Remember how I said that when I like something, I really like something?
Well I really like ice cream…
And, apparently, I really like kabocha squash as well. So much so, that I decided felt compelled to go out and pick up another one after finishing mine off with last night’s dinner.
In my defense, however, I did need to buy a bit more than just a squash…
… like a couple of cantaloupes and some bananas…
… mushrooms, broccoli, cucumbers, bell peppers, avocados…
… kefir, almond milk, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, rice wraps…
… and possibly the cutest thing ever…
EeeeEEEee!
It just brings the mini spoon thing to a whole new level… and makes me crave eggs, which sounded like the perfect addition to the snack plate that I wanted for lunch…
Softboiled egg – Baked lentil chips – Yogurt mess with a peach and cereal – Cottage cheese and salsa.
A whole lot of yum.
Maybe it was the eggs, or the ice cream, or both, but I found myself with tonnes of extra energy this afternoon. Weekends are usually my rest days, but I felt like I would go crazy if I didn’t get a little bit of movement in, so I decided to throw in an unplanned workout. Hey, if I can take unplanned rest days, then why not an unplanned workout? It’s all about going with how we feel, right? Right.
But the thing was that I did not feel like heading to the gym. It was a Saturday afternoon, meaning the gym would have been packed, and I just wasn’t up for dealing with big crowds.
Solution? The home gym, in all of it’s glory…
Welcome to where I work out when I don’t feel like going out. A little dismal, perhaps, but it gets the job done. Some free weights, a stability ball, a mini rebounder, and a couple of mirrors propped up against a wall so that I can watch my form. Oh, and an unpictured treadmill and yoga mat behind me.
Nothing fancy, but extremely functional.
I don’t believe that you need an expensive gym membership to get a good workout in. Sure, it’s nice to have the extra motivation of the gym environment, and the fancier equipment isn’t anything to scoff at, but it’s not a necessity. My gym membership expires in a few weeks and I’m honestly not sure whether or not I’m going to bother renewing it.
Why?
Well, it’s pricey for one, and not exactly convenient for another. They say that finding the motivation to get your butt out the door is the hardest part of belonging to a gym, which is definitely true for me. Now, try finding the motivation to get your butt out the door when its -24 and your car is buried under half a foot of snow. Yeah. It’s gets quite a bit harder. My gym attendance declined last winter, and I’m assuming that it would do the same this coming one. Besides, the building that I’ll be moving into (in 19 days!!!) has an exercise room with some machines and free weights, and I’ll only have to walk down a few flights of stairs to get to it. Yay!
Finally, I’ve really been loving body weight workouts lately, which you only need, well… your own body for. One site that I’ve been frequenting quite a bit is BodyRock, and what I love about that style of workouts is that you can finish one in the time that it would take you to get dressed and drive to the gym, and still feel like you got a really good workout in.
So I don’t know.
To gym or not to gym, that is the question. And the answer will most likely be not to gym.
. – . – . – .
Do you prefer working out at home or in the gym? If you work out at home, what kind of equipment do you keep on hand. And do you use DVD’s, magazines, the Internet, your own routines, etc?
Have you done any BodyRock workouts? Do they whoop your butt like they do mine?
I hate the gym!! The only reason i joined last year is because theres no way I could ever buy a treadmill/elliptical as nice as theirs. Now Ive realized that just doing all cardio and no weights wasnt helping me at all. And doing weights at the gym means being crowded around by a bunch of meat heads 🙁 I love the youtube/ hulu workouts channels and Jillian Michaels of course. The only thing i would miss are the fun classes at the gym. Ill have to give body rock a try though!! I actually like your home gym, wish I had one. Its easier to keep your motivation to workout when all you have to do is walk downstairs
OK, you call that gym “nothing fancy”? My “gym” includes: a room carpet (instead of a yoga mat), two 0.5 liter waterbottles (instead of dumbbells), one 0.75 liter water bottle (instead of a kettlebell)…and that´s it. Now let´s talk about fancy :))
I prefer working out at home, because it is more convenient and less time spending for me. I have tons of workout DVD´s, so I usually follow them, but sometimes I throw in my own routine, which is nothing spectacular, but brings a nice sweat.
