A review of every type of cross-training workout I have ever done.

We will start off your Friday morning with a picture of the Brooker after a long nap (the beach is exhausting) and a long bath (she really loves her baths).

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Last night was my last dinner with Billy for THREE weeks.  Don’t be surprised when I am telling you over and over again that I miss him over the next three weeks.  I warned you.  We had grilled bbq chicken with cheese and spinach sandwiches, carrots and corn.  

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Dessert.  You see, I don’t really love Oreos.  They are good but I would much rather have a giant soft/gewey/lots of chocolate chips cookie.  

Billy’s dad gave us a pack of MEGA stuff (even more frosting than double stuffed) Oreos and I can’t even believe how delicious they are.  Plus I think I like the Golden kind better than the classic kind.  

Interesting stuff, I know.  

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A reader asked me to do a post with a review of all the different cross-training workouts I have tried!  Brilliant idea because I really love running but I really love cross-training too and I would love to tell you what I think about everything.  In the comments you can review the different cross-training workouts that you have tried so that we can have an awesome resource with lots of different reviews!

Spin–  I have been teaching cycling for 7 years now.  For many years I was teaching 4 classes a week but now I am teaching 2 a week.   This comes in 2nd place to running as my favorite workout.  There is just something about the loud music, the intensity (sprints and hill climbs are no joke) and being in a class with other spin lovers that makes me so happy.  I really think that spin helped me get faster for the marathons that I pr’d in but that is just my opinion.  

Make sure your bike is set up properly to avoid injuries (my body changed after having Brooke so I wasn’t set up properly when I started again post-Brooke which contributed to my IT Band problem).  If it is your first time going to a class, go early so that the instructor can help you out!  I wrote a post for spin instructors HERE.  

Rowing–   Honestly, this has turned into one of my favorite workouts.  I am not getting to the gym as much as I would like to right now but anytime I go to teach spin I try to get in at least 15 minutes of rowing before class.  I was doing 10,000 meters (took me about 47 minutes) very consistently for about a month and I felt like my core was stronger than ever.  Rowing is an incredible total body workout and I definitely get my favorite little endorphin high afterwards.  I bring my wireless headphones and set up netflix on my phone to watch something while I row and that helps with the boredom.  I talk ALL about rowing HERE!

Jillian’s 30 Day Shred–  I have been doing this DVD for years.  Sometimes twice a week and sometimes twice a month but overall I have done it a ton!  I love it.  It flies by.  You get in a lil’ bit of cardio (especially the level with the mountain climbers!), core and strength training in 20 minutes.  I love that she combines moves (i.e. squats and overhead presses) to make sure you get the most for your time.  Each level feels very different to me and the first level is easier than the other two (for me) so I like to be able to choose how hard I want to work and then choose the level accordingly.  All you need is a pair of dumbbells.  

Jillian’s Yoga Meltdown–  Another classic for me and super short!  For some reason Jillian motivates me and I feel like I get a really good stretch and some of the moves she throws in there are great toning moves!

Elliptical–  This is something I haven’t done for a while.  I used to live on this thing and you get what you put into it.  There were some days that I took it so easy that I didn’t even work up a little sweat and some days that I would include speed intervals or high intensity and ended feeling like I got a killer workout.  Key word: Distractions.  Magazine, tv and music.   My elliptical tips are HERE!

Stair Climber–  I always do the fat burner mode at level 12-14.  I like this mode because of the intervals that it has programmed into it.  The stair climber is a ‘sweat in my eyeballs’ kind of workout and I usually only last for about 20 minutes because it is so hard for me.  

Pump–  I LOVE this class.  Strength training is hard for me so having an instructor to motivate me and other class members around me working hard makes an hour of lifting go by so quickly.   This reminds me, I need to go more often.  I love the music, the combination of moves (they are not complicated!!) and how I am sore after every single class.

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Zumba–  Taken only a few classes so I can’t say too much about it but it is a good time.  I have gone with my sis a few times and it is a great way to switch things up, learn something new, work up a sweat and feel like you are partying.

Runner’s Core DVD–  11 minutes long and I felt like it was really effective the first few times but my body adapted to it really quickly and so it doesn’t feel like much anymore.  Maybe that is because I am still on level one, maybe I should get the one with more levels.

