At the start of all of this (COVID-19, staying home, lockdowns etc.) I started to panic after the gyms closed. How was I going to workout and stay in shape? My running days are essentially behind me and I thought home workouts were boring.
Fast forward 11 months and now I’m questioning if I’ll ever go back to the gym! Before, I’d aim to go to the gym three days a week. Now I’m working out from home five to six days a week. A few reasons for the change: One, I’m amazed at how many great workout videos there are online. And two, working out from home is saving me time. I get up, have my coffee, then pour myself into my gear and head to my office/workout space. I don’t need to wash my face, drive, park… anything!
During this time I have uncovered a few great workout programs and products that I’d like to share.
Workouts
I’m currently addicted to Beachbodyondemand.com. The site has a huge library of workout programs, including Pilates, dance, yoga, cardio, and weight training, all for a very affordable price. (I think I paid $77 for six months.)
I’ve tried the Cize dance class, #MBF, 21 day Fix, 21 day Fix Extreme and I’m currently on 80 Day Obsession. (As of this publication, I’m on day 76!!!)
Many of these programs are designed as daily workouts and somehow, maybe because I’m craving some structure, I actually have been doing them every day. (One note, there is also a nutrition/weight loss component to many of the programs which I haven’t been doing. But if I keep on baking, I may very well start!)
I also love the workouts offered by PopSugar on YouTube. Good variety and they’re free.
Products
Most of BeachBody’s workouts do require equipment. Over the course of the last six months, I’ve been stocking up.
As per the video above, I really like the loops from Elevans, a Canadian company. You can buy them via their website or on Amazon, where I got them for $13. I’ve bought others that I don’t like as much and use infrequently.
I also like the sliders from Synergee. They work on carpet or flooring and are also available on Amazon for $13.
For a while, it was really difficult to find weights. Sold out everywhere. I did manage to find some from Canadian Tire (I like the ones with the Neoprene grips). The rest I sourced from my local Fitness Town which has a good selection. I now have everything from 5 lbs all the way up to 20 lbs, and I’m looking to get more.
I’m very particular about my sports socks. I like them to be as hidden and discreet as possible and quite thin. Balega socks hit the mark and I’ve been buying them for years. If you like super thin socks that stay put, check out their Ultralight No Show socks. I wear them in running shoes and in my non-working out sneakers. You can buy them online or if you live in Vancouver, they sell them at LadySport.
As for workout clothing, that’s worthy of a whole other post so I’ll save that for another day!
Kristina’s Corner
Welcome to Kristina’s Corner – I’m Kristina Matisic and I’ve spent much of my career reviewing and testing products and services. From TV shows (The Shoppings Bags) to articles, to a book, and now online, I love finding and reporting on the best pieces and products for me and my followers.
Here I’ll be sharing product reviews, style and beauty finds, and household tips and tricks to make your life easier, more stylish and a little bit sweeter!
You can find me on Instagram @kristinamatisic and at www.kristinamatisic.com. And if you have a question that you think I could help with, be sure to reach out!
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