Making Strength Training Accountable – Peloton Guide Review

We took advantage of a Black Friday sale and purchased the Peloton Guide. Its a device that hooks up to your tv and has a camera installed so you can work out beside a video and it counts your reps.

It was easy to install and set up and even has a feature where you put in the weights you have so that its easy to choose what you want to use during your workout. You can also use a voice command to change the weights if you need to during a set.

Ive tried several strength workouts and a couple yoga workouts and it really makes me feel like I have to do every rep – Sometimes I wimp out with one or two left and other times Ive been known to substitute a move Id rather do instead.

I have done strength workouts on the app for the last couple of years, but Ive never worked so hard!

This is also a good way to get into the peloton content without buying their bike. This route into a membership costs the same as their digital app+ membership.

SURPRISE! We bought a Peloton bike!

Yea, yea, I said I didnt like connected fitness, but I really love peloton cycling classes and have been an app user since September 2021. Earlier this year, Peloton announced that they would be changing to a tier based app subscription service.

After spending the last few months discussing the pros and cons, and going over how much I do use the app, we decided it would be worth it to get the bike! We did debate between buying a refurbished bike, buying the Bike+, or renting a bike.

We ended up getting the Bike+. Ordering was simple and I used a friends discount code. It was delivered within the week.

My delivery was done via JB Hunt and it went very smoothly. (I have read some horror stories.) I received a phone call the day before as well as about 20 minutes prior to delivery. They assembled the bike (minus the monitor) outside and brought it in to attach the monitor. They ensured it would connect to my wifi and also that the updates began.

Its odd to say that the bike is beautiful, but it really is.

The SO and I spent the weekend doing several classes and I have to say that I wish I would have purchased this bike to begin with!

Thankfully we purchased cycling shoes from Amazon because something happened with my Fedex package of included accessories. Peloton has had to contact them twice. (This is why I detest having anything delivered via Fedex.)

Organizing my gym area

Since 2020 I have been working out at home exclusively. I dont have any plans to return to my local gym since Ive been enjoying what Ive accumulated.

Im not here trying to become a body builder so I dont have any dumbbells over 20 pounds. Im not supposed to be lifting heavy due to prior injuries.

I found this Marcy small dumbbell rack that fits just what I need. It was on sale for under $35 (its $45 currently) It had mixed reviews but I find it to be sturdy enough for the weights I have and use.

This setup sure beats throwing my weights in a milk crate!

Three Days with an Instagram Personal Trainer

This is a pretty long post. I wanted to be thorough.

If you use Instagram and share anything fitness related, you are bound to get comments and follows from all sorts of related accounts. Ive been sharing my journey since 2020 when Covid shut down the gyms and I got pretty serious about working out at home.

Ive interacted with a number of these accounts and have utilized much for free. Ive even joined a few Facebook groups. I am skeptical of any claims but I appreciate a decent workout and good sweat sesh.

About a year ago, I found a training account who uses a specialized app and personalizes your workouts based on your access to equipment and abilities. Ive spoken to her several times via IG messages and I have joined her Facebook group.

She announced a 3 day challenge with access to her app.

The 3 days will include logging what you eat in her app, answering a question of the day via Facebook post, and performing a workout she designates in her app.

Day 1

I logged into the app and found a pretty scarce workout for me. It consisted of just 3 sets of weighted squats and 3 sets of weighted goblet squats and only took about 10 minutes to complete. It might have logged longer had I taken the longer rest period, but I just cant stand around for a minute between sets. I though she thought I had a lesser ability based on my age and prior injuries. I didnt fault her for that. I would have gone easier on me as well. I gave the coach feedback and she did respond within minutes of my message. It was just a glitch – My updated full workout was posted within minutes of the conversation so I went back and got to it!

My workout consisted of

4 sets 10 -Front squat / dumbbell deadlift / split squat

3 sets 12 -lateral lunge with hammer curl / pushups

4 rounds 4- pike plank / reverse lunge with knee raise / jumping jack

This workout took just under 30 minutes to complete.

Day 2

I did not feel like I worked out too hard today. A few of todays exercises were on the mat and that usually keeps the heart rate low. I am surprised at the emphasis on legs – but it seems like this is common in many programs.

My workout consisted of

2 sets 12 reps banded glute bridges / standing banded hip abductors

2 sets 10 reps dumbbell deadlifts / dumbbell thrusters

3 sets 12 reps laying single arm press / standing single arm press

4 rounds of cardio (hopovers / plank drags)

This workout took 25 minutes to complete.

