I have finally reached a stage where, sadly, many workouts are starting to get more uncomfortable. I also find myself lacking the motivation for certain things, especially weights workouts. I typically LOVE doing weight workouts, but right now I don’t enjoy them much. Probably because I miss doing the types of lifting I truly enjoy. Power classes are getting old. Plus, I find myself liking the simplicity of completing workouts at home. In fact, this afternoon I completed a quick circuit workout with my handy resistance bands and 5 lb dumbbells.

• alternating reverse lunges
• one armed rows with the band
• wall squat holds
• pushups on knees
• step ups on a high step
• tricep kickbacks with band
• bicep curls with band
• rear delt fly with band

I completed 15 reps of each move, one right after the other, two times through. I only did 2 sets of the circuit in order to try out another walking DVD download from Exercise TV.

Christina from Exercise TV contacted me about reviewing some of the workout options on their site. Since at home workouts appeal to me greatly right now, I took her up on that offer. I wanted to pick out something I knew would work well with being almost 8 months pregnant, so I opted for some DVD downloads from their walking program.

Leslie Sansone’s Rock & Tone Intermediate and Advanced workouts. I completed the Intermediate workout yesterday for some light cardio and then gave the Advanced video a shot after my circuit workout today.

Oh goodness that is quite the unflattering shot! Now you can see how cumbersome that ball of baby B has become. 😉 That’s all besides the point, though.

While these workouts were provided to me free for review, the opinions are completely my own. Both walking DVDs clock in at only 20 minutes each. They both consist of brisk walking in place, side steps, knees, kicks, and other basic moves. The advanced version adds in a lot of squats and lunges as well. The intermediate video felt a bit too basic for me, but could definitely suit a beginner…or myself as an entry workout post-pregnancy. I really enjoyed the Advanced video, especially when coupled with my circuit workout beforehand. I know I will be thankful to have these options available to me in the next few months as they suit my current fitness level.

For all of you looking for more advanced workouts, Exercise TV has many many many workouts from which to choose. Some of the cardio and ab workouts they offer look really good. They have free options in both full-length and mini versions for you to customize your own workout or get in a quick abs session at home. They have a variety of workout styles to choose from as well – dance, kickboxing, interval training, pilates, yoga, strength training, circuits, and more. They also have DVDs for purchase or videos to download, including workouts like Jillian Michaels, Jackie Warner, and Core Fusion. With the downloads, you can then store them in a mobile device or burn them for portability and your convenience.

Lucky for you all, as a special gift to my readers, Exercise TV will be giving away one video download to THREE different winners. To enter leave a separate comment for each of the following ways you choose to enter.

• Mandatory: Visit the Exercise TV store and let me know one of the video downloads you would be interested in trying out.
• Share this giveaway on Twitter (be sure to include @TinaFFF and a link to this post) OR share a link in a post on your blog.
• Add me to your blog roll. I know its shameless. Sue me.

There you have it. Three chances to enter. Three winners. Numerous workouts to choose from. This giveaway will end at 8pm EST on Monday, Nov 22.

You know what I realized? I don’t have to pick one or two posts per day. Sometimes I have more to say and writing two posts comes easier to me, and actually takes less time, than trying to organize it all in one post. Other times I don’t have an extra topic to write about and I shouldn’t force myself to find something to fit a two post/day schedule. In other words, I’m throwing out posting schedules and just going with the blogging flow.

You know what I realized? A lot of stuff can fit inside shoe boxes.

We had our last small group session for this round on Wednesday night. Instead of the regular discussion of the sermon, we decided to use our time towards a service project. We all contributed items such as t-shirts, socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toys, hard candies, etc to pack into shoe boxes for children in need across the world. Hopefully these gifts will brighten their holiday season! It brightened my night to consider how we may help a few young children.

You know what I realized? Makenzie has a fear of tee-pees.

We went to a nature preserve trail with our friends from the mom’s group yesterday morning. My little M was a bit uncertain about that tee-pee and did not want to go inside with the rest of us. She didn’t mind other parts of the excursion though – like playing with the stone monkeys and seeing her beloved again.

You know what I realized? I'm ready for baby B to come but not ready enough to feel pains like last night that felt like real contractions. They thankfully went away after an hour and I'm not 100% certain they were more than Braxton Hicks, but they hurt BAD and in the "right place". No no no no no.

You know what I realized? Organizing takes a LOT longer than expected.

I’ve spent a few hours already going through this mass of baby stuff. I think I made a dent of maybe 10%. I have a long month ahead of me. I am determined to finish it all before Christmas.

You know what I realized? I have a giveaway coming up for you all later today! Stay tuned. 😀

• What is something you recently realized?
• What is a service project you have enjoyed participating in before?