Today’s Friday Five has to do with our 5 Favorite Fitness Activities. If you have been tracking my blog you know I did a Friday 5 post about my favorite exercises so you will see some redundancy here but since this is also asking about our 5 fitness activities – I did expand my list a bit.
This link up is sponsored by Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC, Cynthia from You Signed Up For What? and Mar from Mar on the Run! Their fitness and running blogs are amazing so make sure you head on over and check them out.
Now let’s get started. These are in no particular order because I believe in variety and enjoy a bunch of different kinds of fitness activities.
1. Group Running – I started running regularly in 2005 and have not looked back. I enjoy running alone but truth be told – I enjoy it better with at least 1 other person. I’m a group runner type of gal and the more people involved the more fun it is for me. I never knew I would enjoy group runs as much as I do.
2. Boot Camp – I started working out with the Sanders Optimum Fitness program back in the late summer of 2012 and have not looked back. I have not been so challenged in all of my fitness life. They keep things changed up so your body never gets used to any particular program. And the people – can’t say enough. The staff is great and the participants are becoming like second family to me. We have also hung out outside of boot camp. It is so nice to see everyone cleaned up looking so fresh and so clean with makeup and hair done because as you can imagine – we all look like we just rolled out of bed when we get together for workouts at 5:30 am.
3. Jumping rope – I started jumping rope for fitness about 3 years ago after reading some articles about how good it is for cardiovascular health. When I first picked up the rope my heart rate jumped to 176 after only 1 minute of speed rope. Let me tell you – don’t sleep on this form of activity. It really gets the heart rate up. If I do it I typically jump 20 minutes at a time and change up my foot work between front/back shuffle, high knees, in and outs and double unders. I love it. It is not just for the children.
4. Shoulder presses – I want developed shoulders. That remains my quest and one of the best ways to do this is with shoulder presses. I am up to pressing 15 lb weights at a time along with lunges so let me tell you – that will fatigue the old shoulders out. I also incorporate front and lateral raises standing, 45 degrees, etc. but shoulder presses are my tried and true exercise to further work on developing my shoulders. Why you ask? I get sick and tired of my bra strap falling down underneath my blouse while at work. UGH!
5. Push ups – I first began doing push ups in 1998 after watching a Janet Jacket Velvet Rope concert. Her body looked so good I knew I could not be almost 10 years younger than her and not be at LEAST as fit as her. Down on the floor I went and began with modified push ups and immediately felt stronger after 2 weeks and went standard. I have not been back to modified since.
There you have it. My five favorite fitness activities.
What are some of yours?
DC Trifecta
25 Replies to "Friday Five: Favorite Fitness Activities"
Michele
Twitter: apaceofbalance
March 28, 2014 (8:47 am)
All good things, love them too! You have reminded me to start jump roping again. Once this half marathon is over, I’m actually excited to get more cross training in again. Way to go on those weights! Those overhead presses will definitely show come tank top season 🙂
Lex
Twitter: flecksoflex
March 28, 2014 (10:33 am)
Velvet Rope — yaaaaas! That album was amazing!
I love jumping rope too.! We used to have to use weighted and speed ropes back in college preseason. So good!
I’m really loving your blog, btw. Glad to have another lady from this area to follow 😉
DSTPRL March 28, 2014 (11:06 am)
Hi there Lex!!! Thanks for stopping by. Girl Janet’s body was so tight in that concert I was like “no way I’m going out like this” and immediately started my workout routine. I wasn’t even 30 yet but I could tell if I let it, it would slip away from me. LOLOLOL!!!
Nicole
Twitter: fitfulfocus
March 28, 2014 (10:33 am)
oh man, jump rope and pushups! You’re a brave soul! I always trip myself up on the jump rope.
DSTPRL March 28, 2014 (11:05 am)
LOL Nicole – once you get the hang of it you will love the cardio benefits. It gets my heart rate up there like running does.
Jen
Twitter: marathonmom10
March 28, 2014 (1:14 pm)
Push ups?? You are nuts 😉 My trainer loves them too which means I do them, a lot!
DSTPRL March 28, 2014 (1:31 pm)
Lololol they are fun Jen.
Chaitali
Twitter: chaita_1
March 28, 2014 (1:22 pm)
I didn’t even think of jump rope as a fitness activity. I used to love it as a kid and may need to pick it back up. 🙂
DSTPRL March 28, 2014 (1:31 pm)
I can jam with a jump rope. One of the best things going.
Eat Pray Run, DC
Twitter: eatprayrundc
March 28, 2014 (1:31 pm)
oooh jumping rope is a GOOD one — super fun and a killer workout! thanks for linking up — i’m sorry i missed your linkup this week. i’ll try to be prepared for next week! 🙂
DSTPRL March 28, 2014 (1:32 pm)
Check it out though and see who is featured.
Michele
Twitter: apaceofbalance
March 28, 2014 (4:10 pm)
Oh, I also meant to tell you GREAT job on unmodified push ups! Sometimes I still have to do modified depending on the workout.
DSTPRL March 28, 2014 (4:18 pm)
Thanks Michele. I’m currently doing a thousand push up challenge. I still have 400 more to go before March 31.
Amanda H March 28, 2014 (7:33 pm)
Oh man props to you for having push ups on your list. I still hate them with an undying passion. Maybe if I ever do enough to have a body like 1998 Janet. Or heck, 2014 Janet could still probably kick my butt!! 🙂
DSTPRL March 28, 2014 (7:33 pm)
You are funny Amanda.
April March 28, 2014 (8:31 pm)
20 minutes of jumping rope?!?! You are a rock star! And standard pushups! I need to set the bar higher on this strength stuff. Great job!
DSTPRL March 28, 2014 (8:36 pm)
April you can do it.
Mika March 28, 2014 (11:35 pm)
Love the shoulder presses!
Just visiting your blog! Coming from Fitness Friday.
Come-by my blog and say HI!
blushandbarbells March 29, 2014 (12:46 am)
I like working on my shoulders, too. Many years ago a trainer told me I need to build them to balance out my wide hips!
DSTPRL March 29, 2014 (5:43 am)
I have hips too maybe that is why I keep focusing on my shoulders. I just want them to be and look strong.
jillconyers
Twitter: jillconyers
March 29, 2014 (3:45 am)
Running, P90X3 and Yoga are my favorites right now 🙂
Meranda March 29, 2014 (2:47 pm)
I use to go to bootcamp but then I started feeling worse afterwards than when I started!! I didn’t really think that was the plan so I stopped going…lol
DSTPRL March 29, 2014 (3:05 pm)
Oh my. What did they have you doing?
courtneyconover March 29, 2014 (9:59 pm)
This is a great list. Short, sweet, and classic! I began running track around age 8 and began running competitively at 11, so running will forever be in my blood. But I am also a certified yoga instructor, and my yoga practice has become my sanctuary. My favorites include 10 classic Sun A Salutations, 2-3 Sun B Salutations, and my favorite individual postures include standing forward fold, hop openers, and head stand. Instant energizers!!
o
DSTPRL March 31, 2014 (7:52 am)
That sounds really nice. I would love to try yoga again. My hamstrings are so tight.