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Stumble It!How do you fall in love with exercise and make it part of your life?!
by JenniferKries
I only know a small handful of people who really love exercise and have made it an integral part of their lives ... it's a real challenge in today's world to make time for ourselves--all of those demands! Our job, our marriages, our primary relationships, our kids, staying in touch with our friends and the list goes on.
What do you do when you feel stressed or frustrated? What kind of outlet do you have?
Do you go running? Cycling? go to the gym? Or do you have a glass of wine or two, or do you cozy up with your buddies Ben and Jerry? :)!
Life is about living, that's for sure-- so enjoying that glass of wine or the caramel sutra is all good, but the truth is, to really enhance our quality of life and boost our immunity and get that amazing endorphin release, we either need to have a lot of great sex and or find a way to fall in love with movement! Nothing elevates your spirit better than exercise and learning to make it a part of your life not only helps you to maintain a healthy weight and look good, but it makes you feel sooooo good.
So, as a fitness expert and dancer-- someone who has naturally loved to move all her life, I want to know what you all do! Those of you who haven't made movement your profession ... And do you succeed at being consistent? Do you work out 3 or more times a week?
And do you go to a gym or stay at home and pop your favorite exercise DVD into the player?
Tell me your secrets! Tell me no lies!
Fire away!
What do you do when you feel stressed or frustrated? What kind of outlet do you have?
Do you go running? Cycling? go to the gym? Or do you have a glass of wine or two, or do you cozy up with your buddies Ben and Jerry? :)!
Life is about living, that's for sure-- so enjoying that glass of wine or the caramel sutra is all good, but the truth is, to really enhance our quality of life and boost our immunity and get that amazing endorphin release, we either need to have a lot of great sex and or find a way to fall in love with movement! Nothing elevates your spirit better than exercise and learning to make it a part of your life not only helps you to maintain a healthy weight and look good, but it makes you feel sooooo good.
So, as a fitness expert and dancer-- someone who has naturally loved to move all her life, I want to know what you all do! Those of you who haven't made movement your profession ... And do you succeed at being consistent? Do you work out 3 or more times a week?
And do you go to a gym or stay at home and pop your favorite exercise DVD into the player?
Tell me your secrets! Tell me no lies!
Fire away!
Posted 11/12/2007 6:30:19 PM
About the Author
Jennifer Kries
View profile
Philadelphia, PA
About the Author
Jennifer Kries
View profile
Philadelphia, PA
Interests: Nature, astronomy, astrology, acupuncture, alternative therapies, qigong, dance (especially ballroom lately), movies, music (I have a very eclectic palette), poetry, good wine and food, and the list goes on and on ...
This blog is written by an individual Wellness.com forum member and does not necessarily state the views of Wellness.com Incorporated or any of its affiliates.
Community Comments!
lottelotte 11/12/2007 6:41:28 PM
I have to go to the gym. I can't work-out at home. I've tried DVD's, but I haven't found one that is as fun as being in a class with a great instructor.
11/12/2007 6:48:13 PM
What sort of work out do you do at the gym? And what sort of classes do you take since you seem to like live classes? And finally, what DVD's have you tried? Liked any?
What sort of work out do you do at the gym? And what sort of classes do you take since you seem to like live classes? And finally, what DVD's have you tried? Liked any?
lottelotte 11/12/2007 6:57:46 PM
I tried almost every class my gym has offered. I'll go back to a class if I like the instructor. For the most part, I work out on my own either strenth training or doing cardio. I tried one stability ball DVD, but my livingroom is too small to really get lost in the workout.
11/12/2007 7:10:14 PM
Do you do stretching of any kind? Strength training and cardio are both super important, obviously--but I am always struck by how rarely people stretch ... what do you think about the importance of stretching? And do you like yoga? Thanks for your answers!
