Category: BSC

This Week: Workouts, Weekend Recap & Things I’m Looking Forward To (including trying a new class & a free weekend!)

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Phew! Another weekend has come and gone. April is flying by so quickly it’s like Mother Nature cannot keep up… at least that’s what I’m pinning as the cause for this crap cold weather! I’m just over it. That’s all.

I headed up to Maine on Friday afternoon since I was modeling in a fashion show for my mom’s friend on Saturday afternoon. I got to wear 3 amazing outfits from PJ’s Unique Peek… my mom said she’d buy me a few pieces of what I modeled- can’t wait to get them!

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After the show, I headed back to Boston to hang with the guy. I made us gluten free pizza (and half dairy free), enjoyed some wine and watched 2 movies (who am I ?!?!)- Revolutionary Road and The Heat. Both were really awesome movies. Sunday, we got up and had a great breakfast (thanks to farm fresh eggs and bread from my dad!) and then went to his nephew’s baptism. It was a really great day- it’s nice to be surrounded by such a fun, loving and welcoming family!

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Although I took 2 rest days last week (which never happens), for the days that I did work out, I had really great workouts. Another weird thing from last week was the fact that I worked out in the morning 4 of the 7 days AND logged almost 10 miles of running (all you “runners” out there may not think that’s anything spectacular, but for me it’s a solid amount of running in a week!). I only taught 2 classes, and although I missed my members, it was a nice break to have a week for ME and MY workouts. I’m back at it this week with 5 classes on the agenda, but it’s all good- I’m rested and ready for them!

Last Week’s Workouts

  • Monday- I was home in Maine, so I did a workout there before setting up shop to work from my parent’s kitchen for the day. I did a cardio workout I got from the Shape magazine in my Easter basket, and then sandwiched compound strength moves and core exercises between cardio sets. It was great!
  • Tuesday- I got up and ended up running 4 miles before work!!! I went out thinking I’d run 3, but felt good so kept going. Around the 2 mile mark I stopped and did some core exercises at the park in East Boston. It was a solid Tuesday morning workout 🙂
  • Wednesday- I had after work dinner plans, so I worked out before work. I ran 2.25 miles and then did some upper body strength and core circuits: 10 reps each, 4 rounds of decline push-ups on the BOSU, Triceps kickbacks, bicep curls and shoulder presses and then stability ball passes, stability ball crunches, stability ball supine extensions and stability ball tucks. Another great workout. Big thanks to Kate for subbing my class for me!
  • Thursday- I was FINALLY back in the gym to teach! I taught a SHRED class similar to the workout I did at home on Monday morning and then a kickboxing class with lots of burpees… muahhaha 😉
  • Friday- Rest. I did some push-ups and planks throughout the day, but nothing major.
  • Saturday- I was modeling in a fashion show up in Maine, so I went for a 3.35 mile run when I woke up (and beat the rain!) and then did some upper body/compound moves/core exercises before calling it quits. My triceps and hamstrings were sore on Sunday!
  • Sunday- Another rest day. I went to a baptism and took advantage of a lazy morning before I went there. It was great!

This Week’s Workouts

  • Monday- I’m teaching my 6am muscle class today and then hopefully running a few miles on the treadmill after.
  • Tuesday- I was invited to try out a class at The Handle Bar indoor cycling studio and decided to cash in that class on Tuesday. I was allowed to bring a friend, so my friend Lisa will be joining me. So excited!
  • Wednesday- Back to my usual Wednesday night workout- probably some running before I teach UXF Burn. I missed them last week!
  • Thursday- Teaching SHRED and Kickboxing.
  • Friday- Rest!
  • Saturday- Teaching kickboxing at the YMCA. Hope my front row is there 🙂
  • Sunday- Not sure… I’d love to get to a yoga class. I need some of that in my life!

Things I’m Looking Forward To

I’m excited about a lot of things this week, but the thing I’m most looking forward to is a weekend, in Boston, with no plans besides teaching. I may treat myself to a massage, but otherwise, I plan on doing some relaxing, catching up on blogging, cleaning my apartment and hopefully having a date day/night. I’m also looking forward to having my workout done on Monday morning so that I can grocery shop and cook on Monday night- I got really used to the feeling of not having to workout after work last week and I see myself doing that a lot during the summer. The day is so much better when I know I can go home after work or run errands or get drinks/dinner. Lastly, I can’t wait to try Handle Bar studio with my friend Lisa… I foresee drinks and dinner after the class 😉

Questions for you: How many rest days did you take last week? Have you been running a lot? What was the best workout you had last week? Have you ever been to Handle Bar?

