Anne Samoilov

Yesterday, I talked about types of workouts based on your learning style.

Today, I’ll give you a few specific programs in 3 basic categories to try in order to help you figure out your own style.

The simplest method is to just try 1 of each.  Most people learn or absorb information in 1 of the 3 following ways.  Now, there are definitely sub-categories and much more defined categories when applied to education learning for school, but these 3 are broad categories that seem to work for fitness.

Do you like to WATCH?

Here are 3 video/dvd programs you might want to choose from.

Pilates – On the Go Pilates with Maria Leone
Maria trained me to teach pilates and I love going to this video for inspiration on teaching my classes, but also getting in shape.  You will need a stretchy band – theraband.

Circuit Training – Action Hero Babe Training System
For more information about this program, please check out my review of the AHB program.  I’ve done it 2x already and will go back to it again when I want to build muscle or change up my current routine.

Yoga – On Demand
Check out your Direct TV, Cable system to try one of the free Yoga on demand workouts.  I’ve done some great short workouts through this service and highly recommend it if you don’t want to spend money just yet on a bunch of dvds.

Wanna try to LISTEN to your workout?

Lynda Lippin’s Audio Workouts
Lynda has several 30 minute audio workouts that are really easy to follow.  Back pain, Neck & Shoulder Pain…it’s all here.  Go check her out and also read my Rainy Day Pilates post for more information on her Pilates Ring & Roller Workout.

Click here to buy Pilates with Ring and Roller

Balanced Body Audio Workouts
Balanced Body provides a lot of different types of workouts and these audio instructions are really worth it.  Usually you get more than 1 workout when you order and they have programs designed for people interested in different sports like running and golf.

Do you want to READ your workout?

Check out these books, ebooks, and websites for some great workouts that you simply look at, read a description and then do!  Some have pictures, some don’t, but for the most part they are read and do.

The Female Body Breakthrough by Rachel Cosgrove
My review of this book is coming soon but the exercise program in the book is great, easy to do at home or at the gym, so if you are looking for a workout you can READ, check this one out.  There are a lot of mindset & nutrition strategies laid out in the book too!

Red Carpet Ready
Valerie Waters is my girl. I love this workout. This is the first and only ebook workout program I have ever purchased.  It’s an easy to read workout program with simple instruction and pictures that do show the start/end positions for the moves.  Highly recommend this to women looking to get in shape with a home program that requires little props/gear.

The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler
This has to be one of the best books on Pilates. There is a lot of great information on how to do pilates, the fundamentals to remember while performing exercises, and great descriptions of how to do the exercises.  I still use this book for my own workouts and love Siler’s use of imagery in some hard to get pilates moves.

The Abs Diet
I never followed this book to the T, but do still use the idea of eating the superfoods they suggest to keep your belly flat.  Also, I reviewed the exercises laid out in the book and they are straight forward, solid, core building moves.  You can get the original book and I think the author even has a For Women edition now.

Ok, now that you have some options…experiment and see which ones give you the best workout.  You might find that a combo of Reading/Listening works for you or WATCHING/READING might get your heart rate up.

If your workout leaves you feeling energetic, pumped and feeling amazing, you may have found the right one for you.

One MORE thing to Remember

Do you need weekly motivation and a gentle nudge here and there to keep yourself on the right path?  I know I do.  Writing articles for you helps me stay on target – so thank you for that.

Subscribe to my weekly Quick Byte newsletter for specific steps and strategies you can use immediately to get you back on track.

Everyone has a bad day here and there, but it’s how you pick yourself up and move on that counts.

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Technorati Tags: how to workout, learning styles, pilates quick workout

Something interesting happened recently.  I took a yoga class at a crowded studio here in Los Angeles.  The room was hot (not intentionally, but there were a lot of windows and it was sunny) and people were very close together.  I was a little nervous before we started that someone might actually sweat on me.  I wasn’t sure how long I could handle it.  I got a little cagey actually and almost left the class.