I like BodyRock! Well, when I first saw those videos (well, when I saw that lady, to be honest), I was a bit hesitant to give it a try, but it is really a tough workout and it works the whole body like no other workout.
Hehe I thought exactly the same thing when I first started watching them – it was just a taaaaaad bit uncomfortable… but the workouts are great for sure, and I love how she’s so energetic and passionate about what she does.
I prefer the gym because I am super competitive…if I see that the girl next to me has ran .06 miles longer than me, I want to prove that I can do the same, or even go farther, sooooo I end up getting a better work out.
However, if I am stuck at home, or feeling lazy, I adore pilates and yoga. I have never tried BodyRock, although, I reeeeally want to because I have heard great things about it!
Oh my goodness, I absolutely adore the egg and mini spoon set! I think my current love for all things egg would turn into a full blown obsession if I had my own. 🙂
I’m definitely a gym-goer, but only because I like the variety of equipment and classes available to me there. I would much prefer to workout in the comfort of my home, however I live in an old, creaky three-story row house, which means jumping up and down would likely break a floorboard. ;-p For that reason, I rarely do home workouts, save for the occasional “relaxation yoga” DVD.
Body Rock used to be a favorite when I was living in my last apartment. Who knew 20 minutes could leave a person so sore and sweaty? I also didn’t have a gym membership when I was living in this apartment because the fitness room was equipped with weights and a few cardio machines–enough to keep me happy and healthy. That said, I did miss the option of taking the occasional zumba or bosu class if the urge struck.
Maybe try going membership-less for the first month and see how it goes? You can always join a gym later in the year, if you really miss it.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend! <3
I think that’s what I’m going to do. The gym in my new place is pretty well stocked, but from what I’ve seen of it, it’s usually pretty empty so you can’t really feed off the energy of other people… which is one of my favorite things about the gym!
I would love it if I had a gym in my building- getting rid of the journey time to and fro would be SO convenient!! More than the actual equipment, I think the main thing is the mental motivation- as long as you got that, it’s possible to get a workout wherever!
I used to go to the gym, but then it got too expensize, especially since we were playing for the whole family and only my mom and I went. Now I workout at home. I LOVE workout videos, like Jillian’s 30 Day Shred, Winsor Pilates, Tamalie Webb’s Tight on Time, etc. Workout videos are my FAVORITE!!! We also have dumbells and a stationary bike, and hopefully we’ll get an elliptical soon. 🙂 Jillian, Tamilee, and Winsor (and all of those other DVDs I have) keep my strength training in check, so I don’t have to have a separate plan for that.
I have been working part time at my gym and loved the free membership. Wednesday is my last day and I will miss it. Well, I will miss Body Pump. I can live without the rest. I have a treadmill and bike trainer at home for my cardio. But I will have to get a weight lifting plan.
I’ve been wanting to try BodyRock, since I’m really not a fan of the gym. I usually just work out at home doing cardio and yoga, but I really need a set of weights or something to make it more home gym-like. But really, my favorite forms of exercise are recreational, like biking, hiking and playing tennis. Theyre just way more fun so they don’t feel like a workout, but they are.
Those are the best for sure. I think staying active in general is more important than getting a set workout in, unless you’ve got some fitness goals in mind or you’re training for something.
I always joke around and tell people that when I can make myself a decent home gym… I’ll know I’ve made it in life 🙂 I’d loveeee to work out at home if I had one
I love you + your camera in the background of your ice cream photo! <3
I like going to the gym for cardio and for classes but for some reason I would rather lift weights at home because I always have to venture into the “man zone” of the gym to get the weights I want and always get looked at weird… sometime I really wish I could just grunt them away from that section for a bit 😉
And I have done a few BodyRocks and ended up so sore I could not function or run for three days so I have been lying low on those… not sure I am up for that much of a challenge 😀
your home gym is AWESOME!!! seriously its better looking than the fitness center in my apt complex!
I guess normally working out for me is running, so I prefer to do that outside – usually I just go from my house. then I come back and do a little strength training, either abs or arms and legs, and a lot of that can totally be done with nothing but dumbells.
