Sweet Tooth Sweet Life

A Love of Food, Fitness, & Fashion

  • Home
  • About
    • Sponsorships
    • Contact Me
    • Everything NASM
    • Wedding
      • Courtney & Jay
      • Getting Ready
      • Ceremony
      • Wedding Party
      • Flowers
      • Decorations & Details
      • Reception
      • Honeymoon at Sandals Grande St Lucian
    • Q & A’s
      • Q&A’s – Round 1
      • Q&A’s – Round 2
      • Q&A’s – Round 3
      • Q&A’s – Round 4
      • Q&A’s – Round 5
  • Pregnancy & Babies
  • Meal Planning
  • Recipes
    • Recipes
      • Breads & Muffin Recipes
      • Breakfast
        • Coffee Recipes
        • Egg & Omelet Recipes
        • Oatmeal & Buckwheat Recipes
        • Pancake & French Toast Recipes
        • Smoothie Recipes
      • Cookies/Cookie Bars
      • Cakes/Cupcakes & Frostings
      • Dinners
        • Chicken & Poultry Recipes
        • Beef & Pork Recipes
        • Seafood Recipes
        • Crockpot Recipes
        • Meatless Recipes
        • Pasta Recipes
        • Pizza Recipes
        • Soup/Stew/Chili Recipes
      • Pies/Trifles/Truffles/Candies/Crisps
      • Salads/Sides/Odds & Ends
  • Favorites
    • Shop
    • Blog Love
    • Fashion
    • “Just Because” Posts
    • Workout & Fitness Posts
    • Cody Posts
    • Restaurants (local and travel)
  • Workouts
    • Workouts
      • Circuit Workouts
      • 20-30 Minute Treadmill Routines
      • 35-55 Minute Treadmill Workouts
      • Upper Body Workouts
      • Lower Body Workouts
      • Walking Treadmill Workouts
      • Elliptical Workouts
  • Resources

Why I Work Out With Soup Cans

By Courtney 41 Comments

I just love trying out new workouts…especially when the kick my butt in unexpected ways!

IMG_5510

A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from the folks at Barre3, inviting me to try out their newly launched online program, mybarre3. If you’ve never heard of a barre class before, it’s basically a combination of yoga, Pilates, ballet barre work and some other balancing work which is said to help lengthen and strengthen the entire body.

At the time, I hadn’t yet come up with the June Yoga Challenge, but now that I’m fully immersed in that, I knew I had to give these online videos a shot.

Since my new laptop is HDMI capable(?) I was able to hook it up to our regular TV, which was great.

I then got all of my equipment ready: yoga mat, Core Ball, and…soup cans?

IMG_5511

Yes, my friends. I worked out with soup cans today. Jay happened to stop home quickly this morning from work and one of his first, immediate responses was, “why are there soup cans on the floor in the living room?”

Well, that would be because they were the closest things to 1-pound weights I could quickly find before starting the workout.

IMG_5512

It’s recommended for women to use 1-2 pound dumbbells with the barre workout videos, and the lightest pair I own are 5lbs, so I figured this would do. They weren’t quite a pound, but they worked in a pinch. As Jay said, “improvise, adapt, and overcome.” Winking smile

As for my workouts of choice today, I chose (1) 30 minute + (1) 10 minute routine (I love the fact that they offer different lengths: 10, 30, 40, and 60 minute options):

  • barre3 Lean with Sadie Lincoln
  • barre3 Long Lean Arms with Candace Ofcacek

Both of the videos were challenging in their own way; the 30-minute video had my legs and butt screaming. Seriously. The burn was almost as bad as that class I took back in February.

I’m really curious to try out some of the other videos now and see what they’re all about!

*****

Once I finished killing my backside, I showered up and put together a little lunch, which was enjoyed al fresco today.

IMG_5515

This meal was put together in no time, thanks to a couple little freezer friends of mine.

