Fitness Adventure #4: Jumping into the Unexpected

Don't let this pose fool you. Jumping on your butt is hard!

Doing fitness adventures I expect sore muscles. Maybe even some bruises. But I guess I wasn't prepared for peeing my pants. Stop reading now if this is TMI.

I have been to the Launch Trampoline park with my boys a few times and always have fun so when my friend Liz mentioned she was checking out the fitness class they had I said sure. The class is 45 minutes long and of course I excepted lots of jumping. I wasn't disappointed. We did a lot of variety of jumps and would take brakes along the way to do sets of squats, planks, push-ups, etc which is a little more challenging to your core and balance (kind of like working on a giant bosu ball). There are people of all fitness abilities so all the exercises can be modified to your level. I found the hardest to be a move where you sit on your butt and try to jump around in a circle.  The class was a lot of fun and the time went fast.

Although I was moving the whole time I didn't end up working up a sweat. Mostly because I was only half jumping. Even going to the bathroom right before and in the first 10 minutes of class I still fought the dribble. I guess I found out the muscle I need to strengthen the most is my bladder. In hind sight drinking a large ENERGIZE before class was not the brightest idea.

I am not planning to make this a regular part of my fitness routine but may go back for more jumping fun in the future.

Fitness classes at Launch in Nashua are $5 for the first class and happen on Monday Nights.

Fitness Adventure #3: Sweeting Orange Theory

It has been a while since my last fitness adventure and I have been itching to get out there again. Unfortunately when a lot of these places don't offer childcare but my free time schedule because limited. But I was able to make things work this week and check out Orange Theory with my friend Ally.

As in any adventure I was nervous to try something new but when I first stepped in I was warmly welcomed. I received my loaner heart rate monitor and was introduced to the super nice instructor. They went over a few basic things and then I was off with my group. Everything is well explained by the instructor and she goes around to make sure you are doing the right form.

It was strength day so my group started out in the weight area. We did 3 different set of exercises in a certain amount of time. I really liked how everything worked total body and you mixed in cardio during the routine with the water rower. I was also very happy that one of our moves used the TMX straps. The 30 mins went fast.

Then our group switched and we headed to the treadmills. Things got tougher here and I defiantly had to push myself to stay where I needed to be for my heart rate. We did a mix of different inclines and speeds to keep it interesting and challenging. I only glanced over to see where the waste basket was once just in case my breakfast came up.

The heart monitor device was really neat. My loaner one was not working great but once you join you get a more reliable wrist version. Basically it helps you figure out where you are for your heart rate and if you need to push harder or to slow it down. It was really fun to watch on the big screen how I was doing and then afterwards you get an emailed report.

Overall I really like the concept of what they are doing. Because you are mixing it up the hour classes go by so fast. And it really helps to push you to get the best workout you can. My muscles are sore tonight in places I didn't know I had muscle.

The one big thing I was not a huge fan of was I felt like I was working out at Da Club with the blaring hip hop music. I think the past 2 months  of super quiet early morning by myself workouts has tainted me from fitness interaction with others. But the instructor mentioned that the music changes day by day.

First class is free at Orange Theory so give it a try and see if it is something that will help you reach your goals!

Surviving the New Hampshire Winters

Outside only because I had to : )

Living in New Hampshire in the winter has its perks, mountains for skiing, frozen lakes for hockey and trails for snowshoeing. But when you don’t like the cold, winter can be a little rough on your body and soul. If you are not a tundra lover like me don’t despair. You don't need to hibernate under your blanket for a few months (although once in a while with a good book is fine : ). Here are a few tips to survive the dark days ahead.

Exercise - Every day for at least 30 minutes. Not only does it warm you up but it gets the happy endorphins going. You don’t even have to leave your house. Try out some video workouts, use your steps or get creative with your own dance moves.

Drink Warm  -Warm lemon or apple cider vinegar water and herbal teas can warm you up. You may also enjoy a cup or two of good for you bone broth.

Eat Good Food - Now is the time to get creative with soups, stews and comfort food. Just load it up with healthy veggies and proteins. Make the crockpot your best friend and discover some new in season tastes like roasted root vegetables.

Embrace the Stillness - Not ever day has to be crazy busy and scheduled from morning to night. Take advantage of snowed in days to clean the clutter, spend time with your family or just be still. 

Fitness Adventure #2: Body Combat

Off to go punch people! Although Body Combat is held at your typical gym setting I heard great things and wanted to give it a try. It is a Les Mills class so like Beachbody Live classes so they are choreographed to modern music. I was attending the launch of another session which just means everyone is learning it for the first time too.

