Since I write a blog about cooking, it has crossed my mind that people may wonder what I look like.
My worst fears were confirmed recently when a commenter on a blog entry suggested “maybe it’s time you write a blog about joggin.’”
I’m happy to report I’ve recently lost 25+ pounds and lost six dress sizes by working out five times a week and watching what I eat. Although I’m not a size 2 by any means, I am satisfied with what I’ve accomplished.
However, I’ve been hesitant to write about this before, in case things take a turn for the worse. I don’t want to seem preachy and pompous and then have it turn back on me.
Despite the fact I love to cook, I still watch what I eat. I am a type 2 diabetic. It’s an urban legend to think that a person who likes to cook must be a slob. Turn on the Food Network to see what I’m saying is true.
I work out using DVDs at home, which result in a combination of cardio and strength training inspired by yoga and Pilates.
At the suggestion of the commenter, I’m going to start writing about some of the titles I use that have worked for me.
This morning, Thursday, Oct. 1, for example, I used an exercise routine from the DVD Pilates Plus, lead by Fred DeVito and Elizabeth Halfpapp. These two are founders of the “Core Fusion” principle used at Exhale spas in the United States.
They combine principles of Pilates with other fitness techniques to strengthen and slim core muscle groups.
Magazines report celebrities are using Core Fusion workout, and if you check out the Exhale website, you’ll see NHL players and other athletes commenting on how Core Fusion has worked for them — one even said it had him whimpering.
He’s not kidding. This workout, and the other Core Fusion DVDs, are extremely challenging. But once you find yourself able to keep up, and sometimes even try the advanced version of the exercises, you’ll feel elated.
Fred and Liz are so calming, so encouraging, you’ll want to try your best even if you feel like dying.
Each of the Core Fusion DVDs are divided into five 10-minute workout routines, great if you want to attach one to a cardio workout.
This morning, I did just that: a cardio workout (I’ll write about that another time), then the “Flat Back/Round Back Core” section from PIlates Plus. This is comprised of sitting on the floor, first away from the wall and then against it, and lifting your legs up and down in various positions. It’s not easy, trust me. But it works your abs, waist and thighs and brings pleasing results. I’ll have more on the Core Fusion DVDs later on.
