Supernatural Botanicals

I love my Bosu Ball and consider it to be one of my best pieces of equipment in my gym.  You haven’t felt squats the way you’ll feel them while on the Bosu.  I’ve learned a second technique in this clip….Bosu Ball Squats.  I’ve done lots of squats for my hamstrings, quads, and glues on the Bosu, but with the ball facing up.  They’ve flipped the ball, platform side up, and now it gives you even more core conditioning.  Love that!  

Try these moves on your Bosu.  Don’t have one yet?  You should look into that here. 

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGJSmRZoJCI

So it’s Friday, and I like to talk about interior design on Fridays because it gives me an opportunity to (A) talk about one of my favorite subjects, and (B) it allows me to connect with my friend Julia over at Hooked On Houses. Love her blog!

In every home I’ve ever lived in, I’ve loved leaving my mark on it from a design standpoint.  Settling into my new-ish home of three years, I’ve definitely transformed it to where the previous owners wouldn’t even recognize it.

I was so excited about this new home because there were so many areas that had such huge potential to be developed into something fantastic.  I love creating those spaces, finding niche areas in your home and turning them into a favorite place to be.  Since working out is my thing (could you tell?), I was super excited to create a home gym.  Between my design and my carpenter’s expertise, we created one of the haven’s in my house…my home gym!

Previously, this was a basement with no walls and concrete floors.  We (okay, the carpenter) installed dry wall, lighting, and a rubberized floor…which made me a very happy girl!  It’s truly one of my favorite places to be.  It’s a guy’s gym, it’s a girl’s gym, and even the kids love playing on the stability balls on the padded floor in the gym.

I’ve even grown to love the elliptical machine.  Although my favorite cardio still remains step aerobics, dance, hip hop dance, etc., I’ve grown to appreciate the old ellip.

So welcome to one of the favorite spots in my house!  It’s a major stress-free zone, and you know you are going to leave this room looking better than when you entered it.  For that reason alone, you have to love it!

As you well know, I’m into fitness.  This, too, is one of my things.  My preference for instructors has changed over time.  I’ve grown to love really tough instructors that push and push and push you.  I’ll try any fitness routine out there, still dying to try gravity-defying yoga, but I continue to love a handful of favorites. 

   Kathy Smith:  Kathy is an old-school favorite.  She’s tough and pushes you hard.  She also has some great choreography that make the workouts fun and even more challenging.  She also comes out with new routines all the time, and each one is better than the one before. 

   Billy Blanks:  Teaches hard core calisthenics like a drill sargent.  No mercy.  Whatsoever.  You are tired and drained at the end of this workout.  However, you are tight and fit the next day.  Amazing results.  Hard work, but amazing results.

   David Weck:  David Weck is the creator of the Bosu Ball (Bosu stands for both sides up/both sides utilized.)  If you haven’t played around on a Bosu ball, you are in for a real workout treat.  You fight to keep your balance, and that works all those small and large muscles, giving you a great lower body and core workout.  There are also exercises for upper body and abs.  If you can get your hands on a David Weck DVD, you’re in for a treat.  Try not to get too side tracked….he’s super good-looking.   I’ve had a Bosu ball for about four years now, and my glutes and thighs are so happy about that fact.

  Yoga Booty Ballet:  Okay, stay with me here.  Sounds crazy, but it works.  These routines combine cardio/strength/yoga into one workout.  And we are talking heart rates in the 170s, so these ladies mean business.  I always get a great workout with these DVDs.  You’ll wake up the next day feeling like a truck ran over your mid section….and that’s exactly what you’re looking for.  That feeling leads to results!

  Bodies In Motion with Gilad Janklowicz:  My boy Gilad is such a staple in the fitness industry.  I’ve been working out with him since 1989.   He has the physique of a god.  Amazing!  He’s also one that will push and push and push you into exhaustion.  You can call him the postman because he delivers!  You can watch (and record) him daily on Fit TV.   I love his New Bodies In Motion workout.  It’s a compilation of many different routines he has done, all rolled into one fab workout. 

And remember, you can try all of these for free at your local library.   Grab a handful of workout DVDs and see who you like.