Well even though it’s not super warm or sunny here, it’s not raining and the sun is coming out here and there. I can’t complain! We’re heading in the right direction!
This morning I set my alarm to get up early enough to make it to Pedal N Pump and not have to rush. I actually woke up raring to go. I made a new smoothie combo since I had TJ’s chocolate protein powder: one scoop, Amazing Grass Chocolate Green Superfood, one scoop protein powder, a small banana, half a cup of kefir, ice, a little coconut water, and a big scoop of Naturally More peanut butter! It wasn’t as chocolatey as I had expected but it was still pretty delicious and full of goodies to power me through my workout.
Then it was off to the gym. I grooved to my new favorite song (Drake’s “November 18″) the whole way there. I was able to get one of the Keisers today, which is just a different brand of Spinning bike. They have a small monitor for tracking resistance, distance, RPMs, heart rate, and calories. That’s nice, but I just love how much smoother of a ride they provide! The difference between older Schwinn models and new bikes is pretty amazing. Our fabulous instructor had a new playlist this morning, so that made me happy. We did a 45 minute ride that included jumps, hills, and flat roads. It was a great workout, and she’s so upbeat and warm. I love going to this class on Friday mornings!
I decided to skip the “N Pump” part of class. Lately, I’ve been disappointed by the strength training in classes. I feel like they spend too much time doing abs and not enough on lower body. I also feel like they could include more efficient movements. So…I decided that this month I am going to switch my strength training routine from going to classes to…doing videos!
I am going to use Exhale Spa Core Fusion videos. I got these for Christmas and like them but haven’t totally committed in the past. But I think it’s time! I like these videos because they focus on small toning moves, light weights, and higher reps, as well as core strength and flexibility. I have spent almost two months working on my bigger muscle groups, so now I’m ready to switch it up. I feel like doing pilates or pilates-style strength routines in combination with high intensity cardio gives me the body I want: toned, flexible, and feminine.
I have Pilates Plus and Body Sculpt and I choose workouts from both (each DVD has five 10-minute workouts). I started with thighs and arms from Body Sculpt, and then did core on Pilates Plus. The time really flies by for each segment. I finished with Crunch Pick Your Spot Pilates and did a ten minute thigh workout. That has been my go-to for three years for stretching and toning my legs, and it looks like I’ve worn out my second DVD and will have to re-buy!
My new four-week plan is to do cardio (Spinning if my hip can handle it) three days a week and immediately follow with these videos, cardio once a week, and cardio + swimming (if my hair can handle it) once a week.
After all that exercise, I took a must-needed shower and then it was time for lunch! I needed some carbs!! I went with a Mexican bowl that came out quite red: leftover grilled chicken, pinto beans, salsa, red onions, orange pepper, green pepper, and red pepper, with Food Should Taste Good multigrain tortilla chips.
It could have been a lot spicier, but oh well. It was pretty filling, but I finished with a green apple.
This afternoon I wish I could say I have exciting holiday plans, but I really don’t. I’m hitting my giant PT textbook for the next few hours. We are babysitting my cousins this afternoon/evening, so that might make studing a bit more challenging, as the little ones like to knock on my door to tell me important things like, “I am now going to throw this ball for the dog.” Thanks for the update guys; have you called CNN?
I think I am going to make homemade pizza tonight to keep them entertained, full, and happy, but I am going to attempt to grill it like a commentor suggested! Let’s hope for the best on that.
Have a great afternoon! And here’s my newest fave song to keep you groovin till the weekend!!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k_zEHGX75E]
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