Exercise Type: Bootcamp – This was a full body workout, with stations were set throughout the weightroom. We completed 45 seconds of weights, followed by 45 seconds of resistance. We worked hard and burned our arms, legs, booty, and abs throughout class completing various exercises from bicep curls to squats. In between sets, we completed cardio to get our heart rate up. The last round through the stations was just resistance exercises to get more cardio. It was the perfect way to start the day and leave me feeling strong all day long with natural energy!
Place: Gym
Day of the Week: Thursday
Time: 5:30 am- Danielle kicked my butt in 45 minute minutes, so I was in and out of class by 6:15 am and ready to start my day!
Price: $10; Packages and memberships available
What to Wear: Leggings; T-shirt/Tank Top; Sneakers
What to Bring: Water; Towel
What is Provided: Weights; Variety of workout equipment (Beware – the booty band!)
Level of Experience: All levels seen
Gender Majority: Female
Age Group: All
Welcoming: Yes! Danielle always greets you with a warm and motivating welcome! She continues this throughout class so you can have your best workout!
Cleanliness: Yes
Unique Features: Although you know what to expect throughout the stations, Danielle always has some way to keep you guessing with cardio in between rounds or a challenge at the end. Let’s just say I was burning my way through the last set of resistance for a cardio set and it was exactly what we all needed to finish our workout strong!
Exercising in the morning has so many benefits that last all day. I had natural energy that I didn’t need from coffee and I was much happier that I got my workout in early so I could see my babies at night. It was not a strain on my family as the kids were still snoozing when I got home. And lastly, my headache that I was fighting all night was GONE! Yes, I came with a headache and left without one. I’ll take that when my stress level is high.
Thank you for another awesome, kickass workout, Danielle! You know that I’ll be back!
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If there is one thing I can say I “hate”, its planks. I seriously despise planks. Why are they so hard? Why do I feel like they never get easier? Having a baby killed my core; can I still use that excuse now that I have a 2.5 year old?! I personally believe that planks are so challenging because they are so effective:
They engage all of your core muscle groups, in one little position.
You’ll burn more calories that your traditional sit-up or crunch.
You’ll improve your posture and balance.
They can improve your overall mood! What! Planks stretch out muscle groups that contribute to stress and tension.
I also convince myself that they are harder and harder each time… guess why? Because I am challenging myself every time, and I am increasing the amount of time I am holding my plank. I wish I started keeping a count of how long I could hold a plank when I first started, because I know the amount of time has at least doubled.
I want to share my plank routine with all of you. It is something that I have learned by going to various classes, and it has been very effective for me. Whenever I can’t make it to a class, or am at the gym doing my own workout, I do this series. Typically, I do 10 reps for each set, take a rest, and then back at it. I usually do this anywhere from 5 – 10 times, depending on how I am feeling. I like this series because it is easy to complete at home and you really don’t need any equipment (maybe a yoga mat if you choose).
Melissa and I would like to challenge you to a 7 day plank challenge starting today, or tomorrow, or next week, all that matters is you are doing it. For 7 days in a row, try this plank series. Start off with doing it 5x and work your way up until 10. After 7 days, let us know how you are feeling. Has it been effective? We’d love to hear from you! If any of you are brave enough to take a video, we challenge you to post it to social media, tag us, and use the #workitlikeamotherplankchallenge
Why does this mama have the hots for the Jonas Brothers?! Seriously, aren’t they like 12 years old? HA! It sure seems like that to me, but God, that new song is in my head ALL. DAY. LONG. Why is it so good? Even my two year old is singing, “Sucker for you, sucker, sucker, sucker.” It’s probably not the best word to teach her, but I can’t listen to Daniel Tiger songs any longer. Even though the recreated Mr. Rogers tv show is my daughter’s (and mine and my husband’s) life lesson, I just can’t anymore. Thank you Scary Mommy for pointing that out to me.
Ok I’m rambling. Jonas Brothers, Jonas Brothers. Oh yeah. Is it getting hot in here? Why am I weak in the knees all of a sudden. Anyways, this week has sucked for me. I’m busy at work with client deadlines (‘tis the season to be an accountant), so I didn’t have time to go to another workout class. I wanted to keep up my workout routine, so I decided to just go for a run around my neighborhood. A run, you say? Yes! Twice in two weeks, and this time my husband didn’t even screw up. I put on my running shoes and played Sucker on repeat for the whole 2.5 miles I ran (more like slowly jogged, but it still counts!).
