Today I had a lower body workout on my schedule, so I decided to browse through some of my favorite healthy living blogs to find a quality lower body workout that would give me a good challenge. I stumbled across a lower body workout from Julie at Peanut Butter Fingers that seemed to be just what I was looking for. Julie’s workouts always seem to appeal to me (hence the reason you hear about them from time to time on here). They usually take about 30-45 minutes to complete, they challenge me, and they’re not too complicated or crazy.
Even though I am a certified personal trainer and have knowledge and background in fitness, I enjoy using other people’s workouts occasionally to mix things up. It’s easy to fall into a “rut” with doing the same exercises and workouts. Following other people’s workouts every so often challenges my body in new ways, and also helps me find new exercises and workouts that I enjoy. Plus, I don’t even have to think about what I’m going to do – I just follow the already created workout, and that’s that!
I headed to the gym this morning to complete my already planned workout (thanks Julie!). I started with an easy 20 minutes on the elliptical, and then headed over to the weights area to get to work. This workout was just what I was hoping for! It kicked my butt and gave me the challenge I was looking for without going too over the top. Not to mention it had my glutes and hamstrings ON FIRE by the end! I love that feeling… The feeling when you know you’ve worked your muscles super hard and can literally feel your muscles burning by the end. Needless to say, I’ll be sore tomorrow and most likely will be walking like I just got off a horse. 
Workouts
I suppose I should update you on my workouts from the past couple days as well… (I’m tellin’ ya, I’m really doing a terrible job at keeping up with my new addition to the blog! I’m sure I’ll catch on eventually!)
- Sunday – REST! T’was glorious.
- Monday – 20 minute HIIT treadmill run & upper body workout that I got from Courtney at Sweet Tooth Sweet Life. The upper body workout consists of pretty basic upper body exercises that are organized as supersets. Since one of my February goals was to “intensify my weight training workouts”, I really focused on lifting heavier while still keeping good form. Most of the exercises I did with 15# dumbbells! I was proud of myself and super sore yesterday.
- Tuesday – 60 minute spin class that I was NOT impressed with! She started ten minutes late and dinked around most of the class. I was so frustrated that I made a complaint to the front desk. Since it wasn’t as challenging as I had hoped, I hopped on the stairclimber for 15 minutes to get in a quick sweat sesh.
- Wednesday (today) – see above!
Questions:
- Do you ever use other people’s workouts or do you usually make up your own?
- What factors do you look for in a “quality workout”?
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Ahhhh love this! I can totally relate–that feeling of being ON FIRE is the best. Glad you had a great workout today!
I totally agree with using other workouts. I am ALWAYS on the lookout for new ones to try…takes the guesswork out of it!
exactly! and i don’t like guesswork, especially early in the morning.
I love seeing what pops up in my reader each week when it comes to workouts—there are usually at least 2 great ones! I love circuit-style fast paced workouts so when I come along those it’s a happy day!
circuit workouts are some of my favorites too!
I love when a workout leaves me feeling like jell o after and on fire! I have been pinning workouts so I can do them, I love variety.
I love using julie’s workouts! I usually make up my own, but sometimes I’ll use someone else’s but change a couple things to fit my gym a little better. Awesome job with upping the weights!!!
I definitely look for “workout inspiration” quite frequently! Thank God for blogs!
right?!?!
I just bookmarked that workout the other day, hopefully to try tomorrow or Sunday! I look for inspiration from others when it comes to strength workouts – if I make up my own, I usually use moves that I’ve learned in workout videos or fitness classes because that’s my only basis!
The only time I have problems using others’ workouts are when they involve using machines since I don’t have access to a gym right now. Do you have any suggestions for how to incorporate an exercise similar to the “one legged leg extension” that can be done at home with free weights or body weight? Figured I would ask a trainer like yourself
great question! that one is a little more challenging to do without the machine, but some alternatives would be: while sitting on a chair, use a resistence band around your ankles and extend your leg as you would on a leg extension machine. the weight won’t be quite as heavy, but you’ll still feel it! you can also use weighted ankle weights if you have those and do the same thing, but i would think the resistence band would be less expensive and more practical. i hope that makes sense! let me know if you have more questions!
Oh, I hadn’t even thought of that – I do have a resistance band. I’ll have to try it! Thank you, Ashley!!
Love this! I often use other people’s workouts…and if I don’t use the whole thing, then I use parts of it
. Like you said, it can be easy to fall in a rut if you don’t switch things up!
I feel like I’m always teaching a class, so I rarely do other people’s workouts although I always want to.
Good for you for stepping up your weights for February! 
You’ll love it at the end of the month (sounds like you already do though being so sore and all). 
I love using others’ workouts! I also love creating them, though
yes and YES!
I definitely use a lot of workouts I find on blogs, pinterest and in magazines. Sometimes I use them as guidelines too and create my own, using that work out as the base!
Sounds like a great workout! Julie always does have great workouts!
I too always search before hand, I don’t like going into the gym without a set plan of attack! ha