Humble beginnings

Today is a perfect day to start this; I really couldn't have chosen a better one!  The weather around here is crisp and cool; ideal for leaving the doors and windows open while working out (unless, of course, you're doing Bikram Yoga!).  The rainy season hasn't quite begun yet, so I'm still able to alternate between exercising both in and out of doors.

Preface:

Two of the goals of this blog are to challenge myself to stick to exercising consistently (with some amount of daily activity, but concentrated workouts at least 3-5 times weekly), and to frequently try out and review a new fitness DVD.  Since my own DVD library has quite a lot in it, that will be a good place to start.  Your favourite recommendations are as much welcomed as I desire to share mine!

This week's selection is Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism.

In this workout, Jillian packs her usual "punch" (pun intended!).  She incorporates some of her signature moves; using some old favourites, while focusing on her kickboxing past.  The 40-minute DVD is broken down into seven 6-minute circuits;  each circuit is repeated twice before moving on.

I appreciate Jillian's explanation of the different exercises, and how each one correlates to another section of the workout.  She also usually takes the proper amount of time to focus on each repetition, and doesn't move through things too quickly (which would be a major injury risk, for one).

I'll be honest... While I would consider myself a pretty fit person (always w/ room for improvement), this workout is tough (granted, this was my first go at it)!  I'd challenge the fittest people alive to get through this without breaking a sweat -- not happening, when you work out with Jillian!

If you're new or just getting back into regularly exercising, you should take this DVD very slowly.  When Jillian recommends an easier version of each exercise, please take her advice (because she never messes around).  Start small, don't get discouraged, and let any frustration over limitation fuel you to do better next time.  Before you know it, you'll be achieving higher than you ever thought you could!

A brief elaboration on indoor/outdoor workouts mentioned at the beginning of this entry:  Seeing as we're coming into the colder Winter months (meaning much more of a chance of becoming sick!), the tendency is to keep everything closed up to ensure that warmth stays inside.  However, this is why so many people come down with something... The lack of time out in the sun, and fresh air-flow.
Ergo, as long as it isn't precipitating (rain, sleet, hail, snow :)) outside, challenge yourself to still get some much-needed Vitamin-D, and try to keep your windows at least partially open for some of the day.  This lets the air circulate, so that germs and anything else have less of a chance of staying in one place.  Your body will thank you, and you'll be combating illnesses at the same time!

I'll leave you with a totally inspiring quote of the week, from this entry's featured fitness instructor:

"Small investments add up to BIG results."

P.S. It's seven hours after finishing the workout, and my insides are still burning (the good kind of burn, mind you :))!  I'll take this as a positive sign, and see how the rest of this week goes with 'Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism'.