I rarely have a chance to take a class (instead of teaching for once), so I made myself stay.

Guess what. The class was amazing.

I felt overwhelming rejuvenation and energy as I walked out of the studio.  I started thinking about how different this in person workout was from my usual at home workouts.  I’ve tried them all, DVD, audio, personal trainers, group fitness classes, yoga, dance and ones completely alone with no dvd/audio guide.

Comparing all of these ways of getting the workout in, made me wonder which one was the best learning environment for me. Do I like to HEAR my workout, SEE my workout, or just READ MY WORKOUT! (ok…get the monkey reference now? I know…it’s a bit dilluted…hehe but hopefully you get my driift!)

I couldn’t help but ask the question, what if people chose their workouts based on their individual learning style?  Would they work harder and see results faster?

Without going into a whole discussion about learning styles – and the different ways people absorb information, I’ll explain what I know works for me.

I know that I do my best, most focused, most fat-burning workouts with a combination of audio and visual teaching.  Maybe you are the same.  I used to like DVDs, but now only tend to use them when I need a bit more focus or I’m having an “I don’t wannnaaa” day.

What’s funny is that I recently came back to DVDs while doing the Action Hero Babe Training System from Valerie Waters.  On the days I worked out with her, instead of just doing the listed exercises, I got a much intense workout and definitely felt more energized.

This all leads me to the realization that maybe I need to re-think doing DVDs or videos–especially since getting to a class is difficult with my work and Mila schedule.

Ok…so let’s try a few other workouts…

Written exercise lists that include 1 image and mostly text is what I normally follow.  After I know the exercise, have seen someone do it a few times, I’m usually confident enough to do the entire routine.  I rarely do it in complete silence, though, so I turn on the music to get going.  So, perhaps reading an exercise list is not the best workout for me…unless it’s paired with music or some sort of audio guide.

Audio instruction is interesting…unless I’m able to play audio workout on a computer and do the workout nearby, I find that I can never put my iphone/ipod in the right spot. I hate it strapped to me.  I get preoccupied with where to put the device rather than focusing on exercising.  But – I do like the audio workouts…it’s just harder for me to focus and move from exercise to exercise.

Group Classes are great because you get the general energy of everyone around you and a teacher guiding you through the movement. No distractions…just movement.  I think many people do classes because of this. It’s hard to dedicate a few moments to yourself at home when the laundry or your email or your children/husband are in the next room waiting for you…or worse yet, knocking on the door!

What about you?  Try a few “different” types of routines (time, place, public, private, group, solo, sports) and see if one stands out as making you feel more “worked out” and more energetic than the others.

You might find that some days you need a group class, but the other days you need to follow a dvd or video on the computer.  Either way – both fit the same basic visual learning style.

On the other hand, if you found that an audio workout really pushed you harder, you might want to do a few more of these in a week.  That doesn’t mean you can’t do a dvd or you can’t go to a group class.  An audio workout requires more mental visualization … which in turn might give you more challenge.  By shaking up your routine with this a few times per week, you might get to your goal that much faster.

Here are some tools to help you find your best way to workout:

Search Google for Learning Styles Quiz (I did this to see what it would say and they were all visual)

Fitness Personality Quiz

Checklist of different workout types/places

Over-analysis or Time Saver?

I know I’m a bit of a geek and like to analyze things that others might not consider, but training myself to evaluate/measure my progress has made a huge difference in the way I exercise and take care of myself.

Why spend countless hours doing activities that just annoy you or that you routinely cancel or put off?  Why not spend a few moments to figure out the best way for you to get yourself moving and doing something that actually keeps you moving and consistent?  You don’t need to take as much time as I do looking at this stuff, but you can simply try a few different ways of exercising and ask yourself the question:  How did this workout measure up?

You will set yourself up for more results in less time!

I look forward to hearing from you and seeing what you discover.

If you want help figuring out your workout learning style, email me or leave a comment below.  I’m happy to help you find your best learning style and workouts to go with it!