Being injured though, I kind of need the gym. I need an elliptical or a bike (I don’t lift too much so I really don’t need the machines – they’re nice when I want to mix up my strength training though), and there’s nowhere to put one in my house/apartment that isn’t totally cramped and claustrophobic. I usually have to do more than an hour so its motivating to bike next to someone and compete a little (in my own head lolz) or just pass the time by people watching!
What are your fave bodyrock workouts? esp on the easier end of things? I am sort of terrified of them because the people who do them look wayyy more in shape than me (um, duh) so I”m kind of afraid to try them but I’ve always sort of wanted to… and I”m about to go back home where I only have a treadmill & like 5 pound weights (and possible access to a crappy elliptical) and I can’t run too much soooo I’m looking for alternatives 😉
I have a love-hat relationship with the gym. Lately i’ve been really bad about it, but just a week before I was super gung-ho and excited. So I dunno. It’s great having one on campus though and it’s pretty easy for me to get there, though it does take ~10 minutes to walk and such (but so much less than when I had to drive to my gym back home!). I have no idea what i’ll do when I graduate though! can’t take such things for granted 😉
<3
n
Ooo I totally want to check out bodyrock now! I go to the gym, but usually it’s because we don’t have the equipment at home that would allow me to get in a good workout! I would totally stay at home if we had enough weights, exercise balls, and perhaps a treadmill. But, from what it sounds like, I totally think that your gym at your new place will be great! No point in wasting money on a gym membership
I have a “home gym” downstairs… But the equipment is ANCIENT. Our treadmill sounds as though knives might be running underneath the belt and I might get stabbed while I’m running by a hidden ninja. Ya never know. Safety first!
If I doooo workout at home, I do Jillian Michael’s yoga meltdown, Pilates, or try to find a workout someone else did/workout video somewhere lol.
I’ve never tried those workouts (heard of them), so I’m going to go check them outtttt. I’m in hurricane territory so maybe it’ll become my Sunday workout. We shall see!
PS. -> I LOVE THOSE EGG THINGS! They also have a pig set which I ADORE. I squeal every time I walk by them in any kitchen store because I want to buy each and every piece SO bad. Toooooo adorable.
I love gyms for one reason: HOT SEXY GUYS! 🙂
😆 Omigosh thank you for that. So true.
I love the gym, but I do like working out at home too! Especially in the winter when I do not want to leave my house! Loving the spoon! So cute!!
Thanks for your address info! Excited to send uba little something!!
Gnite!! Xoxo
I would love to have a little at-home gym like yours someday. I agree that getting your butt out the door is the hardest part, especially in awful weather! I’m so glad my apartment complex has a pretty decent gym – it’s actually right in front of my apartment!
At home definitely! I hate gyms and refuse to step foot in one these days. Ahh too many bad memories. These days I have a set of free weights and do weight bearing exercises in my room. I also go for walks around my neighbourhood everyday. I own an elliptical but I have too many negative memories associated with it so I refuse to use it. Ha. What a waste of money 😛
xxx
Woah, that IS the cutest thing ever! 🙂
I love how good you are at honoring how you feel and what you need! I usually work out at home. I have an elliptical, some weights, a yoga mat and tons of cheesy/awesome workout videos. The only time I work out at a gym is when I train with my personal trainer. But we train at a rock climbing gym where there is super cool people with good, mellow vibes so somehow it doesn’t feel like a real gym.
I have been loving BodyRock too lately 🙂
I wish I had a gym under my apartment too. All the other apartments around my area has it except mine, booh.
Anyways, I think even with all basic equipments, it’s hard to actually “work out” at home. In a gym, you are surrounded by people working hard and you are almost forced to join the “aura,” while at home, it’s easy to get too comfortable and eventually quit.
I just don’t work out when I don’t feel like it. I no longer really care what others do; I’m just as happy being a couch potato for at least half a week, lol!
But I guess when you’re bursting with energy, I suggest you dance with the music!!
I already do plenty of that when I’m in the kitchen 😀
unplanned energy is always good, and unplanned workouts are even better. funny, my membership is expiring soon and i was thinking what my next moves should be. i do think the “going” and seeing everyone at the gym is a huge motivator!