Swimming–  During my femoral stress fractures I really got into running and pre-blog I used to do sprint and olympic triathlons.  Another incredible total body workout and so easy on your joints/body.  If I get really into swimming again I will get the Garmin Forerunner 910 XT to keep track of my laps/pace/time because it is so hard for me to keep track and I love workout stats.  Underwater iPod made it so much more fun.  I always stick to freestyle but I also used pool toys like THESE to change up the workout.  Great article here on how to do the freestyle stroke.

CrossFit–  I have tried this a few times and I absolutely love it.  Only problem is that my wallet does not love it.  The workouts seem short but each time I felt like I used every single muscle in my body.  The community feeling of CrossFit is awesome and really makes you push a little harder!

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Aqua Jogging–  Incredible workout but also incredibly hard to get myself to do it.  It is hard for me to keep Brooke entertained in the stroller while I do it and I can’t get myself in the pool when it is early or after Billy gets home very often but when I do I am always amazed at how effective pool running is.   I go more in to details about how to do it and what jogging belt I use in THIS POST.   I get my pool workouts from here!  It definitely can get boring so get a waterproof iPod, drag a friend along with you and do INTERVALS.  This is the best way to maintain your running fitness during injuries.  

Iron Strength Workout–  I have only tried this workout once but oh my goodness it is tough.  Like really tough.  It is free and it offers videos with DETAILED instructions on how to do each move which is something I really need.  

8 Minute Abs–  I do this little workout almost every day.  I have never really been in to core work until I got my running coach but now I am hooked.  This is a ‘short, fun, effective workout:)’ and it really does burn.  My neck was really sore the first 2 times I did it but after that my abs were the only things sore.  1-2 times a week I will do it twice in a row to make it really burn.  

MY GEAR PAGE includes links to the workout DVDS and accessories that I use for some of these workouts!

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What are some of YOUR reviews of different cross-training workouts that you do!  Please add some in the comments because I want to learn what you do and what you think of it!

Thoughts on Oreos… double stuffed?  Golden?  Classic?  Birthday cake?

Any class at the gym or new workout that you have really been wanting to try?

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108 comments

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so wait! will you be in Utah on the 17th?

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3 weeks?! Good luck… by the way- you’re out of fire’s way in CA right?!
Thanks for the cross-training reviews. I’m going to pass this along to friends and use myself. Cross-training can get boring so I need to switch it up. Zumba scares me- I def CAN’T dance!

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Zumba scares the living daylights out of me. The only dancing I do is with my three-year-old and her skills far surpass mine!

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This is a very comprehensive post! Thanks!

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Pictures of Brooke in the morning, make my day! (The oreo picture definitely helped, too.)

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I started crossfit on Tuesday and we row for warm up! I agree it’s an awesome workout. I’m loving the weight lifting too. Hoping to become a stronger runner! Happy Friday Janae!!!

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I usually just run, but I’ve been using a bike trainer for cross training while I do the Run Less Run Faster training. The only other real cross training I’ve done is Body Pump, which I absolutely love!

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Golden Oreos are clearly superior to normal Oreos. I wish I could try CrossFit, but I’m like you – it doesn’t agree with my wallet (especially when I’m already paying 80 bucks a month for yoga).

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Thanks for sharing! I will be referencing this page!!! :)
Happy Friday!!!

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I love all of JM’s videos, and 8 minute abs even though the guy is annoying! :)

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This is nothing new for you, but I LOVE Pump! It is such a great full body workout, and you feel so accomplished when you can up your weights!

On another note… I’ve only ever tried the original Oreos. What am I missing out on!??!

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I think after reading this I’ve come to the conclusion that you really like working out ;)
Zumba is my all time favorite (next to running) but I also really love paddleboarding. This summer I’m doing some paddleboard yoga which is going to be crazy. As a swimmer for 15 years, I’m not the biggest fan of aqua jogging but I do know that it’s the closest thing to running and we do it every week for track!

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I don’t usually comment, but just wanted to say thank you for the very useful post;) i don’t run very much, but right now i’m training for a 10k and i went to some gym classes for about 3 weeks, only spinning and kangoo jumps…and i got significantly faster:D

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I love spin class and did it for years until we moved to Maine and there are no classes anywhere close to us! Someone gave us an elliptical and that is not nearly As fun as spin! I also have 30 day shred and the Ab ripper from P 90x.

