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Should You Work Out While Watching TV

I am the definition of a multi-tasker. I read while I eat, I always have at least two browser windows pulled up when on the web, and I watch TV while working out. It’s the last one of my list that has began to worry me. The thought came to me last night while I was watching the season finale of Dancing With the Stars while trying to complete a high intensity cardio workout along with Billy Blanks. I actually have two TV’s in my living room, one for watching regular television and one that is hooked up to the Wii and DVD player. This way, I can watch my favorite shows while feeling the burn. Great idea right? Well lately I’m not sure how great that really is. While trying to watch Nicole jive her way to the mirror ball trophy, I realized my workout was seriously slacking, I couldn’t take my eyes off the TV long enough to listen to Billy’s instructions, and I kept messing up moves that I normally would be able to hit. And I would never move my head away from the TV screen to really get into the cardio set or stretch I was to be performing.
So that got me thinking, even though I feel great that I can watch my favorite TV shows and get in a workout at the same time, am I really benefiting? Since I am not putting my full concentration into each punch and kick, am I better off shutting the tube off while working out? I know I enjoy watching TV while walking on the treadmill or elliptical machine, but that is different from having to pay attention to what an instructor is telling me. I couldn’t find anything in my research to support or advise against working out while watching TV, but I think I will break my habit of watching TV while trying to complete workout videos. Anyone else have an opinion on this topic?

Workout to Try: Billy Blanks Tae Bo

When I am in need for an intense full body workout, the one workout video that I turn to is Billy Blanks. Billy Blanks has created a plethora of fitness DVD’s after creating Tae Bo- a revolutionary total body fitness system that can get just about anybody into better shape- and fast! Tae Bo was developed around 1976 by Blanks, who was creating workouts for himself. The word “Tae” means “foot and leg” in Korean, as many of the movements focus on the lower body. “Bo” is short for “box” as many of the moves incorporate kick-boxing. While exercising along Billy Blanks and his team, you are giving yourself a workout filled with martial arts, boxing, and even dance moves.
I own multiple videos from Billy Blanks, each one about 60 minutes in duration. From the minute I put it in my DVD player until the last stretch is done, my body is on all cylinders. The moves are difficult, the energy is always high, and there are virtually no resting periods. The hard work is worth it though! My body has significantly improved since I started the workouts, and I feel so much better after they are completed. I am honest though when I say these are difficult workouts to complete- the very first time I attempted the DVD, I pushed myself all the way through until the end. Even though my body was screaming at me and my mind was telling me to stop, I didn’t want to give up. I promptly threw up right after it was over. So if at any time during the workout you feel you need to stop, I would recommend giving it a break. If you can’t complete it the whole way through the first time, just keep trying. Eventually, you will be able to get through it and even attempt the more advanced moves with the resistance bands.
I recommend checking out Billy Blanks website, http://www.billyblanks.com/, to learn more about Tae Bo workouts. You can read Billy’s biography, learn about the different workouts he offers, and buy DVD’s and accessories. You can even join the Billy Blanks Web Club (free for 30 days!) and receive discounts, daily motivations, coaching, workout calendars, and fat-blasting meals and nutritional support. Good luck!