How many times a week do you work out? This question often stirs up a mixed bag of feelings and responses. Most people I know find the task of working out to be quite difficult to accomplish. Many of us are successful in our career pursuits; however, we face tradeoffs when it comes to our physical fitness. We’ve become so married to our work that a simple 15-minute walk during our lunch break has become a monumental, Everest-ascending task.

Not to worry! In this post we’ve included some of the favorite workouts of our freshbenies team. These workouts come from a very hardworking team that’s lived through some of the fitness pains mentioned above. We hope you enjoy…

1. Videos & Gadgets - Jeanette 

Jeanette is a techy and has a couple favorites that include a YouTube channel and hot new invention…

“I love anything by Fitness Blender! The workouts vary so you can search for an ab routine, arms, cardio, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), etc. and get a variety of choices by difficulty and length of workout. I like their HIIT routines because there are short durations of a single exercise before moving to a different one. That way, I can do even the harder moves since it’s for a short time. I tell myself I can do anything for a minute.

Also, I like watching Shark Tank. Last year, they featured a simple gadget called Simply Fit Board. Basically, you can twist on it and get a pretty good workout in your core and legs. I like it because just a few minutes will make me feel it and I can do it easily at home while watching TV or listening to a podcast, or chatting with a family member, etc.”

 2. Variety – Heidi 

Well, it is the “spice of life,” so the saying goes! Heidi shares how workouts have changed over her lifetime and what she’s enjoying now…

“I’ve loved different workouts at different times in my life. I swam in elementary school and for a semester in high school. I was into weight training in college. In adult life, I put on some weight and decided to start walking. To this day, I think a brisk walk each day or even a few times a week is ALWAYS a good idea. I recently wrote an article about a GREAT 7 minute HIIT workout that I pair with a brisk walk. Click here to read it.

My mom always said, ‘As you age, it’s harder to lose or maintain your weight.’ I thought she was being dramatic until I hit my mid-40’s. First, I experienced it and then my doctor confirmed her statement - he told me that the average person gains a few pounds each year. This year, I decided to mix it up a bit so I have lots of variety - to increase muscle strength and aerobic activity. I’m still doing brisk walks, and also swimming 1-2 days a week (getting back into that was rough, but feels amazing). I also decided to get a trainer who is working with me to increase my strength and teaching me good whole-body exercises I can do for life.

Speaking of workouts you can do for life, this is also the year to try yoga - I wrote an article about it and convinced myself. Wish me luck (and non-sore muscles). Namaste!” 

3. Nintendo Wii – Adele & Tammy

Adele says her family enjoys working out using the Wii Fit module as well as the Wii Sports games. For her, it’s a great way to keep active with the whole family, especially during a long holiday break and when the weather doesn’t cooperate outside.

Tammy also likes Wii because she’s able to do a range of different activities including running, walking, boxing, core exercises, etc. She says, “It will show you if you’re doing it right or not. It keeps up with my goal weight and progress, as well as my workouts.”

4. Weight Training - Terri

Terri says, “My favorite workout is weights and weight machines. I can feel and see results quickly so I am encouraged to keep it up. Plus, at my age (ugh, that hurts to say), it’s important to build and tone muscles.” I can tell you that she came to work in pain the other day, so she’s not lying. 

5. Getting Outdoors - John

As for me, I enjoy walking, basketball, hiking, disc golf, kayaking, and other activities that “disguise a workout.” At the end of the day, in the time-starved world we live in, it’s helpful to find at least one activity that will keep us healthy and active. I’ve gotta go now - I have another 2,000 steps to go before I hit my 10,000 goal!

Now it's your turn! What is your favorite way to get exercise into your day? Comment below or email me at john@freshbenies.com.