workout review: bob harper (beginner's weight loss transformation)

Going to the gym has never really been my thing. Though there was a time when I went fairly regularly with a friend of mine (she loved using the heavy weights and resistance machines, but I was more of a treadmill kind of person) it is simply not my preferred way to exercise. The gym involved a coordination of schedules, transportation time, and of course, exercising around all sorts of people. No thanks! As a lover of at-home workout DVDs, there are all sorts of routines that make it possible to burn calories in the privacy of your own home. Not only are there fun ones to do, but workout videos can also be really affordable. There are tons on YouTube for free (I have a weakness for 80s and 90s exercise videos and love to find all sorts of random ones there) or for low prices in stores and online. One of the more recent additions to my workout DVD collection is from Bob Harper. It was a thrift store find that only cost me a couple of dollars. I have a few other videos from him in my collection and those are tough. I mean, really tough. So, it was an absolute thrill to find a DVD from him with the word "beginner" in it. I thought this would be a little more manageable. How very wrong I was. Keep reading for this workout DVD review.

my final richard simmons store haul.

It's hard to believe that a little over two years ago, there was a post here on the creation of beauty is art. detailing my very first Richard Simmons store haul. In that post, I spoke about my obsession with Richard Simmons and how his workouts made my life better during the pandemic. Somehow, I am now posting my last ever purchase from the Richard Simmons store. It is hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that he is gone. The last few weeks have been difficult and my way of coping with the loss was to treat myself to some of the items still remaining in the store. Here is my latest and last Richard Simmons store haul. 

a tribute to richard simmons.

It has taken me some time to write this. Recently, the iconic Richard Simmons passed away at the age of 76. My heart has been aching ever since. I have written about Richard a few times on the creation of beauty is art. over the years, because he quickly became a very important part of my life. (You can check out those posts here, here, and here.) I found his videos during the pandemic, which was a time of uncertainty, fear, and isolation. But Richard Simmons was there to make everything a little brighter. I started off doing the exercises posted to his YouTube channel and then bought the Sweatin' to the Oldies collection. My obsession continued as the years passed. I bought everything I could get my hands on. Workout videos, books, keychains, and Funko Pop figures. See, Richard didn't just help me through the pandemic. He helped me tackle my longstanding self esteem issues. His kindness was evident in his videos, interviews, songs, books, and everything else he created. Not only was he kind to others, but he had a way of seeing people as they were, without judgement or cruelty. He saw all of us. He saw me. 

rank and review: richard simmons blast off series

Working from home has a lot of perks. The biggest advantage? Sweatpants. I live in sweats most of the time these days. Though fashion is always fun...I love being comfortable while I write, type, and create. The biggest drawback of working from home? Needing to fit a workout into my schedule. I need to be a lot more intentional when it comes to exercise these days. A lot of times, the Ring Fit Adventure Game from Nintendo Switch is my chosen activity. Other times? It is a good old fashioned workout video. If you've been reading my blog or watching my YouTube channel for a while, it is no surprise that workout videos remain a must for me. I love being able to workout in the privacy of my home. Oh, and I especially love aerobics classes from fitness icons like Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons. Speaking of the latter...it is time for another rank and review post here on the creation of beauty is art. This time, the focus is on the Richard Simmons Blast Off series of videos. 

current workout favourite: nintendo ring fit adventure

I am not exactly a gamer. Sure, I like to play old-school Nintendo games, arcade style games, and some favourites on the Wii every now and then...but I am rarely seeking out new games to play. To be honest, I don't have a whole lot of free time. When I do have free time, it is often spent writing or reading. Games are not the highest priority on my list. However, fitness is something that I am focused on more than usual these days. In a recent post, I mentioned that I am trying to lose the pandemic pounds that I managed to put on. This something that I have been doing in a few ways: workout DVDs, going for walks, using a food tracking app, and even playing a Nintendo game. The latter was not something that I anticipated. My husband had heard about the Ring Fit Adventure game and decided to purchase it for us. It is a Nintendo Switch game that comes with a Ring Con and Leg Strap. Essentially, you workout with the adventure style game. I wasn't sure that this was something that I would do...but I have been playing it fairly regularly for the last several months. It has definitely made a difference! Want to hear more about this interactive game? Find out whether it has helped me stay motivated? It is time to highlight my current workout favourite: the Nintendo Switch Ring Fit Adventure game. 

new in: richard simmons merchandise

My life certainly changed during the pandemic. I went from walking to work each day to working from home. Oh, and I also stress-ate everything in sight for far too many months in 2020. Despite working out regularly, it wasn't offsetting all of the snacking. Before I knew it, my weight had skyrocketed. Clearly, I needed to find some balance and be a little (or a lot) more mindful about my habits. For the last year or so, I have slowly but surely been dropping all of those extra pandemic pounds. There are many things that have helped me during this process, including Richard Simmons. His YouTube channel started posting clips of old workout videos and that inspired me to purchase the Sweatin' To the Oldies series on DVD. From there, I started adding various workout videos, books, and other Richard Simmons merchandise into my life. More recently? I decided to treat myself to a few items from his online store. Though this blog is largely about makeup, fashion, and beauty...today is all about Richard Simmons. Check out some of the merchandise that I have been enjoying lately. 

