Time for a workout change - Physique 57 style

As much as I enjoy working out, I am constantly looking for new, fun workouts to try. Changing things up frequently keeps me motivated and keeps my muscles wondering what's coming next. Several weeks ago, I started slacking on my workouts and knew it was time for a change. I first heard about Physique 57 a few years ago when I was pregnant with Miss M. I was so jealous that I couldn't go train in NYC with Kelly Ripa and have a post-baby body like her's. A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I ordered the Physique 57 DVDs. Well, the DVDs arrived a few days ago, and I could not wait to try them out. I popped in the Classic 57 Minute Full Body Workout. The workouts are based on the Lotte Berk method which is similar to yoga, pilates, and ballet. Right up my alley. After the arm section, I thought I would need to supplement the workout with some additional exercises. The next sections with legs and abs were intense. My quads were burning! I hadn't felt that much burn since my dancing days. I'm kind of crazy, but I actually enjoy that feeling. Hurts so good. I'm hoping I can get my ballet legs back. They disappeared after I had Miss M. She pretty much ate my muscle. Literally. My quads and tush just vanished right before my eyes. Even though I was strength training while nursing, the muscles still got eaten! So, I'm after those toned legs again.I tried the Arms and Abs one today, and it worked my arms and abs really well. I can't wait to try the rest of the DVDs. On the days I do this one, I won't feel the need to do extra arm stuff. Yay! Don't forget to change your workout routine when you start to get bored. Finding things you enjoy is the best way to exercise. Keeping things fresh is the greatest way to stay motivated.

What kind of exercise keeps you motivated and feeling good?

Yoga X with Tony and the kiddos

Thursday morning. I hear my Mr. T alarm go off. I roll over to see what time it is. 6:00 am. Ugh. A little earlier than the last few days. Well, at least I can go workout, I think to convince myself this is a good thing. I tip-toe out of my room and scoop up my little munchkin. He's so sweet and cuddly in the morning, even if he does wake me up awfully early these days. I am hoping I can get in a decent chunk of Yoga X before Miss M wakes up. I miss those quiet workouts when it was just me.

I get Mr. T his milk and change out of my pajamas. I pop the Yoga X DVD in and see Tony's face. I'm getting a little tired of hanging out with Tony so much, but I love my Yoga X. Four minutes in, and I get to wide-legged forward bend. Mr. T is sitting on the floor right next to me. I try to focus on my breathing and wake up my cold muscles when I feel a tiny finger in my nose. I turn my head further so I'm out of reach. It works. Then I feel a not-so-gentle tug on my hair. Am I really going to make it through this today?

A few more minutes go by, and I hear Miss M open her door. I pause Tony to give her a hug and put Mr. T in his high chair for some confinement and breakfast.

"The TV might have to think if you leave it paused too long," I hear Miss M say.

I get out some bananas and cereal and head back to the mat. Moving on to Warrior II.

"I'm stuck! I'm stuck!" I hear Miss M say.

I pause Tony and head into the kitchen. I find Miss M with a plastic necklace around her leg that is tied to another one stuck on the cabinet handle.

"There you go sweetie."

I put another handful of cereal on Mr. T's tray as I walk by. Back to the mat. I make it to twisting triangle pose. Miss M comes running in with her necklaces and slips one around my wrist. She starts to do downward dog with me. Every time she does yoga poses with me, I think it is the cutest thing, especially in her footie jammies. Then the necklace makes it onto my neck. Miss M hugs and kisses my leg. Then she climbs on my leg, and I give her a hug which makes balancing slightly more difficult.

I make it to Warrior III. The end is drawing near. Miss M knocks me off balance, and we fall over laughing. We get back up, and I finish the sequence.

I get Mr. T out of his high chair, and he pulls my hair and pounds on my back while I end with some stretches and give him tickles.

We survived another workout. Although I like to workout on my own because I can get through it a little faster, I wouldn't trade these moments for anything.