If you follow this blog, you're well aware that I am constantly on the search for new fun ways to stay fit (and get fitter). In 2011, my fitness goal was to run 4 - 5 k, two to three times a week. I did that. And then I stopped doing that because on the whole, I hate running. I never really found that elusive "zone" that runners talk about. It always felt like hell. And I always felt like the minutes ticked by slower than a heard of turtles in peanut butter.
Near the end of 2011, I found yoga. It's my happy place and I truly feel that I am becoming a better person, body and mind, with yoga. It is not just a good workout, it keeps you limber, helps with your posture and flexibility, and tones your muscles. Because I spend the better part of my day sitting in my office (or on my couch, much to the consternation of my RMT), it's been a lifesaver.
Of course, unless you're doing power flow yoga every day, you can't live on yoga alone if you want to see results. You need to do cardio and you need to do strength training. Most importantly, you need to find fun, challenging ways to do this.
Introducing, GaiamTV. I first heard of this via Skinny Dip. As you also may know, I enjoy the fruits of Netflix, and basically GaiamTV is the same idea, except it's all workout movies and talks based on health.
I generally do yoga on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, so I am often looking for something fun to work up a sweat on my off days. I work at home and sometimes leaving the house to workout seems like pulling (my own) teeth. I have been doing the Surfer's Workout a few times, but I don't like to get bored. I like to keep it fresh.
Today I signed up for the 10 day free trial of GaiamTV. Because, why not? I enjoyed the workout my Bellyfit class provided last week, but not the mortification of being the only one there. With GaiamTV you work out at home and you have a wide selection of workouts to chose from. Anytime. Anywhere. 24/7. For $9.95 a month. Which is SO much less than a gym membership (which you will never use) and you can take it anywhere so long as you have a laptop or a mobile device.
After I signed up, I decided to do a search for "Zumba". No luck. Then I tried to search "BellyFit". No luck there either. I entered the decidedly more general "Dance" and lo and behold, scores of dance based workouts came up. I picked one that looked fun - Hip Hop Dance Party and ended up doing all three in that series - Hip Hop, House Party, and Latin.
It was about 60 minutes of sweaty fun, lead by a hot Asian guy. What more could you want? I burned an estimated 500 calories.
This would be ideal for new mom's who can't get away to do a workout. This is ideal for someone who hates gyms, or needs variety. There is yoga, pilates, dance, aerobics, strength training - you name it, they pretty much have it. Not only that, but there are scores of inspirational movies and documentaries. It's not JUST fitness, it's lifestyle.
Give it a try free for 10 days. What do you have to lose except maybe some lbs?
This is awesome! I am really excited to try it.
ReplyDeleteDevon