Janes July is all about Jane Fonda and her influence on the fitness industry.
Looking back I first did aerobics at school.
We were lucky as Sports were obviously important back in the day. We went to our local sports center from school and took Judo and fencing. The girls didn’t take to fencing so we swapped to aerobics and loved it.
Sports aren’t important these days.
Sport has its obvious health benefits, but as we age our backs change. With the modern world being moved onto the computer our backs are aging faster than they should be.
I personally have back problems and not exercising for a while didn’t help at all.
Weighing up the pros with the cons, I realise it is vital to staying young to keep exercising all our lives.
Beginning with sports at school programs our bodies for a life of exercise and activity. If you started young, you can get back on track easily.
Dangers of high-impact aerobics
As I’m coming at this from an inspirer point of view this time. I have to worry about the effect aerobics had on some women’s joints.
If you decide to do high-impact aerobics it is your own choice and you should be aware of the risks.
I do star jumps and so forth which may be classed as high impact?
Low Impact Aerobics
This is better for the joints and is less risky.
Seems a more sensible place to start.
tampabay.com/archive/2007/02/17/worn-out-joints-a-victim-of-workout-revolution
Decided to go ahead with it anyway, as although Jane Fonda didn’t invent aerobics, she was the pioneer who brought exercise videos to women’s homes.
For many years Fonda took ballet class to keep fit, but after fracturing her foot while filming The China Syndrome, she was no longer able to participate. To compensate, she began participating in aerobics and strengthening exercises under the direction of Leni Cazden. The Leni Workout became the Jane Fonda Workout, which began a second career for her, continuing for many years.[44] This was considered one of the influences that started the fitness craze among baby boomers, then approaching middle age. In 1982, Fonda released her first exercise video, titled Jane Fonda’s Workout, inspired by her best-selling book, Jane Fonda’s Workout Book. Jane Fonda’s Workout became the highest selling home video of the next few years, selling over a million copies. The video’s release led many people to buy the then-new VCR in order to watch and perform the workout at home.[57] The exercise videos were directed by Sidney Galanty, who produced the first video and 11 more after that. She would subsequently release 23 workout videos with the series selling a total of 17 million copies combined, more than any other exercise series.[44] She released five workout books and thirteen audio programs, through 1995. After a fifteen-year hiatus, she released two new fitness videos on DVD in 2010, aiming at an older audience.[3]
On May 3, 1983, she had entered into a non-exclusive agreement with movie production distributor Columbia Pictures, whereas she would star in and/or produce projects under her own banner Jayne Development Corporation, and she would develop offices at The Burbank Studios, and the company immediately started after her previous office she co-founded with Bruce Gilbert, IPC Films shuttered down.[58] On June 25, 1985, she renamed her production company, Fonda Films, because the original name felt that it would sound like a real estate company.[59]
Personally, discovering the in-home fitness video library after leaving an overpriced gym, saved me. It was further down the line, but it was Jane Fonda who started this idea.
What I have done is tried the videos out first so I could give honest guidance on how to do them and how they could fit into the slimming calendar that will never advise extreme workouts or extreme sports.
When I was at school I always got chosen to play lead sporting roles like goal shooter in hockey. Not sure why as I hated it. I had a friend who helped me get out of it and I have been surviving extreme sports ever since. I love aerobics though and I loved 100 meters, yoga, and going to a ladies’ gym; which was more laid back than poseur gyms.
wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Fonda 27 Workout
After studying the downsides of aerobics, I have also studied the plus side of keeping exercise going for the whole of our lives.
The fitness industry has learned loads through its trial and error, one of the main problems was women exercising in tennis shoes on hard flooring. Really trying to get some decent sports trainers now for this reason.
As well as aerobics, jogging didn’t help. Jogging on soft carpet is also better for our joints and ultimately power walking is the best of the lot.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing
Have to confess to being hooked on aerobics and dance, so the thing to do is low impact, where you don’t take both feet off the ground, in good trainers, on a carpeted area.
