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.

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.

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.

• hip width stance squats with a 2 second hold at the bottom (DBs)
• pushups on knees (BW)
• backward lunges, alternating legs (DBs)
• back low row (band)
• wide stance plie squats w/ 30 sec pulse at end of set (DBs)
• overhead shoulder press (band)
• knee pulls (BW)
• overhead triceps extension (band)
• wall squat with stability ball for 45-60 seconds (BW)
• bicep curls (band)

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

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.