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I’ve always loved classes, there’s something so motivating about having the instructor there and everyone else around you doing the same thing that helps me do some of my best workouts. I NEED to try zumba. LOVE that picture of brooke :)

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This was so thorough, thanks! Rowing is my favorite cross training, spin is second. I really want to get into swimming though since its so good for your joints. And classic Oreos dipped in milk are probably my favorite fthings in the world.

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Crossfit is my new obsession! After my last marathon, my IT band decided it didn’t like long distance running anymore so crossfit it is! A fantastic workout that is fun and hard. I’ve cut out sugar for the past year so no Oreos for me, but when I ate sugar, I loved the classic Oreos with a huge glass of milk.

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I, too, am a huge fan of the Golden Oreo! Given the choice, I usually go Golden over original. My favorite cross training workout is yoga. It helps me maintain the flexibility that I lose when running and a lot of the poses work muscles that are important to strengthen for running, like hip muscles and those tiny muscles in your lower leg and ankles. I really want to try a barre class, which I think I’m going to try to do in the next few weeks.

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I love the plain oreos! I’m more of a fan of not double stuffed!

In college, I was fortunate to try a lot of different classes. My favorites were boot camp and Zumba. I can’t get into yoga or pilates, though I wish I did! Any secrets, send them my way! I now do the elliptical or workout DVDs if I need something else. Typically, though, I do the elliptical or treadmill (or run outside) everyday. I also need to try your 8 minute abs! I love that you described all of those classes because now I want to try them all!!

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I have been secretly wanting to try a spin class – I will have to knowing you highly recommend it. I am just one of those OCD gym goers, if I’m not constantly lifting weights and counting reps or stretching, I get so bored even when TV’s are on. I can hardly stand the treadmill and doing solitary stationary bike workouts don’t cut it for me – my body’s super active but my brain is so bored, I might as well fall asleep. Maybe a group workout will change all that though…

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I’ve been swimming laps and I had no idea they had a watch to track laps etc for the pool. I have to get all the fun stuff to keep me motivated.

I’d love to hear about your tri days.. I’m wanting to try a tri and I’d like some tips and suggestions on what to do and not from your experience.

Thanks!

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Oops.. I wrote NOT from your experience.. I wanted to say FROM your experience. I always like your advice!

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Whoa, so many different workouts! I’m currently doing the 8 minute abs video, and like you my neck has been really sore, along with my abs. I also love spinning! The time flies by, and I get a ‘sweat in my eyeballs’ kind of workout. My gym also offers a class called “Intense Intervals.” We use a set and multiple different weights. It’s really a mix of step, plyometrics and sculpt. It’s a killer workout!

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I love workouts when you sweat in your eyeballs – yes, it sounds disgusting but at least you know it’s a great workout!

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I’m a classic dipped in milk kind of person. But we keep ours in the freezer, so they are cold and the milk softens them JUST enough!

Great workout reviews!! I used to have the 910XT and I loved using it in the pool. I can never remember what lap I am on…I traded it in for the 610 because the barometric altimeter was giving me wonky elevation data and I run a lot of trails, so elevation (gain/loss) is important to me.

I would add two things: in addition to spinning, I would say just general biking can really be great cross training. I bike to work (10 miles each way) almost every day and I have noticed a significant improvement in my overall fitness and I think it has made me a faster runner (and I bike SLOW, people). It also saves me money on my commute ;). I would also add hiking. It’s easier on your joints than running, but offers more of a workout than just walking. Plus, you get to go out and enjoy nature and beautiful views!

I’ve never tried rowing but I have been curious…

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Yay for hiking! I’m always amazed at how sore I am after a good, long hike. Back in our DINK days, my husband and I loved to rack up the miles on long hikes. Our distances are a bit limited now with the kid carrier, but we can’t wait to take our girls to some of our favorite national parks and spots on the AT when they’re older.

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I haven’t been to a gym in years but some of my favorite classes were Hot Salsa, 24hr tease and reformer Pilates. I love the rowing machine too, but nothing compares to doing Pilates on a reformer machine. It was such a great workout. I miss 24hr Fitness!

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Usually I go for the classic oreos, but I would love to try the double stuffed sometime!