I have a gym membership that came with my University tution package, so I go there sometimes, but usually I just workout at home 🙂
I actually prefer the gym–we only have a stationary bike and weights at home, and the gym has so much more! But I would chose playing sports (soccer!!) over going to the gym or my “home gym”. Exercising is more fun to me when you are surrounded with friends (teammates), have a purpose/goal set for the day (to win/score a goal!) and enjoy every breathing second of it (i really do love soccer.) It’s also a great way to meet new people at school. (i.e. new team, new people). So yeah that’s my thoughts for it! 🙂
The best kind of exercise is when you don’t even realize you’re exercising. I completely agree 😀
i prefer going to the gym because of the environment, like you mentioned. it just seems to give me more motivation. however, if i wanted to work out at home i have a treadmill, TONS of yoga and pilates DVDs, and a weight machine that i can do a few exercises with
I wish I had a home gym… All we’ve got here is a stability ball, which is sitting in a closet covered in dust 🙁 So, that explains my preference for working out at the gym!
My gym is the best of ANY gym I’ve ever worked out in, from PEI to BC – including the gym at the Richmond Oval where they held the speed skating at the Olympics last year… Plus, it’s cheaper than anywhere else and it’s got virtually every machine you could want. Yes, I’m a lucky girl. That said, I haven’t been to my gym in months – I’ve been away, where I didn’t have access to a gym, so I took up running. While I’m now home, I didn’t want to buy a month gym pass (which I would have paid off in… two weeks, but still) so I’ve been using the gorgeous trails around my house for a gym! Not too shabby 🙂
As for Bodyrock, I’ve tried a few… I have issues motivating myself, and tend to do the workouts at my own pace, which sort of defeats the whole “interval” purpose.
I love my little home gym. I only have a balance ball, a bosu ball, and 10, 15, and 20 lb. weights. That’s enough to get a decent workout in. I haven’t tried body rock yet, but I’m planning on going at it for the first time tomorrow! i’m excited – I’ve heard so many good things!
I’m pretty sure I ate your lunch for dinner. But i didn’t have cute egg cup and spoon so it pales in comparison.
I like the routine of going to the gym, but if it’s going to be crowded and I don’t have time, I’ll workout at home. I love BodyROck!
I have never had a gym membership– but I considered it when me moved the this metro area. I was going crazy without “bike-only” trails! But I didn’t get one, and have figured out (and been having lots of fun with) biking in the subarbs, running and rollerblading in my neighborhood, walking, etc. I do some ab exercises in the morning, too, in addition to stretches. In my hometown (where there was a college campus) it was so silly when I saw the guys that looked like they worked hours everyday on their bodies, and yet waited for the bus to take them literally a 3/4 mile up the road to the central campus. If I could bike to the gym and workout, why not skip the gym part and just get the ride and do the rest at home!
I’d say if your new building has a workout room than forget the gym! Money savers are always niceee !
i use to only do at home work out videos and loved it. i had a routine. i didn’t need to leave my house. and no awkward stares if i did the moves wrong 😉
i didn’t have a gym membership because of the price and there wasn’t one in bike riding distance. unfortunately we don’t have room for a treadmill or any equipment, but i always seemed to get a good work out in.
I absolutely love the “egg set” – i have something very similar- it has the same face and it is used to make poached eggs! I just gt it and love it! But i think yours is even cuter!
Where i live we have a free gym which i use on occasion but i sometimes prefer doing yoga in my own place – i also love jogging outside in the warmer months – i get my exercise and sunshine all at once! Have a great Sunday!
Were getting ready here in NY for the big storm! Wish us luck!
Awwwr stay safe, Aimee! I’ll be thinking of you! <3
I’ve seriously debated this, and if I didn’t have the big gym right in my building at school, or around the corner at home, then I probably wouldn’t want to drag my but that far. Especially since I love love love bodyrock workouts! I know it may defeat the purpose, but sometimes I do bodyrock workouts AT the gym at home… because I love the surfaces and space and mats they have. I love that you can modify the bodyrock workouts and still be exhausted by the end, and get all the benefits! I think my gymboss interval timer was the best purchase i’ve made in the past…long time.