IMG_5513

I paired a crumbled Boca burger with the white bean/yellow carrot/spinach mixture and topped it all with some crumbled feta.

IMG_5517

Done in less than five minutes, and delicious to boot.

IMG_5518

Gotta love that!

Question for the Afternoon:

What are some different ways that you’ve adapted a workout that may be considered “unconventional?” (i.e., soup cans!)

Share This:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Yummly (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on StumbleUpon (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Related

June 13, 2012 Filed Under: Lunch, Workouts, Yoga Challenge Tagged With: barre3, barre3 core ball, Boca burger, green giant vegetables, mybarre3.com, soup cans for weights

About Courtney

I'm a working mom of two beautiful little boys, Lucas and Alex, and I began writing Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life in April 2010. I enjoy chronicling my love of food (healthy and indulgent!), baking, motherhood, fitness, fashion, and everything in between!

« The ‘Oops We Made Too Much’ Cart
Automatically Yummy »

Comments

  1. Caroline @ After Dinner Dance says

    June 13, 2012 at 2:20 pm

    Way to make it work! I've been wanting to try Barre but there aren't any classes around me. It looks like it gives you a good workout! Maybe one day I'll venture to do it online - I just always worry I won't do the positions right if I'm not in a class.
    Reply
  2. Rachael @ Ready To Get Sweaty says

    June 13, 2012 at 2:22 pm

    Barre is by far my FAVORITE workout. I'm addicted and have been going to classes since December of last year. It is the perfect way to strength train while also working on the long and lean frame I strive for. I'm glad you liked the videos I and I can't wait to give this site a try!
    Reply
  3. Megan@ The Running Doc says

    June 13, 2012 at 2:25 pm

    I'm intrigued by these online workout videos! I usually stick my my Jillian Michaels 30-day shread since I own that DVD but I might need to branch out a bit!
    Reply
  4. Khushboo says

    June 13, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    Love those burgers! I've resorted to doing tricep dips of chairs and park benches several times and both get the job done :)
    Reply
  5. kristin says

    June 13, 2012 at 2:35 pm

    Lol - Monday I was enjoying a workout on-demand and didn’t realize I needed weights so I quickly pressed paused and the closet weight object to me was "soup cans"! I also use them - we recently moved and my weights were packed away somewhere so I grabbed the heaviest cans I could find!
    Reply
  6. Courtney @ Outrunning Insecurities says

    June 13, 2012 at 2:38 pm

    I might have to give these workouts a shot. You have me intrigued. As for unconventional workouts I once weirded out my entire family when I went out for a walk one summer in 100 degree weather with my just iPhone and headphones, and literally just wandered around my neighborhood for HOURS. I honestly didn't realize how much time was passing when I was walking. I was off in my own little world.
    Reply
  7. Angela says

    June 13, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    I have used water bottles before while working out on vacation or park benchs for tricep dips!
    Reply
  8. Kristen @ notsodomesticated says

    June 13, 2012 at 2:57 pm

    I've done the soup can thing before ... whatever works, right? ;)
    Reply
  9. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says

    June 13, 2012 at 2:57 pm

    i've worked out with a gallon of water or laundry detergent in place of a kettle bell before!
    Reply
  10. Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie says

    June 13, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    My sister and I were working out at my parents' house and my mom has only one set of weights so I used bottles of laundry detergent. It was still a great workout!
    Reply
  11. Lindsay @ LindsayInNYC says

    June 13, 2012 at 3:07 pm

    Oh man, my husband LOVES to use the “improvise, adapt, and overcome" phrase with me. Some days I don't mind. On the annoyed days, I kindly remind him I wasn't in the Marine Corps ;)
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      June 13, 2012 at 3:55 pm

      Hahaha :)
      Reply
  12. Chelsea @ Chelsea's Health says

    June 13, 2012 at 3:10 pm

    I love Barre3! I actually went to the original studio when on vacation in Portland and took a class with Sadie. I ended up bringing home a workout dvd and ball! I did not even know this type of workout existed until I was out for a run and found the studio. Thanks for sharing this resource!
    Reply
  13. Sam @ Fit for My Fork says

