Hi everyone!
 
There are times when all of us get so busy that getting to the gym for a workout just isn’t an option. And the weather doesn’t always cooperate with plans for an outdoor workout!
 
That's why I try to have great workout DVDs on hand so I can get in a great workout no matter what. @MyTrainerBob’s workout DVDs are some of my favorites. His yoga DVD is a killer...in a really good way!
 
What’s your go to at-home workout?  Do you have any favorite workout DVDs that I need to try?
 
Please let me know in the comments section below!
 
XO

Ali

Hi everyone,
 
As you may know, I am training for the Los Angeles Marathon, which is in March! Knowing that I’ll have to run more than 26 miles in just a couple short months has really been helping me stay focused and on track with my workouts.
 
However, I’m (literally) running out of good music to listen to while I run!  It’s so important to me to have music that pumps me up and really motivates me, especially during the longer runs.
 
So I’m looking to all of you for suggestions. What do you listen to while you work out that gets you in the zone?  Please tell your favorite songs for working out, especially for running, in the comments below, and I’ll use some of them for my new running playlist. I'll share it with you here soon!
 
I can’t wait to see (and hear) what songs you suggest!
 
XO
Ali

Hi everyone,

Last year my parents gave Ben a hula-hoop for Christmas. I loved that because it's such a simple, classic toy, and it's all about moving! (It certainly gets me moving when I "borrow" it!) If you're trying to come up with last-minute gift ideas, how about a gift that encourages someone you love to be active? This doesn't have to be an expensive present. You could give a new mom the gift of a few hours of babysitting so she can get out of the house and exercise. You could give a friend the promise of a workout buddy once a week for a month or two or more. You could give your babysitter a drop-in pass to the yoga studio she's been wanting to try. You could give your mom a set of exercise bands or hand weights. You could give your spouse a subscription to a health and fitness magazine. Or you could give someone a hula-hoop!

Are you giving any fitness-related gifts this year? Please share your ideas in the comment section below.

XO

Ali

Hi everyone!

This question came to me from @nikilanctot1206: @Ali_Sweeney do u have any great kid/family friendly workouts you like to do w/ your kids to stay in shape?

It's such a good question. I love the idea of working out with kids, for lots of reasons. It sets a fantastic example for them and gets them moving, and if you think of ways to exercise with your kids, you don't have to find a babysitter every time you want to work out. (And you can't use your kids as an excuse not to exercise!)

My favorite thing to do with my kids is hike. When they were babies I put them in a Baby Bjorn or a hiking backpack, and now they hike along with me. That means we don't move as quickly as I would on my own (there's a lot of exploring of flowers and rocks and bugs on the side of the trail), so when they take breaks, I do pushups or lunges or something else to keep my heart rate up.

I also like just getting outside and playing with them. In order to make it a workout, I really get into it. I run, I jump, I play soccer, and I work hard on my hula-hoop skills.

Of course, I think it's very important for you to get out and exercise on your own on a regular basis, too, so you get a mental break and a more intense workout.  But incorporating family workouts into your routine is great for everyone!

What family workouts do you like? Please share your ideas in the comment section below!

XO

Ali

Hi everyone,
 
You definitely don't need to spend a fortune on clothes for working out. (So if that was your excuse, give it up!) Case in point: My awesome $12 sweats. I am a little obsessed with them. They are so comfortable.

Check them out in my video below!

Have you found any totally affordable gems like this? Please tell us about them!
 
XO
 
Ali

Hi everyone,

Hiking is one of my favorite workouts, and I do it whenever I can. I love the fresh air and the incredible views, and it really gets my heart rate up and leaves me feeling energized.

My dog Winky is a great hiking buddy, and I adore our evenings together on the trail:

How often do you get out for a hike? Do you have any tips for making it an intense workout?

XO
Ali

Hi everyone,

Last week, I flew to Las Vegas for a one-day whirlwind event that celebrated four successful months of the Walk with Walgreens fitness program.

Here are a few videos I shot while I was getting ready to go and while I was there:

Those women were so inspiring! I never get tired of hearing about someone reaching a weight loss goal and succeeding in the journey toward a healthy lifestyle.

Do you have a success story to share? Tell us about it in the comment section below.

XO
Ali

Hi everyone,

I just stared using a new iPhone app called Tout (tout.com) to record fun snippets of my life. So much fun! Today I'm sharing two of my first Tout videos to give you a glimpse of my trainer and me working out in my backyard.  

Check it out:

I love kickboxing, especially when I do it outside, because it's a nice departure from my normal workout. Plus, it really gets my heart rate going and always leaves me feeling energized and strong! 

Have you ever tried kickboxing? What other workouts do you use to shake up your routine? Let me know in the comment section below.

XO
Ali

Hi everyone,

I found an interesting Forum thread that I wanted to tell you about. I hope you will share your thoughts on the subject. Diane V. started it by asking the following:

“Sometimes I find it so difficult to motivate myself…I know a lot of people feel this way often and I was wondering what you do to tell yourself to keep going? Is there any motto or quote you once heard that inspires you to keep at it? I figure since we all have those "dark moments" (even the strongest of people), I thought it'd be fun to share the things you tell yourself to keep yourself going. I'm sure we can ALL use some good inspiration!”

First, let me say that this is a great example of how the Forum can function as a safe space to ask questions and share advice. I encourage you to get involved in the Forum and start threads about subjects that matter to you.

Now, getting back to Diane’s question: Do any of you have a motto or mantra you use for motivation? What do you tell yourself when you are working toward a goal or trying to get through a tough situation? Please share your response in the comment section below, and if you decide to create a new thread of your own today, feel free to paste the link to it here as well!

XO

Ali

photo: puglypixel.com