If you disagree with this, I wouldn’t argue, but this is the direction I’m taking Janes July. I’m not an expert so my priority is to make this as safe as I can by following the professional advice I have found.
Also, not being mean to myself, but I wasn’t born with Jane Fonda’s genetics, so however hard I jumped, (which I’m not going to), I wouldn’t get her waistline, so not worth overdoing it.
Also being apple-shaped, horizontal stripes over my stomach with a belt isn’t a good look ~ lol!!! It would work with joggers or shorts like the Paula Baldwin look.
Have to say Paula Baldwin was right all along back in the day.
I opted not to do extreme exercise as I was good at 100 meters at school. Quite like fast bouts then taking the rest easy.
I did like sport at school so I’m possibly more into this as I enjoy exercise as opposed to dance and aerobics isn’t proper traditional dance.
After an accident last year from ballroom dancing, will be staying away from formal dancing.
If you decide to try Janes’s July, I recommend the products below to help with your energy levels and joint care. I’ve been trying them out in advance so I could review them for you.
CoQ10 enzyme supplements
Description
What is it?
Holland & Barrett Co-Enzyme Q10 with Vitamin B1 helps to support energy levels. Co-Enzyme Q-10 is an important component when it comes to the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – ATP is a molecule that helps distribute energy to each cell in your body.
- Quality-Assured, Hight-Strength 100mg Co-Enzyme Q-10
- Vitamin B1 Contributes to Normal Energy-Yielding Metabolism
- Suitable For Vegetarian and Vegan Diets
What Are the Benefits of This Supplement?
- Co-Enzyme Q-10 can be found in every cell inside the mitochondria; it is required for many biochemical reactions. Organs like the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys – along with skeletal muscles – have the highest concentration of Co-Enzyme Q-10 as they require a lot of energy.
- When we are young our bodies usually make plenty of Co-Q10 naturally, but production tends to decrease as we get older. You can get Co-Q10 from your diet by eating foods like beef, herring, chicken, rainbow trout, eggs, peanuts, rapeseed oil, sesame seeds, pistachios, and broccoli. However, to keep your levels topped up taking a supplement will account for at least some of your intake.
hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/holland-barrett-high-strength-co-q10-100mg-capsules
I swear by these, feel so much better on them. Haven’t been able to get them during COVID-19, but they are in stock again, and feel so much better again. I can really tell the difference when I take them and my energy levels go up.
Jointace supplements
Decided to try these again in July to compliment low-impact 80’s aerobics.
Description
What is it?
Jointace Collagen provides a high-grade collagen which is hydrolysed to improve absorption. Collagen is a structural protein found in several connective tissues in the body including bones, cartilage, gums, skin, tendons, and blood vessels. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones and cartilage.
Copper contributes to the maintenance of normal connective tissues and therefore can be beneficial to cartilage (as cartilage is made up of connective tissues). Vitamin D3, zinc and manganese all help to maintain normal bone. Vitamin D3 is provided in its Cholecalciferol form as naturally produced by the body on exposure to sunlight.
- Ideal for those with an active lifestyle
- Provides high grade collagen which is hydrolysed to improve absorption
- Includes other essential vitamins and minerals; Vitamin D, Glucosamine and Chondroitin
hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/vitabiotics-jointace-collagen-tablets
Stopped taking these because of the women who moan about everything. Apparently our bodies don’t hold on to vitamins we don’t need anyway, so these are fine to take. Since started taking them again my skin has improved a lot and I know they are supporting my joints during aerobics, if you are not sure about any supplements you should always consult your doctor first.
Jointace patches
Description
- Provides 12-hour action
- Helps maintain joint health and flexibility
- Contains 8 individually sealed patches
Jointace Deep Aroma Patch has been designed for direct application to the skin. The unique formula combines seven Aroma-Active essential oils with soluble Glucosamine Sulphate and Chondroitin, for both short and long term benefit.