Love the little egg holder and spoon!! That’s too cute to handle 🙂
I absolutely loveeee working out at home– we have a home gym thingy with a bench press and leg extension as well as a barbell, treadmill and some various dumbbells. I loved it when I was at home, but I’ve really been enjoying my apartment’s gym lately.
I’ve never tried bodyrock, but I’ve heard awesome stuff about it! I like doing my own routines, but every once on awhile I love doing something different, I’ll have to check it out! 🙂
I know that you’ve been really into plyometrics lately, and BodyRock is pretty much just that. She’s got some really high intensity, short workouts that whoop your butt. I think you’d like them… errr… once you’re doing. In the middle of the workout, you might be asking yourself what you were thinking 😉
Oh my gosh that egg thing is seriously the cutest!
I LOVE that first photo of the ice cream – I’m totally the same way. I get on such food kicks and nothing else will suffice!
I definitely prefer working out at home – some people prefer yoga classes, I personally love to do it in my living room 🙂
Well, I’ve NEVER been a big gym person. Boo. But I have so so so much trouble motivating myself to challenge myself without people around me. I love dance classes and what not, and I REALLY want to take up Zumba at my school gym.
I’ve never done BodyRock, but is that the one that has stuff on YouTube? If it is, I watch the videos while I’m laying in bed being lazy on occasion. HAHA! Living vicariously?!?!?
That ice cream looks sooooo many times nom-able. I kind of want to eat it. All in one bite.
And OOOOOHHHHH 19 days!
And oOHHHHDFDGFHSDF I tried roasted almond butter today! I did like it! I can’t decide if I like roasted or raw better. Maybe I just need… to eat more… 😉
I’ve totally seen that little egg set! They have it all kinds of places round me. It’s so amazingly cute! But I’m not too big on eggs so, boo. I couldn’t convince my dad to put it in the cart. HAH!
I really need more bananas. I’m down to four, or something preposterous. Hoarding them, obviously. Eeep. I remember the days when four bananas would last me a lifetime. PSH! What was I thinking. Bananas are the best! I used to ONLY eat them with cereal?! WHO AM I?!
I seee yoouuuu in the refleccttionnnnnn
Ok, this comment’s getting a little out of hand. That is all.
Oh, <3 <3 <3 <3 x Infinity.
Ok, NOW that is all. <3
Hahah love you girlie <3 Yes, BodyRock has a YouTube channel as well, and when I'm in the middle of one of their workouts, I'd much rather be sitting on my couch 😆 Oh, and you definitely need to eat more of it to really warm up to the taste of roasted almond butter. I'm addicted. I tried to go back to raw and just couldn't do it.
I used to be such a gym person, but lately I’ve been enjoying working out at home. Exercise TV has a lot of good options and I can get a great workout in without even getting in the car!
I haven’t tried BodyRock, but have been hearing a lot about lately in the blog world. I’m thinking of trying it tomorrow morning since Hurricane Irene prob won’t let me go to the gym anyway 😉
I do strength workouts at home, and I run outside rather then go to the gym and use a treadmill. My university tuition includes gym facilities, which are great for the winter months when I’m on campus, and I figure since it’s part of my tuition I may as well get my moneys worth an use it. I can completely understand why you would stop paying for gym membership, especially since you will have one in your new building! That will be awesome! I’ve heard of body rock but haven’t tried a workout yet, I’m totally excited to try one though 🙂
I always prefer the gym. When I work out at home, I feel like my workout blows because I’m overly distracted.
Bodyrock is awesome though. I check it out every once and awhile.
I like what you said about unplanned workout days. If we can have unplanned rest days, what’s wrong with an unplanned workout.
It’s all about going with how you feel 🙂
I work out at my apartment gym so its no added cost to me, which is fabulous! I occasionally do the bodyrock workouts but I find it extremely difficult to motivate myself to complete the entire workout if I’m at home … if the kitchen is within eyes reach, I’d much rather have a snack than get sweaty 🙂