Friday Five link-up hosted by Eat, Pray, Run DC,   Mar on the Run, and You Signed Up for What?

Today’s topic

Five Favorite Indoor Workouts

Now, you know I’ve been struggling to come up with my routine.   I think I’m getting there and these are the five that will stay in the mix.

Bikram Hot Yoga

Love, Love, Love it!   I’m not sure that I would love the Yoga without the heat.   I guess that is how you know that I am not a true Yogi which is something that I never claimed to be.   I am actually not very flexible at all either.   I’m hoping that will come with time as I can’t do many of the poses properly, but it doesn’t stop me from trying.   One day I may even be able to do Dhanurasana (#19)   Maybe the same day that  I can pronounce it, I will also be able to reach my ankles.

Swimming

This is on my list of things to get back to on my rest days from running.   It is low impact, but still an amazing workout.   Plus since one of my goals is to have a better swim time in my September Triathlon, I really need to get going.   I want to get comfortable enough in my swim that when I do go out in the bay, I don’t have my normal panic attack and end up doing the backstroke.   Although I’m not sure swim class will help with that as it is more a panic attack from not being in the pool.

Strength Training

As you know, I’ve made the decision to cut Crossfit out of my routine.  It was a hard decision that I still wonder if it was the right one.  But as much as I love it, it doesn’t go with my goals for the year.   That being said, I am not giving up on weight training as I really think it was good for my running too.   All studies show how beneficial it is to women for not just their weight, but the bone density and many other things.   So don’t be afraid to pick up a weight.

Here is me doing my favorite lift  – The Deadlift

Spin Classes

I couldn’t just get on a bike inside and ride.   If I did, I would go at a leisure pace and not push myself.   Therefore, Spin Classes are perfect.   Great low impact workout for the legs.   There is also some talk that it is  great cross-training for runners.   I can believe it as it is all legs!   You are going full throttle building leg muscles but non of the impact of a run.   Plus with the way you push up the “hills” in class it is a great interval training.

Must remember to take more spin classes.

Kettle Bell Workout

If you don’t have a kettle bell, get one.   It’s something that doesn’t take up a lot of room in your house.   You can leave it sit in the corner of your closet or in my case, my workout stuff corner.   Don’t have time for a full workout?   Want to add something extra on a short run day?   There are so many things that you can do with it to target so many different muscles.     Can you tell I love mine?   I need to use it more as it really does pack a punch.   Don’t believe me.   Then just give it a try.

I guess it is good that I’ve thought about all of these great indoor things that I should be doing more of because we are entering a really, really, really cold front.   Plus my YMCA catalog just came.   So I think it is time to add some of these things back into my routine.

What is your favorite indoor workout?