It occurred to me that there may be a lot of people who like the idea of exercise, but aren't sure where to start. Maybe they are motivated, but directionless. So I thought it might be a good idea to write down some of the workouts that I actually do.
I am not qualified to advise you on how to exercise. I have not had this approved by...anyone professional. It's just something I do that seems to be a good workout, and so I wanted to write it out for you to read. If you choose to try it, I am not responsible if you hurt yourself. Just know that, ok? I'm not a life coach or any kind of coach, I just like to share things that seem to work for me.
I know that there are a zillion workout plans out there, but I also know that I am not going to try most of them. Motto: The workout you do is 100% more effective than all the workouts you don't do. Here's what I do:
The "UGGGGG DO I HAVE TO?" workout:
200 burpees
400 reverse crunches
400 pushups
300 squat jumps
300 box jumps (By "Box," I mean "My toddler's plastic step stool." It's 10-12" off the ground.)
I only kicked it up a notch recently; originally this workout was:
100 burpees
300 reverse crunches
300 pushups
200 squat jumps
200 box jumps
The beauty of this workout is that: It works the whole body. Even if a person is not able to do this many reps, endurance can be built over time. It takes me roughly an hour to complete. The hour includes breathing and water breaks. It can be done morning, noon, or night.
I do this workout by feel. Some days, I can do 30 burpees before stopping to catch my breath. Sometimes, it's 10. Sometimes, I focus on moving slower for correct form. Other times, I focus on speed, to really get my heart pumping.
Sometimes, a break is necessated* by a child who needs a new diaper or a drink or snack. That's the other beauty of this workout; you can be interrupted by "life" and then continue. I just plow through and keep a mental count until I am done.
If you read this list and decide to try it, you can mix up sets of each of these exercises, or you can do each one until done, then move on to the next one. It doesn't matter. Personally, I prefer to just go down the list in the order written.*
"Michelle, how often do you do this workout?"
Good question. I do it as little as 1x a month or as often as 4x a week. I'm also still a runner, but on days when I can't run, this is a backup.
"Michelle, have you ever made up any other workouts?"
Another good question. The answer is yes. My previous "go to" workout is:
the "5,000 Jumping Jack" workout.
What I would do: 5,000 jumping jacks.
The 5,000 jumping jack workout is still a good fall back workout. I keep a running tally in my head. This is a good workout if you are watching a movie; it tends to take exactly 2 hours. Like the other workout, The 5,000 jumping jack workout can be adjusted to 2-3,000 until a person is able to build up endurance. It also allows for water and breathing and potty breaks. The basic premise is again, just to plow through until done.
I find that when I do the JJ workout, I feel it in my calves for the rest of the week. It doesn't work the entire body as well as the first workout, but it is a good heart pumper; it will produce much sweat.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: I AM SIMPLY WRITING OUT SOME THINGS THAT I HAVE DONE IN MY LIFE ON A REGULAR BASIS. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT YOU MAY OR MAY NOT CHOOSE TO DO WITH THIS INFORMATION. I AM NOT GOING TO COACH YOU ON FORM OR SPEED. I HAVE NO IDEA IF THESE WORKOUTS ARE SOMETHING THAT YOU ARE CAPABLE OF DOING. I HAVE NO IDEA IF THESE WILL HELP YOU OR HURT YOU. I ONLY KNOW THAT THESE WORK FOR ME.
ON ANOTHER NOTE: Yes, these involve a lot of counting. That's one of the things I like about them; they are a mental challenge to me, as well. But then when I hit my goal numbers, it's such a satisfaction to be able so say "I accomplished that."
ON AN EVEN MORE IMPORTANT NOTE: "Accomplished" is probably too strong of a word to associate with exercise. Working out is not everything, nor is it the most important thing. I say this because we live in an exercise obsessed culture, and I don't want any of us to become obsessed. Obsession: Idolatry. If you worship your workout, then you really just worship yourself. Which is what selfie culture is all about, too. I wouldn't feel right posting a workout without adding this last important note.
I THOUGHT THAT WAS MY FINAL NOTE, BUT THIS ACTUALLY IS: No matter how awesome shape you are in, here is my personal plea to humanity: Please don't post pictures of yourself in swimwear on Social Media. Because it's obnoxious, that's why. It's always self serving, that's why. It makes other people feel unnecessary pressure, and automatically insecure, that's why. AND I think it's rude. That's why.
*Necessated is a made up word. I liked how it sounded.