The nutrients in Jointace Patch are delivered via a deep acting liposomal release system. Liposomes are microscopic structures of lipids which enclose the active ingredients i.e. glucosamine and chondroitin, facilitating their transfer through the skin.
hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/vitabiotics-jointace-patch
I always like to have these in stock.
As I have been upping my fitness levels I had a few aches and strains, getting my flexibility back. These really help. If you are starting from not exercising it is essential to be in contact with your doctor as well. These didn’t help when I injured myself from ballroom dancing. If you haven’t tried something before and it looks too much be really careful or don’t do it. I won’t be doing ballroom dancing again. Also Quick Fit got me back exercising. Haven’t needed the joint patches since I found Quick Fit, but got them there as back up.
Beurer massage tool
sportsdirect.com/beurer-beurer-personal-mini-mass
When its cold I use a hot water bottle for muscle ache after exercise, really glad they are back in the shops. This tool is essential for summer when you can’t reach for your hot water bottle. I love this massage tool. I used to have a manual one that took hours to work. This gets straight to the muscle ache, if it is just muscle ache from exercise and not an injury from extreme dancing and so forth. I use it on my foot, (from an old injury, why I can’t wear pointed shoes), and it gets rid of the ache almost instantly. Brilliant product!!!
It is also back in stock at Holland and Barrett, where I got mine from.
Description
Beurer Personal Mini Massager, green MG16
- Palm-sized massager for relief from aching muscles
- Comes with 3 interchangeable vibrating massage heads
- Battery operated and easy to use
The Beurer personal massager is a mini wonder. This palm-sized massager is small enough to pop in your bag or backpack to take with your everywhere you go – it’s even discreet enough to use at your desk to help ease tense shoulders.
Battery operated, it’s easy to use with a simple one-button operation so you can enjoy a soothing massage whenever you need it most.
hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/beurer-personal-mini-massager-green-mg16-60049845
Magnesium oil
Description
What is it?
BetterYou Magnesium Oil Spray contains magnesium in its most absorbable form, magnesium chloride. This BetterYou Magnesium Oil Original Spray is Informed Sport approved. Ten sprays deliver a minimum of 150mg of optimally absorbable, elemental magnesium.
- Helps support healthy lifestyle
- Helps support muscles
Advisory Information:
The Magnesium TingleOn initial application you may experience a slight tingling sensation. This may indicate low magnesium levels and is the result of the high-speed absorption of magnesium through the pores. This will pass with regular use and as absorption commences immediately.Keep out of the reach of children. Apply to clean, wet or dry skin. Always read the label. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Directions:
Apply 5-10 sprays morning and night. Ideally apply after showering and massage into wet or dry skin.
I used this every day when I re started exercise after a long rest. I got the tingle, so glad I started using it.
I keep a bottle in storage now for muscle ache.
When it was out of stock, I was sparing with it just for my toe, now I’ll use it more often. Great product.
Sports Equipment
I have been able to purchase all of this to my surprise, so I recommend you have another try. The first week you might just want to try without equipment to get a gist for the routines. Will put the links to the equipment that goes with The Jane Fonda July Workouts.
Hand Weights
I got the weights from Argos and the Equipment from George at Asda ~ I think Asda is the British version of Walmart.
Wrist weights
groceries.asda.com/product/fitness-accessories/george-home-weights
Step
groceries.asda.com/product/fitness-accessories/george-home-step-up-box
Mat
groceries.asda.com/product/fitness-accessories/george-home-yoga-mat-colour-may-var
This will equip you for Jane’s July and then come in for all the other workouts from Collage Fitness. You should be able to get all this now.
Lavendar and spa music
Remembered to use this in the evening after aerobics to calm the energy back down, otherwise I can feel a bit wired at sleep time.
hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/miaroma-lavender-pure-essential-oil-20ml
Does Jane Fonda still exercise?
