Ode to My Workout Videos
OK, it’s time to bust out the sweatbands and get a little physical (Olivia Newton-John style). Nowadays, it’s all about Zumba, Kettlebells, Piloga, Cross-fit, etc. But, does anyone ever want to slip into some leg warmers and do a little Jazzercise? Today, I present you with my workout video collection. That’s right, we’re talking old school VHS cassette tapes. Remember these?
I swear if I owned a unitard, I would have worn it for this photo!
During my early days of cardio, I dove headfirst into the world of home workouts. DVD’s were around, but I was a poor college student still using my TV/VCR combo hand-me-down. There was no downloading the latest exercise craze on YouTube. It was straight up Denise Austin, Cindy Crawford, and Billy Blanks!
I did these videos at least 3 times a week for probably 5 years, and I’ll still use them if I’m unable to run outside or go to the gym. The Crunch Fitness Boot Camp is one of my all time favs! It really gets my heart rate up with 30 minutes of cardio and strength intervals. For some reason, I purchased the Cindy Crawford: A New Dimension. Maybe I was looking for something a little more low impact seeing as it was her post-pregnancy workout? Denise Austin’s Pilates was a bad idea. That girl is too loud and bubbly for yoga or Pilates. Though she did her best to calmly talk me through The Hundred pose, I always found myself calmly calling her a “be-oootch” while my rectus abdominis threatened to implode.
Anyway, I used to run…a lot, at least 5 times a week and then do my workout videos for strength training. About a year and half ago, I bruised my sacrum and had to lay off cardio for about 8 weeks. I thought I would die, but I didn’t. Wow, there is life without running. Who knew? I still love to hit up the trails for a good 5 miler when I can, but my other runs consist mostly of short sprints or hill repeats. I’m always up for trying new workouts, but for now I am loving life without 2 hour runs every other weekend.
How about you? Anyone traded in their cardio overkill sessions for something that requires a little less time on the elliptical? Doing more or less strength training these days? Let me know what your latest workout of choice is…as long as it doesn’t involve Richard Simmons. I’m proud to say I never did purchase Sweatin to the Oldies.
PS – Below is my breakfast from this morning. The bowl consisted of chocolate protein oatmeal topped with…more coconut milk ice-cream. I can’t stop eating this stuff! Oh, I added a little almond butter too : )
Try this combo!
PPS – Can you believe “unitard” is not considered a word according to spell-check? Jane Fonda should be pissed!
when i injured my calves during my marathon training last spring i had to do lots of strength training and dvd stuff instead, but the thing i did the most was aquajogging! i’ve always hated swimming and the water but that gave me a new found appreciation for it’s low impact!!!
hey stumbled upon your blog and love it! whoa, coconut milk ice cream?? where’d you get that?? i need (want) some…and almond butter too =)
I tried your oatmeal combo for lunch today minus the ice cream (cause I don’t have any)….what is your recipe for the oatmeal…do you use milk or water…and how much protein powder-a whole scoop or just a little bit? It was quite yummy.
Melissa, I got a stress fracture when training for my first marathon and spent lots of time in the pool. I would get bored sometimes, but you can make it a really great workout.
Follow My Weigh, thanks for reading. I’ve read your blog as well
I got the ice-cream at a local grocery store, Kroger. Whole Foods carries it as well. It’s made by Turtle Mountain, the same people that make Soy Delicious. The coconut milk flavors are amazing!
Heather I am so happy you started the blog! Can’t wait to keep reading about all of these yummy eats!
Ok, I would first ask – what are you gonna do when the VCR dies…but being Mrs. D. I know your hubby probably has a spare 1 or 500 in the closet. Right? If he hangs on to old stuff like shoes for 1 million miles…he’s gotta do that with other things like VCR machines?? (I just HAD to say that!)
I also have Denise and she needs a good kick – I agree. And same with the Power Yoga lady…she’s way too peppy for me.
So, how did you bruise your whatever?? Huh??
I started lifting weights 2-3x a week with a Trainer. I am getting pumped up like Arnold and totally ripped. Long runs are over rated! I still run but under 30 miles a week and I started biking and am going to try swimming as well. Weight training is the best thing though, when you hit the BIG 40’s…uhg. If you ever wanna run trails or bike let me know!
Oh Heather McD, I love you!
hey-Lovin the almond butter and oats combo! (it matches ur title-so why not)
your such a cutie in the pic!! Im in college so i can relate with the dvds and working out in the room-my roomie does track so thats how she gets her groovin in
Exploding Rectus Abdominus!! Love it!
And I never owned nor sweated to the oldies thankyouverymuch!
One of my fave vids was a yoga video- Called Maui Yoga by Nadia Toramen. Loved it.