Note: This was originally published in June of 2012 as part of my real food weight loss story. I shared with you my simple and effective exercise routine that has been something that I’ve managed to do pretty faithfully since then (take that all you old workout videos/DVD’s!). Like everything I share with you on AOC, it’s actually DOABLE for the long-run and keeps me feeling strong to do the things I want. I’ve completely updated the photos and provided a new routine printable for you with the additional exercises I’ve added since the original post. I hope you use it as a springboard to your own, customized routines.

This is part of my and the second article on exercise. Read the first part of  .

Over the years I have tried lots of different types of exercise – running, going to a gym, workout videos/DVDs, classes…well, you get the idea. What I’ve learned is: KISS (keep it simple, silly) – and yes I changed the last word, ’cause we don’t need anymore negative talk, do we? When I aim for a simple, easy (= easy to do and easy to fit into my day) workout routine I’m more likely to actually do it consistently. Even to the point where it becomes {gasp} a habit.

Gee, can you tell that exercise doesn’t come easily to me? If it does for you- ignore all of this and get out there and do what you already do!

My KISS workout consists of about 10-15 minutes of weights and exercises followed by 20 to 30 minutes on the treadmill. That’s it. It’s not complicated, doesn’t require a lot of time or money, but it does help me be able to hike, walk, garden, or snowshoe with ease and helps me to feel good.

My “gym,” as you can see in the photo above, is made up of a folding treadmill in a closet, a shelf with a TV so I can watch a morning news show (and try not to think about how much I want to be done…), and a pair of 5-lb. dumbbells. I know…super fancy, isn’t it? The thing is- it gets used, more in the winter than summer, but used nonetheless. I’ve no desire to add a bunch of stuff that would probably collect dust.

This exercise routine is posted next to the treadmill. Brian helped me devise a “quick and dirty” (but highly effective) exercise routine to do (repeated twice) before hopping on the treadmill which I keep posted where I can see it to easily remember. It consists of:

Jumping Jacks. I actually like jumping jacks and they’re a fun little warm-up to get into the routine. Crunches. I complete 25 crunches each rotation (minimum is 25 – I often do 30-40). NOT sit-ups, which are hard on my back and often don’t work the stomach like crunches. I cross my arms over my chest and curl until I feel my stomach muscles working. Push-ups, girl-style. I do at least 7, on strong days a few more. These remain hard for me. When I first added push-ups to my routine my whole upper chest and arms felt the burn. This may be embarrassing, but I’m going to share so that any of you wanting motivation will know that whatever number you can do to start is better than nothing: I started with 4 push-ups. Yeah…and the forth was hard. I try to add another every week or two, as I’m able. Seriously, it’s amazing how strong you feel doing just 7-10 push-ups (well, 2 times). 10 Calf Raises. I pick up my dumbbells for the next set of 4 exercises, holding them as I do these calf raises.Arm curls (first rotation). Using the 5-lb weights (I’ll be investing in 8 and 10-lb soon) I complete 12 curls – both arms at the same time. Second time through I’ll alternate arms as I do the curls, just to change it up a bit. Key with curls is to do them slowly, always having control of the weight and using your arm muscles lift them and put them down- not gravity. Military press (on the second rotation). I sit on a stool (to protect my back) and push the weights over my head, military-style, again doing it slowly and with control. I do about 12 each rotation. Squats (first rotation) and Lunges (second rotation). The first time through I do 16 squats holding the weights and the second time I change to 16 one-leg-at-a-time lunges (8 each leg). Don’t go down so far that your knees are touching the ground- it’s not good for them. I just go far enough to feel it in my quads, especially because I have knees that pop and can hurt sometimes. 20 High Knees. I do these holding the weights andadded them after seeing that some Crossfit routines had them. They’re fun. Bridges (aka, bottom lift). I lay on the floor with my back touching the floor and my legs bent with my feet flat on the floor, then lift my bottom up until my back and legs are in alignment, then back down again. Slowly. 20 times on first rotation. On the second rotation, I add a leg lift when my bottom is up – one at a time, alternating, 20 times. It’s very important on this one to have control and tighten my core when the leg is lifted– not dipping my bottom at all. I couldn’t do 20 without losing my form when I started, so I’ve worked up to that number. I’ve done this exercise for years and it really does help lower back problems. 30 Second Plank. I added planking to my routine about a year ago after my daughter started doing them in her cross country practices. For this I get in a military/guy push-up position (palms and toes on floor) and hold it for 30 seconds. 15 Second Side Planks. I move to each sideand push up with my elbow and feet still on the floor and hold the position for 15 seconds on each side.

These work arms, back, legs, and core strength. Brian’s advice is to complete these as quickly as possible (not losing form, but mainly not taking a lot of time between each exercise) in order to be a bit winded after completing both rounds.

I do these exercises plus 20 to 30 of cardio (treadmill, walking/biking outside, swimming, etc.) three times a week in addition to doing active things throughout the day like gardening, cleaning, or running after children (which are not my own anymore, but I do babysit…). I’m OK with two days, or sometimes even one during really busy weeks- but I try not to go an entire week without working out because I feel that anything I can fit in is better than nothing.

Free 15 Minute Exercise Routine Printable

Click on the image below to open in a new window, then right-click to save to your computer and print out.

I’d love to know some of your favorite exercises that have helped you to feel stronger and more fit – leave a link in the comments or on !

 Read the entire series on Losing Weight with Real Foods:

• – My history with weight and body image
• – pictures of a few days worth of meals