I hesitate to write about exercise, lest I lose my motivation, but today I started doing Pilates. Last month I did a couple days of a Jillian Michaels workout, but came to realize that it was waaay too much for a beginner like me, and I really only need to build strength, not lose weight. Zach sent me an article recently about not over exercising while breastfeeding since it can cause a decrease in supply. I don't think there's any fear of me exercising too much, however.
My sister recommended Callanetics, but I'm being super cheap and trying to use what I can watch for free on AmazonPrime. Enter Katrina Fitness Presents: Ease into Pilates. Since I have about zero experience working out I asked Zach to spot me next time and make sure I'm doing things correctly (like planking - what you think you look like and what you actually look like are often very different, haha). Yesterday I saw an ad at the school for classes at the gym and it made me want to sign up. Maybe when Evie is bigger and Zach has more free time.
I did buy a yoga mat to use, since that is recommended and makes me feel more official. I've been staving off the desire to buy a special outfit to workout in, because a baggy tshirt and junky pants just makes me feel like a slob.
Anyways. I think Pilates is a good, low impact exercise for moms trying to strengthen their core. There are a couple of postpartum DVDs that sound awesome, especially for helping with diastasis recti, but again, I'm cheap and since I don't have a good track record of keeping up with exercising, I didn't want to get it and not use it. I would much rather order Downton Abbey season 4 on DVD.
Love,
Jess
Youtube has tons of free videos! Once you get going, Jillian Michaels has a great yoga one that isn't super hard-hitting like her others, but is definitely a tough workout. The BeFit channel has some good pilates videos.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's cute about Zach's article. Don't you wish we had that problem? I hate working out (do it, but hate it!) haha.
I will have to check out the BeFit channel. I'm not familiar with the moves, so when they breeze through them, I'm scrambling to watch and pause or restart the segment. Ha. I've wondered about that JM yoga video. It's free on AmazonPrime, too, so I may check it out down the road. I think I tried her six pack in six weeks workout... o.O. Tony was sitting there yelling "Rip it!" Now he just crawls underneath of me while I'm trying to plank. :)
DeleteIt seems my first comment disappeared into cyberspace. I know what you mean about not wanting to pay. I am also the same way about exercise....I would rather be crafting, reading or writing.
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy Pilates and Callanetics, both are more calisthenic than aerobic. I really enjoy TTapp--have you seen any of it? Watch for sales on the DVDs.
I used to also do Denise Austin who combined good movements with aerobic.
I would avoid the yoga...it's really hard to separate from the New Age stuff. There are stretch moves incorporated in so many routines that yoga isn't really necessary.
My ipad does not want me to comment! I couldn't edit my above comment, so further thoughts....really take one tine to check out TTapp. I think the Teresa Tapp is very grounded, and many if her views in health veer from US standards and more closely to true nutrition.
ReplyDeleteAre you getting this snowstorm? We have a blanket of snow here...it's been a few years since we had a big snowfall--I'm quite happy. We have been praying for it!
Thanks for the T-Tapp recommendation, Jenn! I went to the website and recognized it, but it's been a long time. I'm going to try some of the videos they have online and maybe put it on my wishlist for the next time I have extra money.
DeleteWe haven't been touched by the snowstorm y'all are dealing with (not yet at least!). We have, however, had a LOT of snow already this winter. The most recent was nearly 12 inches last Wednesday. It's pretty, but I am dreaming of warmer temperatures in the near future. :)
I've been really enjoying Pilates. I would love to go classes at some point because it seems like there is more to it than just the exercises - proper posture and core control, are two of my biggest struggles. My husband says I'm deconditioned, and helps me stretch my legs out the next day, haha. Zach was just telling me that the yoga exercises predate the religion people associate it with, for what it's worth. I've never really looked into it myself, so I don't know any more than you do.
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