Do you do stretching of any kind? Strength training and cardio are both super important, obviously--but I am always struck by how rarely people stretch ... what do you think about the importance of stretching? And do you like yoga? Thanks for your answers!
janie 11/12/2007 7:55:13 PM
I love your Pilates workouts most especially and I try to do them a few times a week. The other days I like to walk on my treadmill and read or make phone calls at the same time. I guess you would call me an exercise multi-tasker. But really, I used to hate exercise until I met You! and your DVD's . I'm an old Method fan. To lottelotte I would say, there's no instructor like Jennifer!
lottelotte 11/13/2007 11:19:58 AM
I'm really bad when it comes to stretching. I will stretch in between sets. Ideally I will stretch after a work out, but I haven't been. I agree that stretching is very important. I notice that if I end my workout on the floor I am inclined to stretch. I am interested in Yoga. I have tried Yoga a couple of years ago and I felt very clumsy.
11/13/2007 1:07:04 PM
Wow-- thanks Jane for your compliments! So glad you like my DVDs. I think you mentioned that you follow my Pilates workouts, and I just released a brand new one called New Body! Pilates that just came out this month that you would probably love-- and of course my new Yin Yoga DVD is also a great one to try as a compliment to the Pilates--- deeply relaxing stretching poses.
They are both available on my site: www.JenniferKries.com.
Let me know how you like them! And all my best. :)
Wow-- thanks Jane for your compliments! So glad you like my DVDs. I think you mentioned that you follow my Pilates workouts, and I just released a brand new one called New Body! Pilates that just came out this month that you would probably love-- and of course my new Yin Yoga DVD is also a great one to try as a compliment to the Pilates--- deeply relaxing stretching poses.
They are both available on my site: www.JenniferKries.com.
Let me know how you like them! And all my best. :)
11/13/2007 1:07:04 PM
Hey Lottelotte (love your name, by the way--- how did you come up with that? Is Lotte your first name? :) It makes me think of Lotte Berk-- do you know who she is? And you mentioned that you felt clumsy taking yoga-- and you are not alone! It's very common to feel that way when you first attempt the slow, graceful movements in yoga-- they really require a lot of control, which is something you acquire literally each time you practice. It's an amazing process to feel your body gaining strength and flexibility when you engage in a regular yoga, or yogic stretching routine. Here's my advice: Give yourself one more chance to try a DVD and I want to recommend two actually-- one that I really love by Anna Brett and Ravi Singh-- they teach something called Kundalini yoga, which is great for your energy and moods and one that I released just last year called Hot Body Cool Mind: The Life Force Power Workout--- it has a really wonderful, easy to follow, inspiring yoga practice for beginners and I think you will like it very much.
Either that, or tell me where you live and perhaps I could recommend a studio in your area!
Hey Lottelotte (love your name, by the way--- how did you come up with that? Is Lotte your first name? :) It makes me think of Lotte Berk-- do you know who she is? And you mentioned that you felt clumsy taking yoga-- and you are not alone! It's very common to feel that way when you first attempt the slow, graceful movements in yoga-- they really require a lot of control, which is something you acquire literally each time you practice. It's an amazing process to feel your body gaining strength and flexibility when you engage in a regular yoga, or yogic stretching routine. Here's my advice: Give yourself one more chance to try a DVD and I want to recommend two actually-- one that I really love by Anna Brett and Ravi Singh-- they teach something called Kundalini yoga, which is great for your energy and moods and one that I released just last year called Hot Body Cool Mind: The Life Force Power Workout--- it has a really wonderful, easy to follow, inspiring yoga practice for beginners and I think you will like it very much.
Either that, or tell me where you live and perhaps I could recommend a studio in your area!
11/13/2007 1:22:33 PM
By the way, the yoga DVD by Anna Brett and Ravi Singh is called "Yoga Beauty Body"-- It's GREAT!
By the way, the yoga DVD by Anna Brett and Ravi Singh is called "Yoga Beauty Body"-- It's GREAT!
lottelotte 11/13/2007 6:09:02 PM
Hi. (Lottelotte is a nickname. My name is Charlotte. I didn't know who Lotte Berk. But I looked her up on wikipedia. She sounds interesting.) Thanks for the recommendations. I do want to explore Yoga more. I think I will start with the DVDs first. ;)
11/13/2007 7:43:05 PM
I love the name Charlotte! ... yes and funny about Lotte Berk, right? She practiced Pilates and then started her own movement that was a derivation of the work ...
I think that would be a great first step to get back into yoga-- I think you might really like it this time around.
Give it more than one try, though--- commit to at least 3 times and see how you do!
I am curious to hear which DVD you try and what your experience is-- please stay in touch, Charlottte!