What are your favorite songs in your workout playlist? Next time I post about playlists, I promise I will share my complete one. It might or might not be made up of Tupac songs. Until next time…
Meghan
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Today I want to focus in on how to
stay healthy when you are living a busy life. This can be for parents who split
their time between working and taking care of their kids, people who are simply
overworked and don’t have much time for personal care, or can be for
individuals who need a few simple steps to keep them on track. I share these
tips out of experience and am still trying to find complete balance (if that
even exists) between all of my avenues in life.
What
Does BeingHealthy Even Mean?
Being Healthy has become such a
controversial topic because everyone defines this term differently. To me,
being healthy is implementing changes in your life that will benefit your mind
and body. They can be as big as tracking what you eat to lose weight – or a
small task of drinking enough water each day. The great thing about the term,
“being healthy” is YOU get to decide what that looks like for you and
your life.
Creating
Healthy To-Go Meals
I know, I know. If you are on
a busy schedule, how are you supposed to create a few healthy meals and snacks?
I get it, I do. You can create a few small meals and snacks in under 30
minutes. You can keep these staples in the pantry or fridge which will allow
you to grab them when you are on the way out. A few of my favorite to-go snack
are pre-portioned nuts, dried fruit, hard boiled eggs, and string cheese. My
preferred simple and quick meals are: healthy pasta salad, yogurt parfaits, and Mason jar salads. I love using
Pinterest to find new meals to incorporate into my busy schedule.
Schedule
Your Workouts
Scheduling workouts into your
calendar is one of the most important tasks to do. When you schedule your
workouts, you gain the mentality that it is an IMPORTANT appointment
that you cannot miss. When I was establishing my workout routine, this habit
was monumental in keeping me on track. When I schedule my workouts, I put in
the day and time of each workout during the week. It helps me plan out the week
and work around my workout so that I can truly get it in.
Workout
Wherever You Can
The one thing I learned early during
my quest for fitness – is that it doesn’t matter where you workout – it matters
that you worked out. A great workout can mean very different
things to different people. It doesn’t mean you have to be working out at the
gym, or attend a class (BUT if you do prefer to workout in those ways – make
sure to schedule them into your calendar so you can make it happen). Working
out at home can still be an efficient and killer workout. If you need a few
tips of what workout equipment you should be keeping around the house to get in
a great workout, check out this blog.
Find
a Workout Routine that Works for You
If you are a busy mom, working 9-5,
then taking care of the kids when you get home – a 2 hour intense gym workout MAY
not be the best for you. AND if this is how you are trying to workout,
and can’t get it done – you may be sabotaging yourself. Find a workout routine
that will fit your schedule, abilities, and equipment available. Set aside time
to discover moves you can complete that fit into your schedule – with the internet
being at our fingertips these days – there is an unlimited source of
information.
Take
a Look at Your Spare Time
A lot of people use the excuse that
they don’t have time to stay healthy and fit.
Okay.
Now look at where you are spending
your time. Are you sitting on the couch scrolling through Social Media during
any part of the day? Do you watch TV for any amount of time? DO YOU HAVE 20
MINUTES TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF? If not, try to take a serious look at where
you are spending your time. If being healthy is a real priority to you; you
will find time to do these things to improve and support your health.
Your health is your priority, but
that doesn’t mean you should be putting pressure on yourself. Be understanding
with yourself. You can only do as much as your life allows. The great thing
about life is that we go through different seasons throughout our life. You may
not have a lot of time on your hands right now, and a quick 15-20 minute
workout is all you can get in. Maybe in 6 months, 1 year, 5 years – you will be
in a different season which can allow you to have a different workout routine.
Find beauty in the current season
you are in. Take in all life has to offer in this moment right now.
Find ways to incorporate a healthy
lifestyle into your routine. What works for one person – may not work for you.
It is an ever-changing process that should adapt to your current life
situation.
What ways are you staying healthy
throughout your busy life? What are some areas you are looking to improve on??