 

This Week: Workouts, getting back to a normal schedule & things I’m looking forward to

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Happy Marathon Monday! Do any of you have it off? I wish I did, but I did decide to work from home in Maine today, so that counts for something 😉

Last week was a tough week of workouts, for some reason. I don’t know what it was, but I was pretty sore all week, especially on Friday. There’s something about doing my own workout and then teaching on Wednesday, followed by my double on Thursday that just makes me physically very tired on Friday. Guess it kind of makes sense, right?!

Last Week’s Workouts

  • Monday- This was my birthday workout! I taught my favorite “across the floor” workout (similar to this workout) and then ran 2 miles on the treadmill. I had wanted to run 2.9 miles for my 29th birthday, but I ran out of time. Oh, well!

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  • Tuesday- I was going to go to the gym after work (I worked from home… had 1 too many cosmos the night before 😉 ), but it was raining and windy and gross, so I just stayed home for an at-home workout. I did 10 minutes of cardio before completing this workout from Blonde Pony Tail, which I loved! I felt this the next day for sure. I ended my workout with 10 minutes of abs. Solid at-home workout if you ask me!
  • Wednesday- I woke up feeling kind of crappy (I’ve been battling a stupid cold for weeks now- it comes for a few days then goes away. so annoying), so rather than running before class, I just did some steady-state easy cardio. After, I taught a tough UXF Burn class. We used towels in place of Glider discs and it was awesome! I also made them do the plank run, which I think they loved to hate.

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  • Thursday- I tried to get a sub for my classes because I felt awful in the morning, but by mid-day I felt ok, which was good because no one agreed to sub. I taught a pyramid workout in SHRED and a high cardio kickboxing class. Few. Between Wednesday and Thursday workouts, I was really sore on Friday!
  • Friday- Rest day, besides some walking around the city.
  • Saturday- I taught my cardio kickboxing class at the Oak Square YMCA. Even though most of my “front row” wasn’t there, the class was still packed with people ready to earn their Easter candy. My sister also came, which is always a fun treat. My heart rate was SKY HIGH the whole class- seriously, like upper 170’s the whole time… wonder if it was a mix of being excited and having had a couple of wines the night before? It was weird.
  • Sunday- I helped my dad move some wood from the yard and went for a walk with my mom. I also practiced some “new to me moves” from the Shape magazine my mom got me.

This Week’s Workouts

  • Monday- My plan today is to get in a strength workout in the morning before I start working. I feel like I should run since it’s Marathon Monday, but I doubt that will happen. Maine is still cold… and really hilly…
  • Tuesday- I will probably do some type of cardio class. I was invited to take a class at The Handle Bar in Fenway, so my sister and I are either going this Tuesday or next Tuesday.
  • Wednesday- Cardio before teaching UXF Burn
  • Thursday- Teaching SHRED and Cardio Kickboxing
  • Friday- Rest? Probably!
  • Saturday- I need to go to Maine for the day, so I’ll get up and do something before I head there.
  • Sunday- Not sure! Maybe yoga? A run outside? Nothing?

Things I’m Looking Forward To

I thought I’d never hear myself say this, but I’m looking forward to my birthday month celebrations being over! Don’t get me wrong, it was a really great month filled with lots of fun things, but I’m ready to get back to a more normal schedule- not drinking during the week, no birthday cake, no days of multiple celebrations… call me boring, but it will be nice to have a little more time to breathe. This week isn’t necessarily a light week, but it’s coming! My sister will be staying with me a few nights while the bathroom in her apartment is getting re-done, so it will be nice to have company! I am going home to Maine for the day on Saturday to model in a fashion show, but will probably come back to MA on Saturday night since I am going to a baptism on Sunday.

Questions for you: What was the best workout you had last week? Do you like to workout on your birthday or give yourself a day to rest?

This Week: Workouts, the big 2-9 and things I’m looking forward to

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Good morning! Happy Monday… and happy birthday to me (and my birthday buddies, Jess and Ashley! Hope you girls have a wonderful day! xo)! I cannot believe another year has come and gone and I am 29. I’ll post more on my birthday later, but let’s focus on the workouts first. When I told people I was teaching this morning, they thought I was crazy, but to be honest, starting my birthday with a workout is the best way to start it.

Last week’s workouts were good, but I just felt weak and drained during them. I think it’s a mix between fighting off a cold and just being run down from my crazy March. With that said, I rested on Friday and Sunday which was needed. Hoping my energy is back up this week!

Last Week’s Workouts

  • Monday- Last week I did a strength session during my lunch break. Mostly upper body and core- it was good!
  • Tuesday- I got up before work and did 35 minutes of kickboxing and body weight lower body strength moves.
  • Wednesday- I taught my first double of the week. Although it makes sense for me to sub the 5:30 class before I teach my own, it’s not ideal for me. Teaching a double two days in a row is a lot! My new heart rate monitor came in which made me so happy!