Best wishes~
I love the name Charlotte! ... yes and funny about Lotte Berk, right? She practiced Pilates and then started her own movement that was a derivation of the work ...
I think that would be a great first step to get back into yoga-- I think you might really like it this time around.
Give it more than one try, though--- commit to at least 3 times and see how you do!
I am curious to hear which DVD you try and what your experience is-- please stay in touch, Charlottte!
Best wishes~
mareesa 11/16/2007 3:17:35 PM
Hi Jennifer! I was checking out the different DVD's you have listed on your web site and I would like to purchase one, I've only taken yoga a few times and pilates once or twice, so I am very much a beginner. Would the New Body Pilates or the Hot Body Cool Mind workout be best for a beginner like me?
Would you recommend doing the work outs in the morning or evening? How many times per week should the work outs be done?
I look forward to your feedback.
Mareesa
Would you recommend doing the work outs in the morning or evening? How many times per week should the work outs be done?
I look forward to your feedback.
Mareesa
11/16/2007 7:47:57 PM
Hi Mareesa!
If you want to try a pure Pilates workout, then my New Body! Pilates, released just this month would be just the thing. And along with the mat workout in this DVD, I included a magic circle workout, which is a lot of fun. Once you check it out and watch it all the way through, if you would like recommendations for where to buy a magic circle, I'd be happy to help you. Just note that you do not need the magic circle for the main segment of the workout. It's really just a bonus workout that requires the circle-- it is an amazing tool, however. Joseph Pilates, the originator of the method invented the circle to help pregnant women strengthen the muscles of their pelvic floor in preparation for childbirth and then to help them tone their inner thighs, legs, abdominals and pelvic floor post partum.
And as far as when to workout-- either morning or evening is great and 3-4 times a week is optimal, but you will start to see results even after practicing the workout even twice a week!
Let me know how you like it after you buy it!
Best wishes~
Hi Mareesa!
If you want to try a pure Pilates workout, then my New Body! Pilates, released just this month would be just the thing. And along with the mat workout in this DVD, I included a magic circle workout, which is a lot of fun. Once you check it out and watch it all the way through, if you would like recommendations for where to buy a magic circle, I'd be happy to help you. Just note that you do not need the magic circle for the main segment of the workout. It's really just a bonus workout that requires the circle-- it is an amazing tool, however. Joseph Pilates, the originator of the method invented the circle to help pregnant women strengthen the muscles of their pelvic floor in preparation for childbirth and then to help them tone their inner thighs, legs, abdominals and pelvic floor post partum.
And as far as when to workout-- either morning or evening is great and 3-4 times a week is optimal, but you will start to see results even after practicing the workout even twice a week!
Let me know how you like it after you buy it!
Best wishes~
mareesa 12/7/2007 10:13:58 AM
Thanks Jennifer! I just purchased the New Body Pilates DVD from your site and I can't wait for it to arrive. Please do let me know where I can find the magic circle. I'd love to be able to benefit from the entire DVD work out.
I do have another question... one of my girlfriends is 8 weeks pregnant with her second child, the Dr. has advised to take it easy, she is looking to stay in shape during this pregnancy and hoping to not develop gestational diabetes like she did during her last pregnancy. Which one of your DVD's would you say are the best for women that are pregnant? I'd like to recommend one of your DVD's to her to help her stay in shape during and after her pregnancy.
Thanks :)
I do have another question... one of my girlfriends is 8 weeks pregnant with her second child, the Dr. has advised to take it easy, she is looking to stay in shape during this pregnancy and hoping to not develop gestational diabetes like she did during her last pregnancy. Which one of your DVD's would you say are the best for women that are pregnant? I'd like to recommend one of your DVD's to her to help her stay in shape during and after her pregnancy.
Thanks :)
12/8/2007 3:11:48 PM
Hi Mareesa! So glad you are trying the New Body! Pilates-- please let me know how you like it. :) Have you ever tried Pilates before? and as far as where to purchase the magic circle, go to BalancedBody.com and you'll find them there-- you will want to buy the "4 ring" and if you have any trouble, just get in touch again and I'll be happy to help you!