Heavy weights are actually my workouts of choice right now…I like feeling like a badass when I lift heavy stuff ;-) Otherwise, if I want non-running cardio I’ll hope on the elliptical. Although I’m looking to buy a bike for the summer, so I might be doing that quite often as well!

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Thanks for the list! I also LOVE taking boxing classes! Such a fun, sweaty, workout :)

Double-stuffed chocolate oreo’s all the way. Can’t wait to try the MEGA ones!

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cardio kickboxing is one of the best cross training workouts I’ve ever done! Cardio, strength, core work… yes please. I also taught it so obviously it was a blast!

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I’m not big on cross training. I’ve tried a few classes at my gym but group classes aren’t my thing. I do like yoga and you’re right, that Iron Strength workout is no joke. I’m trying to talk myself into doing that again today. Also, I’m glad you mentioned that your neck was sore after 8 minute abs. I did that once and my neck hurt so bad the next day. My abs were sore too, but my neck was really sore. I’ve never had that happen from a core workout so I didn’t do it again.
As far as oreos, I really dislike regular oreos, in fact I don’t like the ones with the chocolate cookies at all. I’m a golden oreos girl all the way. And those Birthday Cake oreos, amazing!

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After having my son I did the Insanity workout DVD to target my core and fell inlove with it. Currently I run, do Insanity, spin and my own strength training circuit training. I use to do deck of cards workout when doing weights and really enjoyed it so going to get back into those workouts as well.

Have a great Friday!

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hollah–we’re leaving daddy home for the whole month of may–we leave for the big UT on Monday! It’ll be interesting driving with a 3 month old who hates her carseat. It’s been soooo hot here lately-im looking forward to a break in the weather…and help with the kiddos lol.

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A few things!
1. I just found your blog recently, and I think I already love you. That’s not weird, right? :)
2. I LOVE pump. Haven’t been in far too long, but you might have just motivated me to go back.
3. Golden Birthday Cake Oreos. They’re probably the best Oreo ever.

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Zumba has definitely got to be one of my favorite classes, and probably one of the biggest reasons I miss having a gym membership. Dancing to good music makes the time fly by, and the best part is that I don’t even feel like I’m working out.

And I have to admit that I’m not the biggest fan of Oreos either, but I haven’t tried the mega stuffed ones… Those definitely might make me change my mind.

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This is seriously such a comprehensive list. Wow. Anyways, my favorite cross training activities are the elliptical at the gym and also doing strength workouts. I’ve found when I do not do cross training at least once a week I will get injured. Even if I take a rest day.

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Perfectly timed post! Thanks, janae! I really want to try rowing :) i’m kind of not sure how to do it though… i guess i should ask a gym attendant huh

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I’ve been using the Look Better Naked program from Women’s Health Mag and its pretty awesome. I can feel my strength improving on my longer runs and definitely on my speed runs!
I have been wanting to try CrossFit so badly but it’s so pricey, is it really worth it?

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I really love to swim as cross-training. But other than that I don’t do a heck of a lot other than speed walking. I love double stuff oreos. I could care less about the golden ones. There is a class at the Y called Ripped that I want to try…

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I am a big fan of cross training! I am a substitute spin instructor and I love teaching classes. Definitely one of my favorite workouts. I also recently joined a Masters Swim Team. I think swimming can be kind of boring sometimes but practicing with a fun group of athletes/triathletes is awesome and very motivational.

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Thanks for the cross training list. I do a class called gravity at our YMCA. And, of course, running is my main thing. I have done some aqua classes (water aerobics) lately but would like to start swimming laps but am a little rusty on technique, and there just doesn’t seem to be any kind of class around here for non beginner swimmers. :(

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No reviews for me at this time – I couldn’t get past the Oreos. I love Oreos! Being from Aus, I’ve always felt so exotic eating them – ha ha ha!

I only discovered the golden ones recently and was pleasantly surprised how good they were. My favourite ones are the 100s and 1000s ones – they have sprinkles in them and just seem sweeter than the others. What are these birthday cake ones you speak of? Sound delicious!