    June 13, 2012 at 3:12 pm

    I used water bottles for the 30 Day Shred because I didn't own weights. Totally worked! The barre3 classes sound like fun, too. I'll have to look them up next time I need a new workout!
    Reply
  14. Lisa says

    June 13, 2012 at 3:17 pm

    I SO want to try out barre workouts, it looks like a great workout, and a little different from yoga, which I can not get into for the life of me. I may have to try this out...
    Reply
  15. sherice@foodieluvsfitness says

    June 13, 2012 at 3:26 pm

    what do you need to hook up your laptop to your tv? I have a macbook pro that I'm sure will work on our HDTV been wanting to try this
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      June 13, 2012 at 3:54 pm

      Oh gosh, the hubs would know the correct answer better, but it just required one special cord. I think an HDMI cord? All I know is that it's usually hooked up to our PS3 (which I use for DVD's) and I just had to unplug it from there and hook it up to my computer. Haha, hope that helps somehow!
      Reply
  16. Jaren@Kiwi Fit Blog says

    June 13, 2012 at 3:28 pm

    I've used soup cans for pilates before, but it always cracks me up.
    Reply
  17. Ellie@Fit for the Soul says

    June 13, 2012 at 3:34 pm

    haha I love it when husbands are confused because of our little workout quirks. Those barre routines sound fun! Have you heard of Leah Sarago? If so, what differences do you see? And I've been loving salads! Especially when I pop in your blog because they always look amazing and I'm more inspired to take the time to chop veggies and make myself a nice bowl. :D So thank you!
    Reply
    • Courtney says

      June 13, 2012 at 3:53 pm

      I haven't heard of her, but now I may have to go check her out! And, you're welcome ;)
      Reply
  18. Talia @ Bite Size Wellness says

    June 13, 2012 at 3:57 pm

    Ah! I miss having a bigger space so I can workout in the living room. I think I will just have to shun the pets to the bedroom and make it happen! Good call on the soup cans...love your adaptability. Can't wait for the time when I see you with milk cartons or something else!
    Reply
  19. Hannah R says

    June 13, 2012 at 4:19 pm

    I've been hearing a lot about barre lately. I will certainly try it soon! My unconventional workout equipment includes a walker in place of a dip station for now:) So great for the core and triceps!
    Reply
  20. Alyssa @ Fit and Fun in Third says

    June 13, 2012 at 4:26 pm

    I've definetly used soup cans too! Big water bottles work well, too! :)
    Reply
  21. Jessica Kane says

    June 13, 2012 at 4:43 pm

    I've totally done the soup can thing! I learned it from my aunt who used to do in-home physical therapy. She said it was just enough weight and resistance especially for the elderly patients, and who doesnt have canned soup or canned vegetables in their house? Before I bought my hand weights that's what I used.
    Reply
  22. Suzanne @ Fit Minded Mom says

    June 13, 2012 at 5:09 pm

    I have heard awesome things about the Barre workouts so I may just have to take a look at those online! I have never used soup cans myself(well, maybe when I was younger) but I remember my mom using them in combination with her Richard Simmons workouts, lol!!
    Reply
  23. Ali says

    June 13, 2012 at 5:14 pm

    We use our water bottles as weights in dance class!
    Reply
  24. Kailey says

    June 13, 2012 at 5:17 pm

    Thats really smart to use soup cans as weights! Saves a couple dollars too :)
    Reply
  25. Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction says

    June 13, 2012 at 5:42 pm

    Soup cans?! What a great idea! I'll keep that one on the back burner for next time I need some "free" free weights ;-)
    Reply
  26. Katy says

