Due to popular demand…

Ok…*one* reader asked me to write an entry about my workout plan. Enjoy, Kat. 😉

The Gym

After 1.5 years of doing my own thing, I decided it was time to join a gym. My TRI training partners belong to 24 Hour Fitness, so naturally I joined too. My workouts usually consist of 30-60 minutes of mixed cardio. I try to keep my heart rate between 140-150.

Treadmill: 3.5-3.8 mph (not a sprint, but pretty damn fast for a big girl) and incline of 3-4%.

Recumbent bike: Fat burning program…alternating between levels 6-9.

Although I like the treadmill and bike, I know it’s time to incorporate the stair stepper and elliptical (Lucifer’s invention) into my regular routine. I’ve done the elliptical a few times, but never on a regular *ouch* basis.

Besides TRI, my other reason for joining the gym was to jumpstart my weight training program. Everyone tells me I’ll love it once I get started, but I’m just not feeling it. Chesty is creating a program for me (she’s studying for her personal trainer exam and guess who gets to be the guinea pig?) I’m sure I’ll be more enthusiastic about weights once I see my body change.

When TRI training starts in January, I’ll post detailed workout entries. The only thing that worries me right now is the open swim. I’m a strong swimmer (hey, fat floats), but the idea of being in a lake with a lot of women freaks me out. Wonder if Power Bar makes a sedative?

Instructional Tapes

Taebo: When I started WW, I used the Basic Taebo and after 6 months (and a nice chunk of weight lost), I was able to move to the advanced tape. I don’t use it anymore simply because it’s no longer challenging for me. I think most exercise tapes only have a 3-6 month lifespan. At some point, your body is comfortable with the moves and you can kick ass in your sleep.

Pilates: I use the Pilates Conditioning for Weight Loss tape. It is great! Why? because there are 3 workout variations for the price of one:

Fully Modified: Muscular isolation to learn the mind-body connection.
Partially Modified: Increased movement for overall body toning.
Full Postures: Challenging workout for mind, body, and breath.

It may sound like fluff, but it really is a workout. 🙂

Latin dance: I use the Kathy Smith Latin Rhythm workout. The tape offers 2 workouts that cover salsa, cha-cha, and merengue. Definitely a fun cardio workout. I usually do this tape 1-2 times per week.

Bellydance: I heard so many good things about the Veena and Neena series, I had to give it a try. I use the beginner tape and it’s a pretty good workout. I usually do additional cardio before/after this tape for additional calorie burn. Cool soundtrack.

These are the activites I do now, but this will all change after the holidays. Starting January 1, my motto will be: SWIM-BIKE-RUN. LOL All I want is my finisher medal and t-shirt, dammit.