Technorati Tags: fitness strategies, get a workout, how to workout, learning style, time to workout, workout styles

As many of you know, every week I send my email newsletter The Quick Byte to my clients, friends and readers.  Even when people aren’t coming to classes regularly or seeing me for private sessions, I want to help everyone that crosses my path be a little more mindful of their health.  I’m not perfect by any means — and I do have my down moments, but by encouraging others, I’m able to get back on track quickly.

So, each issue I send out aims to provide a clear push to anyone just getting started with a fitness program or staying consistent with one!

Recent issues have included the following articles you might have missed:

>Turning New Year’s Resolutions into Intentions
>27 Fitness & Fat Loss Tips
>Clean Eating Comfort Food Recipes
>Top 7 Tight Abs Tips
>5 Stupid Things Healthy People Do
>The Butt & Gutt workout

Don’t miss another issue packed with specific tips and strategies to start living healthier now.

This week’s issue is going to focus on setting up a small home workout space…no don’t worry, I’m not going to suggest you go out and buy a treadmill or pull up bar…Everyone should and can have a relaxing space to stretch, workout and maybe do a little pilates. Let me show you what you need – without turning your house into a Gold’s Gym.

If you want a plan to get in shape and keep you in shape every single week, sign up for instant access!

Technorati Tags: fitness newsletter, get fit tips, healthy living

Well, look no further.

I know that you’ve probably heard a lot of talk from me over Valerie Waters’ program the Action Hero Babe Training System.  But enough already, I want to give you the details about the program…and really why it’s one of the most effective home fitness programs that I’ve ever tried.

WHAT YOU GET

First, here’s the list of the items/equipment you get when you purchase the AHB Training System:

The Workouts

There are 2 Phases of the Program. Each phase has 3 workouts. Build, Burn, and Sculpt.  these workouts keep you going and are great. You workout right along with Val. She doesn’t try to be sleek or fancy with editing, she’s doing the workout with you. Period.  You take your water breaks and rests with her and you see her stumble (only a few times) just like you might.  There is no music, which is great if you like choosing your own soundtrack for workouts.

Breakdown:  6 workout DVDs, 1 basics DVD, Getting Started DVD, Ipod Ready Videos

Digital Manuals: 6 Workout Guides. Pictures, exercise description, etc.
Also included is a Cardio Guide to get you burning fat the HIIT way!

Workout Schedule/Journal: Track your workouts.

The Food

You get a great guide full of recipes from Val and senior members of the RCR club. Plus, you also get a special ebook full of recipes by our favorite chef The Healthy Irishman.  With these 2 resources, you will be set for yummy food.  Seriously, I’ve tried almost every single recipe and they are all quite tasty.   During my first round through the AHB program, I tried to pick a new recipe every week.  Now, I’ve got my favorites I like to go back to while I am in the 2nd round of the 8 week program.

Breakdown:  Quickstart Manual, Chef Gavan Murphy’s cookbook, Val’s recipe book

The Equipment

The Valslide/Valband/Resistance Chords.
While you will still need a few additional free weights, you can do a lot with these resistance bands.  I have the following dumbbells: 5, 8, 10, 20. The 20 I very rarely use and usually only the one dumbbell obviously, not both.

Don’t expect some super high tech equipment.  You don’t need sexy props to change your body.  Valerie developed this package to be mobile, basic, easy for anyone to use anywhere.  Boot camps are using them, personal trainers use them with their clients, I use them with some of my mat pilates classes…they are extremely accessible and make a bodyweight circuit workout kick up a notch.  And … Valerie uses them with her celebrity clients like Jen Garner and Rachel Nichols.

Bonus DVDs

Several Bonus DVDs are included in the package — essentially they are with some of Valerie’s celebrity clients… There are a few surprises in these bonuses, so I won’t give too much information here, but these are great tools to watch throughout your 8 weeks to keep you motivated.

IS THIS PROGRAM RIGHT FOR YOU?

