Last night I shared some pregnancy workout modifications that work well for me. Tonight, I want to give an example cardio workout I have been enjoying within those modifications. Just because I can’t run, do HIIT intervals, or go full speed ahead doesn’t mean my workouts aren’t effective.

For tonight’s workout, I increased my incline (for treadmill) or resistance (for elliptical) by 1 level each minute until reaching the level I determined as my “peak”. Then, I did the reverse and decreased 1 level each minute. I followed this pattern for 15 minutes on both the elliptical and treadmill.

To more clearly explain, look at the table below. Clearly, after that description, I’m a visual person when it comes to things like this.

And lucky for you, you can easily modify the following cardio workout for your current level of fitness – start at a higher incline/resistance, use a quicker speed, go longer, set your “peak” at a higher resistance/incline etc. I finished off with 15 easy minutes of a cool down and stretch. It’s been much harder doing yoga classes with the belly so I just focus on stretching out my body well after each workout. Flexibility is important!

During this workout I realized that I have grown accustomed to working out in the afternoon much easier than I expected. I love having the extra time to get things done during the day and I seem to have more energy in the afternoon. Perhaps because I’m excited to get out for some “me time”. 😉 I have noticed one downfall to going at a later time, however – the crowds. The actual number of people don’t bother me as much as the increase in gym pet peeves. I have no doubt I will still manage my workouts fine, even in a busier environment. Will I handle the annoyances as well, though?

I keep a pretty level head most of the time, despite what Peter may say. The gym, however, can get my blood boiling. Certain things drive me up the wall. Like men who feel the need to grunt loudly. People who stand around and talk instead of using the equipment they are on. When I go to a bench or machine to find it covered in sweat. Lately I have witnessed something that irks me more than all of that. Crazy fitness schemes that could really hurt someone and have no reasoning to using them whatsoever!

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A particular chick at our gym does these insane stunts on the treadmill day after day after day. I give this lady props for her conditioning and dedication to fitness. She also seems like a really nice person. Yet, she sets such a terrible example!! She looks so great that I could see people mimicking her moves and ending up greatly wounded…if she doesn’t end up injured herself first. Here are just a few of the crazies I see her doing all on a moving treadmill:

• crab walks on a high incline completely on the treadmill
• pop lunges/squats where she jumps onto the side rails and then into a jump/squat on the treadmill
• mountain climbers – she has her hands on the floor to put her in pushup position and then her legs walking on the treadmill behind her
• side shuffles with a jump and turn in the middle at a pretty quick speed
• this little shuffle/skip/grapevine looking thing where she moves her feet in a criss cross pattern from the siderails to the treadmill and back
• many, many more that I can’t remember or even begin to describe – think stuff like the picture below but more risky looking

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What is so wrong about doing crab walks, mountain climbers, pop squats/lunges, etc on solid ground? What can the little dance thing possibly contribute to her fitness? And then she shows other women how to do this! I know ranting is not an attractive quality, but come ON!

Just because something looks insane, crazy, and over the top does NOT mean its a magical workout to give you great results. Yes, it is good to challenge our bodies in new ways, but the basics still apply. The basics WORK! They have worked for years and will continue to work for years to come. I get so frustrated seeing people do things that are absolutely not necessary and could prevent someone from actually learning about quality, safe, effective workout techniques. I will now step off my soap box.

• What things irk you at the gym or when working out?
• What is the craziest fitness thing you have ever witnessed someone doing? I think I would rather see someone use the Shake Weight than her stunts. Gah!

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.