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too busy to exercise? I got you.

02 January 2015

I know you were hoping and wishing and praying I'd put together a Patton year-in-review post for your viewing pleasure but, nope. Not that nice. Instead ... I'm going to walk you through a small fraction of my collection of workout DVDs. It's the most healthy of unhealthy obsessions ... I assure you. I consider myself a connoisseur of artificially flavored coffee creamers, bad romantic comedies, and exercise DVDs that promise sculpted abs, rock hard buns, and glutes that will make your ex regret the break up (just quoting Jillian here ... she's all about the positive thinking + motivation). Some might say, "that Grace ... she's such a cultured and well-rounded individual" to which I might have to heartily agree.

Throat clear.

Do I do these every single day? Absolutely not. No way. But if I can at least get myself down to the basement and push play for a minimum of 10 minutes ESPECIALLY during the hell (it really is the most cursed season) that is winter ... I feel good. Or better than I would if I hadn't. Fancy that. A lot of them don't require that you sit/lay down which is super key for me because if the kids see me in a not-standing position they take it as their personal invitation to drape themselves all over my person which is sweet on occasion but when I'm trying to get my semi-sweat on.

I'm not after any sort of bikini ready body (I'm a realist and I'll forever be a fan of the tankini no matter how dated they become) but I am on a frantic hunt for all the endorphins I can get during this aforementioned sunny season. I've found that giving some structure to the minutes that I can snatch in between diaper changing and diaper changing does wonders for my selfish mood. I'm even considering using some of my Christmas cash to splurge on these house pants (although I kind of like this color better) that I keep hearing rave reviews about ... it would be smart to always be at the workout ready, right?

Onward.



1. 10 Minute Solution: Pilates - this was my very first 10 minute solutions purchase and I did it while I was nannying and my charges were napping WAY back in the day and I still love it. It's a relatively easy introduction to Pilates and Lara isn't annoying at all. And the better you get ... the more difficult it becomes, in a good way.

2. 10 Minute Solution: Kickbox Bootcamp - another classic that I've had since long before I met Simon. If I REALLY REALLY am not in the mood to exercise (always) I tell myself to at least do the arms portion because it gets my blood flowing and I can stand the whole time and I'm usually lured into doing a few more segments afterward. The instructor has an Australian accent and is a teeny tiny bit too loud and enthused for my liking so ... do as I do and mute, mute, mute.

3. Jillian Michaels: Ripped in 30 - love her or hate her ... she puts together a killer workout. I like this one a lot more than the 30 Day Shred because it's not nearly as repetitive and you don't have to watch an 18 minute intro just to get to the menu. Even though our house is freezing right now ... I'm always sweating an alarming amount when I'm done with this one.

4. Suzanne Bowen's Slim & Toned Prenatal Barre Workout - this is a really solid barre workout - pregnant or not. I've been to barre classes and while it's tough to substitute the real deal ... this one comes very close and it yields great toning results fairly quickly. The Amazon reviews back me up on this, I promise.

5. XTEND BARRE: LEAN & CHISELED - another solid barre workout. It's broken up into workable segments (not 10 minutes, unfortunately) and I can stand using a chair for the vast majority of the dvd which is a huge, huge plus for me during the longer (23ish minutes?) workout. This is really awesome for leg toning.

6. 10 Minute Solution: Knockout Body - if I just want to quickly get my blood flowing and get some cardio in as well ... this is my go-to. The instructor is a little bit grating (she mentions the "knockout body!!!" one too many times) but mute can be your friend.

7. 10 Minute Solution: Pilates Perfect Body - this one is a little bit more difficult than #1 but the arm workout is worth the purchase of the entire dvd because it's a tough (but doable) 10 minutes that always leaves me sore. Suzanne (also starring in #4) might be my favorite workout e-instructor - her motto is always, "your best, not perfection" which I can appreciate.

Honorable Mentions: I know people love Tracy Anderson and one of these days I will get around to trying her workouts and there are great subscription services online but I like to watch the workout on the tv and then throw a show on Netflix or Hulu on my laptop for the ultimate in screen-heavy and pathetic workout experiences.

Again, this is a fraction of my collection but these are my favorites and all very much worth your time and lettuce ... but I'm always open to anyone that wants to enable my voracious appetite for more, more, and more.

