Exercising is my weakness. Ten years ago I dieted by only eating every other day just so I wouldn't need to workout. Of course, I lost 100 pounds and then gained it back with that misguided method. So, workout gods, I relent. I owe you a penance, and I am now ready to pay up.

I figured that if I varied my workouts, I might be more inclined to keep moving. My major issue is that I'm in really bad shape, and I need very easy programs. Here are the things I have to keep in mind when I look for exercise programs:

1) I'm recovering from a severely herniated back (thanks, pregnancy!). I still can't feel my big toes, and I'm very stiff and sensitive in my lower back.
2) I have some bone damage to my knees that occurred as a child.
3) I am totally inflexible
4) Some moves aggravate my c-section scar (I gave birth on 9/22/2012.)
5) I'm 106 lbs overweight

So, today I looked at my Amazon Prime subscription. There are actually quite a few Amazon Prime videos out there for fitness. I found one that I think I will incorporate daily along with my physical therapy exercises for my back. It's called "Ultimate Flexibility for Martial Arts." Don't let the name aggrandize the program. It's a guided stretching routine. It goes muscle by muscle, incorporating familiar stretches and yoga poses to help get you loose. The host is a little odd, but I appreciate the simple presentation. There are also beginner, moderate, and advanced programs to match your flexibility level. I did the beginner routine this morning, and I have to say, I feel really good. There was only a couple of moves I couldn't do, and they all involved raising my lower back off the floor. I'm too weak in that area to manage it right now. If flexibility is an issue for you and you feel like yoga routines are usually over your ability level then I would highly recommend giving this tape a try.

Afterwards, I tried one of the other cardio "explosion," "blast", "meltdown," or whatever programs that wasn't bad, but wasn't special either. I got fifteen minutes into it, and it was a little over my fitness level. I tried to keep up with it as much as possible. The baby woke up from his nap while I was in the middle of it. So, I stopped the tape to give him the attention he demanded. I'll probably do Leslie Sansone's 1 mile Walk Away The Pounds video later. I really only need 15 more minutes of cardio to hit my goal for the day. I like her routines because they're low impact on my wounded bits.

Until Tomorrow!

Best,
Tiffany