Drove to the gym, signed my waiver and get started right away. The class reminded me a lot of typical kickboxing classes. A lot of punching and kicking with some push-ups mixed in. The moves were pretty simple, easy to follow along to,  so we could focus on kicking higher and punching stronger. I consider myself in pretty good shape so I wasn't dying but I know I got a good workout with the number of Fitbit steps I raked up and my Heart Rate (HR) numbers. I also know I will be doing my muscle recovery shake tonight.

As far as adventure goes I wouldn't put it in a top 10 list but just trying new things can be an adventure itself. On a side note the gym that hosted it Best Fitness in Nashua looks amazing and the room was huge which is a giant plus when doing these types of classes. 

My schedule got a little mixed up this week so I am still working on scheduling my next adventure. Stay tuned!

New Year Fitness Adventure - Stop One: TRX

Part of my four part New Year Resolution this year (what can I say I am an over achiever) is to add a little more Mojo into my life. You know adventure, travel outside my comfort zone, just do new things so I can be inspired. What better way to do this then to follow a passion of mine, a fitness adventure! Over the next 7 weeks I will be trying out some workouts that I have been wanting to do or that friends have been raving about. So grab your water bottle and come along!

First stop is something called TRX Suspension training. I have to admit I had no idea what this was and had to google it when my friend Michelle mentioned straps. Looked a little intimidating but you never know until you try something right??????

We traveled over to the place she has been going called Underground Cycling in Hudson, I signed the death waiver and then met the super friendly and super buff instructor and owner.  You do have to sign up a head of time here because the small room only had 10-12 suspension hooks. We got setup, went over some basics of changing around the strap based on the exercises we were going to do and then got started with a warm-up.

The interesting thing about this exercise is I felt like the rep times were super short but you were working REALLY HARD that whole time. Each exercise had you doing strength moves that requires balance and core work too. It was a whole body workout as we started with back, biceps, triceps and chest, moved down to the floor for legs and then ended with core including planks. At the end I wasn't sweaty but my muscles felt the workout. It is day 3 now and I am still feeling the burn.

I would like to try this again combining it with cardio to balance it out. Have you tried TRX? Love or Hate it?

Next up on the Adventure is Body Combat. I really hope I get to take someone out : )

Holiday Baking Survival Tips

If you don’t want to walk around this holiday season like Santa, wearing stretch pants and supporting a large belly you need to be mindful of your holiday baking. Here are a few tips to enjoy the season of cookies, pies and more without going overboard.

Keep it Simple
Decide on one thing that you want to bake so you don’t have a lot of choices to tempt you. You can also choose to order out and have someone else do the baking so you are not tempted with taste testing beyond what you should.

Find healthy substitutes
There are so many yummy recipes out there to help lower fat or sugar in recipes. Focus on baked goods that offer healthy ingredients like nuts or coconut vs butter and flour. Try using key words like Paleo or Whole30 for new recipes.

Bake only what you need
If you are baking cookies, only bake what you need from the batch and freeze leftover dough in round balls. That way you can always make more later for just the amount you need.

Get Rid of It
If you have baked goods sitting around longer than 2 days share it with others or just throw it away. Save your splurges for things you really enjoy, not the 3 day old cookie that you just want to get rid of.

Overall it is important to find a balance of enjoying holiday traditions yet honoring your fitness goals. Enjoy what you want most, forget about the rest and focus on other activities of the season not related to food.

Rainbow Curry Recipe

Wow, so many LIKES on my Curry Dish I just had to share the recipe. Although it isn't much to share it is that EASY! I am also including the 21 Day Fix portions to make it even easier.

Makes 2 servings
Veggies - 2 cups (2 GREENS) of what you have on hand. I used purple onions & red, orange and yellow peppers.
Coconut Oil - 1 teaspoon
1/2 can Coconut milk (2 BLUES)
1 1/2 Cup (2 REDS) precooked protein of choice. I like grilled chicken or white fish.
2 teaspoon Curry powder
Optional: Spinach - 2 Handfuls

Heat skillet to medium with coconut oil. Add veggies and cook until tender about 2-5 minutes. Add protein to warm. Add coconut milk and curry powder. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes. If adding spinach add right before serving and cook until wilted.

You can also add more with a serving a couscous or rice (1 YELLOW) or rice cauliflower (1 GREEN).

ENJOY!