BOSU [n. boh-soo]

I hate running. I just can't do it...after a mile and a half, my body hates me and wants to break down. Put me on an elliptical machine and I'll go for hours. I'll take an hour-long spinning class that will turn my legs to jell-o but run? Uh, no thanks.

And that's when I discovered the wonders of bosu. The bosu is a half dome with an inflated rubber top. It's similar to a pilates ball, but obviously cut in half. BOSU is actually an acronym for "both sides up," which refers to the fact that you can use it with either side facing up.

Now, I know what you're thinking. What do you DO with that thing??? The bosu is amazing because you can do SO much with it!

Cardio workouts:

(This guy's hard core...exactly what I look like on the bosu. HA!)

Ab workouts:

(Just looking at this picture makes my abs hurt.)

Core strenghening workouts:

(A platform-side-up exercise. It's extra hard because the bosu isn't stable,

definitely challenges your balance.)

And lots of combinations:

(I know Brooke Burke is super fitness woman and dancer extraordinaire, but should she doing this while pregnant? Nevertheless, a great example of a combo: squats, weights, core balance.)

My gym is lucky to have an awesome class that utilizes the bosu called "Bosu Challenge." My friends and I (lovingly) dubbed it "Bosu Madness" because that's what it feels like at times. It's an hour-long intervals class that combines intense cardio workouts with strengh training. It's non-stop. And I mean it...you barely have time to put down your weights and grab some water before moving on to the next cardio combination. And it's HARD. I've been going for over a year, and I always walk out exhausted and feel super sore the next day

The key component to "Bosu Madness" is the instructor. She is awesome! She's so upbeat and has such a fun personality...which is a necessity to keep the class motivated to finish up the hour. There are definitely times when I want to quit and walk out of the class screaming "This is madness!" (see where the nickname comes from?) but she's great at keeping us focused and encouraging us to keep going. I won't lie, sometimes I look like this:

(Yup, completely still and spaced out thinking "Madness!")

On a side note, I love my gym. It's an all-women's gym and I love the fact that there are no sweaty, macho guys walking around and lifting weights to impress themselves and the ladies around them. It's super clean, the equipment is specific for a woman's exercise needs and the best part? There are TVs. What more could you ask for in a gym???

I'm addicted to this little blue apparatus, and it's playing a major role in helping me shed some of those unwanted pounds before the wedding.

Anyone else a bosu addict? What are your favorite exercises and classes that keep you motivated?