A while back I got caught in a downpour with my 3 yr old grand-daughter...It was then I discovered I could run if I had to....I eventually started looking for a quick work-out video that incorporated a little jogging, or running in place....I found this 8 minute work-out that I have really been enjoying...by the time you are 1/4 way into it your heart is pumping pretty good...it's quick, and I find it easier to "get into", then jumping on my elliptical before I leave for the gym, or when I first get up in the morning....In fact I start with the NMCP morning stretches, then this video, then the cool down breathing....ummmm I think we r supposed to be doing that in the evening....but I do it in the AM if I am doing this video.....and the big bonus is that she isn't annoying like some of them....at least in my opinion...:)...the other thing is she actually is breathing heavy pretty early on....that may annoy some, but I hate when I see these videos and the person is talking through-out the whole thing and not even panting a tiny bit!!! I mean what are these people? ROBOTS!!!???

Anywho here is the 8 minute work-out video:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAUGNHr-7mU

The only app I use is the Nike + on my iPod Nano. It has two pedometer settings: One for running, and one for walking. I have found it to be pretty accurate as far as calculating my distance and calories burned. I put in my weight and height and it uses that to calculate calories. It's pretty basic, just a Start and Stop button - no Pause. Which is a little bit of a pain. The first time I used it was for a 5K and when I bent over to tie my shoe I somehow pressed a button in my pocket and it stopped the workout and I had to start it over. For a normal workout that would be okay, but I had it on the distance setting (a voice tells you how far you've gone) and it was off after that. Plus, I didn't know what my time was. Just goes to show that you shouldn't use anything new on race day! Now that I know how to use it better, I like it a lot.

I use the Nike Training Club app on my iphone. It has workouts for getting lean (high interval cardio drills to slim down); getting toned (light weights and interval to add definition); getting strong (increased weights and reps to build strength); and getting focused (15 minute workouts to target specific areas). It keeps track of your workouts, charts your progress and you get rewards which I haven't checked out cuz I'm not into rewards - just want to do the workouts. Anyway, it's pretty cool.

I use a lot of apps for fitness, but the most recent one I started using is Jefit. Jefit is also a website (kinda like MFP) but it has a place where you can build workout routines or choose the body part you want to exercise and it will suggest several routines for you to use. I have set up New Rules of Lifting for Women in Jefit. If you set up the reps and the rests, then start it when you begin your routine, it will time the rests for you. Makes things so easy! Anyway, I recommend it to anyone working out.