PS I have bookmarked a heap of your workouts – the youtube ones and will give them a go! Thanks for the tips

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Not sure if only specific gyms have these machines, but have you ever heard of the Cybex full body ARC trainer? (http://www.cybexintl.com/virtualCoach/ArcTrainer.aspx) Some gyms have the trainer that only move your legs, but the Planet Fitness I belong to here in Logan, Utah has the full body ones – and to date – this is my cross-train #1. I’ve tried ellipticals, spinning – and they dont’ work my body to the point to equal a run. But the ARC trainer? Oh. My. Gosh. DYING. The only way I can describe it is it’s like cross-country skiing, doing high knee jumps and sludging through mud – all balancing yourself in the air. It’s like a stairstepper mixed with an elliptical. You can’t move the arms of the machine without really pushing, so unlike the elliptical (which seems to glide pretty easily) you have to put a lot of your body weight into the ARC. It’s HARD. It burns as much (or even more) calories for me – as running. I keep the resistance high, which is what does it – but it’s HARD. And amazing, because you have NO IMPACT on your joints. Compared to an elliptical, this thing is insane. I highly recommend gals or guys to try this machine if they are lucky to have it at their gym. I’ve been to ones that only move your legs – and those are killer machines, too – but I love the full body – as you get the full workout. It’s amazing! Take care!

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My cross training is pretty basic, just my spin bike and Jillian 30 day shred. I also have ripped in 30 but she’s tres annoying in that one ( sorry Jillian, don’t beat me up).

I think the rowing machine might be a good investment when I have more room in the house for a gym!

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Important things first… what is a birthday cake oreo?!?!?

My crosstraining consists of all things that bore me to tears right now – weight machines and elliptical. The hubs and I will ride bikes together which is fun but he is more of a mountain biker type and I am more of a cruiser so we don’t do it all that often. I am switching to a gym that doesn’t offer classes so I will have to get creative pretty soon! I do want to start using the row machine, though.

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Love anything by Jillian, but recently I discovered Cassey from Blogilates & I just started May 1st doing her YouTube videos. She has a calendar with which videos to do each day & they’re free! I honestly thought Pilates would just be a “meh” kind of workout, but these moves are tough, and she’s so funny so it makes them fun to do! Dying to try a spin class and Im not an Oreo fan, I like the cookie but not the cream, so even as a kid I’d get so mad when my mom got the double stuff, does that make me weird lol.

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Great post!
When we lived in a larger town (close to the Y), I got to try and do more than I can right now. But, I do mix in Nike Training Club workouts–both specific and general intervals, Jillian’s workouts, and some classes that I can find locally (kettlebells, pilates). I really miss doing yoga and power yoga regularly as there’s just not a great place to do that where we live right now.

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My favorite cross training workout is kickboxing! I absolutely love the burn, and I feel like a tough girl when I walk out of the room. I’d actually love to try boxing, you know the hardcore stuff with gloves and muscular male teachers ;-)

I have never tried any fun Oreo flavors – this is very out of character for me – must try soon.

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I really want to try Spin! My husband and I started doing the Insanity workout program about a month ago, and I love it! It’s so intense, but it’s the best workout I think I’ve ever gotten!

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I’ve always want to try Body Pump but it’s not offered at my gym! And I HATE the stairmaster. I don’t know why. I got on it last week and got off within 1 minute. I was cringing on the inside. I also LOVE oreos (although can’t eat them anymore…) I would absolutely love to eat the mega stuffed ones! Well, even just the frosting out of the center would be fine by me.

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Thanks for sharing and giving me some new ideas! :)

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I like the golden Oreos better than the chocolate ones too. But I don’t like the ones with the extra icing – they’re too sweet for me.

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The first few times I did 8-minute abs my neck was so sore too! I was wondering if that was normal ;) Now usually only my core burns since I’m more used to it. I’m glad I wasn’t alone ;)

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I love yoga for cross training, especially hot yoga. I find that it helps keep me loose as well as build strength in my hips, glutes, and feet

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Favorite cross training is definitely Jillian DVDs. No More Trouble Zones is the best! I’m also getting into road cycling and rock climbing <– a total body workout!

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I love all the Jillian Michael DVD’s even if she is annoying haha I also loved pump when I had a gym membership, but now I use the Nike Training Club app and it’s awesome! So many workouts and it tells you when to move on and how to properly do the move.

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You’ve got me hooked on the 8 minute abs! I was in dying pain after the first time, then its gotten easier and I’m happy to hear your neck hurt because mine did too and I didn’t know if that was normal or not. And I love 30Day Shred!

