at-home circuit workout

Posted: November 5, 2010 at 11:11 am

Is it morning already??? was the first thought that popped in my head when my alarm went off today. Apparently, my body has something against me attending Power class this week. I didn’t sleep well at all Tuesday night before I planned to go Wed morning. And last night I couldn’t fall asleep until almost one am, leaving me exhausted this morning. I may not have felt up to a full hour of Power, but I knew a short workout would give me energy and still wanted to do something. Enter the resistance bands.

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I opted for some circuits today. I completed 20 reps of each move back to back without breaks. I used either dumbbells (DBs), the band, or my own bodyweight (BW). Then, I rested for a couple of minutes before going through the circuit again. I ended up doing the circuit 3 times through total.

Very basic, but it works to get the blood flowing and some sweat dripping.

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Plus, you could always make it more intense and get some cardio in there by adding in plyometric moves, such as burpees, mountain climbers, jump lunges/squats, high knees, speedskaters, etc. You could also mix it up and do less reps with more weight (relative to your body’s capabilities). I did 20 reps because I have to keep my weights light during pregnancy.

Can you tell I miss planning my own workouts? 😉 I love putting things like this together and sharing them. Expect to see a lot more once I’m designing my own again post-baby. Just always keep in mind I am not a certified trainer (yet?) and only share ideas, which you can use at your own discretion.

That’s my disclaimer sign. Trying to be a responsible blogger. 😉

I have to say that I’m actually pretty proud of myself for completing the workout. Not because it was too tough for me, but because I sometimes still struggle with the all-or-nothing mentality. I almost decided to do nothing because I didn’t feel up to an hour of Power and didn’t want to go to the gym. I knew I would feel better and more energized, so I told myself to try doing something at home for a short time because something still counts. It went better than expected. Success!

Now, I have quite a few to-dos I want to work on. It’s going to be a busy day and weekend knocking out some writing tasks (a query to a pregnancy/baby’s-first-year website and magazine) and some of that organization I need to get done. But first, a fun (and short) Friday Q + A! ASK ME ANYTHING if you have a question you would like answered for this series.

If money were absolutely not an issue, what indulgent thing would you buy for yourself? Two words – personal chef! 😀

  • What would you buy yourself if money were not an issue?
  • Do you enjoy reading workouts other bloggers post? I’m trying to gauge interest for sharing workouts I plan and do post-baby.
  • What areas do you face the all-or-nothing mentality? I don’t ever really feel it with food anymore, but still sometimes with workouts. And, when I have a lot on my plate, I sometimes freeze up thinking I won’t be able to do it all and then don’t want to do any of it.

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60 Comments to “at-home circuit workout”
  1. Great workout – and ouchie on the 30 second pulse. I like!!! Let’s see, I’d buy a new car. Mine is a 2001 and the paint is peeling off. Very sad.

  2. That’s so cool! I’m always looking for new workout ideas to do at home, for days I can’t get to the gym!

  3. Yes–love hearing workouts! share away!

    and I’d get a masseuese and a maid! 🙂

  4. I love the resistance band and yes please please post your workouts. I am not very good at putting together strength training routines so I need your help? I am a nerd and I would buy myself an ipad and as many running clothes as I could:) Way to complete your workout! You are amazing!! Sorry I linked your old address… I am fixing it right now!!

  5. Courtney F says:

    If money was no object, I would hire a personal shopper!
    I can’t get enough of workout ideas! Most of my google reader is full of blogs with workouts!

  6. Look at your cute sweaty self! Go get that at home circuit. They are the BEST! 🙂

  7. Natalie says:

    Oh if money were no object I would get regular (daily?) massages!

    I like posting workouts and seeing others’ workouts to get fresh ideas for teaching classes, training clients, or my own fitness. As someone who has not had kids (yet!) I would be interested to see how you go about increasing intensity but avoiding injury.

