Pilates for Dummies

In the summer of 2007, I returned from studying in Scotland having gained a once-in-a-lifetime experience and fifteen pounds. I immediately started going to my parents' gym to lose the weight, but I wasn't yet a runner, so on days when the drive to the gym seemed too onerous, I needed an at-home workout to turn to.

Enter Pilates for Dummies, a borderline corny DVD I got from the sale rack at Barnes & Noble. I think it cost me a whopping $8. 

I always suspected Tracey Thompson is also a body-builder...check out those guns!

I did this DVD about five days a week, along with lifting weights and doing the elliptical at the gym, until school started again in August, and I was in the best shape of my life. This summer, I was trying to branch out with my cross-training and active rest days, and thought...why not try it again?

Luckily, Elizabeth was willing to join me for some laughs. She rode her bike over, we pushed aside some furniture, and we got to work!

"Body rockers" before the song was annoying/cool/existed.

Preparing to do some releves - I swear, Pilates is yoga + ballet, and T25 is Pilates + agility training.

The first half of the DVD is warmup and standing pilates, and then it moves into floor positions. The best part about this video is that it's just corny enough to make you feel silly, but it's not all-out 80s corny.

"Dead bugs".

 Matt took some video of us "rolling like a ball", but unfortunately it's not long enough to actually post. We were cracking up at the tips to avoid getting stuck in that particular position.

 

The next day, I had some minimal soreness in my quads from all the squat-type exercises in the video; then I ran four miles over the bridge, to make sure the soreness really set in.

I had forgotten how much I love this video, and how easy it is to fit into my schedule. I'm thinking I'm going to explore B&N for some more sales this summer!

Don't forget, if you want to enter to win a Bondi Band (like the one I'm wearing in these pictures), the giveaway ends tonight at midnight!

Do you use workout videos at home?

What is your favorite corny workout video?   

ABK

I Run...

Happy National Running Day! Last year, I had a really hard time filling out the "I Run" badge you see here. There were so many reasons, and putting them into a single, direct phrase was pretty daunting.

This year, I was a little better prepared. Looking at all running has given me and all it has taught me, it can be summed up simply enough:

Really, isn't that what it boils down to? Running challenges me. It shows me what I'm really made of. What I can accomplish. It has shown me that I am...

...stronger than I ever thought...

A new 5k PR and the first time I ever placed at a race.

 ...more capable...

Finishing my last leg of Ragnar with one final kill.

...braver...

The first time I ever raced alone.

...and more resilient.

A new half marathon PR just a week post-Ragnar.

 I know and understand myself so much better because of running. That's an invaluable gift.

 

Even as a "seasoned" runner (I've been running for five years now, I can hardly believe it!), I still fall into the trap of seeing runners and assuming it's easy for them. But we all know the truth. Running takes effort, and it's the effort that makes it great.

Recently, I've been getting those messages I so love from old friends. You know the kind...they tell you that your running has inspired them, and they want to try it out, and can you offer advice?

So this is for you, newcomers. Welcome to the tribe! Of all the things running has given me, I think the friendships will always be #1.

Why do YOU run?

ABK

Bondi Band Review & Giveaway

Alright everyone, get ready for something really exciting! I am finally doing my first ever giveaway, and I couldn't be more thrilled that it's for an accessory I seriously love.

My Ragnar Bondi Band!

Bondi Bands are slip-free headbands that keep your hair in place and keep sweat from getting in your eyes. I first tried Bondi Bands when I was running Ragnar, and I've been sold ever since. 

For one thing, I have a freakishly small head, so the fact that these headbands stay put without the help of any bobby pins is pretty amazing. For another, Bondi Bands run at about $10 a pop, which is really fairly priced, especially when you look at how expensive similar products can be.

I like that I can pull Bondi Bands over my ears if it's cold out. That's one multi-tasking headband, people!

Pros:

• One size fits all...for real. No need for bobby pins to tame those extra flyaways.
• Comfortable to wear.
•  Non-slip, won't pull hair or pinch your scalp.
• Inexpensive but not cheap.
• They come in a variety of colors and styles.

Cons:

• Certain styles of the bands can run a little wide. I fix this by folding the top and bottom under; no big deal! 

I folded the top and bottom under here, and was good to go!

So what do I have to give away? I have two Bondi Bands for one lucky winner! You can choose two from any of the three pictured below!

"Mirror Mirror", "Neon Pink", and "Marathon Girl"

But wait, there's more! If you're really excited to get your hands on a Bondi Band this month, you can use the code SWEATPINK at checkout to receive 10% off any non-sale and non-custom items.The coupon code is good through June 28.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck! And don't forget to follow and check back June 7...that's when I'll announce the winner!

ABK