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.

beauty bookshelf: never give up by richard simmons

In my last Beauty Bookshelf post, I talked about how my view of beauty has shifted over the years. Though it still includes makeup, fashion, hair, photography, and art, it also includes justice, self confidence, and wisdom. It includes hope and perseverance. Knowledge and meaning. Beauty is so much more than what we see...it is who we are. Though I have been reading a lot of books recently that would qualify for a Beauty Bookshelf post (and may well be highlighted in the future) the one that stood out most was Richard Simmons' Never Give Up: Inspirations, Reflections, Stories of Hope. Since his passing last month, my heart has been aching, but I have been doing my best to turn that loss into something meaningful. I have been eating pretty well, exercising regularly, and taking time to read and reflect. This book has been part of that process. 

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.

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.

tips to eat healthier this winter

Brr! It sure is cold out there. The worst part? It seems to be getting colder by the minute. The winds have picked up and we have had more than a handful of snowfalls. Yes, we are smack dab in the middle of winter. Which is why so many of us tend to stay indoors. Free time is often spent watching endless Netflix marathons rather than heading outdoors to deal with the elements. During those streaming marathons? There may be some unhealthy comfort foods sitting nearby. (It’s okay. This happens to the best of us. Especially during the winter months.) If all of the binge-watching and binge-eating is making you feel kind of blah, don't worry. All you need to do is mix things up. Here are a few different ways to eat healthier this winter.

fashionable winter workout wear.

I always find it easier to work out in the winter. Sure, bikini season is long over….but the temperatures outside are perfect for a good run. Plus, most of us spend an awful lot more time indoors during the chillier months. That means crunches, squats, and weight lifting. Sure, outdoor activities are easier to do during those perfect summer days, but there is plenty to do both inside and outside in wintertime, too. It just means tweaking your workout routine.

Since I tend to workout more regularly in the wintertime, I thought it was time to talk workout wear. When the weather is nice, I tend to stick with a pair of shorts and a breathable tank top. This time of year? It’s a little bit different. Rather than choosing whatever won’t get in the way, it is important to think about warmth. Especially if you plan to go for a jog or do some power walking outside. It’s essential to find a balance between staying warm and not sweating to death. Thankfully, there are an awful lot of great workout clothes that can help. These are some of my favourites…..

drink yourself healthy with green smoothies

Lately, my mornings are all smoothies all the time. In the last several months, I've been working out hard and have made serious changes to my diet. One of the main changes has been swapping out my morning bagel (I literally would eat a bagel with cheese for breakfast every single morning) for a smoothie. It has made a huge difference! I have more energy, sleep better at night, and I've lost weight. So today I wanted to break from my usual makeup and fashion related posts for something a little bit different: a post on green smoothies.

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.

simple ways to stay active in winter

Yikes! It sure got cold fast. Isn’t that always the way? One minute we are certain that this will be a mild winter with barely any snow. The next? The front lawn is white and you are desperately searching for that extra pair of gloves. This time of year is associated with many wonderful things. Like making time for friends, family, and treating yourself to warm foods. Missing from that list is physical activity. It is believed that most people give up on their New Years Resolutions by January 12th. Well, that day has come and gone, which means many of us have forgotten about strict diet plans, have skipped sweat sessions at the gym, and are staying indoors as much as possible. That doesn't have to happen to you! Here are some super simple ways to stay active in winter.

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. 

feeling stressed? work out!

Sometimes life rushes past you. There is so much going on in the day-to-day that it often seems impossible to give yourself that much needed you time. Without it, you can start to feel frazzled, overwhelmed, and downright grumpy. Trust me – this is something I have experienced firsthand. Whenever I let work and responsibilities rule my life, it isn’t long before I feel totally and completely confined by it all. Which is why exercise has become a major part of my routine.

workout equipment essentials for your home.

You don’t need an expensive gym membership to get in shape. In fact, you can do it from your very own living room. Just pop in a workout DVD or create your own routine. There are plenty of options to suit your budget and specific interests. Since returning home from my vacation...it has been a struggle to get back to doing my daily workout - but having everything I need on hand makes it a whole lot easier to stay motivated. If you want to work out at home, these equipment essentials will make your life a whole lot easier.

it always seems impossible until it's done.

I am someone who sets goals. Constantly. My life is full of an endless array of to do lists and planners....each one full of dreams, goals, and desires. Certain things are accomplished on a regular basis. Like, writing articles, putting up blog posts, filming videos, and other everyday occurrences. Those are all jotted down on my daily to do list. But then there is a larger to do list. One that I have handy - and add to frequently. This summer, I came up with quite a few goals. One of them? Run 5K. Originally I wanted to sign up for an official 5K run but decided that my goal didn't require a lanyard, t-shirt, and number. I simply wanted to do it. Just to prove that I could.

This summer, I ran here and there. I ran home from work some days. I would run around the neighbourhood until my legs throbbed and my heart beat wildly. No matter how often I ran...that 5K seemed totally out of reach. Normally? I'd reach 2.5K or 3K on a good day. It was good. Just not what I hoped to accomplish.

Now that summer has ended and we are well and truly into the fall season....I thought my dream of 5K had passed me by. For this year at least. Then, on Friday, we had an unseasonably warm day. Temperatures soared. The sun shone brightly. So, on a whim, I decided to go for one last run of the season. (I listened to Christmas music while I ran and watched people hanging up their holiday lights. Very weird experience!) That turned out to be my 5K run.

I was about 2K in. I was definitely rusty. My legs hurt, my stomach cramped, and my water bottle seemed to weigh a hundred pounds. Then it popped into my head. This is your last chance to accomplish that summer goal. I ran faster and harder than ever. I pushed, pushed, pushed. Once I hit the 3.5K mark....I knew this was going to happen. The idea of making my 5K dream a reality kept me moving even when I wanted to stop. Once I was done? I was floating on air. The sense of pride and accomplishment was overwhelming. It was truly a blissful moment.

Today, I wanted to make a little blog post to commemorate that moment. And to remind myself that it is always possible to achieve my goals.

xo Shannon