Rules:
1. If you haven't yet, join the challenge here: GET FIT and GET HEALTHY 2. Every Saturday come back to The Art of Making a Baby and ShutterMama to read the tips on how to be fitter, healthier and more confident. 3. Weekly write a post about your progress, following the questionnaire below, take a self-portrait (optional) and link up with us. 4. Don't forget to grab the GET FIT challenge button on the sidebar and display it proudly on your blog or GET FIT post. 5. Link your post with Selfie Saturdays if you took your week's self-portrait.  {Shutter}Mama and I are so excited about the turnout last week. We knew that it would take a few weeks to pick up, due to the fact that it's a pretty ambitious challenge. However, what we didn't expect was that a good number of people would join in immediately. That's very encouraging and uplifting, because what this challenge needs is as many supporters as possible. Great results and motivation  are not possible to sustain without some kind of support, and we were hoping that the virtual support of other bloggers participating in our challenge will serve as just that. I'm expecting that this week we will do even better with new members checking in and reporting on their progress. I cannot wait to hear how you all did and what challenges you had during the week. Be sure to stop by the other members of the GET FIT challenge for support and motivation. There's nothing that motivates me better than seeing other people work hard and reach their goals. This week I'd like to talk about gym-less exercising. I have noticed a lot of members and bloggers mentioning that they don't like going to gyms or have  no time to make the trip. I totally understand that. I've never been a "class" person, I like learning things on my own and I tend to be lazy about getting out of the house, so those two things made me a perfect candidate for working out at home. Believe it or not, there are a lot of choices for that, and they don't have to be boring push-ups, sit-ups or squats. Two of my all-time favorite exercises for home use are PILATES and STEP-AEROBICS. Those were my buddies when I needed to get into terrific shape for modeling and they still support me to this day. I went through many different pilates DVDs until I found the perfect one that's good for beginners, yet really tones you and gets your heart rate up and is still challenging 2 years down the road.   It's called 10 Minute Solutions: Rapid Results Pilates(with Lara Hudson). First of all, she's the most pleasant pilates instructor. Secondly, the workouts that she picked really fit together well, make sense and are a true pleasure to do while still being very challenging. The DVD is  broken into 5 categories: Buns and Thighs, Abs, Arms and Shoulders, Body Blast ( cardio pilates) and Stretch. For busy moms and working girls ( not that type), it's perfect. Every exercise takes 10 minutes and you are truly surprised to see how fast they go. Do 3 sections and you've already achieved your mandatory 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise. This work out routine is so good, my husband does it with me ( and follows it up with additional weight lifting). That's right - he converted to pilates after he felt how much they do to your whole body. No gym targets the kinds of muscles pilates seem to work out. So 30 minutes a day every other day paired with a cardio work out on alternate days will slowly get you to a nice tone without you even noticing that you're working out. That's all it takes. You don't need to go hardcore if you don't want to or can't. All you have to do is 30 minutes a day of something that really works all your muscles.   I will post a video for you to follow right here. It's the first section: Buns and Thighs. Do 10 minutes of it and tell me if it's not easy, yet challenging.  Â  Â
You can buy the full DVD from Amazon for only $10. Make sure it's the right DVD ( link below), because there're quite a few similar titles. What I love about this DVD compared to others, no props required. You could use dumbells, but who doesn't own them already. Otherwise, no bands, no balls, nothing- just you and Lara Hudson 🙂 Â
NEED MOTIVATION?
So those of you out there who are still on the sidelines watching this challenge with a sigh and a "I want to do it, but I'm not sure I am ready", Join us NOW! I challenge you to add 3 ten  minute a day sessions of pilates. That's all I am asking for. Type up that blog announcing that you'll be joining and getting in shape and in your fitness challenge put: "3 ten minute sessions of pilates daily" or "3 ten minutes pilates sessions every other day alternating with a 30 minutes  run/walk/roller blade/bike session". DO IT!   Don't like exercises and need more cardio? Try step-aerobics. It's one of the best way to get your legs toned and burn calories without leaving your home. All you need is an Aerobic StepIt's also important to visit our participants. They need your support and isn't it fun to see how other people did on their challenge, read about the lessons they learned and take in their advice to fellow members. Keeping up with other GET FIT participants and encouraging each other is a big part of the GET FIT challenge.  Can't wait to see how you all did this week!
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7 comments
I already think you look awesome.
I am also going to look into the pilates workout you posted. Thanks for the tip!!!
I’ve done Pilates and it helps a lot!
You can really feel the burn and the target areas they specifically were intended for. I might start doing them again.
I think you already look great and don’t need any improvements, but just being healthy 🙂
I have been addicted to Yoga for 3 years …now that im pregnant I got PREGALATES and i love it.. Your photo looks beautiful!!
You look absolutely amazing. I have that DVD on Netflix instant, maybe I’ll even do it tonight.
Great information. Perfect for someone just getting started.
I love pilates…I try to go to a class every Saturday.
You are freaking gorgeous i am soooo jealous! Going to start doing this I need to get fit and healthy.