Richard Simmons - Sweatin' to the Oldies 2 (2001, VHS)

The impending end of the year has made me think about my New Year's resolutions for the year 2000. While I made progress on some of them (and completely forgot what some of them were!), the resolution I haven't accomplished is the one I make every year: to lose about 10 pounds or so. This resolution seems even more important now, after spending a good portion of the year sitting on my rear end and staring at an Epinions screen. So I finally have a little motivation to actually do something about getting back in shape. I surveyed my shelf of exercise tapes (all by Richard Simmons--how scary is.

Okay, I have to be honest. I absolutely hate exercising. Part of the problem is that I have *no* time during the day to fit it in. Goes with working full-time outside the home and parenthood. But, looking at the scale and noticing that my clothes just don't seem to fit anymore has inspired me to get my rear in gear. (I came to the realization that my choices were relatively simple; start exercising or buy clothes in a larger size. Oh wow.) Another problem is age, I think. I am now 38 years old, and those pounds just don't melt away like they used to! Needless to say, I have chosen to combine..

My parents bought Sweating to the Oldies 2 a long time ago, and it just sort of stayed in the video cabinet - used only a few times, if that at all. I've recently started watching what I eat and exercising. I was getting bored of always doing taebo, so I popped this tape into the vcr, figuring I'd breeze right through it. Well, I was wrong..I actually did sweat, wow! I started off doing it a little embarrased, but no one was home - and I knew my dog wouldn't tell anyone, so I figured why not. Amazingly enough, I had fun..while exercising! Can you believe that? Richard is also sort of funny to.

I'm always a little embarrassed to admit that I'm a faithful devotee of Richard Simmons' "Sweatin' to the Oldies 2" video. I guess it's due to the stigma attached to Richie and his own, er, unique style .. not to mention the fact that most people don't imagine a 20 year-old female dancing around to the oldies. But let me tell you, this tape is absolutely the most fun workout I've ever had. The tunes are great - very recognizable and upbeat - and let's face it, Richie is a fantastic motivator. But don't assume it's an easy workout just because it's fun ... this thing never fails to make me...