Need help starting again...

[flamingoo]

Hi everyone...I literally don't know where the past two years went. Life has not been easy and my exercise habits have been pretty much non existent. I could really use some help/recommendations for getting my butt going again. I have a some what physical and repetitive job. I'm looking for shorter workouts or something that can be split up. I recently started walking again, only for 30 minutes but hey I have to start somewhere right? I work with my hands and have been having wrist/shoulder issues due to the repetitiveness of my job so my go to yoga program just isn't happening right now. In the past I've been into Essentrics,TA( not meta) and barre,kundalini. I'm having a really hard time getting back into anything. I'm drained by the end of the day so high impact is not what my body needs right now. My youngest was diagnosed with autism last July and really hoping he will start therapy soon. Hoping to get into a routine before that starts. Sorry for rambling. Miss you all!

[alisoncooks]

I'm coming off of a years-long dry spell myself. After the new year, I started doing Jane Adams yoga sporadically. In March/April, I began using her videos regularly/daily. From there, over the summer, I began adding 10-minute strength to the yoga videos (10 minute solution Target Toning and Suzanne Bowen's Weight Watcher videos were my go-tos).

Now I am up to 30-min strength workouts 3x a week. Mostly KCM, but some Barre/Pilates. Whatever I feel like doing, as long as I'm moving. I still try to yoga on my other days because I *neeeed* it.

But I credit Jane's yoga with my comeback. Not because there's anything magical about her stuff, but because I enjoyed it so much that it was easy to build the habit. Hope you find what sparks your joy! (And I hope therapy goes wonderfully for your kiddo!)

[goldengirl]

Originally Posted by alisoncooks

I'm coming off of a years-long dry spell myself. After the new year, I started doing Jane Adams yoga sporadically. In March/April, I began using her videos regularly/daily. From there, over the summer, I began adding 10-minute strength to the yoga videos (10 minute solution Target Toning and Suzanne Bowen's Weight Watcher videos were my go-tos).

Now I am up to 30-min strength workouts 3x a week. Mostly KCM, but some Barre/Pilates. Whatever I feel like doing, as long as I'm moving. I still try to yoga on my other days because I *neeeed* it.

But I credit Jane's yoga with my comeback. Not because there's anything magical about her stuff, but because I enjoyed it so much that it was easy to build the habit. Hope you find what sparks your joy! (And I hope therapy goes wonderfully for your kiddo!)

May I ask which Jane Adams workouts you used? I also need to re-start my exercise program.

[alisoncooks]

Originally Posted by goldengirl

May I ask which Jane Adams workouts you used? I also need to re-start my exercise program.

Of course! I used a lot of the workouts on the "Gentle Yoga" DVD. That's my fave.

I also used the seated Upper Body and the Gentle Chair Strength from her "Balance & Strength" DVD. That upper body is great for when you want a little strength work but don't feel up to anything strenuous.

[bubbles76]

For restarting, I always recommend the Powerfits. They are easy to adjust up or down, on the shorter side, and have controlled movements. Stephanie Huckabee is also very calm and encouraging. If you want someone a little perkier, I also like Kathy Smith. Her personality just makes me want to work out with her . I also like Margaret Richard's Unplugged series. Very calming, easy to adjust up or down. She does do some floor work, so I'm not sure if she would be best for your hands and wrists, come to think of it.

The 10 Minute Solution workouts are also very good.

[Pat58]

Welcome back, it's so good to see you. {{{HUGS}}} I'm sorry you've been under a strain.

Youtube is a good source of free and short workouts. Lately I've been enjoying Up to the BEaT Fitness and Lucy Wyndham-Read. Lucy has 7 and even 4 minute workouts that you can just jump in and do without any equipment, the same exercise for one minute then another. I also like Sarah Beth Yoga and Yoga Ranger for short yoga sessions.

I recall that you liked Ravi and Ana? There's always their matrix programs for a boost.

Best wishes.

[Kathleen Ann]

Originally Posted by bubbles76

For restarting, I always recommend the Powerfits. They are easy to adjust up or down, on the shorter side, and have controlled movements. Stephanie Huckabee is also very calm and encouraging. If you want someone a little perkier, I also like Kathy Smith. Her personality just makes me want to work out with her . I also like Margaret Richard's Unplugged series. Very calming, easy to adjust up or down. She does do some floor work, so I'm not sure if she would be best for your hands and wrists, come to think of it.

The 10 Minute Solution workouts are also very good.

Me too! I always start with the Powerfits. In fact when I get home after this family crisis and not working out for a long time, I'm starting with them.

[Lucky Star]

Welcome back and good luck with both your fitness plans and your son's therapy.
Consistency over intensity.

[flamingoo]

Thanks everyone! Some great suggestions. Many of which I forgot about. I think I may actually have some Gilad buried in my collection along with Margaret Richards. In the past I definitely have had the attitude of all or nothing. I realize now this is not what my body needs. I'm looking forward to getting back in the swing of things and taking it slower this time around

[donnamp]

I agree with what everyone said - find something you like, that will keep you coming back for more.

If you like Ellen Barrett she has a streaming service for $5.95/month. She puts out one new workout a month of varying lengths 15 - 45 minutes and she also puts out a manageable looking weekly schedule. This has been a tough year for me motivation wise and personally, so I have relied on Ellen quite a bit b/c I always found her workouts to be low dread and pleasant.

I also second the recommendation for Pahla Bowers - she talks a lot, but her workouts are good and the chattiness passes the time and it is all good stuff about fitness, health, aging, etc.

And, of course there is Jessica Smith who has a variety of workouts on You Tube.

I also like Jenny Ford - if you like old school step and weights.

Another You Tube channel I like is CocoLime Fitness - she focuses on lower intensity workouts for people with health issues - but really, they are good for anyone who doesn't want to do high impact or high intensity. She has a variety of workouts of varying lengths.



Good luck!!!

Donna