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]
workouts
Some Workout Inspiration
Well, today I am feeling SORE! During my workout yesterday I did a few new weight training exercises, but didn't expect them to make me so achy. It's funny how that happens sometimes. I also changed things up yesterday by hopping on the treadmill for the first time in a long time. Recently, I haven't been running at all and the nagging calf injury I've mentioned in previous posts has ceased to exist. It took 2 1/2 years to feel completely back to normal, but it's been feeling so good lately that I stopped wearing my calf compression band during workouts. It's pretty awesome! Since I determined that running is the only thing that brings my calf soreness to a head, for the time being I've decided to just not run. After all, it's one type of cardio I actually loathe, and there are so many ... [Read More]
Wake Up (Your Body) Call
"To have a friend and be a friend is what makes life worthwhile." Fun fact: Today is National Girlfriends' Day. Shout out to my amazing girlfriends, love you ladies! I often like to start off my days with some movement. Sometimes it's just a few yoga poses (I talked about my favorite ones here), other times I take Harley for a nice long walk. And then there are days when I like to get sweaty first thing in the morning. Today was one of those days, so I did the following easy breezy workout. The idea is to do a very quick cardio routine, with your heart rate up the whole time. With some quick stretching immediately following, it'll take around 15 minutes and is a nice way to get moving before heading to work, class, or wherever your day takes you. Whenever I hear someone say they "don't ... [Read More]
All About the Legs: Today’s Circuit Workout
Remember in yesterday's post I mentioned having a great workout? Yeaaaa... this morning I woke up super sore. The kind of sore when putting on a seatbelt seems like a difficult task (no joke). I really didn't want to skip exercising today, but also knew that I was limited by serious muscle soreness. So what's a girl to do? Get her butt to the gym for a strictly lower body workout! Here's how this routine works: Start off with a 5 minute warm-up. In between rounds, do 5 minutes of cardio of your choice (I cycled). I used 12 lb dumbbells. Adjust your weight based on your strength level. When doing exercises 1 side at a time, right rep + left rep = 1 total rep This workout took me a bit shy of an hour to complete. Some explanations of exercises from around the Web: Static Reverse ... [Read More]
A Circuit Workout to Do Anywhere
*Fun news: I made a little cameo today talking about my experience volunteering at the Humane Society on one of the blogs I read often called PB Fingers! You can read it here.* Well my bags are packed, I'm ready to go... That is, if you consider this being packed and ready to go: As usual, I've grossly underestimated how much time and effort goes into me packing for a substantial amount of time! I'm not sure if this is totally nutty, but when I pack I feel the need to try everything on, lay it all out, then match everything with shoes, jewelry, and underwear (is this normal?!). I got this far and decided to take a break and take Harley to the dog park, mostly out of guilt that I'll be kenneling her tomorrow. Now I'm back home, procrastinating packing even more and blogging instead. ... [Read More]
WOD: A Triceps & Chest Circuit Routine
Happy June and Friday! According to my calendar, today is Go Barefoot Day. Apparently it's also National Doughnut Day. I'm celebrating the former by walking around barefoot, though I pretty much always do that... I'm excited that it's June 1st for a couple of reasons: The start of June signifies the real downhill slope of my marine's deployment, as he supposedly will be coming home in July (the key word here being supposedly...Anyone involved in the military knows that if there's one thing for certain, it's that plans are constantly changing, but we'll pretend that it's totally happening according to schedule unless we're told otherwise ;-) ). The thought of him being home makes me ridiculously happy. The other awesome thing about June beginning is that I'll be heading back ... [Read More]