Happy, happy, happy Friday. I am so very excited to see the arrival of the weekend although I still have a really tough CrossFit workout to complete and client to train before I can officially call it the weekend.
I bundled up and braved the pouring down cold rain last night to teach BodyPump 84 for the first time. Overall, I would say this release is more back to basics and less challenging than the other releases we’ve seen so far in the 80s. I do really like the music for this release although I am not a fan of “Welcome to the Jungle” for the chest track. The music was so chaotic that it was hard to feel in control, calm and like I was going to be able to teach and physically get through the track. Loved the Adele remix for squats and the heavy beats on biceps though.
BodyPumpers…what do you think about the new release?
I came home after class and the only thing that sounded appetizing was bread and cheese. My stomach was way off yesterday but this grilled cheese hit the spot. Sourdough with cheddar, muenster and gouda grilled in a cast iron skillet with butter. I smooshed it flat by placing a heavy Les Cruset pot on top of it panini-style. Who said you need a panini press?
Remember all that snow we were supposed to get? Never happened. I didn’t care though because I got to practice yoga at 6:30 this morning and see the sun for the first time in FIVE days. It was the perfect start to my day.
I grabbed breakfast at Earth Fare on my way into the gym. They have a breakfast bar with fruit, yogurt and granola. Their granola is so delicious and addictive. Since it’s Friday I splurged and mixed in some peanut butter chocolate chip. Everyone can use some chocolate chips in their Friday breakfast, right Bess? (Happy birthday girl!!!!)
After getting to start my day by practicing yoga, I spent my morning teaching a yoga class and private. I always just remain so grateful that I am able to teach yoga as part of my job. I came home for lunch and made a salad with spinach, smoked salmon, avocado, carrots, tomatoes, candied pecans and feta with honey dijon balsamic.
I was paging through the latest issue of Shape while I was eating and was SHOCKED to read this statistic that only 6.3 percent of women lift weights. I admit that I didn’t start lifting weights until about five years ago but I haven’t looked back since I started incorporating it into my routine. For those of you who don’t know my story, I was one of those girls who pretty much exclusively ran for most of college and a couple of years after. No yoga, no weights, just running. Then I started taking BodyPump classes in preparation for my wedding and couldn’t believe how much it changed the appearance of my body. I have consistently lifted ever since. I now workout on my own and CrossFit a bit but I still love BodyPumping once a week too. It’s such an fun and crazy effective way to total body strength train.
The first thing that I tell women who ask me about working out/losing weight/toning/etc. is that they need to lift weights to really change the shape of their bodies. I can’t tell you how many times I have (as calmly as possible) explained to females, “NO, lifting weights (even heavy ones!) will NOT bulk you up.” I hate to break it to you but if you want a lean body and muscle tone, endless hours of cardio is not the answer. Lifting heavy things is.
I have endless strength training exercises and circuits to share with you that I promise won’t be intimidating and most you will be able to do at home with a set of dumbbells. Stay tuned! I’m gonna love this fitness Friday thing. Watch out y’all! 🙂
Are you one of the 6.3 percent? Do you want to be? What’s holding you back?