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I have been wanting to try rowing and crossfit for a while now!!! I just didn’t know rowing had a class and like you, my wallet doesn’t like crossfit. Add the birthday oreos into a banana and chocolate (smoothie) milkshake, taste like heaven :)

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Love Crossfit!! 4-5 days a week of WODding for me. Such an addiction!

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I would have to say I love the spin bike, too. If the gym at school had a rowing machine, I would totally be on it.
One that I would like to try is CrossFit, but like you mentioned, it costs a lot of monies! Hope to be able to at least try it one day.
Loved all the reviews!

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Thank you so much for this post!! As I was reading I was thinking..oh yeah I really do miss rowing…I want to try that workout… and unfortunately I have to go to work! But thank you, I sometimes forget about different workouts I enjoy!

I have been wanting to try TRX and possibly cross fit. I recently started cardio kickboxing and I love it! I would love to try the regular kickboxing class as well.
I try to fit as many yoga classes in as I can, and I am on my 4th round of Tina Reale’s Best Body Boot Camp. I LOVE IT! I also do the 8 minute abs video every day since you have posted it… I love how many times he says GANG! I really do need to use that word more often:)

Now all I wanna do is go do/try all of these things you posted. I am looking into the Jillian Michaels DVD! Her yoga DVD is no joke I work up a sweat.

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TRX is amazing and addicting…I go to a small class 2 times a week and it’s my favorite strength training now. It’s the “insanity” version of pilates. The variety of ways to challenge core/arm/legs makes every class worthwhile and I feel it enhances my training (I am a runner with secondary focuses on swimming and cycling/spinning).

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I love all of Jillian Michaels DVDS! 30 Day Shred is awesome. I also like Ripped in 30…I usually switch between the two to keep things different ;-)

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I need those oreos!!

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Very Awesome and Useful Post Janae! I already know I will refer to this many times! Appreciate you taking the time to do this to help your readers.

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I can’t believe there are now mega stuff oreos! Amazing!

I used to go to circuit training classes and loved it. I do my own circuit workouts now, but I know I sometimes don’t push myself as hard as I did in the classes. Having someone shout at me really makes me work harder!

I’d love to try crossfit.

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Pilates! I am a runner and I teach Pilates. Great for core and strengthening hips and glutes. It also increases flexibility and corrects muscle imbalances.

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I love love love Jillian Michael’s Ripped in 30…I’ve noticed such a positive difference in my strength and endurance after doing the DVDs consistently for about 5 weeks. Next I’m going to try 30 day shred!

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I really really miss spin. I used to spin 3 times a week but since we moved…two years ago…I haven’t gotten a gym membership and miss it!

30 Day Shred…I have it, I’ve used it and my knees hate it! I must have wimpy knees, I can’t do the high impact stuff, even the jumping plank stuff kills them!

We have Ab Ripper X from P90X – my entire body hurts if I do that entire workout. Its only 15 minutes but it is intense!

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Ab ripper X is my FAVE ab workout EVERRRR!! SO good! :)

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Janae! I talked about the Mega Stuff oreos on my blog today too! I knew we were meant to be friends :)

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I am going to neglect answering your thoughtful questions directed to us, and instead say that the beach + bath + nap equation equals a resounding AWESOME!

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Hi Janae! I am off running currently due to another tibial stress fracture :( and I have been using the bike to maintain fitness. Question: I dont have any spinning classes nearby, can I ‘create’ my own spin class on a regular old bike at the gym? I have been doing sprints and going at a pretty intense pace the whole time. How many miles do you usually cover during a spin class? I have been doing 16-17 miles in an hour which has been pretty intense for me

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I also love spinning. And crossfit. But there are certain part of crossfit that will make me skip a workout if they are included, namely burpees. I LOATH burpees. But like box jumps. So go figure.
Tennis. Hiking.

The Kidless Kronicles

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I agree with you about Jillian. She is SO motivating!!! I love the 30 day shred, and go in waves where I’ll do it every single day, and then have to take a break because it does get pretty repetitive, even with the 3 different workouts. Swimming and Spin are my very favourite forms of working out!! I just got my own spin bike and have been doing it every morning! I L-O-V-E it! I just put on my tv show and bike away! I also have been really loving Tone It Up workouts lately. They are amazing, and remind me of Jillian workouts but the trainers are a lottttt nicer! :) haha

xo

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I LOVE spin and 30 day shred!! I also like different kinds of yoga and I like to zone out on the elliptical and watch TV at the gym.

