Best 30 minutes

I am a full time working mom of 2 boys. My time is limited and I want to make the best of it. I have between 30-45 minutes a day that I can use exercising for ME. I will exercise at night after the boys go to bed, so it would have to either be some type of home machine or home video. I have an eliptical, which helps, but I want to see results. I have seen many of you have success with weight training. I have looked at the Les Mills Pump, and it looks like fun, but expensive. Do any of you have suggestions as to what is the best way to spend my time and see results??

Replies

  • try jillian michaels 30 day shred, good workout and only 20 min
  • jonesin_am
    jonesin_am Posts: 404 Member
    The least expensive...bodyweight exercises likes squats, lunges, push ups, etc. You can get in some cardio with burpees, jump roping in place (without the rope), mountain climbers, etc. Def go for the strength training for the most bang for your buck, IMHO.
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    You could always start out with some body weight strength training - it's free! Squats, lunges, tricep dips, push-ups, sit-ups, planks, leg lifts, etc (google for more ideas). You can also use empty gallon jugs as weights to do things like bicep curls and chest presses and rows. A full gallon weighs about 8 pounds but of course you can start out only filling them part way if that's too much. And once you've worked up to it, you can hold more than one gallon in each hand (it's not that hard).

    You can also do mix some "free" cardio in with jumping jacks, invisible jump rope, kicks, punches, running/walking in place or up and down stairs, etc.

    If your elliptical has the options, you can make it a harder workout as time passes by increasing the incline and the resistance.

    And yes, there are tons of DVDs you can get at WalMart or Target for around $10 - Jillian Michaels DVDs, Walk Away the Pounds, cardio dance, even Richard Simmons sweatin' to the oldies!
  • JenMc14
    JenMc14 Posts: 2,389 Member
    Spend 15 bucks and get some resistance bands at Walmart. Honestly, I'd recommend a bench, rack, bar, plates and plate lodable dumbbells, but I knowthat can be cost prohibitive. Bands are relatively cheap, you can usually adjust them and get some heavy ones. You can also get a good workout with bodyweight stuff such as squats, lunges, pushups, planks, etc.

    For cardio, YouTube has some good videos and your local library can be a great resource. You can also do jumping jacks, burpess, seal jacks, high knees, star jumps, etc. in your living room.
  • da_bears10089
    da_bears10089 Posts: 1,791 Member
    bodyrock.tv is free and fast and it will kill you
  • bringit30
    bringit30 Posts: 103 Member
    Thanks for all the tips!
  • steadybutsure
    steadybutsure Posts: 153 Member
    For result in a short amount of time? Definately Jillian's 30day shred. It's about 25mins including warm ups and cool downs, less than $10 online and Walmart, free on YouTube and definately effective in trimming those inches. Of course for better results try to eat clean as much as u can.
  • kayork
    kayork Posts: 31 Member
    I agree with steadybutsure about Jillian's 30 day shred I am halfway through and am seeing amazing results. I haven't lost much weight wise but can really see the difference in my stomach and legs and others have commented as well. You can order it on Amazon for $6.00
  • staceypunk
    staceypunk Posts: 924 Member
    If you are new to exercising daily, then definitely 30 day Shred.

    If you up for a bit of a challenge, then Jillian's Body Revolution. It's like $120 but it is sooooo worth it. I never got bored. I have a heart rate monitor and the amount of calories burned in each 35 minute session is amazing! It has different levels within each DVD (modifiers to make it easier or harder).

    Now I am spoiled and expect those great burns from everything!
  • IzzyBooNZ1
    IzzyBooNZ1 Posts: 1,289 Member
    I def have to agree with the Jillian Michaels 30DS. All you need are some hand weights and you are set !
  • sally_jeffswife
    sally_jeffswife Posts: 766 Member
    I really like the Billy Blanks Bootcamp-Ab Bootcamp Videos, or the Billy Blanks JR Dance Party Bootcamp
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    A mix of HIIT cardio and strength training will probably yeild the best results in short timeframes. When time is short, go high intensity and really give it all you've got.

    I haven't done Body Pump, but the few Beachbody DVDs I've seen (Insanity, P90x, Turbo Fire) seem worth the money to me. They are intense workouts and have a lot of different workouts in the set. I'm doing Turbo Fire right now and love it. Those 15-25 HIIT sessions are killer! .
  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    They say, you wanna burn calories? Jump rope or burpees