If you have some exercise experience and have a moderate level of fitness, you’ll love the program.  If you are a beginner, you might want to consider doing her first program Red Carpet Ready or do Action Hero Babe, but lower the weights and take things a bit slower.

MY JOURNEY TO BECOMING AN ACTION HERO MOM

It’s funny – I thought I was fully prepared to start the 8 week body blast… And while I was strong enough to do the workouts, I felt it big time the next day.  After working through the first 4 weeks, I could really start seeing my own muscle definition and felt like I was getting stronger.  Then BAM the 2nd phase of the program started.  A few very subtle changes to the workouts and my body was again CHALLENGED every single workout.

After each intense workout, I actually did feel like I could kick someone’s butt.  If my daughter hadn’t been around, I might have gone in search of a fight or some bad guys to take down. LOL.

Don’t take my word for it.  Go to the main Action Hero Babe page and you’ll be able to watch videos of women at various ages revealing their own experience with the program.

Also, if you buy the program or are already doing it, let me know!  If you have any questions about anything, please feel free to ask me, but seriously, you can email Valerie directly and she’ll be more than happy to tell you everything you need to know.

Whatever your decision or your motive, definitely take a moment and check out the Action Hero Babe Training System.  It works.

Technorati Tags: action hero babe review, fitness for moms, online fitness program, women's fitness

4 weeks ago I started a personal fitness challenge to go through the 8-week Action Hero Babe training system for the 2nd time.  I’m 1/2 way through and since I didn’t post my intentions at the beginning, I decided to renew them and post my updated list.

Intention in a Word…

First of all, intention is just a word.  According to Merriam Webster, it is: a determination to act in a certain way.  This is a powerful word that resonates with me way more than the word goals.  Intentions are specific things I’m going to do and am doing right now.  Once I set my intentions I am much more likely to stick to them and reach my goals.

For more on the value of declaring your intentions, I highly recommend reading Dr. Wayne Dyer’s Power of Intention.

Creating an intention list is important in any area of your life where you are looking to achieve some thing.  If you don’t know where you are going or what you intend to do, where will you end up and what will the end result of your actions be?

Here’s why I’m renewing my Action Hero Babe intentions:

1. I often do this at slumps in my training to keep me going to the next milestone.
2. It’s an easy way to inject some new energy into your workouts and really help you push beyond what you were originally trying to achieve in the first place.
3. If I’ve been having trouble in any area, it helps me pinpoint those challenges and get over the hurdles.  Being aware and taking responsibility for my actions–be they victories or off-track moments, really keeps my head in the game.

So without further adieu, here are my personal intentions for the second half of my Action Hero Babe personal challenge.

1. I intend to finish this last 4 weeks of the Action Here Babe training system, strong and dedicated to the workouts.
2. I intend to eat clean 80% of the time — keep white sugars, white flours to a minimum.
3. I intend to eat 4-5 servings of vegetables every day.
4. I intend to get my water intake back to normal — 1-2 liters a day.
5. I intend to do my AHB workouts 3 days per week and 2 Pilates Reformer/Mat workouts on the off days.
6. I intend to go to yoga 1x per week.
7. I intend to make this challenge for myself and no one else.  I’m not trying to impress you, I’m trying to feel better more often…and increase my energy levels.
8. I intend to do an outside activity with my family – every single day.  On the weekends, this activity should be a bit longer than normal.  Every day outside with Mila.
9. I intend to smile much more often than I do already.
10. I intend to do an amp’d up version of my original run through Red Carpet Ready.

Ok…so there you go…now, that you see what my intentions are, why don’t you start your own list.  Be as specific as you can.  The more defined your destination, the more motivated you will be to reach it!  In fact, just be writing this post, I feel more focused and ready to reach my own goals.

Just remember…once you have your goals/intentions in place, all you have to do is plot out those first few steps.  You will be surprised how easy it is to take a few more steps each day.

Post your intention list (if you aren’t too shy) and let me help you stay accountable to those goals!

Technorati Tags: action hero babe, fitness goals, Fitness Motivation, goal setting, intention, red carpet ready