Last night after dinner, the Viper Pilot and I were reminiscing about the days when saying “What’s your screen name?” was tantamount for asking someone’s phone number. Back in those days, you were known by your AIM (AOL instant messenger) screen name…and it couldn’t just be any old name, it represented you so it had to be cool. I remember I’d get jealous of people with cool screen names.
- urworstnightmare08
- pigslayer817 <– her favorite toy is a stuffed pig with three different squeakers
- missinteef <– she’s missing two teeth that never grew in when she was a puppy
- squirrelcatcher
- elmer_shreds_paper_4u
a) Even if they’re not, everyone seems to be judging and even though I could care less what people think of me and how awkward I look when I do a burpee, I personally don’t need to deal with their annoying “look how much stronger/faster I am than you” attitudes. (I suppose that could mean I have confidence issues –I beg to differ. I’m a professional people watcher, but that doesn’t mean I’m judging people.) That being said, that’s also the very reason why you never want to run on the treadmill next to me — it’s on.
b) Membership fees.
b) Please, there are germs everywhere in fitness centers. Ew.
I know that not everyone is like me — some people prefer a fitness center or group workouts to get in their daily sweat and that’s cool but it doesn’t work for me. Here are five easy ways to improve your workouts in the comfort of your own living room.
If you do the exact same workout routine every day, your body will adapt to it. Eventually you will no longer notice changes in weight loss or muscle tone. Going through the same motions every single day is like brainwashing your muscles. You only become strong for those specific activities. Doing 3 repetitions of 10 dead lifts with heavy weights every single day doesn’t necessarily make the 60 lb container of household goods a piece of cake to haul down to the basement. I do circuit workouts. I focus on a different area each day: arms, shoulders, chest, back, legs. I mix it up with tabata high intensity circuit workouts, cardio workouts and I make sure to work my core every day. You’ll get bored doing the same thing every day. Sometimes I get bored with my routine. You have to listen to your body. (I’m sure you’ve never heard that one before…) Some days I’m just not up for plyometric push-ups that are on the menu, and I’ll do a yoga workout or simply do stretches instead. Try changing up your workout and keep your body guessing. You’ll be surprised how much stronger you will feel with your day-to-day activities.
3. Get what you need.
I don’t care if it is the complete set of Richard Simmons workout videos or the kettlebells that are all the rage right now…figure out the equipment you need and get it. It may cost you a handful of the green stuff up front, but unlike that monthly gym fee that adds up, it’s a one time purchase and the only grimy, slimy, sweaty hands that will have to touch it are yours. That fact alone gives you peace of mind, doesn’t it? Some people don’t need any equipment to do work outs, but I like to have some around for variety. For me, I keep a set of dumbbells, a exercise ball, a TRX suspension trainer strap, and a yoga mat. I’m in the market for a bosu ball and a foam roller (thanks to this awesome post by my awesome sis-in-law). What are your favorite exercise tools?
different for everyone and is unique to your body. The Viper Pilot can go months without training but can hop on a treadmill and bust out a run like it’s nobody’s business. I don’t know how he does it…if I go a week without running, I’m lucky to be jogging, at best. Diamond push-ups don’t have to be scary, just move your hands apart and they instantly get easier. The Viper Pilot used to always tease me saying that I couldn’t afford diamonds that big…I’m pretty sure they yelled that at him in basic training way back when… 😉
5. Mood music.
- Stronger – Christina Aguilera
- Let’s Get Loud – Jennifer Lopez
- Not Afraid – Eminem
- Bon, Bon – Pitbull
- Clumsy – Furgie
I think Nike says it best don’t they? “Just do it.”
When I’m done with stretching after a workout, I cool down and relax in a heap on the couch listening to Norah Jones. I reward my self with an afternoon snack: I chug a Gatorade G2 and eat a cheese quesadilla. Do you have a post-workout routine?