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  • Thursday- Taught my 2nd double of the week. Boy was I happy after my second class was done!
  • Friday- Rest! As I stated, I just felt really weak during my workouts this week so a rest day on Friday was needed.
  • Saturday- I went to a class at Recycle Studio with my sister. We had all intentions of going to Lindsay’s class, but I was an idiot and we missed that class so we went to her roommate’s class after, which was equally as good!

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  • Sunday- I went for a nice, long walk. I walked for just under an hour- no clue on the distance, but I’m guessing almost 4 miles. It felt nice to be in the sunshine and spend time reflecting on the past year.

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This Week’s Workouts

  • Monday- By the time this post goes up, I will have taught my Muscle Work class and hopefully have done some cardio- I’m thinking 2.9 miles to celebrate my 29th birthday??
  • Tuesday- I’m not sure. I might run after work? Rest? We will see.
  • Wednesday- Some light cardio before teaching UXF Burn.
  • Thursday- Teaching my SHRED and Kickboxing classes.
  • Friday- Rest! I have the day off, but am getting a massage (I think), hair cut and doing a “day of fun” with my date since I have the day off for Good Friday.
  • Saturday- Teaching kickboxing at the YMCA.
  • Sunday- I’ll be home in Maine for Easter so I’ll probably do something there.

Things I’m Looking Forward To

I’m looking forward to so many things that I think I need to list them out!

  • My birthday- duh! It’s week 2 of the celebrations, which is always a good thing 😉
  • The 80* weather forecast projected for today.
  • Birthday dinner at Row 34 with my date… and possible drinks outside somewhere beforehand since it’s supposed to be so nice.
  • Day off on Friday, which will include a possible massage, hair cut, sushi lunch and “day of fun” with the guy.
  • My sister got me tickets to go see Pat Green on Friday night at the House of Blues- such a thoughtful and FUN gift. I can’t wait!
  • Going home to Maine for Easter weekend!

Questions for you: Do you ever have weeks where you just feel weak with your workouts? What was the best part of your week last week? What are you looking forward to this week? Do you have Good Friday off?

This Week: Workouts & Things I’m Looking Forward To {Birthday Week pt 1}

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Hi there! How are you doing? I hope you had a great weekend. Mine was good- Friday night my upstairs neighbor, Lisa, and I had a glass of wine at my apartment, which was a great end to the week. Saturday was busy, but all fun stuff! I taught kickboxing in the morning and then went to lunch with my sister and my date, and while the company was good, the food wasn’t so good. We went to 5 Napkin Burger, which I had heard great things about, but it didn’t really “wow” me. That night, my date and I went to his brother and sister-in-law’s in the South End and had a BBQ- so fun! I’m definitely ready for the summer!! I went to the Red Sox game on Sunday with a bunch of friends and was so thankful the weather cooperated!

Last Week’s Workouts

  • Monday- I taught my 6am strength class (which I’m really starting to love!!) and then after work I went to a 50 minute “Pilates ReMixx” class at Boston Body. The instructor ended up being the same instructor who taught the Flywheel class that I wasn’t a fan of, but she was better as a pilates instructor! I was pleasantly sore the next day from the countless glute exercises we did.

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  • Tuesday- I went to a Pilates Tower class at Studio J in Government Center. I was SO lucky and ended up having a private class. The instructor was amazing and asked about my fitness level and how I felt and when I told her I was an instructor and wanted to be challenged, she went for it and ran! We did all sorts of advanced things that absolutely challenged me. Wow. It was wonderful. I want to go back soon!

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  • Wednesday- I ran 3 miles on the treadmill before teaching a pretty tough UXF Burn class. I did warn my members before class started that we’d be working off the Crumbs Cupcakes I ate during the day 😉
  • Thursday- I taught a fun partner SHRED workout (similar to this workout) and then kickboxing.

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  • Friday- Nothing. Total rest day 🙂
  • Saturday- I taught my cardio kickboxing class at the Oak Square YMCA. I know I’ve said it a million times before, but I just love that class. It is always packed (60+ people!) and the members are of all shapes and sizes, all ages and all fitness levels. The common denominator is that they ALL always come ready to work hard, sweat and hopefully laugh a little 🙂 It really does make my day to see so many people get up on a Saturday morning to come to my class, and that people aren’t afraid to come because we jump a lot or do a lot of burpees. I always tell people you can modify anything, but sometimes people don’t feel comfortable doing it. The fact that everyone in my Saturday class practices this is amazing.
  • Sunday- I went for a 5K run around Eastie. It wasn’t as nice as I thought it was going to be (so windy!), but it was still a beautiful, sunny day and it felt good to run outside again. My miles are so much faster than when I run on a treadmill. Anyone else feel this way?

