Back at School

It's been an entire WEEK since I last got the chance to work out. Holy guacamole. I'm back at school now and between visiting my friend on Cape Cod and being in RA training for 10+ hours over the last few days today was the first time I had a chance to go to the gym. And I think everyone should be really proud of me for actually going. I got all dressed and psyched to run at 3:30, walked down to the gym...and it was closed. The fitness center has weird ass hours during Winter Break: 11am-2pm, 5pm-7pm. So I had to walk back [through the snow] to my dorm. And then I didn't even want to go at 5 because a) I was comfy and b) it's 20 degrees outside. So, as motivation, I put on my little black dress. I don't know why, but seeing myself in my strapless, bandage-style LBD gives me the motivation to workout like none other. For some people, it's seeing their swimsuits that does it, but for me, when I see the potential there is to look super sexy in that dress, it gives me the mental energy to hit the gym. I think it's because the potential is so close and I'll be wearing it so soon while swim suit season feels like it's always just around the corner.
But at any rate, I got to the gym and clocked 30 minutes on the elliptical (they're programmed so that you can only do 30 minutes at a time). And they were 30 HARD minutes. Not because I'm out of shape, but because I managed to push myself, which is something I have trouble motivating myself to do on my own so I was pretty proud of myself. Even though I almost died. :P My total workout tally came to 344 calories burnt running and 3.15ish miles run (I never run that far!). I'm really proud of myself for actually going to the gym and not getting bored and stopping half way through (because that was super super tempting, I'm not gonna lie). I only have a 30/40 minute block of free-time coinciding with the gym's times open tomorrow morning so I'm going to go at 11am for some quick abs and arms. YAY WORKING OUT!

I Love My Ducks

I just had to take time of out my day to celebrate the fact that my Ducks will win the title!
In the midst of this historical time in Duck history, I believe it is okay to indulge in all the tailgater festivities. This game will only happen once!
Today I won't be a role model for healthy eating, but I'm going to pretend I am (at least I got my cardio in!) and give you a couple tips!

Keep these two tips in mind when at any party:
1. Only eat the serving size! Whether it be nachos, lil' smokies, or whatever your indulgence eat it! But just eat the serving size.
2. Don't drink your calories! Liquid calories are the same as solid calories and they add up to your daily total. Stick to water if you end up over indulging and don't intake more than you need due to more beer, soda, juice or coffee than you need.

Spin Class Reflection

Spin class on Tuesday was exhilarating. I say this only in retrospect, because, during class I wanted nothing more than to stop climbing the ‘effin hill! Aside from my minor frustration (my lack of leg muscle), it was the best workout I’ve had in weeks. As much as I love Zumba, and am possibly its biggest advocate, it comes no where close to the intensity of cycling. I love the choreographed class and how personalized it is and cycling in a dark room led me to create my own world and landscape. After successfully completing our uphill climb I was able to breathe and create a peaceful downhill scene in my mind. I imagined biking down a mile long hill, with cottages scattered throughout, horse pastures, and fields of golden hay ready to be harvested, with the wind blowing through my hair. It was practically an awarding winning scene!
Visualizing something beautiful while working at such a high intensity made the burn much less noticeable and perfectly bearable. As a first time spinner I believe just being able to complete the class was a huge success. Now, I just have to keep the momentum going and continue to attend until school starts.

[I have not completed a self check on my V sit and push up progress, but that will be completed soon! If nothing else, the lack of progress will be a motivator!]

**If you're unsure of what V-ups are here is a demonstration. Watch at 1:58 :V-Ups

Health Trivia!
Monday I watched Dr. Oz with my mom and learned some incredibly interesting trivia about the best times to eat certain foods. Today’s health trivia is inspired by his show.
10:00 AM FATS- Think nacho cheese/ guacamole/ bacon. It is energy to fuel the body!
1:00PM- CARBS- Increases serotonin (feel good hormones) and decreases cravings for carbs the rest of the day.
2:00PM CHOCOLATE- It provides an energy boost and has small amounts of caffeine to get you through the afternoon slump.
5:00PM ALCOHOL- In low doses it is a stimulant and drinking it early enough in the evening you have time to metabolize it.

Spin Spin Spin

I woke up this morning and felt like an old woman...my back made a crackling noise. Yesterday's Pilate's class we unknowingly did something to work our backs, by God, it worked. The lower back is particularly bad, I could really use Enrique Iglesias to massage the knots out for me. Or just being able to look at him...up close...it would ease the pain. (Yes, I may be slightly obsessed with his new song.)
Today is Spin It! Spinning for beginners! I am so psyched, I am not much of a cyclist,  but burning up 500 calories in an hour is more than enough incentive.
This will also give me time to ponder my options for study abroad, grades are due soon and I've had nightmares about my GPA (math is not my strongest class). Segue to Health Trivia!

Health Trivia!
Newsflash! According to the Mayo Clinic: Exercising regularly helps to manages stress! It releases endorphins giving us that high happy feeling when we are finished. We have the ability to meditate and only focus on the present. Overall, it will boost self confidence and be an overall mood booster. Yup, grab your running shoes when you are extremely stressed and you will have the chance to think and reflect with a clear mind.

Zumba!

This morning at 8:30am (8:30am) was my first foray into the world of Zumba. And it was really fun! It was me and Michelle and 15+ middle aged women who were, I must say, absolutely hilarious. The instructor turned off the lights (much appreciated) and off we went. Thankfully, dance classes of years past and the occasional clubbing experiences stuck with me and I was - I flatter myself - able to cover my fumblings. Zumba was definitely the most fun I've had in an exercise class and I could actually feel it working my core, which is something that doesn't normally happen. Zumba = exercising win. I'll definitely be going to classes when I'm back at school.