I don’t do this every day. But if I’m doing it, it’s before my shower. I use a copy of the Women At Large: 30-Minute Workout I picked up years ago.
I do make a few modifications. Such as:
- I often sit during the first few starting stretches. This is because I’m not exactly a morning person and usually am dragging my feet on starting. Sitting while doing the opening arm and shoulder stretches lets me indulge my inner foot-dragging 4-yr-old while I wake up a bit more.
- The instructor’s hamstring stretch doesn’t really stretch mine, so I usually do other stretches then.
- The second song has the instructor shifting weight from one side to another with lots of arm movements. I tend to step from one foot to another to get my heartbeat up faster; this also puts less torque on my knees.
- One move involves leaning forward, which would sometimes irritate my back. Now that I do more abs/back exercises, I don’t have this problem.
- The third thru fifth songs are all faster-paced. I tend to do these just like the instructor.
- The floor work tends to relax me and leave me ready to go back to sleep…so I skip it.
This takes about 25 minutes. I’ve been doing this once or twice a week, usually on days when I don’t go for a walk (my other form of aerobic exercise). Depending on how I feel, I may just drink water before doing this, or I may have a piece of fruit or yogurt or a luna bar beforehand.
Why do I do this?
- It wakes me up. (Remember: Not exactly a morning person!)
- It gets the kinks out of my arms & shoulders.
- It’s enough of a workout to get my heart into the “aerobic range” and make me feel more alive, but not enervated or hurting :)
- It’s good for my health in general & cardiovascular health in particular.
Oh, and just in case you were wondering: No, I do not expect exercise to make me skinny.
Happier, faster, stronger, more flexible: Yes. Skinny: No.
Living ~400lbs 
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