Carolyn Braden says "Jackie Warner is the best!"

I love my UbiSoft/Wii Your Shape game.  BUT, sometimes I just need to change it up.  Exercise should never get boring or you won't continue to do it anymore.  I started doing weights and running on the treadmill last August.  Then I moved onto Your Shape and Just Dance. Then, my mother-in-law mentioned going to our local cable's "Free Spot" to view Exercise TV's free workout videos.  (We have Insight cable here and we have "On Demand, Free Spot" that gives you many free movies and more to watch).  I was intrigued.

I was searching for something to alternate with Your Shape.  I tried the Zumba DVDS's, which were fun, but since they don't use current music, it gets kind of boring after a while.  I then tried Exercise TV's Belly Dancing, which was a lot of fun.  I tried Jillian Michaels' Yoga, Pilates, and Core Workouts but they just weren't for me.  I had a hard time connecting to her and her routines.  

Then I tried Jackie Warner.  SHE. IS. THE. BEST.

I tried one of her core workout routines and it kicked my butt!  She does one minute intervals of a series of three exercises, then does a power burn of all three at the end of the segment.  She started with the legs, then went to arms, then finished with abs.  I truly loved her routine because each segment was fast and I didn't fatigue my muscles due to her changing up each muscle group so quickly.  She was motivating and her whole philosophy on exercise is completely realistic.  

The routine is getting easier the more I do it.  I am considering finding some of her DVD's to try out too.  Having a DVD will be beneficial to take on vacation this summer to keep in shape.  Yeah, yeah, who wants to workout while on vacation.......I do!  Jackie has made it so fun that it's addicting!

Exercise people! And when winter rolls around.......don't stop!

New Day, New Life, Carolyn Braden

I finally finished my "Up and Down" journal. I love writing in a journal. As I've blogged about before, journal writing is so helpful in keeping up with your thoughts and goals. My up and down journal was killer. I've gone back and read through past journals and nothing compares to this last one. I was actually relieved when I finished writing in it. There was a whole lot of negativity in it. I am so glad I got out those negative thoughts through writing. Now, my next journal has a picture of a tree on it and I got it at a little bookshop in Sanibel Island this summer. It is beautiful. Trees have been a big part of my life lately. I like trees. I love how they can be beautiful and bear beautiful flowers in the spring, full and rich during the summer, colorful yet peaceful in the fall, and strong and tall in the winter. Anyways, this next journal is going to show the change in my life. From my 20's to my 30's. The tree is representational of the change because trees change.
Change is good. Why must we keep doing the same things all the time? Try something new. No, it's not New Year's resolution time yet, but who cares! Don't wait until then if you know you need to make a change in your life. It may be too late if you wait! Make a decision to change and stick with it. I have slacked on my exercise the last few months. I decided last week I was going to start getting up 15 minutes early every day to walk on the treadmill. You know what? It's like a shot of espresso! Who needs 10 cups of coffee when you can just exercise! Exercise increases your endurance and positivity. Try something new or stop a bad habit. Just because everyone else keeps making the same mistakes and gives up on pacts they make with themselves, you don't have to do it too. Baby steps people, baby steps.

Something really good may have happened today. I will not get too excited yet. I will blog again if I am right about this.

Until next time......