Working it Out in 2013

So many of us have working out and losing weight on our lists of things to accomplish in 2013. I know I do! My goal is to lose about 10 pounds and keep it off. The keeping it off part is always the hardest for me.

I don't have the money, or to be honest the drive, to join a gym. So, I work out in my own home. It is really very easy and quite inexpensive to do. You just need a good exercise DVD, some workout clothes, a good pair of shoes, a mat, and a few weights and you are ready to go!

Image above: 1.C9 by Champion Women's Premium Pullover | 2. C9 by Champion Women's Fitted Pants | 3. Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred DVD | 4. Yoga Direct Travel Yoga Mat | 5. Brooks PureCadence Women's Running Shoes | 6. Apex Neoprene Dumbbell Set

1. / 2. As far as the workout clothing is concerned, I pretty much wear whatever I have in my closet. I try to workout 5-6 days a week, so I need that many outfits for the week. I have found a lot of my workout clothing at Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Ross. I refuse to pay big bucks for something I am going to get all gross with sweat! I also wear some of my old tshirts with a pair of running shorts if everything else is dirty.

3. I've tried so many different workout videos that I really can't remember them all, but I've found Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred works the best. I'm not going to lie to you. The first few days are really rough. You feel like your heart is going to come out of your chest, but it does get better. By day 5 or 6, you can't believe how good you feel.



4. You don't necessarily need a yoga mat for this particular workout, but I like to use one just because it cushions your back a little more and keeps your floor from getting all sweaty and icky. I got my mat at Marshalls for about $7.00. You really don't need to spend a lot.

5. I'd suggest really thinking about spending a good bit of money on your shoes. I made the mistake of wearing cheap workout shoes the first time I tried to run and tore my meniscus in my left knee. Not fun! So after that, I went to an actual running store and bought $110 running shoes. You don't necessarily need to spend that much, but I wouldn't buy $25 shoes from Target, like I did! The shoes in the image above are Brooks. Those are the shoes I was fitted for. Mine aren't the same ones, but similar and they have been great! Well worth the $110.

I also picked up a pair of running socks. Those have been fantastic! They have an extra piece of fabric on the back that keeps the socks from scooting down into your shoes as you run or work out. One pair of socks cost me $10, but it was worth it too.

6. Lastly, you will need a set of weights. I have had my weights for years, but they are the same ones as in the image above. This is a set of 3 different pounds (2lb., 3lb., & 5lb.). If you buy them separately each weight is about $5.00, though they get more expensive the heavier the weight. I'd suggest starting out with either 2lb. or 3lb. weights. You can work your way up to the 5lb. ones later. If you start out with your weights too heavy, your arms will feel like jelly by day 2!

Well, I hope this helps get you motivated for working out in 2013. And just remember, we are all in this together. :)