Happy 2015. Welcome to the future. Or something.

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37 comments:

  1. KelseyBJanuary 2, 2015 at 4:42 PM

    Oh Patton, I just love you. I am bookmarking this for after baby. Even though you threw a prenatal in there (bless your heart) I lack in the area of motivation these days. But, the leggings!! Yes, buy them they are amazing I am wearing some right now!!

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  2. StephJanuary 2, 2015 at 4:48 PM

    My question is: How do you do these workouts (even 10 minutes) and have your children with you during that time!?!! You just do it and let chaos prevail, or what? And I'm not dissing chaos...heck it's chaotic even when you're watching kids closely, but how do you actually get a workout in? And then, let's say, you actually GET sweaty, you just roll with the no shower mom lifestyle?! No judgment here...really just wondering.

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    1. Grace MarieJanuary 2, 2015 at 4:50 PM

      haha - I have to do it during Phoebe's morning nap - or it won't happen. And the kids are just used to it now. But if I'm doing a longer one - I shower after! So .... definitely do the longer ones a lot less frequently :)

      Delete
  3. UnknownJanuary 2, 2015 at 4:54 PM

    Those barre workouts look tempting. I used to do Barre 3 but... um, I don't have a good excuse for stopping. Lazy... probably. Anyhow, you've motivated me to try barre again. I also love Nike Training Club, 15 minutes makes me want to cry. In a really good way of course.

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  4. Kristin @ Going CountryJanuary 2, 2015 at 4:58 PM

    I finally jumped on the Jillian bandwagon last February and did the shred thing and the ripped in 30. I lost about twenty pounds and really was in the best shape I had been in since college. And then, because life is hilarious, literally the week I went out and bought celebratory smaller and better fitting clothing . . . I got a positive pregnancy test. THE SAME WEEK.

    Needless to say, now that I am two weeks post-partum, I am no longer shredded nor ripped and definitely not looking forward to doing it all again. Sigh.

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  5. GingerJanuary 2, 2015 at 5:10 PM

    Okay, I know you like the workout to be on the tv, but if you can stand to switch it up, I have fallen in love with fitnessblender.com. All kinds of great workouts that you can filter by intensity, body part, time, etc... And the two instructors are really great.
    I will definitely be checking out one or two of these barre workouts.

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  6. LieslJanuary 2, 2015 at 5:28 PM

    I just need to get the videos out that I have and force myself to put one in a few times a week. Now just to find a way to motivate myself to get off the couch and pull them off the shelf...

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  7. Amelia BentrupJanuary 2, 2015 at 5:30 PM

    Check out fitnessblender.com. They have hundreds of workouts...targeting all different body parts, ranging in length from 5-90 minutes (most are between 10-45).. They do a combination of HIIT, strength training, toning, cardio, stretching, etc, etc. all for FREE!! FREE! They are awesome. Seriously, you will never need to buy an exercise video again. I do one of their workouts every day and I've definitely noticed a change in my body.

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    1. Amelia BentrupJanuary 2, 2015 at 5:31 PM

      I see someone else up tehre mentioned fitnessblender.com as well. They really are aweomse. And free!!

      Delete
    2. Grace MarieJanuary 2, 2015 at 5:34 PM

      thanks a million! I just really like the DVDs so I can watch something on my laptop at the same time :)

      Old school forever ha

      Delete
    3. Nell @ Whole Parenting FamilyJanuary 2, 2015 at 5:50 PM

      I burned calories just reading this.

      Delete
  8. UnknownJanuary 2, 2015 at 5:44 PM

    J.J. got me the pants for Christmas. They are living up to all the hype! Just putting them on makes me feel 5 pounds lighter (So, is it really necessary to work out once they're on? Debate of my life.)

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  9. VernaJanuary 2, 2015 at 5:51 PM

    4, 5, and 7! I'll be back with my reviews! ;) Thanks for sharing! I love work out videos too. Just not doing them. Haha.