Day 3

This is the last workout for the challenge. I really disliked doing another leg focused workout.

My workout consisted of

2 sets 12 reps banded walk / banded squats

3 sets 15 reps weighted glute bridge / single leg glute bridge

3 sets 10 reps split squat stance dumbbell press / skater

3 set 12 reps reverse lunge knee up / pilates single leg raise

This workout took 29 minutes.

Final Thoughts

My Day 1 workout was the best in terms of sweat and overall feeling of having worked out. I like to add cardio in several days of the week and Im glad I did not do that since my favorite cardio is peloton spin classes and this week was so heavily focused on legs. I also like to do pilates classes and if youve ever done pilates, you know how much your hips, thighs and rear burn after a great class.

I do not feel like my time was used wisely. The coach was open to feedback but seemed disappointed that I didnt think that this was a good fit.

My fitness goals are much different than most. While I would love to lose some weight, most of my goals center around building and maintaining stamina and avoid losing muscle and bone density. Im not looking to lift more than a pair of 15 pound dumbbells. I dont have a need for nutrition advice from someone who doesnt eat the way I do and I dont need ‘mindset advice’.

I also prefer to feel like Im taking a group fitness class. I dont need to see the other participants, but I like that sort of atmosphere. I dont want to count reps because I cant listen to music and count. Its not a skill I have. Some of my favorite examples are BodyPump, Core, and BodyJam from Les Mills as well as the offerings on the Peloton app. I actually like to follow along with youtube workout videos.

What do you think of my experience? Do you also agree that it was pretty leg focused? Would you have been challenged?

I got a Supreme Toning Tower!

For anyone paying attention, you might be aware how much I love Pilates. It might actually be the most effective workout for someone like me who suffers with almost constant lower back and neck pain that can only be alleviated by consistent exercises and stretching.

Most of my physical therapy exercises are very similar to what Ive done in pilates.

I already have a good amount of pilates related equipment, but I wanted something I could fold and store almost anywhere. While my reformer folds in half, its down in our basement (thats also where our spin bike, treadmill and rower are also) and I dont always want to go downstairs for a quick pilates sesh.

And thats where this tower comes in…..You can find this for about $250 on Amazon

Ive been lurking on facebook marketplace for about a year looking for this item in decent condition for a great price and not an hour away from where we live – and this past week I hit the jackpot! I got mine for $50!!!! (My son and daughter in law gave me money for my birthday and I put that towards this purchase)

Not only can I do a variety of reformer style classes, I now have the ability to use the push thru bar to do assisted teasers.

Have you ever seen this type of fitness equipment? Have you ever done pilates?

Five (5) things I am obsessed with

My current obsessions:

1. Diamond painting is a new-to-me craft that Ive been watching others do all over social media. I discovered it sometime around 2018/2019 when I came across a suggested youtube video. I believe it was only sold on a few sketchy sites from China, which is why I dismissed it entirely. Earlier this year, I saw people I know IRL doing this and found out it was being sold on many sites. I purchased my first kit in March and now I am all in!! I have purchased everything for this hobby from selling items I no longer use.
2. Organizing my office. I began transforming the room in spring of 2020 and I havent been able to stop! Im at the point where Im happy with the pieces I have in the space and now its a matter of selling off more of my un-used items to make the space (and have the funds) to create an even more functional area. I have transformed this room solely with the funds used from selling items I no longer use.
3. Digital creation – I recently purchased a new iPad mini 6 and have been learning new apps. I have really dove into two specific apps- Goodnotes and Procreate. Goodnotes is a great note-taking app and there is so much you can do with it. I am also challenging myself learning how to draw using Procreate. I am NOT artistic at all, so this is a real challenge for me.
4. Researching Cricut – Im in the market to purchase a Cricut. Ive wanted one for a while but never really looked into them. This year I plan on getting one based on what I actually will do with it. So Ive been watching videos on comparing the different models, as well as videos on different materials that can be used with them.
5. Exercise – Ive had a hiatus from working out due to illness and Im slowly getting back to it. Im trying not to overstress myself and doing research into which specific exercises will be the most beneficial. I spent the last couple of years purchasing the pieces so Im now just putting together a plan to use them again.

My interests have always been all over the place and you can definitely see that in the above list!

What are you currently obsessed with?

Couch to 5k thwarted

Unfortunately I will not be able to accomplish my couch to 5K goal by June due to some health related issues.

