Hi friends! Before I moved last weekend, I had the opportunity to try a new type of workout trend that has hit the Bay Area: indoor high altitude training. Some supposed benefits of altitude training include: More efficient workouts: Training 50 minutes at altitude is comparable to 90 minutes at sea-level Increased red blood cell count Decreased recovery time Reduced overall stress and fatigue Enhanced oxygen transportation to the tissues, muscles and brain Stimulation of fat metabolism All of this had me very curious when the folks at Air Fit, a new high altitude training facility in Pleasanton, CA - which happens to be the largest high altitude training facility in North America - invited me to come try out some classes. Unfortunately I was only in town for a ... [Read More]
exercise
The Morning Burst of Energy Workout
I'm sure I've said it before, but I love to start my day off with some movement. During the week I'm typically sitting down working a lot of the day, and it's nice to just begin my day with either a long walk with Harley, some yoga, or a quickie workout that wakes my body up. It may just be the endorphins flowing, or perhaps it's the way that movement makes me feel like I'm setting a good tone for the day, but I really think it gives me more energy throughout the morning and afternoon. In the spirit of morning workout love, I'm sharing with you a workout sequence I created last week as a way to get that first thing in the AM movement in. The workout itself takes only 15 minutes. With around a minute of dynamic stretching to start, then a few short minutes of stretching at the end, ... [Read More]
Getting an Education in CrossFit Culture
Recently I had a freelance writing assignment centered around CrossFit, so I ventured around to different gyms in my area to interview owners and members and get a better grasp of what it's all about. Though I've never tried it, I have a couple of friends who are avid CrossFitters and I've watched the CrossFit Games on TV before, so I had a general idea of what the fitness regimen entails. However, doing research for the article really gave me a much more detailed look at what it's all about and why people are crazy about the so called "sport of fitness." (source) I learned that conventional CrossFit wisdom says to forget about the aesthetics, to focus more on what you can do versus what you want your body to look like. Essentially, it values athleticism over superficial concepts ... [Read More]
My Top 5 Workout Motivation Techniques
Hi friends! I'm linking up to the Fit Tip Tuesday party over at Lisa at The Skinny on Health again this week. My topic today is one that I'm confident everyone can relate to: finding that oomph to exercise when you just don't feel like it. I thought I'd share my tips of how I push myself to go workout on the occasion that I'm not in the mood for it, so here we go! 1.) Read motivational quotes - A quick way that I pump myself up to go exercise is to check out some fitness and life quotes like these... 2.) Pump up the music - Sometimes all I need to find my fitness motivation is to change up my gym playlist or download a few new songs that get my body moving. A few of my current favorite tunes include: Colbie Caillat "Hold On" John Newman "Love Me Again" Ellie Goulding ... [Read More]
Jillian Michaels’ Yoga Inferno DVD Review
Hi everyone! I thought today I'd share with you my love of doing yoga and thoughts on a new workout DVD from Jillian Michaels called Yoga Inferno. If you've never done yoga, I highly suggest that you try it. It's beneficial for every single person out there -- whether you're a seasoned athlete trying to improve flexibility, a person with back issues, or an exercise newbie who wants to expand your horizons. The great part about yoga is that you do things at your own level and pace. If you're interested in trying yoga but don't want to go to a class, I suggest following a few YouTube videos or DVDs to get a feel for what style works best for you. I used to not practice yoga because I thought it was too slow-paced for my liking, but my how things have changed! I like doing yoga on ... [Read More]
30 Minute Treadmill Circuit Workout
Can you believe that it's New Year's Eve?! I feel like the holidays, and year in general, have just flown by! Since my hubby and I just arrived back in Cali on Sunday night, we decided to be low-key this New Year's. I'm planning on making some fun grub and drinks, breaking out some games and music, making a fire, and lighting our tree for one more night this year. While I admit that I'm not big on New Year's resolutions, I do think that we all operate differently in goal setting and accomplishing those dreams. I say, if setting a goal for the new year is the motivation that works for you to achieve your goals, go for it! Regardless of whether you're in the midst of completing a goal or are planning on just getting started tomorrow on the first day of the year, remember to take it ... [Read More]