  8. That sounds like a great little workout! If money were no object I’d love a personal trainer! I enjoy cooking too much for a personal chef, I’d also love to buy loads of expensive kitchen gadgets and a new wardrobe 🙂

  9. Melie says:

    Haha! “when I have a lot on my plate, I sometimes freeze up thinking I won’t be able to do it all and then don’t want to do any of it.” I thought I was the only one out there… 🙂

    I would love to see the workouts! I especially like the basic moves. They are efficient, have the work done and they don’t require me looking for videos on the internet! 🙂

  10. Jess says:

    Love the workout circuit!! I love seeing how other fitness fanatics plan their workouts when they do them at home on their own with no guidance. They are always so good! Have you considered getting a certification of some kind, even for something like Power? I think you’d be great at it 🙂 And, to answer your question? I’d probably get a housekeeper or something. I mean, I LOVE to clean but someone who could come and do a super-deep clean for me a few times a year? I’d LOVE that! Also – so jealous of Fitbloggin!!! Now I want to sign up!!

    • Tina says:

      I do see myself doing something with either personal training or group fitness in the future. Not sure when with 2 kiddos, but sometime. I think I would do a more general group fitness cert though since my gym is the only one in our area with the BTS classes…and I want more options of places to teach. I’m so glad I realized that before going through with Kick training.

  11. Sarah says:

    I know this is technically not buying something but I’d go back to school and get my phd in history and use the money to fund my schooling and my research.

    I enjoy reading other blogger’s workouts. Always good resources for tips and tricks 🙂

  12. What a fun question!! Hard one to answer! Selfishly? Designer clothes! I’ve always wanted to be a super trendy dresser but the budget only allows for so much!I wouldlove to just shop for whatever I wanted without a carein the world!

  13. kelly says:

    Your workout looked great. I love reading other people’s workouts. Sometimes when creating my own I go back to certain people’s blogs to get ideas. So keep ’em coming.

    If money were no object I would by several things…our retirement RV – the big bus looking one, our retirement home, and DH a new truck – he’s been holding together his 1996 Z71 and needs a new one. But for something indulgent I would say a personal chef.

    All or nothing mentality? Everywhere in my life especially my workouts. On Saturday night I come up with my week’s schedule. I’m hell bent on making it happen. I’ve only recently gotten ok with varying it when I need to.

  14. I also sometimes struggle with the all-or-nothing mentality when it comes to my workouts. I try to focus on the fact that I’ll feel better during/after my workout even if it’s not my Perfect Ideal Workout that Kicks Total Ass.

  15. Wow that workout looks great; you are one fit mama!

    Personal chef sounds like a great idea. I don’t know what I would purchase, but it would likely be food or travel related.

  16. I love working out with resistance bands– so convenient! They’re great for travel too…you should bring yours to Fit Bloggin’ 🙂

  17. Holly says:

    Hmmm….if money were no object, I’d have to second the Masseuse thing!

  18. Felicia says:

    If money were no option… I would totally revamp this kitchen and make it absolutely what I want, with every kitchen appliance i could ever dream of. I don’t need a big house and just want simple things, but all i want is a gorgeous kitchen!
    I use to be very all-or-nothing with food, and still do get like that oncee in a while, but not nearly as much as I use to. the past few days have been iffy though- and check out my latest post when you get a chance, especially at the end 🙂

  19. Allie says:

    Your go girl! That work out sounds fun, like it would never be boring, you know? If I could buy anything it would be a house… hahahah. I like hearing about workouts, it always sounds cool to see what other people are doing! Have a nice day 🙂

  20. I LOVE reading about workouts. Gives me new ideas. 🙂

    If money wasnt an issue, I’d buy my horse back.

  21. What a great work out! I love getting work out ideas from blogs…
    I’d buy a house right on the lake 🙂

  22. Rachel says:

    I’d buy myself a stunning designer wedding dress.

    I LOVE other workout plans. Please share!