I still have this goal, but I have to keep my health in the front seat.

What have I learned from two years of regular exercise?

I wont lie. When the shutdowns occurred in 2020, I did not think it would be for an extended period of time. We had memberships to our local YMCA and went a couple of times a week.

Back then I would occasionally take a Body Pump or CX class, but I was more interested in the social nature of our local Zumba classes. I wasnt a fan of the music, but the fun of getting to know the regulars and the routine was what drew me in. I wasnt even trying to lose weight (which I needed to do).

You might remember that in the spring of 2020 I joined Beachbody. I needed something more than the usual youtube workouts I had begun to do. Now, I am on the cusp of renewing my subscription for my third year. And no, I will not be renewing my subscription. I still find value in it, as well as carrying my digital Peloton subscription, but I will only be keeping my Peloton and Apple Fitness+ subscriptions for now. I plan on rejoining Beachbody in the future.

I am still not comfortable with being in public, let alone working out in a crowd. I am unable to work out in a mask, which is why I continue with at home workouts.

I have lost over 35 pounds since 2020 and for someone my age, that is an incredible feat. Even my physician thinks its great. I have pretty much done some type of exercise almost every day since I joined Beachbody in April of 2020. I had already changed my diet in late 2019 so that definitely helped me.

You should ALWAYS speak to your doctor before starting an exercise program OR taking any sort of supplements.

Do not just take supplements because you heard you should. Using protein powder might be fine with 90% of the population, but for some people it might do you more harm than good. The same goes for pre-workout especially if you are sensitive to caffeine.

I learned that you ALWAYS only do what you are comfortable with doing. If you have issues jumping, modify to do what you are capable of. Dont keep up with anyone else. Make sure you have good form for whatever exercise you are doing. If you have to pause a workout to look it up and check yourself – so be it.

Be wary of who you follow. Some may complicate workouts leading to injury. If you want a personal trainer, make sure they are certified. And if you want to change your diet, find a registered dietician who preferably works with your physician to know what your existing health issues are.

Obviously this isnt all inclusive, but I hope this leads you the right direction.

I won an air rower!

During the month of January, Stamina Fitness (IG) ran a contest with the Muuv app. You were to move your body everyday during the month and tag them on IG for an entry for a Stamina Air rower (Model 1404). (This rower is on sale right now for around 50% off) Well, I won!!!

I had a small hydraulic rower I got second hand off of facebook marketplace that you can only use for 15-20 minutes at a time. And after one person used it, no one else who used it had any resistance. Its a common complaint for those type of rowers. I was saving up for a decent rower to hopefully purchase near the end of next year, but now I dont have to!!!!

We put the rower together Friday night.

It is AMAZING! Its a wonder what a good piece of equipment can do!

It folds up easily as well!

Are you a fan of using a rower to workout? Do you have any favorite rowing workouts?

Finding a pilates reformer for $35

For years I have been wanting a pilates reformer. I was a dreamer – wanting the rolls royce of reformers – you know – made of wood with all the springs and cables and other various attachments. Those run $6,000 and up, so I knew that was out of the question.

Ive also always been pricing the lower end reformers. Most of those run into the $500-600 price range. The best deal Ive seen was the Aeropilates reformer featured on QVC a couple times a year, but those sell out super quick.

Since I scored my treadmill for such a great price on Facebook Marketplace, I decided to start looking there as well – just to see. No plan.

Most of the decent reformers have been around the $150 range, which isnt bad. Ive watched several videos on how to clean and purchase new cords and other various things you might need to replace shopping online for an inexpensive used item. I would more than likely still be under the $300 range even buying a few replacement parts.

I contacted a couple sellers but they already had someone interested. And then I saw a listing that I had to make sure I wasnt imagining. It was a reformer listed for $35! It did not come with the rebounder or one of those boxes that sit on the carriage but those were available on the manufacturers website. So I contacted the seller hoping I was the first person to see the listing.

We made arrangements to meet and I made sure the carriage was able to roll and well as make sure the cords were in decent enough shape to hold me over until I could replace them. We folded it in half and brought my new pilates reformer home!

After using this, I believe that just purchasing some new black and red cords (around $60) will make this perform like new! I will be purchasing the table sometime next year to make my reformer a little more easy to use.

Heres my new-to-me pilates reformer (image taken from the internet):

Have you ever done pilates? Have you ever used a reformer? And are you a crazy person like me who has always wanted a reformer?