Three Workouts You Can Do at Home

MimaiScribbles
by Maia Fortich-Poblete

Now that the holidays are over and it’s back to the daily grind for us, it’s time to take a break from all the partying. It’s time to get back into shape.

After all the eating and drinking we did over the Christmas break, I’m sure many of us started the New Year a few pounds heavier. While this may be okay for some, those who watch their weight – and health – aren’t too happy about this (me included).

Of course, we all know that the best thing to do to shed off these unwanted pounds is to go for a healthier diet and exercise regularly. I’m no expert on which diet works best, but I can share some useful workout tips with you.

Since working out at a gym isn’t for everyone, I decided to focus on home workouts. There are quite a lot of options to choose from. But to make sure I give you good choices, I decided to ask for advice from my sister, Connie Fortich, who is the Sports & Leisure Manager of Crimson Resort and Spa in Boracay and is a certified/licensed fitness professional.

Here are the top three workouts you can do at home (whether you are a beginner or have been working out for years):

1. Metafit

Metafit is the perfect choice if you want a high intensity workout. This program was designed by a former marine and international gymnast. The workout is usually 30 minutes long and features a series of bodyweight exercises. You won’t need any equipment to do this workout; but you’ll need a lot of energy because it is intended to set your metabolism on fire.

Although Metafit is a group exercise HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout such as squats, jumps, push-ups, plyometric lunges (my favorite!), burpees, and plank taps. you can do this at home as there are a lot of videos available for free on YouTube.

2. POUND Workout

POUND is one of the newest workouts that deserve some attention (and love!). This fitness program was created by two women back in 2011 who were athlete as well as recreational drummers – it incorporates the use of exercise drumsticks, which they eventually named Ripstix.

A POUND workout includes cool music; full body exercise that combines strength training, conditioning, cardio, Pilates-inspired movements, and yoga; the use of the lightweight Ripstix; and awesome choreography. Since the exercise drumsticks add at least ¼ pound of extra weight to all your body movements, it is a full body workout that promises to burn around 900 (more or less) calories for every hour of exercise.

POUND is also good for those who want to sculpt, tone, and strengthen their muscles. Likewise, it helps you get better in terms of coordination, timing, rhythm, agility, endurance, and speed. It is said to improve your musicality, too.

So if your ideal workout is something that allows you to groove while sweating out, POUND is the best choice for you. I’m not so sure if the Ripstix is already available here in CDO, but you can improvise by using the regular drumstick for the moment.

For guides and workout videos, check out the official POUND YouTube page.

P.S. POUND involves a lot of squatting. So, better be ready!

3. Yoga

Yoga is one of my main workouts. No matter what routine I do, there’s always one that involves yoga. Sometimes, I do yoga warm ups and yoga cool downs. More often than not though, I do a series of downward dog sequences. These are all things you can do at home, on your own.

Yoga is a mind and body practice that has been around for years.  A yoga workout combines mental and physical practices. It also uses specific breathing techniques and often includes meditation. Various yoga poses (or asanas) – such as the popular downward dog and child’s pose – make up one routine.

A yoga workout is ideal if you want a low impact exercise that’s guaranteed to help you not only tone and strengthen muscles and burn calories but also improve your mind-body conditioning. Regular practice will help you become calmer/more relaxed, happier, and mentally strong.

If you are a beginner, you can start your yoga home workout doing just the basic poses: mountain pose, upward dog, downward dog, plank, cat-cow pose, and child’s pose. You can also choose from the many beginners’ videos available on YouTube. Look for videos by Alan Finger/Yoga Zone, Tara Stiles, Sadie Nardini, or Erin Motz (the Bad Yogi).

I started learning yoga by following the Alan Finger/Yoga Zone beginners’ video every morning from Monday to Friday. That was back in 2009. I’m still doing yoga now, and I’m still learning a lot of new poses. But yoga has done a lot of good for me and even helped me bounce back from the beginnings of depression. If I can do it, you can. Anybody can do yoga. Whether you are flexible or not does not matter. Your age is not an issue, too. So is your gender or religious belief. I repeat: yoga is for ANYONE. So go and get your yoga mat and start working out now!

Important Reminder

A lot of people like to believe that they do not need to workout or exercise because they are not overweight or they have no plans of getting six-pack abs. Well, guess what? Working out is not just about looking good; it is also about feeling good because you are healthier and more fit. Exercising is about loving yourself and giving yourself the kind of life you deserve. It’s about life and being alive.

So, please, enough with your excuses. Take the first step in leading a healthier, fit, and happier life. Start working out now – at home or in the gym.

Happy New Year! Happy new you!