I found out she does, but she doesn’t do high-impact aerobics, decided not to include the said video for this reason. Also, I doubt I could do it and would rather stay low-impact.
Combatting dizziness and injury
We did aerobics at school ~ we were really lucky compared to today. One thing me and my friend experienced at first was dizziness. In aerobics the spinning can initially make us dizzy, it is worth being aware of this and trying it in stages. The Rosemary Conly Salsasize video is a good place to start learning spins and turns, once you learn these you can manage the turning in the Jane Fonda low-impact video.
If you experience dizziness stop or just do one turn and build up till you feel ready to try another.
At school, we did the whole lot at first and ended up having a few days off from school thinking it was the flu.
BE AWARE OF DIZZINESS FROM SPINNING
If you don’t like it or aren’t bothered about achieving spins follow Paula Baldwin’s advice. All you can do in the end is spin around without getting dizzy so it isn’t an academic achievement or anything. Not sure if it even tones. It is quite fun though and a change from running aimlessly on a treadmill.
In Jane’s July, I will also be showcasing another Rosemary Conley salsa-size video as she is obviously inspired by Jane Fonda and it helped me achieve the low-impact routine which I doubt I could have done without previously doing 2 months of Rosemary Conley.
(In fact, I would recommend finishing Rosemary Conley in July before trying Janes July. It will all be in Slim Cal overflow anyway. I’m thinking of just doing one Jane Video a month so you get a boost once a week, but then the rest of the week do something less hard).
Quick Fit explains the way to combat dizziness is also to drink a lot of water. You can stop the video if you need to get a drink but keep your feet moving.
If you are worried about injury, you can finish any routine with the Quick Fit cooldown.
To be honest I’m rubbish at dancing so I don’t always get the whole spin routine in any way, the minute I feel dizzy I just adlib and do my own funky moves ~ who cares as long as you are moving and keeping fit lol!!!
Age/fitness health
This I struggle to find info.
If you are young I think you are fine with mostly anything, but as we get older it is advisable to slow down a bit and use lighter weights, (I never started with heavy weights so might not make any difference). If in doubt about anything ask your doctor.
(I’m not old yet, so I should push myself a bit, but I’m not a ballet-dancing teenager either, which is all that is out there at the moment, hence why I started the slimming calendar).
I’m trying to stick with easy routines, but the low-impact video is fairly hard for me, even though I managed to do it, to my surprise.
If you try this and find it hard, keep doing Rosemary Conley and walking. I’m studying another project for September which I’m doing well with and can’t believe. I think this has helped me do this video. Try this DVD again in November or wait till next July, think you will be happy with the results. All of Jane’s July will be loaded into Slim Cal overflow under Jane’s Exercise Library, so you can save it into your youtube playlists and make your own routines with them.
Conclusion
I try really hard to keep The slimming calendar safe, but we are all evolving all the time, and at home, I guess we have to be our own guides with what exercise we do.
At this stage in the slimming calendar I have discovered the back is the main area of concern as we get older.
I’ve still got some weight I want to get rid of, but maybe we can maintain our goal weight and figure with easier exercise and stretches.
Will keep plowing forward.
The whole concept of the slimming calendar is to keep it simple and not overdo it, but if you enjoy aerobics it is better for us than doing nothing.
Sitting in a chair all day is just as bad as overdoing it.
Maybe we are all part of a new movement in the exercise industry.
Really glad I have discovered all this information and am pleased to be sharing it with other women like me, who may also feel a bit isolated in the post-COVID world.
Whatever we decide to do with exercise can’t help but say how good Jane Fonda looks for her age.
She is still modeling and inspiring average women like myself to make the best of themselves and have the belief they can achieve their goals.
Hope you enjoy Jane’s July and find something of use for your home gyms and spas.
n.b.
Keep watching for exercise Menus and The actual Jane Fonda Workouts in July ~ enjoy!!!
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