So, onto your friend ... if her doctor has advised her to take it easy, she should definitely clear working out with him, but what I will suggest for now are my Hot Body Cool Mind, Level 1 and Waking Energy DVDs ... the two DVD are a virtual exercise library with great selections that she can pick and choose to see which suits her energy and capability levels. Any of the workouts on these two DVDs can be done by pregnant women as long as they feel up to doing the given workout they choose and as always, your friend should tune in to her instincts and listen to what her body is telling her. Exercise and movement during pregnancy is so important, but the watchword should be "insctint!" Every woman is different and she should try the different workouts on the two DVDs and see which one(s) suit her.
She can order them through my site: www.JenniferKries.com and I would be glad to answer any questions she might have once she purchases them.
Please keep me posted!
Best wishes~ !
Hi Mareesa! So glad you are trying the New Body! Pilates-- please let me know how you like it. :) Have you ever tried Pilates before? and as far as where to purchase the magic circle, go to BalancedBody.com and you'll find them there-- you will want to buy the "4 ring" and if you have any trouble, just get in touch again and I'll be happy to help you!
So, onto your friend ... if her doctor has advised her to take it easy, she should definitely clear working out with him, but what I will suggest for now are my Hot Body Cool Mind, Level 1 and Waking Energy DVDs ... the two DVD are a virtual exercise library with great selections that she can pick and choose to see which suits her energy and capability levels. Any of the workouts on these two DVDs can be done by pregnant women as long as they feel up to doing the given workout they choose and as always, your friend should tune in to her instincts and listen to what her body is telling her. Exercise and movement during pregnancy is so important, but the watchword should be "insctint!" Every woman is different and she should try the different workouts on the two DVDs and see which one(s) suit her.
She can order them through my site: www.JenniferKries.com and I would be glad to answer any questions she might have once she purchases them.
Please keep me posted!
Best wishes~ !
1/12/2008 1:29:02 PM
Mareesa! How have you been enjoying the New Body! Pilates?! Happy New Year!
Mareesa! How have you been enjoying the New Body! Pilates?! Happy New Year!
mareesa 1/15/2008 11:43:20 AM
Hi Jennifer!
I have to admit during the holidays I was a bit lazy, I did try the video and enjoyed it very much. I've been going to the gym regularly again and can't wait to incorporate your Pilates video into my routine. There is a part in the video that you are kind of doing sit ups, if you will, and you mention that if your neck is not already strong you may experience some discomfort until you can build up the neck muscles... well that happened to me :) I guess I have a weak neck, do you have any tips for strengthening my neck muscles for the time being?
I have to admit during the holidays I was a bit lazy, I did try the video and enjoyed it very much. I've been going to the gym regularly again and can't wait to incorporate your Pilates video into my routine. There is a part in the video that you are kind of doing sit ups, if you will, and you mention that if your neck is not already strong you may experience some discomfort until you can build up the neck muscles... well that happened to me :) I guess I have a weak neck, do you have any tips for strengthening my neck muscles for the time being?
1/15/2008 5:10:47 PM
HI Mareesa,
Glad you enjoyed the New Body! Pilates DVD. It is very natural and common to feel tension in the neck when you first start Pilates--and the reason is that the neck compensates for weakness in the abdominals. All you have to do really is the actual workout on the DVD, and before you know it, your neck and abs will strengthen and you will no longer feel the discomfort in your neck.
Keep me posted!
HI Mareesa,
Glad you enjoyed the New Body! Pilates DVD. It is very natural and common to feel tension in the neck when you first start Pilates--and the reason is that the neck compensates for weakness in the abdominals. All you have to do really is the actual workout on the DVD, and before you know it, your neck and abs will strengthen and you will no longer feel the discomfort in your neck.
Keep me posted!
mareesa 1/16/2008 2:40:09 PM
Hi Jennifer!
Thanks for the help, I'll be sure to keep on with the DVD!
I'll keep you posted.
Thanks for the help, I'll be sure to keep on with the DVD!
I'll keep you posted.
glee 2/12/2008 11:57:54 AM
Hi Jennifer,
I really like to do meditations. Last year, I discovered that meditations were not all about sitting or laying still, but you could do more dynamic meditations. I went on a retreat with a company called Energy of Breath (www.energyofbreath.com) and it has been life changing for me. I loved their water meditation when I was in Costa Rica with them and they do these really cool dance and drumming meditations.