workout favourites (february 2020)

March is a new month with endless possibilities. But it is always nice to take a look back at the month that passed and note favourites and standout items. In February 2020, there were lots and lots of workout and fitness related favourites. Why? In the middle of January, my back was having some issues. (This has been a problem on and off over the years but it is no less frustrating when it happens.) That meant my workout routine was put on pause. It was difficult to want to workout and not be able to. But a heating pad, rest, and lots of stretching was exactly what the doctor ordered. Thankfully, I was able to get back in the swing of things come February. Ready to check out these workout favourites? Here goes....

rank + review: richard simmons sweatin' to the oldies workouts

Workout videos? Well, needless to say they are an integral part of my day-to-day life. Though there are days when a gym session is in order...most of the time it is just me and my television. There is such comfort in working out at home. (Though I realize not everyone feels this way!) Personally, I love it because I don't have to travel anywhere and I don't have to feel intimidated by all of the fitness buffs hanging out at the squat racks. Do you love working out at home? Or did you get more comfortable with the idea during quarantine? Then workout videos are certainly something to consider. There are an awful lot of videos out there, which means it is always possible to find something that is effective and fun. More recently, I fell in love with Richard Simmons videos. His YouTube account started uploading ten minute workout segments. That led me down the rabbit hole. A few days later, my husband ordered me the 30th Anniversary Edition of Sweatin' To The Oldies. No wonder my life lately has involved an awful lot of classic songs, sparkly tank tops, and motivation. The DVD set included all five videos in the Sweatin' To The Oldies collection so there was lots of variety. Ready to see how they perform? Find out which videos are the most effective? Here are all of the workout videos, reviewed and ranked.

trying out wet n wild workout inspired makeup

Workout inspired makeup? From Wet n Wild? Needless to say, this nabbed my attention. Wet n Wild has long been one of my favourite drugstore brands. In fact, I've been reviewing their products for years and years. In terms of quality, Wet n Wild has seriously stellar products for ridiculously affordable prices. Though not every item is a winner....there have been several standouts over the years. So of course, the Wet n Wild Pump line intrigued me. It included dozens of athletic friendly releases that were both workout inspired and portable, making them stylish and easy to take to the gym. There were a lot of options. So I narrowed it down to one palette, a blush stick, and two lip balms. Keep reading to find out how everything performed and whether these products were actually workout proof.

workout and sweat proof hairstyles to try

How are you enjoying the sunshine so far? The weather this season has been more good than bad. So take advantage of the beautiful scenery, the blue skies, and the picturesque skylines. It is time to get out there and work up a sweat! Worried about the logistics? You are not alone. When it comes to hair, it can be difficult to keep it tied back and tamed during a workout. There is nothing more frustrating than pieces of hair awkwardly sticking to your face or being temporarily blinded by your long locks during a 60 second plank. Never fear! These workout – and sweat – proof hairstyles will make sure your next outdoor adventure is a success from start to finish.

indoor workouts (fitness tips + my current routine)

Before there were orders to stay indoors, to social distance, and to isolate....my schedule largely consisted of work and the gym. Things have certainly changed. There is a part of me that misses working out at the gym. Though truthfully, I have always been a home workout kind of gal. I am extremely familiar with the work of Jane Fonda, Jillian Michaels, Bob Harper, GymRa, Fitness Blender, and a number of other exercise enthusiasts. (For some DVD suggestions be sure to check out my top five favourite workouts.) So while there is a part of me missing my gym time, this has also given me the chance to re-commit myself to at home fitness. This might be a bit of an adjustment for some. However, it is also a wonderful opportunity to make the most of the space you have. Here are a few indoor workout tips as well as some information about my current fitness routine.

reach your step count goal (simple ways to walk more)

There is no doubt about it. Walking is good for your health. It has been found to lower your risk of heart disease, prevent dementia, give you energy, and even help you lose weight. The reality? Many of us do not walk enough. We drive to the grocery store, take the elevator, and sit for long periods of time. This can make that 10, 000 daily step goal seem impossible to achieve. It doesn’t have to be. These simple tips will help add walking into your daily routine.

outdoor running tips for the fall season

Brr! There is definitely a nip in the air. In fact, some mornings, you can even see your breath. Could it be? Fall is truly here to stay. Leaves are scattered on the ground, the temperatures are dropping, and more of us are choosing to stay indoors. Don’t let the weather get you down or prevent you from getting in a great workout. Start running! This form of exercise can be incredibly beneficial, boasting reduced stress levels and improved health. Plus it can be done throughout the fall season. Ready to get started? These outdoor running tips will keep you safe and healthy.

look good while working out

I’ll be honest. Today, I experienced a serious moment of jealousy. The kind of jealousy I have not felt since my elementary school days – when my nemesis showed up wearing a pair of Spice Girls-esque platform sneakers. What caused this moment of pure unbridled envy? Khloe Kardashian’s fitness closet.. Yes, her fitness closet. Everywhere you looked, there were workout tops, track pants, and cute exercise accessories. Not to mention every essential and then some! Me? I am lucky if I am able to cram my workout clothes into one lone drawer. What a difference the A-list makes.