by josie
Weight Watchers starter kits, such as this yoga kit, have everything you need to start a new workout routine.
It may just be paranoia, but I swear a few fellow gym-goers regarded me with derision as “one of those resolution-makers” as I clung to the elliptical trainer. To those people, I would like to proclaim, “Look, I have two ribs popping out of my chest!”
Not because I’m so skinny, but because I dislocated some ribs that are now producing a freakish bump below my collarbone. My late December injury — which started with me carrying a heavy box awkwardly — has temporarily put the kibosh on boot camp and most yoga classes (with the exception of Bikram). So I’m back to the gym on the elliptical for my cardio.
If you are a beginner, don’t let the pointed remarks (or imagined dirty looks) put you off your fitness resolutions. And don’t let common excuses get in your way, either. For the Winter issue of VIVmag, I put together a story called “That’s No Excuse!” about fitness gadgets and goodies that combat those excuses. Here are a few more items that stop all the usual excuses dead. Plus we’re giving away three of these fitness tools!
I have no time! Fitness expert Jessica Smith says she’s living proof it’s possible to get fit 10 minutes at a time. The Thin in 10 Weight-Loss Plan set (Sunrise River Press, 2012; $24.99) from Smith and fitness writer Liz Neporent includes a book that contains fat-burning and muscle-building exercises, healthy recipes, a calendar and other fitness tools. The accompanying DVD contains five 10-minute workouts, including cardio, strength and core.
I don’t know where to begin! Beginning a new workout regimen can be baffling and intimidating. To help get you get under way, Weight Watchers has three starter kits, each with a DVD, equipment and a 10-week exercise tracker. The Weight Watchers Yoga Starter Kit ($39.98) comes with a yoga block and strap (but no mat) and two complete 30-minute practices led by Sara Ivanhoe, with modifications for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
The Weight Watchers Punch! Kit ($39.98) includes adjustable weighted gloves for high-energy, low-impact cardio boxing workouts led by Stephanie Huckabee, with three options ranging from 30–45 minutes. Huckabee also leads the workouts for the Weight Watchers Work Your Belly, Butt and Thighs Kit ($47.99) that comes with a stability ball and stability ring. Choose from a 30-minute beginner program, 35-minute intermediate workout or 45-minute advanced option.
I don’t want to leave the house in the winter! For those of us in colder climes, the horror of bundling up and braving the elements is just the rationale we need to stay cozy and snug inside. I ordered a fitness step and broke out my old CherFitness: A New Attitude VHS tape for those days.
Of course, there are plenty of new and inspiring fitness-at-home options, including the Stott Pilates Towel Workout for Strength and Mobility DVD ($14.99). Moira Merrithew, co-founder of Merrithew Health & Fitness, leads you through a 36-minute beginning Pilates workout. The only equipment you need is a mat and a Stott Pilates Conditioning Towel ($24.99), though any towel you have at home will also work to create resistance, support movement and mobilize joints. It’s also handy for staying fit on the go.
For those who are more experienced at Pilates and are looking for something new, check out “You Deserve the Chair” in the Winter issue for the hottest new take on Pilates from former figure skating choreographer Lauren Piskin. And you can find your inner ballerina from the comfort of your living room with Mary Helen Bowers’ Ballet Beautiful DVDs and online streaming classes!
VIVmag is giving away The Thin in 10 Weight-Loss Plan book and DVD set, a Weight Watchers Yoga Starter Kit and a Stott Pilates Towel Workout for Strength and Mobility DVD. To enter, just fill out the forms by February 28, 2013.
What’s your biggest obstacle when it comes to working out?