I was just saying to my husband, how could anyone like the golden Oreos better than regular? Oreos are perfection. We tried mega stuff, but I felt like it was work to eat them and I was one after only 2, which is crazy because I could eat a whole row of double stuff.

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I tried rowing after reading about it on your blog and another blog and I really like it, but I get blisters. Did you end up getting gloves for the machine? I’ve been using the interval workout on the machine to help keep me motivated to keep going. its 500m/1 min rest and I found that has helped keep me from getting too bored.

I used to go to 6 am spin when I was an undergrad, but now spinning is only offered at 630 pm or 8 am at my grad school’s gym and I am either in class or at work! Ugh.

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Thanks so much for sharing!

I really want to try Piloxing. I think it sounds super intriguing. Plus, Pilates is a little too laid back for me. I like working up a sweat!

Golden oreos and birthday cake oreos are the JAM. I love them much better than regular oreos. But I mean, if regular oreos are in front of me, who am I to say no? ;)

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Being away from your spouse is so hard. I live in Las Vegas and my husband had to move to Memphis for work and I’m required to stay here until August 2014. We only see each other 2-3 weekends a month. It is a really unfun situation, but we have lots of fun when we see each other.

My favorite cross-training lately has been hiking in the mountains surrounding Las Vegas. In the past I’ve also done a lot of spin and a lot of swimming. In fact, I really started running back in high school and college as cross training for swimming.

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I just started doing Jillian’s new “ripped in 30.” It’s just like the 30 day shred but even better. And it’s 4 new workouts. Number 3 will kick your butt! :)

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I absolutely LOVE my kettlebells. It is an amazing workout. Plus you don’t get bored like you would with just weights. I would love to be able to row. Alas I do not currently have a gym membership. I love regular and double stuffed oreos. My husband likes the mint. I avoid buying them as they are dangerous. I would like to try bodypump. I’ve heard good things. I’d also like to do crossfit but it scares me and my wallet.

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I’m all about the elliptical and my cache of Jillian Michaels DVDs :) The elliptical because I feel its a great lower-impact leg-muscle booster (I usually do hill intervals set on a super high resistance, so I hardly get going too super fast) and I can get caught up on my Mad Men/Teen Mom/Dawson’s Creek watching while I do it :) And the DVDs are great because they’re portable, scalable, and Jillian is just scary enough to be incredibly motivating! This is great, Janae – a post I’m bookmarking to come back to in the future!

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Double stuffed oreos all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Double stuffed oreos are awesome, especially dunked in a cold glass of milk. Makes me want some right now…

I’m a big fan of cross-training and have found it helps me stay injury free. Instead of logging junk miles, I limit my running to 3-4 quality runs each week and then do cross-training the other days.

My favorite cross-training exercise is swimming. I try to swim twice a week, anywhere from 2,000-3,500 per workout. Eventually I want to get back into triathlons, but that will require me to fix a broken spoke and tune up my bike. I think I busted the spoke riding my trainer when I was pregnant. We live in a really beautiful part of the country, and there are some amazing bike routes. Not a flat ride to be found, but if you like climbing, you’re golden. I also try to do a few at-home strength workouts each week and love the Spartan workout series right now. When I can, I love Pilates. Good core workout, forces you to stretch without realizing it, and faster paced than yoga.

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I’ve been taking a trampoline class at a large trampoline arena. (It’s not the tiny little rebounder trampoline…these suckers are big!) I LOVE it! You get a great cardio workout, and they way my instructor teaches, we incorporate strength training and circuit work in each class.

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For Oreos I like the inside-out that you can’t get anymore (vanilla cookie with chocolate frosting). Sadly, I’ve never done Spin before and want to try it, but the thought of it terrifies me! Even at my best, I’m worried that I’m not in good-enough shape for it.

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I’m a Beachbody girl! Love TurboFire, Insanity, and Asylum (1 and 2). All KILLER workouts… I actually feel like Insanity and Asylum have helped my speed and endurance when running! Definitely recommend.

