Snowshoes - a great investment

Since we got PLENTY of snow this year, it was the perfect year to invest in some snowshoes!  I was so excited when "Santa" brought me my first pair of snowshoes and poles!  I have used them many times and I really enjoy it - more than I thought I would.  I have even put my little girls in a sled and pulled them behind while I have gone.  They love it too.  I just tell them to look for fox and coyotes for Dad while I am snowshoeing to keep them occupied :-) 

If you love spending time outside and enjoying the beautiful snow that we get in MN, I highly recommend investing in a pair of snowshoes.  You won't be disappointed.

The pair that I got were from Sam's club and only cost around $75, so the cost of them doesn't have to break the bank.  Here is a pair that is similar to mine - http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod1670036

New favorite workout DVDs

I started off the new year with a few new workout DVDs to help change up my routine a bit, and I LOVE them both!

Core Fusion Boot Camp
and
Tracy Anderson's Mat workout

The boot camp dvd has a little bit of everything - stretching, yoga, weights, cardo, etc. I am literally dripping wet in the middle of it! I have quite a few of the Core Fusion workouts and this one I think is my favorite. It seems to target your WHOLE body in one workout. If you can't do the whole DVD, it is broken down into 10 min smaller workouts so you can pick and choose which ones you want to do.

I have been wanting to try Tracy Anderson's DVD for a while now. I keep hearing how she can really change your body no matter what your body shape or genetics. I can see how the mat workout will do that. Like any other workout regimin, I will have to stick with it and do it 3 to 4 times a week at least but I am willing to give it a try. She doesn't talk much or do much instruction, so the first time you might have to watch a little more than actually doing the moves, but I think her "method" could really work! It is more of a targeted trouble zone workout. However, even though there isn't cardio, I still felt like I got a good workout!

Ahh.... Yoga

I recently started practicing Yoga and I have to say  - I LOVE IT!!  I have been hearing about it for a few years and a lot of my friends have tried it but I just didn't think I would like it.  I am one that when I work out I really need to FEEL like I am working hard and I have to break a good sweat.  I don't have that much time to dedicate to it so it needs to be a really good workout.  Well, I have found that Yoga is just that.  I get an amazing FULL BODY workout!

I started a few months ago after a friend suggested the Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga DVD.  I borrowed it from her for a few weeks and then Santa brought me one in my stocking.  I love it!  It has 3 workouts that you can do individually or all together if you'd like.  Even just the first 20 minute session is a great workout.  The first time I did it, I FELT like I worked hard, I broke a GOOD SWEAT and I was a little SORE the next day - all good signs that you pushed your body and worked hard!

I just started to take organized Yoga classes from a friend of mine that just became a certified teacher and I love this even more.  It gets me out of the house to a studio for a little over an hour of just time to concentrate on me and my workout.  We have only had 2 classes so far but each time I feel that 'good workout' feeling after and the next day.

I highly suggest Yoga to everyone.  I feel stronger, have more muscle definition and more flexibility.  I think it will help me in the long run with my running as well.

• Here is some good Yoga information from Women's Health. 
• I have also found a TV station that carries a variety or workouts, but mostly in the Yoga realm.  It is BYUTV.  Not sure if all of you can get it but I know Dish Network carries it with one of their more standard packages.

If any of you have tried other Yoga DVDs I would love to hear about them!

Never thought I would like exercise DVDs

Last fall when our treadmill motor went out I was forced to try something else for a workout routine.  I have tried workout videos before but never really stuck with them.  When I was on the treadmill I was working out and watching TV at the same time.  I was getting two things done at one time, which was so nice.  I had a hard time spending 30 mins to 1 hour in front of the TV just exercising until I found some DVDs that I just love!

Here are a few of my favorites:

Biggest Loser Boot Camp - circuit training with light weights
Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga - Yoga
Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred  - circuit training with light weights and cardio
Jillian Michaels No More Trouble Zones - circuit training with light weights and cardio
The Method Pilates - Target Specifics - Pilates and some light weights
Core Fusion Body Sculpt (Exhale) - pilates type moves with matwork
Core Fusion PilatesPlus (Exhale) - pilates type moves with matwork

All of these videos are great and I really see the results.  Every one does something different so I never get sick of it and they are all customizable. If you only have 10/15 mins or have an hour, there are workouts on each video that you can customize to the time you have.

We did just recently purchase a new treadmill, so I am running a little more now.  However, I still try to do 3 or 4 of these workouts a week.  I feel like I am in better overall shape when I work my body in all different ways.  The funny thing is that sometimes the kids ask if they can do them with me and most of the videos are easy enough and short enough that they can be adapted for children as well.

The best part about the videos is that they are very inexpensive and really deliver results!