Shake Up Your Workout Routine
Our staffers share the different ways they love to work up a sweat.
Article By: Elly Trickett McNerney
Weight Watchers recommends 30 minutes of daily activity, and our editors and staffers are always looking for new ways to get moving. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite workouts to give you a few ideas in case you’re getting tired of the same old same old.
Try spinning
A local spin-class just opened near my apartment — it’s a 45-minute mini-vacation to spin in a close-to-dark, room listening to loud music and having someone tell me what to do for a change (I have twin 5-year-old boys!). I’d recommend it as an activity because if you’re like me and don’t live to exercise and don’t push yourself enough, a class like this holds your hand every step of the way. No chatting, not much resting. It’s the surest way to ensure I get a workout in and actually sweat.
—Hilary Bromberg
Feel right at Om
I really love Bikram yoga. The room is heated to 105 degrees or more so your heart rate is higher than in a normal class. The heat also really helps increase your sense of flexibility — not to mention it’s a great way to escape the winter chill outside. I also love that even though it’s physically demanding, you really feel calmer when you leave than when you got there.
—Mary Hurn
Take it on the run
I love to run, and a big reason for that is that I never, ever would have thought I’d be able to say, “I am a runner.” I started out with some Couch to 5K podcasts and did OK, but it wasn’t until I signed up to run a half marathon for charity that I became serious. The runs aren’t always easy and honestly I don’t love every single one, but I love the structure that training for a race gives me, I love the muscles I can feel in my legs even on a “fat day,” and I love that the first thing I do in the morning is something for me and me alone. I’ve met some wonderful friends through running, too — hi, Ellen, Brianna, Aaron, Stephanie, Michelle…
—Elly Trickett McNerney
Stay on pointe
I took ballet classes my entire life growing up. And despite my busy schedule, dance is still a passion — and a hobby. Most dance studios around the country offer ballet classes for adults. It gives me a chance to unwind, stretch, socialize with others, and of course get a workout.
—Alexandria Stried
Step it up
I have a Wii Fit, so while I’m watching TV (which is always, let’s be serious) instead of sitting on the couch, I use it to step! Sometimes I’ll be on it for an hour and not even notice. It’s a great way to make it to my 10,000 steps a day without even having to think about it.
—Kristina Lucarelli
Find a new racquet
I play platform tennis, commonly referred to as paddle tennis. It’s played outside and it's primarily a doubles sport. The best way to describe it is that it's a cross between ping-pong, squash, racquetball and mini tennis! Most people play paddle in the winter — the platform is raised above the ground and has heaters underneath it. The court is screened in and you can hit the ball off of the screen, so you spend a lot of time running back and forth. I played a few weeks ago when the real-feel temperature was 6 degrees F and 30 minutes into the game, I had my gloves and hat off, and my coat unbuttoned. It's a ton of fun and such a wonderful way to spend a crisp winter evening with friends.
—Leslie Fink
Kick boredom
One of my go-to workouts is kickboxing. I love it for so many reasons; it gets your heart rate going and provides great resistance training with push ups, lunges and planks. Best of all, you get to hit something. You can punch, kick and work out your issues on those big boxing training bags. It’s a great way to relieve stress after I’ve had a hard day.
—Kim Cassidy
Mix it up
First, I love walking — but not just any walking: Speed walking. It feels a bit goofy at first, but once I get in the groove, it's a great way to get fresh air and activity and alone time all at once. (Moms know that getting alone time is tough. It's nice to have a way to get it without resorting to extra showers or faking intestinal trouble to get a few extra minutes in the isolation chamber).
Second, I do Kinderhundnastics (A.K.A. working out with dog and kid, using cardio, abs, lower body, balance and stability):
1. Run away from the dog at top speed, stopping just before you can't take another breath.
2.Pick up the nearest small child.
3. Lean forward, tipping child upside down until you can see the surface of their upper molars. bonus: hold this position long enough for the dog to lick the child's face clean.
4. Stand back up straight, being sure to keep abdominal muscles engaged through the full range of motion.
5. Repeat until squeals of laughter threaten to turn to hurls of regurgitation. Don't put the child down yet.
7. Shift child to Superman position (parallel to the ground). Spin until you're close to falling over; reverse direction.
8. Cooldown: collapse to the floor in a tangle of fur and offspring; tickle child with one hand and rub dog's belly with the other.
—Beth Herbert
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