I've walked 100's of times around the park, done every workout video in my collection, and hiked all these different trails. Now, don't get me wrong: I love a good hike or a quick DVD workout from Jillian Michaels, Carmen Electra, or the Girls Next Door.
But I also need some spice to my workout routine, and this is where alternative workouts come in! Here's a list of some great ideas to get you off the couch and get you losing pounds or toning those great abs you know you've got hidden deep down in there.
1. Trampoline ( my Christmas gift this year from the BF♥ )
This contraption is pretty great: jump up and down and you are working out your whole body in one simple move. I once met a girl at a party who said she lost 75 pounds from jumping on the trampoline alone! Whether it is true or not is irrelevant; the fact is, you are going to shed calories while having fun, and that is the sign of a true alternative workout. There are 2 main types of trampolines: the mini personal size and the large outdoor version.
You are looking at about $35 for the personalized trampoline that can be easily positioned in front of the TV - some more expensive versions even fold up or have bars so that you can run on them in place.
For the larger one, don't expect to find a new large 12-15 footer for less than $200. The great part is you and your friend can get a workout on this at the same time. And if you angle it right, you can jump into the pool or slam dunk on your own backyard hoop - just be careful not to end up on Tosh.0 or America's Funniest Home Videos people. And don't tell anyone where you got the idea either: I am not responsible for your potential stupidity.
Walmart is currently having a holiday special for a 14 ft trampoline that lights up and has an enclosure for $247 (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Trampoline-and-Enclosure-Combo-14-Foot/15166567) - they are also selling a 14' trampoline without the net and flasher for $247 as well, so you might as well get the extra's and sell the enclosure on craigslist if you really don't want it.
And speaking of craigslist, don't forget to check out your local version to see if they have any used trampolines for a good price: http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites. People are often selling the large ones on here for $40-$200; and if you are really lucky, sometimes they are even giving away one for free. Be on the lookout for used trampolines that have no rips or tears around the springs and don't forget to consider the price of a new mat vs. buying a new trampoline before making a purchase.
2. Slide Board (as seen on MyRegistry.com/public/Christin for $108.75)
It may not be popular, but this bad boy will help you tone down those saddlebags and tighten up those inner thighs - minus the thigh master.
All you do is put on the little booties and slide back and forth on the board (see picture above) - hence the name slide board. I did this for 10 minutes in my boot camp class at the gym. Trust me, you will feel it.
The great part is, it can be rolled up and stored in the closet and then taken out and placed in front of the TV as well when no one is looking. Never feel guilty again when watching the Biggest Loser, just hop on this and you are working out just like them without the infamous and grueling "Last Chance Workout".
3. Dance Games for Wii/Xbox/PS3 - "Just Dance 1", "Just Dance 2", "Dance Central", or "Zumba"
The commercials are tempting and the game console set-ups at the mall or Best Buy are calling your name. I have "Just Dance 2" and you will be sweating after 2 or 3 good songs like "Avril Lavigne's - Girlfriend" or our personal favorite, "Jump Around".
Join the biggest craze right now and get a dance game for your Wii, Xbox, or PS3. Check out this great video to see what you are getting into when strutting your stuff with Dance Central:
4. Swim Weights
You may look like a synchronized swimmer gone wrong, but the resistance of the water is going to give you a great toning workout. Just strap on the floating belt to run across the water and you'll be training for the track team in no time. Or, grab the water weights and work those arms and shoulders while you wade in the pool.
5. Dance Classes - Belly Dancing, Zumba, Salsa, Aerobic Striptease
" Dancing with the Stars " and " Kendra " have boosted the popularity of these dance classes across the nation. My friend Amy goes Salsa dancing every Friday and I would love to drag one of my friends to a Scottsdale Aerobic Striptease class given the chance. People are even incorporating mini-versions into their Bachelorette parties for a fun twist on the often eventful night.
Just look at this goth girl on the left rocking out in this belly dancing class
6. Power Plate my5 Acceleration Training Machine
If I made a ton of money from this amazing blog, I would get one of these machines. Who doesn't love a machine where minimal effort will still get you a full-body workout in 15 minutes? When I popped into Brookstone to try it out, the salesperson made sure to name drop that Serena Williams had bought one from him a few months back. Be prepared to shell down $4,500 for one of these babies at Brookstone (http://www.brookstone.com/vibration-trainer-machines_Power-Plate-my5-Acceleration-Training-Machine.html?bkiid=categoryLandingPage_Home_Fitness_Passive_Exercise_Equipment|C4CategoryProdList1FDT|6926081)
7. Toning Belts
Do they work? I honestly don't know. But the idea of sitting in front of the TV eating a bowl of cereal while this band tones your abs or thighs is tempting. I made a request to my dad for the thigh belts for Christmas so we'll see what happens - I may be able to report back on the effectiveness of this nifty gadget in a few months.
8. Good Old-Fashioned Bike Ride
While this one may not be out of the norm, throw in picking up your groceries and you've got a whole new concept. Why not get fresh new products a few times a week by riding your good-ole bike to the supermarket next time? I've always wanted to be "one of those people" and now that I've got my stylish pink beach cruiser with a nice detachable wicker basket, I can and am. That is, when I do actually go grocery shopping.
If I made a ton of money from this amazing blog, I would get one of these machines. Who doesn't love a machine where minimal effort will still get you a full-body workout in 15 minutes? When I popped into Brookstone to try it out, the salesperson made sure to name drop that Serena Williams had bought one from him a few months back. Be prepared to shell down $4,500 for one of these babies at Brookstone (http://www.brookstone.com/vibration-trainer-machines_Power-Plate-my5-Acceleration-Training-Machine.html?bkiid=categoryLandingPage_Home_Fitness_Passive_Exercise_Equipment|C4CategoryProdList1FDT|6926081)
7. Toning Belts
Do they work? I honestly don't know. But the idea of sitting in front of the TV eating a bowl of cereal while this band tones your abs or thighs is tempting. I made a request to my dad for the thigh belts for Christmas so we'll see what happens - I may be able to report back on the effectiveness of this nifty gadget in a few months.
8. Good Old-Fashioned Bike Ride
While this one may not be out of the norm, throw in picking up your groceries and you've got a whole new concept. Why not get fresh new products a few times a week by riding your good-ole bike to the supermarket next time? I've always wanted to be "one of those people" and now that I've got my stylish pink beach cruiser with a nice detachable wicker basket, I can and am. That is, when I do actually go grocery shopping.
♥ Happy Sweating fellow crafters.
And as always, I ♥ Do ♥ It ♥ Well.
Love, Christin
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