As part of my New Year’s resolution to take better care of myself, I’ve been working out a few times each week. Because it had not been a habit for me for a while and because I stick to something if I actually like it, I tried a few different forms of exercise. Here’s what I’ve tried and my thoughts on each.
Zumba: Very high energy, following a dance routine for each song. The biggest pro for this one is that it does burn a lot of calories since you’re moving the whole time. The con is that if you’re not all that coordinated and don’t easily pick up on choreography, you can feel a little lost. It doesn’t matter much, as long as you keep moving, but it can feel a tad bit like being back in junior high and being the only one not in on the latest line dance.
Water aerobics: Like any class, this depends on your instructor and the effort you put into it, but it can actually be a surprisingly good workout. What I noticed is that I was able to do things in the water that would make me want to curl up into a ball of exhaustion should I try them out of the water (think things like jumping jacks and kicks). Still getting your heart rate up, but low impact on your joints thanks to the water.
Trampoline fitness: This was actually the only workout that I’ve ever really and truly called “fun.” It’s just what you think: jumps and all sorts of exercises done on a trampoline. I felt good doing it (when I didn’t feel like I needed to take a break) and like it was an amazing workout. The only real con for me is that I don’t have one super close to me, but if you do, definitely give it a try.
Yoga: Some yoga classes are gentle and work more on stretching, but there are more hardcore classes out there that keep you moving the whole time and yoga can build up your strength. I’d go to yoga every day if my schedule allowed, but I’m trying to balance it with cardio classes that will burn more calories.
At-home fitness subscriptions: Libraries of different workouts to choose from, with the added bonus of doing them from home on your own time schedule. I’ll have a review of one of these coming soon. I do like the variety and the ability to change my mind and therefore my workout, but I’m finding that sometimes I’ll put it off and put it off until it’s time for bed, as opposed to if I’m heading out to a class somewhere that meets at a certain time.
No matter how good a workout is for me, I’m never going to stick to it if it’s not something I enjoy doing. And of course, you need to find what works for you and what your body can medically handle.
The same goes for snacks. I’ll try to stock our pantry with things that are better for me to eat, but if it’s only good in theory but I don’t like the taste, it will just sit there on the shelf until it expires and I throw it out. Meanwhile, I’ll find something else to eat. You’ll never convince me that kale chips are delicious. Uh-uh, I think you’re lying.
One snack I’ve been enjoying is the new Nature Valley Cereal, especially the Baked Oat Bites. If I eat them for breakfast with milk, that’s 11g of protein. No high fructose corn syrup, no artificial flavors, and no colors from artificial sources. This cereal can help fuel my morning, so I’m not getting crabby from being hungry when I’m at whatever exercise class I’m trying that day.
Plus, my kids will actually eat this, and I feel good about them eating it, too (unlike some of the snacks I’ve tried in the past where I shriek That’s for Mom! Don’t eat that! due to the ingredients that I probably shouldn’t be eating either).
You can try one of the new Nature Valley cereals and get a $1 off coupon at Publix. Plus, from 2/25 to 3/2, the coupon will validate a BOGO offer, too!
Giveaway
Visit Morning Goodness Starts with Nature Valley and come back and leave a comment telling me which of the 3 cereal varieties you’d most like to try. One winner will be randomly selected to win $15 via paypal.
*Giveaway is open to residents of the US only, ages 18+ or age of majority in your state. Void where prohibited. Winner will be contacted via email and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be selected. Entries accepted until 11:59pm ET March 1, 2016.