This Week’s Workouts

  • Monday- My plan today is to get to the gym during my lunch break for a strength workout so that I can go home after work and catch up on some major blogging. This is the start of my birthday week, so I’ve got a lot going on and could use a night where I’m home before 8 pm!
  • Tuesday- Since I plan on doing strength on Monday, I’ll probably stick to cardio on Tuesday. Maybe a long run outside?
  • Wednesday- I am subbing Melissa Shaw’s 5:30pm Sports Conditioning class and then teaching my UXF Burn class. Come to one or both 😉
  • Thursday- I am teaching my SHRED and kickboxing classes.
  • Friday- Not sure! It may be a rest day, maybe some at-home yoga, who knows.
  • Saturday- I am going to my friend Lindsay’s class at Recycle. Saturday is my big day of birthday celebrations and since I’m not teaching in the morning, the next best way for me to kick off the day is Lindsay’s class.
  • Sunday- My guess is this will be a rest day since I’ll likely be out late on Saturday celebrating my birthday.

Things I am looking forward to

Well, as I’ve said, this is the start of my birthday week. Yes, my birthday isn’t until NEXT Monday, but this week I’m doing fun things that lead up to my celebration on Saturday (I realize I am completely obnoxious during my birthday month). I’m going to treat myself to a mani and pedi and I think I’m going to get a spray tan (nervous about this!). I would love to try and get a new dress, but I’m not sure that will end up happening. My parents are coming down on Saturday and I can’t explain how excited that makes me! I feel like I haven’t seen them in a long time, so it’s nice that they are coming down for the day on Saturday to take me to lunch and bring my birthday bunny cake! Lastly, I’m looking forward to getting dressed up and going out on Saturday night with some of my favorite people!

Questions for you: Have you been to Boston Body or Studio J? Do you like pilates? What was the best part of your week last week? What are you looking forward to this week?

Weekending: Babysitting, Spartan Training, Lunching, Lounging

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Happy Birthday Month to all my April birthday buddies! I can’t believe I am going to be 29 in just 2 weeks. Holy crap. Where the heck does time go?!

I had a relatively quiet weekend last weekend, which was a welcomed change! It was nice to not be under stress to get from one thing to the next, and to have time to relax and get stuff done around my apartment.

Friday night I got to babysit my 2 favorite kiddos. They love making pizza with me, so their mom whipped up some homemade dough and we made the most delicious pizza. It ended up working out well since I can’t eat meat on Fridays anyway!

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Saturday started off the best way: with a workout! As I’ve mentioned, I went to a Spartan training workout with a group of gym friends. I’d love to say that I LOVED the workout, but I didn’t. I thought it was really good and left me physically beat, it was too long. I was ready to be done about an hour into it, which I think was because it was fairly repetitive. Read: we did A LOT of burpees, squats, lunges, jumping jacks, running in place and push ups. Like, a lot (I think we did at least 200 burpees- no joke). While those are great exercises, I would’ve liked to have seen a better variety to keep us engaged for the whole time. We did run outside for a bit, which was greatly welcomed since the BC High School gymnasium was SO HOT. Overall, it was a good workout, but I don’t think I’d do one again. It was definitely fun to work out WITH my gym friends, rather than just teaching them 😉

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I definitely earned my lunch and bubbly at Lincoln Tavern with my sister! As I mentioned on Instagram, Lincoln has a “Bucket of Bubbly” deal where you get a bottle of Prosecco and 3 mixers (OJ, grapefruit juice and peach puree) for.. wait for it… $24! Even if you don’t finish the bottle (I’m embarrassed to admit we didn’t finish it…), it’s still a better deal than ordering glasses separately. I also enjoyed an asparagus, caramelized onions and cheese omelet.

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After lunch, I headed to my date’s apartment (I’m going to call him that rather than “the guy I am dating”… much easier 😉 ) to hang out. We had a nice, quiet night in which included drinking really great wine, cooking/making dinner and watching a movie.

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Have you seen the Dallas Buyers Club? We both really enjoyed it. While it was a bit more serious and intense than I usually watch, it was a very interesting story with great acting!

I wanted to share the recipe that we used for our appetizer. My date is gluten and dairy free right now, so he got this really great Paleo recipe book and we made the Tahini sauce.

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(he set this up for me to take a photo to put on here- super cute!)

It was a fun treat! He had made homemade sausages a few weeks ago, so we also had some of those with peppers, onions and a side of kale. Delish!

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Sunday started out with a workout and then grocery shopping, meal prep, laundry, cleaning and blogging. The gross, rainy weather was perfect for all of these activities! I made a crock pot soup, which was just a bunch of veggies, sweet potatoes and broth/Stubbs’ marinade. I added chicken at the end. Perfect meal for a rainy Sunday!

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I also made these amazing bars that Athena posted a while ago. I added in unsweetened coconut flakes and used gluten/dairy free chocolate chips. These things continue to amaze me!

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And that’s about it! All around really great weekend.

Questions for you: Do you make your own pizza dough or buy it? Have you done a Spartan race? Have you seen Dallas Buyers Club? If so, what did you think?