    I face the all-or-nothing mentality a lot. I tend to be a very black and white thinker, which gets me into trouble in a world full of grey.

  23. Jen says:

    I love reading about workouts, so post away!!! I have a huge all or nothing personality and more often than not, it keeps me from doing a lot of things.

    Jen

  24. Geni says:

    Such a great reminder to just at least do something on the days I just don’t feel like doing anything. Like you said, something is definitely better than nothing. Great motivation! 🙂

  25. I like reading other bloggers workouts- it gives me ideas!

  26. Good for you, hot mama!!! Great workout:) You are so inspiring! When I’m preggo, I’ll definitely be following in your footsteps and staying active:)

    If money were not an issue, I would buy myself a loaded Land Rover and also a housekeeper:)

    I do like reading about other bloggers’ workouts, especially strength training. I’ve learned so much from others already about how to add intensity to my workouts and I definitely notice a difference:)

  27. I love reading about other workouts! I had that struggle this morning it went with an easier route, but still got me motivated for the day!

    Oh, I would take that job!

  28. Angela says:

    Great workout Tina! I like reading workouts of other bloggers because as much as I love making my own, sometimes it’s nice to have one ready to go for me.
    If money were no object, I’d buy:
    1) Everything Lululemon has ever made
    2) All of my groceries from Whole Foods
    3) A condo somewhere hot where I can go when the weather gets crappy – like today!

  29. Shannon says:

    Good for you for motivating yourself to workout. I struggle with all or nothing thinking when it comes to workouts. If I have an idea in my head about what I want to do and then I am not up for it or don’t have the time, I am tempted to do nothing at all. I always feel better when I do.

    If money were no object, I think I’d hire someone to clean my house every week 🙂

  30. Meg says:

    I definitely like reading blogger workouts because I’m very uncreative in that area. Sometimes, I don’t know how to do them so demonstrations are always a plus for me!

    I really struggle with the all or nothing mentality in all aspects of my life. It’s something I have to work on constantly but I’m becoming more aware of it which helps me to cheer myself on!

    If I could buy anything (go big or go home) I’d want my own jet. 🙂

  31. I love seeing blogger’s workouts — and to be honest as much as I love your pregnancy posts I can’t wait until you are training more — I bet your workouts are the best!

    I am all or nothing when it comes to lots of things: exercise, eating right, staying in touch with friends/family, work, etc. I’m working on finding a good balance but it is tough!

  32. Ela says:

    I love that you shared your workouts! I feel very inspired by reading others’ workouts, but also a little intimidated – I don’t even come close to any of that. Chronic fatigue is getting better, but here in England I’m feeling wiped out while my hyperactive greyhound husband is feeling underexercised!

    love
    Ela

  33. Yes!! I love reading workouts from others ot always gives me great ideas! Also as a trainer I love to share workouts, tips etc about health fitness etc—oh you want to get certified!!! How exciting!!! Your check is in the mail!! Xoxo

  34. Nic says:

    Way to go on your workout!

    I enjoy when bloggers post their workouts, I may not use the whole thing, but it’s nice to get some new ideas.

    I’m all or nothing with water. Durning the week/at work, I drink it like it’s going out of style but on the weekends I much prefer wine or irish cream and coffee 🙂

  35. I’d go with personal chef, too, but I’d want to be able to help. More like a personal cooking class instructor for day to day 🙂 Someone to plan the meals, but would also tach me to cook not just do it for me.

    • Tina says:

      Oooh…I could get on board with that. I WISH I liked cooking more and I think if I felt more confident with it, I would. Too bad that will NEVER happen. LOL

  36. Maura says:

    If money were not object? Furniture, furniture, furniture. Sounds lame, right? But I think there’s something amazing coming home to a place that you love to be and makes you feel good.