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    1. VernaJanuary 2, 2015 at 5:53 PM

      I have this one and it's really challenging! I love the 10 minute segments though! http://www.amazon.com/10-Minute-Solution-Prenatal-Pilates/dp/B000RIWARG/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1420239145&sr=1-1&keywords=prenatal+pilates+10+minute

      Delete
  10. DebJanuary 2, 2015 at 6:36 PM

    I realize this is a ridiculous recommendation, but my husband and I've done Insanity (not the whole thing 'cause we're not THAT crazy)--even just the 10-minute warm-up is enough to get you dripping. Most workouts are between 30-45 minutes, so likely not do-able, but the warm-up is great to pump the blood.

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  11. TammyJanuary 2, 2015 at 8:29 PM

    I love Jillian's Ripped in 30 - but I hope you don't mind if I have recommend my very own personal trainer whose DVD just released today!!!
    Sorry I can't find a pretty short link: https://secure.rodale.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/OaeEntryPage?storeId=10057&mktOfferId=WMH66989&cid=print_redirect_whmag_047770&keycode=251724

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  12. Kara MurphyJanuary 2, 2015 at 8:44 PM

    I am a fellow at-home workout aficionado and this post alone makes me want to be your BFF. So many women scoff at working out at home, but it really can be effective. I’m directing that recent sentence mainly to myself. If anyone needs to get back on the working out bandwagon it is me! Since my 4th baby was born 17 months ago, my workout regime has been less than stellar. Here are my suggestions, if you’re looking for more options to your already fabulous collection: (1) check out www.collagevideo.com. You can search by type of workout, instructor, etc. It’s been a while since I’ve purchased from them, but they used to let you return a DVD if you didn’t like it, even if it was opened. (2) My favorite at-home workout instructor is Cathe Friederich. She has a website “www.cathe.com,” but she also sells via collage video’s site. I’ve tried out many DVD instructors over the years and, hands down, she is my favorite.

    Those leggings! 2,200 postive reviews! :)

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  13. FrancineJanuary 2, 2015 at 8:45 PM

    Bookmarking this to help motivate me if this baby ever comes. I'm all about the short but efficient workout.

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  14. UnknownJanuary 2, 2015 at 8:53 PM

    I've been loving PiYo, it's a mix between yoga and Pilates but you may need to mute it once you get the moves down...

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  15. Savanna January 2, 2015 at 9:31 PM

    Being the costco lover you are, have you tried their leggings. Seriously in love. My 28 week pregnant self never wants to wear anything else. The brand is maddy m and they can be found with the rest of the workout gear. But you probably already knew this.

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  16. UnknownJanuary 2, 2015 at 10:18 PM

    The Australian accent and positivity comment made me laugh! I usually find it's the American fitness instructors that infuriatingly positive! But hey maybe it's just because I'm an Aussie. Good round up, it gives me inspiration to get started as I have the opposite problem in that it's too hot to exercise outside at the moment!

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  17. UnknownJanuary 2, 2015 at 10:49 PM

    I've never commented before, but this post seals the deal. You are my spirit animal. I was just saying to my husband (who luxuriously goes to the GYM! And actual GYM to work out several times a week for at least an hour. Alone. In peace.)... that it is pretty impossible to get in a solid 15 minute ab workout when a 10 month old is crawling all over you, clawing at your face the whole time. I do however like (to the extent that anyone "likes" excercise) the Insanity workout. Most of it is upright...
    Erin S.

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  18. Fit With FlashJanuary 2, 2015 at 11:13 PM

    I'll be your best blog friend if you NEVER do a Tracy Anderson workout. That chick is dangerous. (Samesies for Jillian, but if you like her, rock it out... ) My girlfriend, Ilyse Baker has a new dvd called "Dancinerate" that's pretty fun. You should check it out... #BeABeast

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  19. Britt FiskJanuary 2, 2015 at 11:30 PM

    Seriously, get some Zella live-in leggings. You will do just that. I've had some for two years and I don't know that I'll ever buy a pair from Lulu again :)

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  20. amyJanuary 3, 2015 at 1:34 AM

    Ballet Beautiful Body Blast - they have a 15 minute Swan Arms workout. It's killer amazing. No weights, super simple. And as I tell my husband, "I feel really pretty while I curse her out in my head."

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  21. NatalieJanuary 3, 2015 at 9:57 AM

    I needed this post so bad! Thanks for motivating me to dust off my old DVD's instead of moaning why it is too hard to workout with little people everywhere....well, actually will still do that. But I am working out today because of you! And perhaps online shopping a little too. You are the best!!!

