I need help, dear readers. As you know, getting healthy is a huge goal for me this year, and it’s been a bit of a roller coaster. One foot forward followed by ten steps back. I need to buckle down and get laser focused. Unfortunately, there is a part of me loudly shouting, “I don’t wanna!” and stomping her feet. Sheesh. She is such a drama queen! Until I figure out how to silence that part of me, I need your help: I’m looking for suggestions on workouts and books to read.
They probably don’t seem like they fit together, but one is something I despise … guess which one that is … and one I love. And I bet you can see where I am going with this: reward and punishment.
Your Workout Suggestions
While don’t want to consider exercise to be a punishment, it does feel that way to me right now. So I want to create a reward for getting off my butt and taking care of business because my motivation to do it “just because I need/should workout” is not super high. And imaginary workouts don’t actually help you lose real weight. 🙂
Here is what I am interested in:
- Recommendations for workout DVDs and why you love them
- Your favorite strength exercises (love a link, if possible)
- Blogs/websites/magazines that provide great workout tips and exercises
- Any Pinterest boards you follow that offer great workouts and tips
Please leave your recommendations/suggestions in the comments. And speaking of Pinterest, if you’re on it, I’d love to follow you, so leave a link in the comment section. I’d certainly love it if you followed me on Pinterest too. And please, no judgement about the number of cat pins I have. 🙂
Your Book Recommendations
I love to read. A lot. The public library is just a block away from me, which is great, but when I was there the other day, I felt a little lost. I didn’t know what to read, so I’m hoping you can offer some good choices.
I am most interested in book series, but I definitely want to know about those must-read stand-alone books too. I prefer fiction, although if you’ve read some good self-help/motivational books lately, please share them as well.
To give you a sense of my favorite kinds of books, I’ll share some of my favorites in my Kindle and on my bookshelves.
- Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files
- Kim Harrison’s Rachel Morgan Series
- JD Robb’s In Death Series
- Suzanne Collins The Hunger Games Trilogy
- JK Rowlings’ Harry Potter Series
- Steig Larrson’s The Girl Who… Trilogy
- David Balducci’s King and Maxwell Series
- Lee Child’s Jack Reacher Series
- George RR Martin’s Games of Thrones Series
So you can see that I have fondness for supernatural/fantasy, mysteries and young adult books (which is kind of embarrassing since you know … I’m old). I don’t read prestigious, Pulitzer prizer winning books or Oprah’s favorite books, which used to embarrass me. But really — who cares? I just grateful that people actually read. So let me know what books you love in the comment section.
A Workout Reward
Some day I hope to be one of those people who feel out of sorts if they don’t get their daily workout in. But right now, I just have to focus on moving my body and turning it to a regular event. Sadly, I am extremely good at finding an excuse not do this. Your recommendations on workouts and books you love will help get me moving so I can start reading. I appreciate your help!
Tanya
Do you like walking? I always suggest that as a way to just create a habit, since it’s easy. I don’t use DVD’s, but I LOVED Nike Training Club (free app) when I didn’t belong to a gym. Personally I also love to go where people are or find just unique ways to workout. For instance there are stairs in Redondo Beach that people love to climb. I find I get energy from people. Another thing to try is a couch to 5k program. I find that sometimes having an end goal keeps me motivated. If you want to do the Manhattan Beach 10k hometown fair run I’ll do it with you. WE can walk, run, or walk/run. http://mb10k.com. I mostly read non-fiction books so I wouldn’t but much help there.
I do like walking. I have just gotten really out of the habit of my morning walks and need to push myself to do them again. It’s one of weird, but normal, things where I don’t want to do it but when I do, it feels great. 🙂 There are stairs people climb here too. I have used them for intervals previously and it was a great a workout. I’m weird and like walking barefoot in the surf so when I do the stairs, I have to wear shoes, which makes me cranky. My toes demand freedom! I’d actually love to do a 10K with you but the MB one is October and honestly, I’m really out of shape. I’m worried that I won’t be able to whip myself into shape by then. But I love the idea of doing one as it’s a concrete goal/deadline and I think that’s just what I need – is there one somewhere near us in maybe December or January? I just don’t want you to have to carry me across the finish line. I want to proudly do it on my two feet, even if my toes cannot be free!
You might enjoy The Laundry Files (series) by Charles Stross. And Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde. Have you read any of the Discworld books? LOTR?
Beyond LOTR, I’m not familiar with any of these books and I can’t wait to check them out. I have seen the LOTR movies but I actually never read the books, which seems strange now that I think about it. I really enjoyed the movies, although I’m not super keen on The Hobbit trilogy. Thank you so much for your recommendations, Leslie! I appreciate them!
I am curious to see what work-out recommendations people have for you because I sorta need to get on some kind of exercise regimen. Most days, I feel like a bump on a log; no energy or motivation 🙂
As for books, I tend to gravitate towards mysteries. Have you ever read Agatha Christie or Anne Perry? They are quite good.
I hear you, Mackenzie! I want to get fit but struggle to find the motivation to get off my behind and do something about it. And sadly, yapping about it isn’t making a dent in my waistline! LOL! I noticed on your reading list that you had a ton of books by Anne Perry so I will definitely have to check her out as I enjoy mysteries quite a bit. Thanks for the recommendations; I appreciate them!
I LOVE Fitness Blender! They have countless workout videos, all available for free, on their site and on YouTube. They have a great FB page too — they’re always super upbeat, encouraging, and fun.
I’m really bad about not liking to feel like I’m “working out,” so when I don’t follow along with one of their videos I love going through some variation of this bodyweight routine: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/499688521129262691/
Also, you had me at “the number of cat pins I have.” I went over and followed you on Pinterest before finishing this comment! 😀
Thanks for the recommendations, Kali. I can’t wait to check them out. Free sounds great and I love that they are upbeat. I respond far better to positive reinforcement! 🙂 I will also check out the pin you recommended. I need to add some strength training routines as well as they do make a huge difference. And thanks for following me (and loving the cat pins!) and I followed you back. THanks for all your help!
Girl I know all about the weight loss roller coaster. I’m afraid I haven’t read any books about fitness.
I love getting on my treadmill. I put on my headphones and drift away. It’s a great stress reliever too :). Then I just use 20-pound weights to tone my arms and crunches for my abs. Nothing fancy :).
I’ve had success with supplements. I’ve been using Healthe Trim (you know, the high school skinny pill 🙂 ) for about four years now and I’ve gone from a size 18 to a size 12 with no strict dieting, I just watch what I eat. It also gives me energy. Something I need to get me on the treadmill. Getting started is my biggest challenge.
Looks like you got a lot of advice from other readers. Isnt’ the blogging community awesome!
Good luck hun! We’re with ya all the way!
Getting started is often my biggest challenge too. I can find a gazillion reasons not to workout. 🙂 Congratulations on your weight loss. I know it’s not easy and you’ve done a great job. I will have to take a look at the supplement you used. Thanks for your suggestions and support!