  37. I am SO an all or nothing person and it’s hard to get out of that mind set. If money were no object I would buy my husband and I a 3 week trip to Italy, which still may happen, but for only 10 days. 🙂

  38. Melodie says:

    I absolutely love this circuit! I am going to have to start doing things like this instead of videos… so much less time consuming… by the time I find my video in the morning and get it set up it is time for me to get in the shower 🙂 I started doing walking lunges 3 mornings a week on my morning walks and squats. I am a bit paranoid about people seeing me, so I wait until I am 1/2 way around my sons elementary school 🙂 His school is actually in our neighborhood, so it is a great place to walk in the early am.

    I am going to try this circuit next week, thanks for posting it!

    Hope you guys have a great weekend 🙂

    • Tina says:

      Be sure to let me know if/when you try it! I love doing things like this too. Like you said, it really cuts down on time. I was done in under 40 minutes. 🙂

  39. Good attitude 🙂 I’ve had days like that when all I can get myself to do (or all I have time to do) is a short weight training circuit.

  40. I tend to be an all or nothing person, and I’m trying to break out of that! A lot of times it will leave me paralyzed when it comes to big tasks because I’m subconsciously telling myself that if I can’t do it all the way, why try? I’m getting better everyday though:)

    And good for you for getting up and doing something. It is so hard for me to get up for a workout on nights where I can’t sleep!

    • Tina says:

      Well I had to be up anyways with the little one. Otherwise, I probably would have been more likely to stay in bed. LOL She “worked out” with me.

  41. Camille says:

    Epic home gym. Someday…

  42. If money were no object, I’d go for a personal trainer, personal chef and (at least) weekly massage. (Maybe three times a week!)

  43. […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Tina Reale, Tina Reale. Tina Reale said: This workout felt so good today. I love making up my own circuits! http://www.faithfitnessfun.com/5520/at-home-circuit-workout/ #fitblog […]

  44. Lori says:

    All or nothing for me in exercise- I got “balls to the wall” if you will. 😉

    I have, many times, done the all or nothing thing with food- paleo, raw/vegan, etc. It usually gets to the point where I’m driving myself crazy and I’m unhappy. Dislike being there- liking my approach lately- everything in moderation. Works best since nothing is “off limits”, right?

    HAPPY FRIDAY!

  45. […] hair done up just so. In fact, I’m still hanging out in my workout clothes from this morning’s at-home full body circuit that left me sweaty. Don’t […]

  46. I definitely have the all-or-nothing workouts. I hate feeling rushed the whole time and feel like if I only have 20 minutes, it’s not worth it…

  47. Hi.

    I love reading other people’s workouts. I tend to get bored with the same workouts, so like to see new exercises, ways to modify (like you did today), and new combinations!

    Workouts do tend to be an all or nothing for me too, but today I was super tired (got home late from a Blazer game last night) so when I got home I really wanted to go take a long bath and read a new Jane Kirkpatrick novel, but I new I’d regret it if I did – without working out first. So, instead of my 100’s workout (squats, pushups, pull ups, sit-ups) I did 75’s. 3/4 of a workout is better than none!

    What would I spend money on? Go back to school? A sabbatical someplace sunny? A new car? or a House Keeper. I HATE cleaning house.

    Take Care!

  48. Woo! Way to get in a workout anyway, girl 🙂 Love it! I also love the addition of holding the squats for a couple seconds before coming back up.

    • Tina says:

      Thanks. I try to add in little things like that to make it a little more of a challenge…especially when I only have 5 lb dbs for squats. 😉 A year ago I could do 3×10 with 145# free bar and I still do 35# for the legs track in Power now, so I needed a little oomph. LOL

  49. I love circuit workout that get the blood flowing and the sweat dripping. Body weight exercises are my favorite 🙂

  50. All or nothing–guess that’s what I face with food? If money were not an issue I’d have a baby … tomorrow. (Well, I’d try!) or buy a house with a ton of property for our dogs and the goat that I want.

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