I work out!

jdunkle.blogspot.com

  I've had several different workout routines since I began my "get your butt in shape" lifestyle back in 2005. For years, up until about seven months ago, I was a gym rat. Every day I was there, you could bet your bottom dollar.
  I would go through phases of doing different machines and create a routine with it. I might do the elliptical one day, and then run on the treadmill the next. I always tried to incorporate weight training into my routine, even though I always hated lifting. I know that strength training is an important component of exercise....I've just never liked it.
  In 2009, I ran the half-marathon here in San Antonio. In preparation, I trained for several months and was definitely on the right track....and then I developed planters fasciitis in my right foot. Talk about painful, and a great way to sidetrack my running. For about 3 weeks before the half-marathon I didn't touch a treadmill, but being the stubborn, no-quitting attitude person that I am, I got out there that day and ran it. It felt like a great accomplishment, and for once in a blue moon, I was proud of myself.
  Last year, in an effort to boost up my strength training, I did the P90-X program. I hated it! I've always been a cardio junkie, so tons of weightlifting was not for me. I would push as hard as I could during the workouts, and still barely break a sweat. No sweat=unworthy workout to me. But darnit, I finished those 90 days, and then I got my butt back to the gym!
  Earlier this year, around the beginning of March, I felt like I was in a gym rut and in need of a challenge. I decided to really test my mind, body and soul....with the Insanity workout system. If you've seen those infomercials you know that program looks pretty crazy.
  I love it! I feel like I've finally found a program that kicks my butt! No matter how many times I do a workout, it never gets easy! I also love that there's no weightlifting, but I've definitely gotten toned because there's so many moves that use your own body as resistance.
  I finished the two month program and immediately started it again. I felt challenged and empowered. As I neared the end of my second round, in mid-July, I felt like my body was getting a bit tired. I also knew that I loved Insanity, and didn't want to burn-out and then hate it....so I knew it was time for a change.
  I'd grown accustomed to doing home workouts, so began searching for another DVD workout program. I discovered the Turbofire program and love it. It's definitely more upbeat and fun than Insanity. It's a lot of cardio kickboxing routines, and I've always liked kicking and punching.....the air.
  After about 4 weeks I was still loving Turbofire, but getting a little fearful that I was going to lose the intensity that I'd gained with Insanity. So, I'm currently doing a hybrid schedule of both Insanity and Turbofire. It's working really well for me, and I definitely feel challenged by both programs.
  So, that's the workout program that I'm currently doing. I never saw myself as being successful with a home workout program, but so far it's working. I've grown to appreciate being able to just walk down the hallway and do my workout.
  We have two guest rooms at our house. One is setup as your standard room for guests, and the other is T's "man cave." He does his photo editing in there (I'll talk more about that soon), plays video games and displays all his guy stuff.
  But, every morning at 4:30 that space is all mine. Hold up! Rewind! What time did you say, Megan?! You read correctly....I said 4:30. Since I was a little girl I've always been a morning person. I've never been a late sleeper (6:30 on a Sunday is pushing it). I've never been a snooze-button-hitter. My alarm goes off and I just jump out of bed. So naturally, I enjoy doing my workouts in the morning.

Love this!  fitsugar.com

  Research actually shows that people who work out in the morning are more successful with continuing their exercise over the long run. I figure it's because, besides sleeping, there's not much else to do at 4:30 in the morning. I can't go have dinner with my friends, work late, or vacuum.....all things that could cause a slip-up in my evening workout routine. I definitely encourage you, if you're struggling with finding consistency with your exercise, to give mornings a shot. It's hard in the beginning, but once the habit is formed it's just second nature. It's not for everyone. T has tried the morning routine.....nope, it's not for him. Do what works for you!
  Comment or email me if you have any questions about different exercise routines, or are looking for some support in that area!