TRX: A Badass Workout

I didn't make a big deal about it at the time, but about 2 months ago I rejoined at our local YMCA. The facility is only about 6 years old, and they have recently made additions to it and upgraded it even more. I had cancelled my membership a few years ago when it just seemed like too much money for a family membership ($80/mo.) when I was going maybe once a week and my husband didn't like working out there. Somehow I had completely missed the fact that a single adult with up to 4 children can use the facility for a monthly fee of only $55! Plus, over the last couple of years my schedule has lightened up a bit, having more days I work from home and just having easier access to the Y.

A couple weeks ago my friend encouraged me to try a TRX class. TRX is basically a suspension training work out, where you utilize straps that hang from the ceiling in this case, and leverage your body weight and gravity to build core body strength and lean muscle. Check out this video, which pretty much sums it up:




Yes, we did almost every single one of those exercises in my 50 minute class. My instructor is totally cool, making sure to help out anyone who is new to the class. She calls out exercises and tells you how much time you have left for each one as you are doing them. Each time you do a new exercise she directs you to quickly adjust your straps to the proper length. Every exercise utilizes and strengthens your core, and you definitely feel it when it is over.

Imagine doing lunges, chest presses, tricep/bicep curls, burpees, mountain climbers all using your own body weight for resistance and in some cases suspended by straps? Does it sound interesting? Well it is! It is an amazing work out, and during the class at some point I think to myself, "I am dying right now." Of course I'm not really dying, I am getting absolutely worked, and afterwards I feel so great and proud of myself that I survived. What I love about this class is that no weights are involved, so rather than build and develop big muscles and I am developing lean body strength. It's crazy, this is one of those classes that in the past I would walk by and think it was way too hardcore for me. I am so glad that my friend encouraged me and pushed me to try something new and different. I don't want my body to get complacent, and I love retraining my muscles and keeping them guessing!

Have you ever tried TRX? What do you think?

Adventures in Sweets and Cross Training

Last week wasn't a great eating week for me. I still continued eat pretty healthy meals for the most part, but between meals I digressed quite a bit. Monday our neighbors came by with Girl Scout cookies and we were not going to turn them down. They are great neighbors, so we bought 4 boxes. Since I am at work more than I am at home, fortunately I haven't taken too big of a calorie hit because of this.

Tuesday was Valentine's Day, and our truly awesome office manager baked us the most adorable cupcakes. Of course I had to have one!

My husband took me out to dinner for Valentine's Day, the meal was a fixed menu, and came with this dessert which was lovely. It was a French restaurant, so I'm sure our meal was full of all the fatty, caloric goodness that makes French food good. Fortunately the portions were small.

 Then on Wednesday, I had another cupcake. Damn. For breakfast!

Thursday, our partner's daughter came in, and guess what? She was selling Girl Scout Cookies! I somehow managed to limit myself to 2 boxes and promptly opened one and put it in the office kitchen so other people (not me) would eat them. The other box is stashed away in one of my desk drawers.

So....about that cross-training. I have finally decided to sign back up at the CRC. I went this weekend and I realized how much I missed it! My boys went to Kids Club and had fun playing. I did 50 minutes of circuit training and ran over 2 miles on the treadmill. My body was not used to doing weights so I am a little sore still but I feel great. I figure I can workout there some Fridays when I work from home, and on the weekends when I am not running with Scrappy Mama. Also this week the kids are out of school, so instead of getting them ready and shuffling them out the door I can get up early and work out! OR, I can sleep in. We'll see.

I have a couple weeks until I do the Montara Trail Run and want to be as strong as I can. There is no doubt I will finish it, and no doubt I will have a great time. I am really looking forward to it! This past weekend I took my family out to Harvey Bear Ranch Park so they can see where I have been training. The kids had a blast,  and it was good to get my sore legs out and moving. I think Chip was somewhat shocked and impressed that I run out there. It was a great family activity and a wonderful, long weekend!

How have you been doing in the food department? Keeping it clean and lean? Hope your Presidents Week is going well!  Stay fit and fabulous, friends!