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I LOVE the Golden Oreos! My husband’s dad has them in the house all of the time, and I lived with them for one summer and got hooked. So good! :)

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“7….7 minutes abs!” Every time I hear 8 minutes abs, I think about the quote from Something About Mary. Anyway, I love spinn and CrossFit. it is the community of classes that keep me coming back I am never consistent on my own and CrossFit has transformed my body and life! I have a wonderful community

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I just started taking a spin class and loooove it!!

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I LOVE oreos! They are my favorite cookie (aside from thin mints and samoas…nothing beats Girl Scout Cookies). My fiance and I are obsessed with oreos and ice cream…I don’t think our kids will stand a chance against that addiction ;) T

I love spin classes and any HIIT type workout, kickboxing classes are also great. They truly keep you in shape when you are not running. In the last year though I have fallen in love with Pure Barre! It is a fantastic class to compliment running and has competely transformed my body. I have tightened and toned muscles I didn’t even know I had and have really leaned out because of it. I would HIGHLY recommend trying it! I plan on getting certified to teach it once I move because I love it so much. It is an intense class, but not in the classic cardio type class.

I have been wanting to try CrossFit, I only hear good things about it and I love Jillian Michaels too! She definitely motivates you!

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Regarding the Garmin Forerunner 910, anyone use it with the heart rate monitor in the pool? I swim a lot and have been looking for a waterproof heart rate monitor but gave up after a while as many of the reviews I read said that they didn’t work in the water.

Recommendations on pool capable heart rate monitors?

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I love Jillian and the 8 min abs too!! Great list!

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I love my elliptical, and you’re exactly right, you get out of it what you put into it. I don’t think I could do my intervals on it without the distraction of the TV!

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What a great review, thank you! I may try out the rowing machine since rarely anyone’s on it at my gym when I’m there.

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I’ve been doing CrossFit since January and it is definitely my favorite type of cross training. Rowing is a very close second though… my boyfriend can’t run long distances but he is really good at the rower so we like to race…. he usually wins though. That boy is all legs!

I really want to try a spin class though!

Thanks for the breakdown on the other cross training, I will be trying a few of your abs workout suggestions!

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You rock. Thanks so much for writing this all up. It was extremely helpful. Now I don’t have to scroll through your whole blog looking for links. Have fun in utah.

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Ohmergah! I LOVE golden stuff oreos! They are totally better than the regular ones (although the regular ones w/ just plain vanilla ice cream, or even better, greek yogurt ice cream, are amazing too)!

So happy to know I’m not a weirdo liking the goldens…

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So after reading about you doing 8 minute abs every single day, I finally did it! I wasn’t going to, but then I’m like: 8 minutes. What else would I be doing? And now my abs are sooore!

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I love this post! I usually do biking, elliptical, and stairclimber for my cross training. With 8 minute abs of course! ;)

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News to me about the Oreos. I didn’t even know they existed! Aside from running, I have started taking Pilates and yoga classes. I love both of them. I feel that it has helped me in all aspects of running (form, strength,breathing). I have also recently been really intrigued with CrossFit except their prices are pretty steep.

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We don’t have the golden Oreos in the UK. They look so good!

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I’ve started the P90X programme and I love it! In week 2 already and despite not following a strict diet routine, I can already feel a difference.
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I love 8 minute abs and I do the 8 minute arms too. The video is SO old school, but it’s a great short workout!

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Thank you for sharing valuable information. Nice post. I enjoyed reading this post. The whole blog is very nice found some good stuff and good information here Thanks..

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Thanks for all of the cross-training options!!! I’m getting ready to start planning my training schedule for my first 13.1 and need to fit cross-training in there. I might be a little biased, but Zumba® is my go to….for now. I teach twice a week and can definitely tell the difference when I don’t practice or I’ve been on vacation. You don’t have to know how to dance, as long as you stick with the same instructor for a few (3ish) classes, you’ll pick up on it. All instructors are different….some are more dance-y and others are more fitness-y. I personally lean towards the fitness end. My classes are not classes without squats and a good arm workout or 2!!!

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This blog about A review of every type of cross-training workout
I have ever done. has helped me a lot, is very well written.
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I love my elliptical, and you’re exactly right, you get out of it what you put into it. I don’t think I could do my intervals on it without the distraction of the TV!

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