3 Workout Routines That Made Me Stronger

MimaiScribbles
By: Maia Fortich-Poblete

Last week, I talked about how working out and staying active helped me overcome different physical and emotional challenges. Today, I will share with you the three workout routines or programs that helped make me stronger – physically and mentally.

First off, let’s get this straight. I do not have washboard abs. You won’t see me flexing muscles, and my arms are not perfectly toned. But I am confident with what I have and how I look at my age (turning 50 in November). And this is all because of regular workouts.

Yoga

The number one routine that I do – every day, if I can – is yoga. Like almost everyone I know, I started my yoga practice with the help of videos.  I specifically used Yoga Zone with Alan Finger’s videos.

I followed the routine religiously for almost a year and then shifted to Tony Horton’s P90X Yoga. It was like shifting from basic to hardcore yoga because Horton’s routine was more intense and was part of the 90-day P90X program that targeted different parts of the body.

Doing yoga regularly is the best way to start your fitness journey. You can choose from a variety of workouts – beginners’, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha, and restorative yoga, among many others. You have the freedom to choose the level where you’re most comfortable. And then you can move on from there once it becomes a regular thing for you.

And, no, you don’t have to be extra flexible to do yoga. You don’t have to be any age, size, form, or gender. Yoga is for everyone. Find time to try it once or twice and you’ll know what I mean!

I’ve since graduated to doing different yoga routines, but I like completing at least an hour of Ashtanga yoga at least three or four times a week. I also like Vinyasa Flow and I like to challenge myself from time-to-time by completing the 108 Sun Salutations.

Yogis that I look up to are Erin Motz (the Bad Yogi), Tara Stiles, and Sadie Nardini (who has awesome HIIT and cardio yoga routines!).

P90X

My sister, who is a licensed and certified fitness professional, introduced me to P90X. This 90-day home workout program was created by Tony Horton and contains 12 workouts of varying intensity that’s based on the science of “muscle confusion”. What it does is train you to focus on different parts of your body, so you know when to change your routine for maximum results.

My favorite P90X workouts are P90X Yoga, plyometrics, P90X Stretch, and cardio.

The first time I watched the videos, I thought I couldn’t last even a week doing the workouts. They were just too intense for me. But I tried and I loved P90X – and I lasted more than 90 days. In fact, the program is now one of my ultimate favorites!

I consider P90X as the turnaround workout program for me. Doing one routine a day helped improve me physically and mentally. It also helped me become more disciplined and confident. Although I didn’t have the P90X meal plan, I supplemented my workouts with a better diet – no more lechon, less fried food, more vegetables and fruits. I also had a calendar of workouts that I followed to the T. I alternated my P90X workouts with yoga, Zumba, and resistance training using TRX.

The results were evident after a month of intense 6-day workouts (I rested on Sundays).

I haven’t done P90X since 2016, but I incorporate some of the yoga poses I learned from the program into my regular routine. I do plan to start doing it regularly again – I just need to find a copy of the video!

P90X is a good choice if you want a total body workout – at home or in the gym.

Zumba

I have always loved dancing. My skills may not land me a spot on So You Think You Can Dance, but I’m confident that I know how to dance. I grew up dancing in school programs and in family events. In college (as I shared last Saturday), I used dancing as my main form of exercise. So it’s not surprising that Zumba is in this list.

Zumba was created by dancer and choreographer Beto Perez. He incorporated different dance varieties into one of his classes and used music from various dance styles – including salsa, chacha, merengue, reggaeton, and hiphop. For me, it is a fun way to exercise and burn calories.

A Zumba class usually lasts for an hour, but even after only 20 minutes of dancing, you’ll already find yourself bathed in sweat! Well, in my case, at least. I attend the Zumba classes at Anytime Fitness (with Zin Meg) and I’ve never had a dull moment since I started joining. It’s always fun and intense!

Zumba may not be as hardcore as high intensity workouts, but it is not a walk in the park either! You have to move your body – the whole body! – while also trying to follow the choreography. Zumba is also all about endurance. If you think you can last an hour of continuous dancing, then you’ll love this exercise routine!

Aside from the three abovementioned workouts, I also love using the kettlebell and the TRX and RIP:60 resistance trainers.

The kind of exercise or workout routine you choose depends on what your fitness goals are. Choosing one can be quite challenging, but you can always ask for professional assistance from a licensed personal trainer. Once you start, I promise you won’t be able to stop – because working out will make you feel good all over – no matter how difficult it can sometimes be!

Next week, I will feature the inspiring fitness journey of a friend. So, don’t forget to join me again next Saturday! K.