    June 13, 2012 at 5:45 pm

    I have tried the soup can workout before! I love finding random items to use for weights and workouts. I did dead lifts with a 30 pack once :-)
    Reply
  27. Amanda @ Let Me Be What's Underneath says

    June 13, 2012 at 6:38 pm

    Love that you improvised with soup cans! Looks like a great workout :)
    Reply
  28. Whitney @ Whit Likes Fit says

    June 13, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    Well, not super unconventional but I usually take my 2lb dumbbells (and jillian michael's DVDs) with me when I travel. I am always stopped my airport security wondering what they are. Note - I finally learned on my last trip to just take them out of my backpack and leave them in the plastic bins so they can see them.
    Reply
  29. michelle kim says

    June 13, 2012 at 7:18 pm

    Ooh those Barre 3 workouts are tough! And your dish looks so pretty and colorful, especially with those yellow carrots :)
    Reply
  30. Yellow Haired Girl says

    June 13, 2012 at 8:18 pm

    I was just saying this morning I want to try a barre workout! Excited to give this a shot :)
    Reply
  31. Jessamy @ The Rambling Asian says

    June 13, 2012 at 9:22 pm

    I used my cat once... she weighs about 15 pounds... I was jokingly trying to a bench press, and used her. Let's just say, that was the ONE and ONLY time it happened. I use water bottles, since I normally have two of the same size. I also have used bottles of wine (hehe).
    Reply
  32. Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says

    June 13, 2012 at 10:10 pm

    I did a barre class once & it totally kicked my butt! I've never been so sore!
    Reply
  33. Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says

    June 14, 2012 at 1:22 am

    Haha! I've totally used soup cans as weights in my workouts before. That or large water bottles work pretty well too in a pinch. :)
    Reply
  34. Tara Deal says

    June 14, 2012 at 5:29 am

    I went for a time period last year where I didn't have a gym membership and I found myself doing things like using household items as weights all the time. It was kind of fun to figure out how to use a water bottle, broom stick, soup cans, and other random things around the house during a workout!
    Reply
  35. Mandy says

    June 14, 2012 at 7:41 am

    Soup cans are a great idea! I have had to improvise and get creative quite a bit with a recovery from an injury that requires me to keep my heart rate under and at a certain threshold. So, I find myself doing repeats on the stairs anywhere I can find them so that I can do my workouts outside! Sometimes this includes my home or a public set in Boston. The great ones adjust!
    Reply
  36. Debbie (Accidently Delish) says

    June 14, 2012 at 11:47 am

    these are the times i really wish i had a job, that program looks amazing! something i think i would really enjoy. alas extra money a month is not an option right now. thanks for sharing though! and yes i've used random things as hand weights. my text books i think have made work out appearances. haha. gotta get creative!!
    Reply
  37. Madison @ Pilates Makes You Happy says

    June 14, 2012 at 4:37 pm

    Haha, this is embarassing.. I do push-ups against the wall in the shower... gotta do something while the conditioner is "doing it's thing!"
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sweet Tooth Sweet Life
Court Profile CircleI'm Courtney, a 30-something wife and working mom living in upstate NY. I'm a food lover, fitness enthusiast, baker extraordinaire and lover of all things sweet.
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Recent Posts

  • A Little Living Room Makeover
  • The Five F’s {3/12}
  • My Last 10 Favorite Amazon Purchases
  • Fun Facts Friday – The Five F’s

Courtney’s Recipe Picks!

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Subscribe to Sweet Tooth by Email!

Instagram

Instagram has returned invalid data.

Follow Me!

  FitFluential Is Fitness Found 
  
 

Categories

Archives

Disclaimer

I am not a registered dietitian, or certified fitness expert. The purpose of my blog is to share my own personal knowledge, opinions, and experiences with food, fitness, and life. My Privacy Policy can be found HERE.

Content Marketing Editorial Calendar For WordPress

WordPress Support & Maintenance provided by WP Site Care

· Copyright © 2022 Sweet Tooth Sweet Life ·