Friday, March 4, 2011

Fitness Friday #1- Getting Started

If you've been visiting my little slice of the blog world for very long, you may have noticed certain recurring themes. Vintage finds have become a regular part of my blog, and of course you can expect crafty happenings and tutorials from time to time. But I have been dreaming up a new idea for quite a while now, and I am finally ready to get this ball rollin'. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the very first installment of Fitness Friday here at Hollyrocks!

Over the years, I have established a personalized fitness routine through good old fashioned trial and error. I have experience with weight loss, exercise equipment, healthy eating, and gathering the motivation to make these things a permanent part of my life. By incorporating this new segment into my blog, I hope to share exercise moves, recipes, tips, product reviews and hopefully a little bit of enthusiasm and encouragement along the way!

I figured a good way to start off this new series would be to give you a tour of the basic items you can acquire to create an inexpensive home gym. If you have a gym membership, all of these things will still be available to you. But I don't believe have to go to a gym to get a great workout. In my opinion, this is everything you need to stay in shape.

All You Need

  • (1) Treadmill: $0 This used treadmill was given to us by my husband's coworker. Buying a brand new treadmill can be expensive, with lower-end models starting at around $300. But if you're just looking for a cheap way to get in a bit of cardio when the weather is not cooperating, a used machine might be a better option. Search local newspapers and online classifieds such as Craigslist if you're in the market for a used treadmill, elliptical machine, or exercise bike.
  • (2) Free Weights: $4-$40 per set, depending on weight. I prefer neoprene dumbbells because they're easy to grasp and comfortable to use. I have a set of 10 lb, and set of 5 lb, and a set of 3 lb weights, which equals an investment of a little over $60. But when you compare this to the cost of a gym membership, it's not so bad. And if you know the right moves, you can tone pretty much every part of my body with just a few sets of weights.
  • (3) Exercise Ball: $19 You can find these for as low as $6, or you can drop $100 for a crazy expensive one. But mine was fairly inexpensive, and I absolutely love it. You can find the exact ball I use right here.
  • (4) Yoga Mat: $9 Again, you can spend much more on these if you are after a certain brand or material, but the cheap one works great for my purposes!

And just what exactly can you do with this equipment? Everything! Come back for my next Fitness Friday post, because I'll be showing you a set of pilates moves that do amazing things for your abs. Until then, here's a playlist I've put together with upbeat, energetic songs that are great for working out. There's quite a bit of variety, so hopefully you can find something that will get you moving!

Workout Music by Hollyrocks on Grooveshark

I'm so excited about this new blog venture! If you have any suggestions or requests for upcoming Fitness Friday posts, feel free to leave a comment and let me know. Want skinny arms? I can help you with that. How about a workout that will seriously tone that cute butt of yours?  I've got you covered. And if you're always on the lookout for yummy treats that won't cost you a billion calories, I have a few tasty tricks up my sleeve. What health and fitness topics are important to you?

17 comments:

Briana Shepley said...

This is awesome! Lord knows I've got lots to learn in the fitness arena! All I can do is run and yoga. Other than that, I'm clueless!

Megan said...

Ooo! Thanks a bunch for starting this series of posts! I seem to be getting more and more out of shape by the day (due to my own laziness), but i think your tips are going to be very helpful to get inspired to get back at it :)

I cant wait to find out how to use an exercise ball, that sounds fun :)

I was wondering what kind of shoes you wear when you are working out? Do you have any recommendations? :)

Hope you have a fun weekend!

Home Sweet Texoma said...

Just in time! I'm working on reshaping my entire lifestyle to feel better... including my fitness routine, which doesn't exist! haha.
I'm just tired of feeling like doodie all the time.

I'm really excited to see what works for you. You always look so smoking hot.

Pili said...

Ooooh, I'm gonna love this series! I need some proper motivation to get in shape again!

Ink Obsession Designs said...

Ooh! I am excited about this. I've been wanting to get one of those fitness balls but just haven't known what to do with them. I feel like I need to change my exercise routine up a bit so I can't wait for the posts! :)

Holly said...

I'm so glad to know that you all will be getting in on the fun! I wouldn't consider myself a fitness guru, but I've just gathered so many useful tricks over the years and I can't wait to share them.

Megan- I wear a pair of Adidas cross trainers that I've had for a few years now. I got them, as well as another pair of Adidas walking shoes, at a buy one get one sale at Lady Foot Locker. I've read that you're supposed to buy new shoes every few years because they start to wear out, but I just don't have the funds for that so I keep on wearing these and they're holding up very well so far.

KristiMcMurry said...

Love this series! great playlist :)

JUST ME said...

Oooooh you are just adorable in every way possible.

Please - give me recipe treats that won't make my hot sweaty yoga class worthless the next day!

Robin Thomas said...

Girl, getting my booty right will give your emotions a work out!

apparentlyjessy said...

Woo! Go Holly! I think this is a great new avenue for your blog, I'll read with interest, and hopefully get inspired to do more myself!

Veronica said...

Nice blog!
follow me? I'd be very happy if you do it!
thank you so much!
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Nicoline said...

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Trendsetters said...

This is such an inspiring post!
Well done, nice blog! I'm following :)

Come following back, if you want!

Byeeee
http://theothersideoftrendsetters.blogspot.com/

alexkeller said...

yay!!! i just joined the YMCA with another mom from Kyle's class - we took a Pilates class on friday and I'm still sore! that's what happens when you're a bum and don't work out for a loooong time! no room for a treadmill, but i'll be getting a new ball for sure!

Claire said...

Great post!
Since finishing uni I haven't made time to be as strict as I used to be.
My flat is small so I joined a gym, which I love when I actually go!
A good playlist definately helps!

Caitlin said...

hey girl, thanks so much!! I love to sing. ^.^ My favorite is just to sing like crazy when I'm alone in the car! lol!

my hair is definitely cut.
All.
Gone.
lol!
Come to think of it, I can't believe I haven't done a blog post about it! You've inspired me. I think I will.
:)

It's an interesting, kind of sad story. lol

Anonymous said...

Arms please! My mom has flabby arms, and I'm afraid that droopyness seems to run in the family... would love to know how to firm and tone that flab so it doesn't jiggle as I get older! ;)