I also do love working out given the RIGHT types of activities. I love Urban Rebounding and Gyrotonics and of pilates and Yoga. But I do find the "classic" method of Pilates a lot harder then the non classic methods though...
Gabriela
I really like to do meditations. Last year, I discovered that meditations were not all about sitting or laying still, but you could do more dynamic meditations. I went on a retreat with a company called Energy of Breath (www.energyofbreath.com) and it has been life changing for me. I loved their water meditation when I was in Costa Rica with them and they do these really cool dance and drumming meditations.
I also do love working out given the RIGHT types of activities. I love Urban Rebounding and Gyrotonics and of pilates and Yoga. But I do find the "classic" method of Pilates a lot harder then the non classic methods though...
Gabriela
2/17/2008 12:57:17 PM
Hi Gabriela,
Thanks for your entry! I really enjoyed reading about the Energy of Breath company ... I also love Costa Rica and it was nice to hear a story from someone else who has discovered the power of conscious breathing in a beautiful place like Costa! Since you enjoyed their moving meditations, I wanted to offer up the techniques of Yin yoga and Waking Energy, which I am sure you would also enjoy very much.
Have you ever tried these?
I'd be happy to tell you more about them ...
Best,
Jennifer
Hi Gabriela,
Thanks for your entry! I really enjoyed reading about the Energy of Breath company ... I also love Costa Rica and it was nice to hear a story from someone else who has discovered the power of conscious breathing in a beautiful place like Costa! Since you enjoyed their moving meditations, I wanted to offer up the techniques of Yin yoga and Waking Energy, which I am sure you would also enjoy very much.
Have you ever tried these?
I'd be happy to tell you more about them ...
Best,
Jennifer
bridgit317 2/22/2008 3:21:56 PM
You know I am reading all of these and I have to say it has put me in a bit of a rut. I have my wedding in october and i had 2 kids and gained all this weight! So i really wanna lost like 35- 40 lbs by october so i started to cut clories and fat and it works and now my problem is exercise.. I walk on the treadmill everyday for lik 30 minutes at like 3 mph whatever the case maybe I can't afford a gym membership I have no idea how to strength train or stretch! It makes me want to cry becaus eI just have no idea what i am doing and I really wish i could see some results! maybe ya'll could give me some tips
2/22/2008 3:27:53 PM
Sure thing!
All you need to do really is try one of my DVDs and I think you'll see fast results if you do the program a few times a week.
I get emails all the time from women just like you who thank me over and over again for inspiring them to lose weight and tone in ways they never imagined! Visit my website: www.JenniferKries.com and go to the store page, and I would suggest that you try Hot Body Cool Mind Level 1 and New Body! Pilates ... they are tried and true!
And if you have further questions about the work, you are welcome to contact my assistant, Meggen at: Meggen@jenniferKries.com.
What's your name?
Please let me know how you like the DVDs and send any questions you have after you have started to follow them.
There are also reviews posted on that page as well ...
Best wishes!
Sure thing!
All you need to do really is try one of my DVDs and I think you'll see fast results if you do the program a few times a week.
I get emails all the time from women just like you who thank me over and over again for inspiring them to lose weight and tone in ways they never imagined! Visit my website: www.JenniferKries.com and go to the store page, and I would suggest that you try Hot Body Cool Mind Level 1 and New Body! Pilates ... they are tried and true!
And if you have further questions about the work, you are welcome to contact my assistant, Meggen at: Meggen@jenniferKries.com.
What's your name?
Please let me know how you like the DVDs and send any questions you have after you have started to follow them.
There are also reviews posted on that page as well ...
Best wishes!
alienaxioms 6/10/2009 7:35:51 PM
"someone who has naturally loved to move all her life"
Jennifer, you have come to realize that the physical world is a learning environment and what better way to learn about the world than through exercise and dance. Personally, I cannot think properly unless I exercise every day.
Your passion for life is beautiful and bright.
I wish you well.
Jennifer, you have come to realize that the physical world is a learning environment and what better way to learn about the world than through exercise and dance. Personally, I cannot think properly unless I exercise every day.
Your passion for life is beautiful and bright.
I wish you well.
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