit - focus on getting the nutrient rich foods my body needs, staying far away from processed carbs and junk, and getting my exercise in - these are my goals. I think a difference is bound to follow on the scale.

Anyway, all I managed yesterday was a 20 min workout, but it was tough - level 2 of 30 day shred. DH agreed to walk or bike with me today, and we are getting ready to make the green drink again.

I also need to add that another top goal for next week MUST be more sleep... I can't run on empty!

Have a healthy day, girls!

Hello everyone - sorry I haven't been posting - I've been on early shifts (7 - 3) for which I have to get up at 4.30 am and I am very, very tired. I put my darling baby (age 21) back on the train to London this morning for the next academic year and am feeling sad. I think I'll have an early night then head down to the beach early tomorrow for some fresh air and gentle jogging. I know it makes me feel better in so many ways! Weight loss is still good - 2.6 pounds this week so I'm pleased with that.

Claire - I am curious as to what you put in your juice drink? I too would be scared of "swamp" flavour - I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Amanda - I like your mini goals - I'm going to have a think of some while I'm sitting here resting.

Shannon - I agree with you about exercise being invigorating. I'm looking forward to jogging tomorrow - I hope it's cool and bright with a good breeze - lovely!

Nancy - How did you get on with the stepping? It's my favourite indoor exercise.

Be good everyone!
Look I now have a ticker!!!

Mini goals:

163.9 - I will be overweight instead of obese!!!!!
144.0 - The lowest I have been in the last 20 years
142.0 - The weight I was when I married my husband
135.9 - I will be officially "normal"!!!

Hmmm - need to think of something between the first two...

Oh wow! I'm happy and humbled that I could inspire others by something I'm doing. I'm glad you all like the mini goal idea. I hope it helps you guys too. :hug: I think I'll add mine to my signature as well.

Walking - I hate counting calories. I know what you mean about just wanting to focus on eating well. I do try to be mindful of fat and calories though. That's about the extent of it.
Keep us updated on the "green drink" and get some rest!

Puff - I'm sorry the baby is gone. Will she come home for Thanksgiving? It must make you proud to have a daughter in college though.
I so jealous of you! I want to run too. What's stopping me? Just me, I guess... :o I really need to just commit to doing it. I'll have to start off with walking / jogging increments. I used to run in high school for the heck of it. I was like Forest Gump. lol Sometimes I'd feel like running, so I'd just do it. It was the best feeling in the world, and I miss it.

Today I completed my Cardio Callanetics video. Oh boy, did the abs part kill me! I like it though. My back always feels good afterwards. I may need to get in a bit more cardio today though. Maybe a short power walk.

Well, have a great weekend everyone. I'll check in later.