One of the Best Workouts

In the past year I have done a few different kinds of workouts... 30 Day Shred (which I liked and was definitely challenged), couch to 5k (which I liked but didn't finish), workouts with the girls after work (sometimes walking and sometimes doing TaeBo or Jillian), and simply going to the gym to do cardio and weights.

But, I recently discovered the Self Challenge. I have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying it and seeing results. The program is so easy to understand!

*It's set up to last three months. (However, I am continuing month 1 for a little longer than it calls for, since I missed the fourth week).

*Each month is set up in basically the same way, with "easy", "medium", and "hard" workout levels.

*Each month of the challenge has an open-ended weekly workout plan for that month. For example, the month 1 workout says that on Sunday you do 15 minutes of easy level cardio and 30 of medium.

*What's cool about it is that it's pretty open ended. "Easy" simply means that you choose a cardio activity that you can complete while being able to talk. "Medium" means that you choose a cardio activity that you can complete and be able to speak briefly during it. "Hard" means that you choose an activity that you are not able to do while taking at all. So, sometimes I choose to do the elliptical the whole time or the treadmill the whole time, adjusting my speed to meet the levels called for in my workout. Other times I might do the treadmill for part of the workout and the elliptical for part of the workout. It's flexible! As long as I'm doing the number of minutes of the level called for in the day's workout, I can choose what I want to do!

*The Self Challenge website lets you track your goals, workouts, and progress. You can also keep an online food diary. During the first three weeks of the program, I lost a little over six pounds! And, I didn't even do a very good job of tracking my food.

One little thing I've found that works for me is that I made a little cheat sheet on my iPhone's "notes" app so that I know the exact routine/levels to do for each of the workouts. This way I can look at it during my time at the gym.

Self is also becoming my favorite magazine. There are lots of practical tips for living a healthy, happy life! I like that it doesn't entirely focus on looking "hot" but more on being confident and happy in who you are and setting goals for your health and other areas of your life.