Talking about "Gymtimidation"

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Hey friends! I hope you are all having a great week. For my local friends, we're about an hour from kick-off... who's excited?!! Let's go PATS!

I am checking in quickly today because I want to provide you with both; a new workout and a little encouragement for any "gymtimidation" that you may experience. It's been a long while since I've experienced any serious intimidation in the gym. For goodness sake, I taught group exercise for years so it was like a 2nd home to me. That being said, I still sometimes find myself hesitating to do something or use certain equipment based on what room it might be in or if I'm a little unsure with how to set it up.

The room you see pictured here is located upstairs at my gym, next to the weight room. While I've used the weight room numerous times, I had never stepped foot in this room because I assumed only the real boxers were allowed to use it. I also thought that even if I was "allowed" to use it, I didn't want to get in anyone's way. Well, that all changed a couple of weeks ago during my staycation when our instructor brought us all into this room and we used it like our own little playground... it was awesome.

Fast forward to this week... I have 4 puncture wounds in my foot. (Long story short, I stepped on two giant utility staples and it's still a little tender - lol). Anyway, I realized this room would be PERFECT to work out in because the floor is padded and I'd still be able to get some cardio in with the ropes and heavy medicine balls. 

My point? Being able to use this room this week made me SO HAPPY. I got a couple of GREAT workouts in and was able to save my little foot. So the next time you feel a little hesitation, just remember that everyone has been there at least once and for the most part... people will help you if you're unsure. And if all else fails, just channel your inner Ron Burgundy and be confident. Got it?

Now, let's talk about that workout:
- Battle ropes (for each set alternate waves (30) and alternating-waves (50))
- 14 lb medicine ball slams (really get into a solid squat here as you slam it down)
- 50 roman twists with 8-10lb medicine ball
- 20 sit-ups on stability ball.
(repeat 6 times)
To see this workout in high speed... head over to my instagram.

I supplemented this with a lift in the weight room:
- 50lb goblet squats
- 55lb bench
- Push-ups on the stabilizer
- 10lb flys
- 10lb rows
(5 reps, 4 sets)

That's all for now, my friends. Time to get the snacks together for the game! Have a great night! xo

QUESTIONS:
Do you still experience "gymtimidation"?
Have you ever used ropes?
Are you watching the Pats game?!!?

announcing: Strength Nation by New Balance

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I have a couple of BIG announcements to share with you today.

First:  S t r e n g t h   i s   B e a u t y. I'll let the pics below tell this story...

 

Second: I am thrilled to share with you that New Balance is throwing its BIGGEST Girl's Night Out (NBGNO) event of the year on September 24th. And you know what else? This event is taking place NATIONWIDE. The theme? STRENGTH IS BEAUTY!

 

 

Yup, as we train in Boston, women all over the country will be getting their sweat on in New York, Philly, Chicago, LA, and close to 50 stores across the country!

Third: Call your girlfriends and sign up. Fitness Instructor and Ambassador, Paula Fonseca from Equinox Boston will be leading the strength training portion of the event. Paula is described as a "teeny tiny powerhouse". She specializes in everything from HIIT training to barre to explosive cardio dance. As a former professional dancer, she knows how to keep her clients sweating while ensuring proper form and the very best results.

 

 

Lastly, I'll be back again as your emcee! If you've already joined me at a NBGNO event, then you know how fun and inspiring these events are. If you haven't joined us yet, take a glance at the photos above. All the ladies are smiling, laughing, and breaking a sweat with support from everyone around them. Give it a whirl... I can tell you that you absolutely will not be disappointed.

Want to learn more about past events? Check out these posts here:

First
Second (Host)
Third (Co-Host)
Fourth
Fifth
Sixth (Host)

*Photo credit newbalance.com/nbgno

Ok now get going and sign up and THEN let us know you're coming on social with hashtag #NBGNO!

SIGN UP HERE!

XO

Bits & Bites #9

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Hi everyone! I hope you all had an awesome weekend! It was a hot hot hot one here in the Northeast and I took full advantage of it. I will hang on to every last thread of summer until well into October, if possible. My dad has to pull his boat out of the water a little early this year and since this weekend was actually FREE of commitments, I ended up spending both days with my family on the boat. Both days were really relaxing. The ocean water was pretty warm so I tried to get in as much as possible. (FYI "warm" in the Northeast means 68 degrees)

Moving on, I promised to bring back my "Bits & Bites" game to provide you with a snapshot into my little eating world. Here's what I've been into for the last couple of weeks. I hope you all have an awesome week!

Dinner: Fried egg on pesto zoodles.

Dinner: Grilled chicken with buffalo sauce and quinoa with parsley, red onion, tomatoes, and cheese.

Lunch: Fried eggs on corn tortillas, hot sauce, and a teeny bit of cheese.

I think this was a dinner and I had leftovers for lunch: Chicken salad made with grapes, crushed almonds, dill, a little red onion, capers, a little organic mayo and dijon mustard served with blanched green beans and almonds.

Dinner: Fish tacos made with Ian's fish sticks, lettuce, tomatoes, and hot sauce on corn tortillas.

Weekend breakfast: Half english muffin with two fried eggs and watermelon. Yummmm.

Meal Prep for Dinners and Lunches: "Healthy Taco Casserole" made with organic ground chicken, quinoa, taco seasoning and the tiniest bit of cheese. Throughout the week, I topped it with lettuce, tomatoes, hot sauce etc.

Lunch: Random Whole Foods "burrito bowl". I just asked for lettuce, pulled chicken, guac, salsa, roasted veggies, and a little cheese. (I dont do beans and I didn't get a carb).

Dinner: I went back to Babbo with the girls on Thursday night and tried a new pasta dish. My favorites from there are the carbonara and the bolognese, however, this linguine with mussels was quite tasty.

Dinner: Yesterday afternoon when I got back from the South Shore, I power cleaned my entire condo from top to bottom, did two loads of laundry, took care of my garden, and then did a workout with Rob (50 squats, 800m run, 40 push ups, 800m run, 30 sit-ups, 800 meter run, 20 plank jacks, 800 meter run, 10 pistols, 800m run) and then I made that bowl of awesomeness above for fuel! Barilla protein plus pasta, diced tomatoes, garlic, zucchini, crushed red pepper, and parmesan. Mmm.

Have a great one! xo