Doesn’t it seem like us women are picking up more and more of the slack lately? I was thinking this last Friday, when my husband went out after work. Now, normally, I don’t mind if he goes to happy hour once and a while. I mean, he does support me with my working out on a regular basis, and is more than happy to help out with our daughter when I need some time to myself. But this time was different. He was much later than he said he would be, and it felt like he was completely taking advantage of the situation. He knew I was home with our daughter, and it felt like he had no regard for being home on time.
I was furious when he finally got home, but instead of creating a scene in front of our daughter, I took a different approach. I went to the gym for a run. It was exhilarating. I had the best run I have had in years, which is a big deal because I am NOT a runner by any sense of the word. Typically I get on the treadmill and hope I don’t fall off. This time I was actually turning up the speed as I went. I channeled all of the anger I had into a positive output, and left feeling great. Well, still a little angry, but sweaty and accomplished.
I walked in the house from the gym to apologies and a cooked dinner. I mean it was frozen pizza heated in the oven, but it’s the thought that counts, right? There was also a glass of wine poured and waiting for me in my favorite spot on the couch. Not only did the new approach work with my husband (which I never would have guessed actually), but I accomplished a great workout in addition. Next time your husband pisses you off, instead of yelling at him, try working off some steam at the gym. Maybe his reaction when you get home will surprise you. It sure surprised me.
Thanks for reading!
Meghan
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Some crazy days lead into crazy dinner nights! Tonight was one of them. I got the kids all set, but what about me? Well… what about an easy and yummy meal just under 10 minutes from start to finish? This Easy Roasted Lemon-Garlic Shrimp recipe from Skinnytaste is a winner! I love the taste and simplicity of this go-to meal for mommy.
Once you see the results, it becomes an addiction.
This week’s Friday Fitness Tip is to “Display Your Results.” You might be thinking, “what are MY results?” Well, results can mean different things to different people. Maybe you want to track how many days/minutes you worked out in a week, how many inches/pounds you lost/gained in a week, how many times you meal prepped this week, etc. Displaying results can be motivating in itself. If you are ahead in your results, go you! If you are behind in your results, it will hopefully motivate you to work a little harder to achieve your goals, and then you can Celebrate Your Small Wins!
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Ok so this next one is one of my specialties. I call it the “Taco Pizza” only because I use a taco shell as my crust, there is nothing else “taco” about it. I have told you all before that I am really bad when it comes to eating lunch. I usually skip it, because it is too hard for me to come up with something easy to make. The one day I was in the mood for pizza, but the kid was napping, and I had no cash for pizza delivery. I brainstormed, and came up the the perfect solution! Let me introduce to you to… the Taco Pizza! Easy, healthy, and delicious, especially if you are a pizza lover like me.
I have been becoming more and more adventurous with my recipes, and I stumbled upon this Skinnytaste recipe and it looked so good and so easy. Spoiler alert… it was both of those things! The flavors really complimented each other, and the pecans added a crunchy texture, which was to die for! The only thing I couldn’t do myself was make the eggs. No matter how hard I try, I cannot make sunny-side-up eggs to save my life! I had to call in the big guns, aka my husband to do that part. Thanks, babe! Enjoy!
On a large sheet pan, toss broccoli, squash and onions with olive oil, salt and pepper, to taste.
Spread veggies out in an even layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until crisp tender.
Meanwhile, heat a medium skillet over medium-low heat and lightly spray with oil.
Add eggs, one at a time, leaving space between them. Season each with a pinch of salt and pepper, cover and cook until whites are just set and yolk is still runny.
Divide rice and roasted veggies evenly among 4 bowls.
Top each with 1 ounce avocado and 1 egg and 1 tablespoon pecans.
“You gotta Tabata!” This was the saying we were welcomed with as we entered into Nex Level Fitness Chalfont bright and early on Saturday morning, and it totally stuck! It was our second time taking Tabata at Nex Level Fitness (Thank you to Amy W. for introducing us!), but our first time taking it at the Chalfont Location (see previous past from Nex Level – Doylestown here). Just like the first time, this class did not disappoint. Some of the exercises were similar, so we knew what to expect, but we can say with complete truth that the phrase “no pain no gain” definitely applies here.
We have come to the conclusion that if we took Tabata 1-2 times a week, every week, we would be in some serious, kick-ass shape. It is now 3 days after we took this class and we are STILL sore! Nex Level, it never ceases to amaze us how great a workout we get at your classes. Thank you again for another great class!
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