When people ask me what workouts I typically do, I usually rattle off a list of things: hiking, kickboxing, cycling, strength training, yoga, rowing, barre, and so on. I usually follow it up by saying something along the lines of, “I do a lot of different regimens, but I'm not really an expert at any of them." It’s true, I’ve never been into just doing one type of workout. I know that lots of people are strictly runners, or are amazing yogis and that’s their signature regimen, or wherever their fitness passion may lie, but for me, I’ve always wanted to do a bit of everything. I call it exercise ADD, and I figure that as long as I’m moving, it’s good for my body and soul to keep switching it up. Over the past month, I’ve been trying out ClassPass. You can check out my full ... [Read More]
barre
Trying Out The Bar Method
When it comes to working out, I love variety. Not only does this mean that in any given week I do a number of different types of exercise, but it also equates to me trying new workouts that peak my interest. A few months ago, I stumbled by a Bar Method studio. I had heard good things about this type of workout before, and was intrigued to try it. (source) The Bar Method combines dance conditioning and isometric exercises with light weight training and more to help target and tone typical problem areas - arms, thighs, butt, abs. I decided to look into one of the studios in San Diego and try a few classes. I asked my friend Jackie to join me, and so a few nights later, I had a workout buddy to look somewhat clueless in class with.... ''Nicole, tuck your hips!" ''Jackie, point your ... [Read More]
Ballet Boot Camp + Strawberry Arugula Salad
Happy Hump Day! This evening I volunteered at the Humane Society and got to play with puppies like this cutie: Because I had a full day of work to do and knew I wanted to make it to volunteering, I squeezed in a workout at home today. I've been wanting to try a barre workout, and I keep seeing The Barre Method studios popping up around here, but I just haven't made it to a class yet. Today I tried a Ballet Boot Camp Challenge workout I found in Prevention magazine. The article claims the workout is so effective because: "It strengthens your deepest belly muscles, pulling in your waist like a corset, while lifting your butt, trimming your thighs, and toning your arms. It also whips into shape your perfect-posture muscles, so you'll strand straighter after a single session." Sounds ... [Read More]