Mind, Aching Body, and Soul
I am a self-proclaimed exercise-a-holic. This doesn't mean that I work out for hours on end every day, but if I am unable to get at least a little bit of exercise in for the day, I feel unproductive. Since this last holiday season, I've developed a slight obsession with workout DVDs. I have always exercised in the comfort of my home. I don't have the money for a gym membership, nor do I have the time and resources to hit up the gym every day.
The first workout DVD I ever tried on my own was Jillian Michaels' No More Trouble Zones. Online reviews will say that it's not for beginners and they try to make it seem like it's really easy. Because I consider myself to be relatively fit, I didn't think the video was so bad. I used only 3 lb. weights, whereas in the video they used 5's. I did have to push myself, and the first time I tried it, I made it only halfway through. There were definitely results. My arms and legs felt more toned. I was able to get in the core/ab workout that I always like (this is probably the one thing that I focus on the most when working out). My butt even felt a little lift. Unfortunately, my body got used to the workout and after a couple months, I got bored with the 55 minute routine.
I crave the burn that comes with an intense workout. You know what I'm talking about, don't you? Your heart is racing, every body part feels slippery from all the sweat, your cheeks and chest feel like they are on fire, and you fight through it all and take a deep breath (or maybe it's more of a gasp) just to do a couple more reps. I wanted something that would satisfy my desire for a hardcore burn without causing me to bulk up too much.
My brothers, brother's friend, and brother's fiancee had been doing the P90X. We had the entire set for a while, but all of us were too intimidated to try it. I decided to give it a shot.
Now I know what you're thinking. P90X? Won't that make you look like a bodybuilder? It could, if I followed the entire program and did the appropriate workout every day. Instead, I picked the ones that I like and rotate between them. Because I want to slim down my figure, tone my muscles, and help create a lean but strong silhouette, I like to do 3 particular videos from the P90X series--Cardio X, Yoga X, and Ab Ripper X. Interestingly enough, these 3 videos are meant to be supplemental, done in addition to another workout in a particular day. But for me, I think it's enough. Here's just a brief overview of the ones that I do:
- Cardio X is slightly shorter than most of the P90X videos. This is probably my favorite of the bunch. It runs a little shorter than 45 minutes, but every single one of those minutes is packed with intense calorie burning exercises. I love it. It incorporates yoga, kickboxing, plyometrics, and a little bit of core exercise to give you results all over.
- Yoga X is the longest video in the program. It's an hour and a half of intense stretching and muscle toning. I never liked yoga before I did P90X. I never felt the burn, but the constant moving around hurt me... and not in a good way. With Yoga X, you do vinyasa flow yoga. If you didn't know, vinyasa flow yoga means that every pose flows into the next (i.e. You go from upward dog to plank to downward dog to floating your heel in the air to runner's pose to warrior one, etc.). Another great aspect of yoga is the breathing that's involved. It helps strengthen your lungs, not to mention you can increase your flexibility while building lean muscles! Very relaxing but still leaves you sweating and feeling the burn. NOTE: Some of the poses in the second half of the video are more advanced. I attempt them, but I normally just end up back in child's pose.
- Ab Ripper X is the shortest video. I do this one on days where I'm busy and don't have time to do a full body workout. It's about 15 minutes and really works your core. I know a couple people who do this, and they claim to also feel it in their quads. You will see results from doing this just a couple times a week. I know I have... Especially with the cardio and the yoga.
I lead a sedentary lifestyle. I spend a lot of time sitting at my desk studying, sitting in classes, and sitting in other various places on my laptop. And also eating. For the time being, my body hasn't turned on me. After all, I'm only 20 years old right now. I do know that sooner or later I will need to pay more attention to what I eat and the amount of exercise I get in every day. I like to think that my love for workout DVDs will help me in the long run.
I've also considered the 10 Minute Trainer DVDs from Beach Body, the same company that produces P90X along with a bunch of other workout DVDs. It also features Tony Horton, the same guy in the P90X vids. This one is supposed to give you a full workout in only 10 minutes a day. For someone like me who always has to squeeze in more study time in addition to making it to class on time, volunteering, and still eating every meal, this might be one to try. We'll see. Have any of you tried it?
Let me know your thoughts about the P90X program, or maybe your personal experiences with any of Jillian Michaels' workouts. Are there any other good at-home exercise videos y'all recommend?
Love,
CupcakeGlitter