Why I Love Valentine's Day

Image from Valentine Clipart

I have seen a lot of bah-humbug in regards to Valentine's Day recently. Some of it is in jest, but others are truly and sincerely anti-. I agree, "Hallmark" holidays can be really annoying, where suddenly simple nice gestures must be grandiose and over commercialized. Do I need a dozen roses from my husband to symbolize his love for me? No. Are they nice, well yes. And if you do get roses every Valentine's Day, more power to you. I did get roses a lot during the early years of marriage. I'm not saying that over time romantic gestures become any less special, or that I deserve less but I guess as a couple we have become more practical. I don't really want Chip to spend the money on roses. But, I do know that if I really wanted them or expected them he would totally get them for me.

This morning, it was all about the kids. I got them each a Star Wars action figure/battle game (under $10) and a little box of candy (under $5). They didn't get a card from us, well because in all honesty they don't give a hoot about cards. I was going to make them heart shaped pancakes but we spent so much time ooh-ing and aah-ing over their their little presents that they were behind in getting ready for school so we nixed that and I let them have a piece of chocolate with their breakfast. There are so many things that Monkey asks for now, because he sees stuff on TV - that evil box in our living room that is constantly marketing things to him, heh heh. We are always telling him that maybe he can get it when he achieves x,y, and z so that gives him something to work toward and not just automatically buy him what he wants. He was SO enthused this morning at the thought of just getting a surprise gift, for no reason other than we love him. He kept saying, "Thank you!" over and over. Too cute. Buddha of course is still in his own little world and loved his Yoda, but honestly was more interested in his piece of chocolate and his morning milk.

Chip and I exchanged cards, and we have plans to go to a nice dinner tonight. I don't have any problem with celebrating "us", I am always looking for excuses to celebrate just about anything...I've always been that way. I don't want to get gauged on an over-priced, crowded restaurant with crappy service on Valentine's Day. There have been many times we have stayed home and made lobster and steaks at home and had champagne for a fraction of restaurant cost (and yeah, we had to cook and clean up after too, but that's besides the point). But our lovely little town has a new French restaurant we are excited to try. And nothing here is ever crowded or over-priced. I feel really fortunate, because I'm not in any mood these days to travel to the "city" when I have to commute in for work every day.

So I get that people think Valentine's Day is lame, but to each his own. I will take advantage of any opportunity to celebrate love with my three dudes. I've even got my Pinterest board ready to go with ideas for next year. Hope you all have a lovely day, whether you are celebrating or not.

With hugs and love!

Do you celebrate Valentine's Day? Do you enjoy the traditional heart-shaped candy box and roses or are you a little more casual with your gifts?

The Benefits of a CSA

What is a CSA you ask? CSA stands for "community supported agriculture". Through a CSA, you can buy produce directly from the farmer by buying a share in the farm, or what is similar to a subscription. In return you can receive a weekly or bi-weekly box of fresh produce.

The last week of my local Farmer's Market was Saturday. The thought of buying fruits or veggies that aren't local, or organic, or that haven't been ripened naturally from my neighborhood supermarket doesn't appeal to me. Sure I have Whole Wallet, I mean, Whole Foods within walking distance to my office but shopping there doesn't help support local growers or my pocketbook for that matter. I am thinking a CSA is the way to go.

There are so many other benefits to participating in a CSA besides knowing where your food is grown, and who is growing it. Depending on the CSA and the "plan" you go with, you may not get to pick exactly what you are getting in your box. This may get you to try new things. You may also get to visit the farm and see how the produce is actually grown. Some farms offer other products besides vegetables. You may find eggs, bread and meat available through some CSA's as well.

I am in the process of researching which one would work best for my family, and reading reviews. Part of what is important to me is if it is picked up or delivered, where the most convenient pick up spots are and convenient pick up times. One of my friends has referred me to Timptations. Their offerings are 90-95% organic. It is only $18/week for a small box of produce (6 items: 2 fruits, 2 hearty vegetables, 1 leafy green, 1 "exotic") I do enjoy the experience of going to the Farmer's Market weekly with my family, and may head back when the season starts up again in May...unless I am so happy with my CSA that I don't want to quit! I will let you know how it goes!

Have you ever heard of a CSA? Have you ever tried one?