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  22. MelissaJanuary 3, 2015 at 11:44 AM

    Thank you for the dvd tips. I am always looking for ways to mix it up. I loved the prenatal pilates you recommended in a previous post (so good at 37ish weeks!). I, too, have little ones drape themselves on me during my workouts.
    Also, thanks for the leggings tip. After reading this and all the reviews I ordered myself a pair in purple. Can't wait to try them.

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  23. Martina Bohnslav - little southern blogJanuary 3, 2015 at 12:04 PM

    Lol LOVE THIS! I may have a slightly unhealthy love for cheesy workout DVDs! And have a sad yet amazing collection myself. I've heard AMAZING things about the Tone it Up series...have you tried those??
    We are wanting a big family (sebastian is only 9 months old) but we are already thinking of trying for the next little. You seem so fit! Clearly you have a secret!

    www.littlesouthernblog.com

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  24. MarjorieJanuary 3, 2015 at 3:44 PM

    Good for you! I love that you don't use kids as an excuse like I hear from so many moms. I've been wanting to try Pilates to hopefully gain some weight (muscle weight)? I don't know, the whole eating thing does nothing and I want to try exercise to get a little heavier. Pinning this!

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  25. Carrie LynnJanuary 3, 2015 at 4:24 PM

    Yes! The super long intro is the reason why I stopped doing 30 Day Shred! I would sit there and think of the million other things I could be doing besides that work-out. Thanks for the DVD tips

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  26. Katrina RoseJanuary 3, 2015 at 8:23 PM

    Thanks for the tips! I really need to start doing SOMETHING because my core strength is nonexistent and so my back goes out twice a year which is really inconvenient (and painful).

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  27. UnknownJanuary 3, 2015 at 11:34 PM

    Amazing tips!

    http://thoughtsandmascara.blogspot.com/

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  28. Marcia PiperJanuary 5, 2015 at 11:47 AM

    Ooooh, I need to give Jillian a try-- I keep hearing great things about her. I've been a die hard Tracy Anderson devotee for the last three years -- there is quite a bit of free workouts on youtube (dance cardio, abs, abs, etc), and amazon/target have most of her DVD's.

    Happy sweating!

    Marcia
    http://yeartwenty-nine.blogspot.com/

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  29. Missy BarnetteJanuary 5, 2015 at 12:42 PM

    PREACH the long introduction to Jillian's 30 Day Shred! UGH, I can't stand it. I recently purchased JM's Kickboxing Fastfix (http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-Kickbox-FastFix/dp/B006IRQU5S) and I can now say the 30 Day Shred has been retired for good.

    Pros:
    1. It's 20 minutes. Flat out. Sometimes I think her 30 Day Shred exercises were more like 25 minutes, and when I'm setting the alarm early, that extra 5 minutes counts.
    2. You can FF through the introduction. Holla!!
    3. It makes 30 Day Shred seem sloooooow. It's high fast, upbeat, and lots of cardio.

    Cons:
    1. You have to kind of watch the Intro to Kickboxing. It's not long, but put the 10 minutes into it before your first time.
    2. If anyone ever filmed me watching it, I would win the crown for Mrs. Uncoordinated 2015.

    But seriously, it's super super fun!

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  30. dianaJanuary 6, 2015 at 2:23 PM

    I'm a big fan of those "10 minute solution" DVDs too. I have a couple and they can get me sweating in less than 10! I need to remember to do those on the mornings my son (unexpectedly) wakes up earlier than expected so I can't do my normal workout.

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  31. ShannonJanuary 10, 2015 at 8:54 AM

    Grace, is that ballet DVD the same one you've talked about/recommended previously on this blog? Like, a year or more ago? I remember you talking about one and it sounded really good and I wanted to buy it and then never did. Now I'm up for a new workout DVD and would like to try a ballet type one but want to make sure I'm getting a good one and I cannot remember the name of whatever one it was that I read about here a long time ago. Thanks!!

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  32. FreyaJanuary 11, 2015 at 8:05 PM

    Wow. Somehow I forgot that workout DVD's existed. This is awesome! I'm super super pumped to try the Jillian Ripped in 30. I looked it up on Amazin and it was $8 with rave reviews, that's my kind of gym membership! Thanks for the review.

    ReplyDelete

 

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