What Day Is It?
Yep, definitely woke up not knowing what day is was… Monday and Tuesday were a total blur. Tonight, however, I am looking forward to a low-key evening at home with my husband (whom I have barely seen lately). Our plan is to cook dinner, drink some wine, and veg-out. (P.S. I can’t wait for The Office season premier tomorrow night!!!)
Once again, breakfast was a bowl of pumpkin oats– this time with chopped dates, walnuts, and a few honey Puffins on top for some added crunch.
Coffee was MUCH NEEDED this morning! I made a mug of Sumatra in the office.
I added Stop & Shop-brand vanilla soy milk and agave nectar (from Whole Foods) to my cup o’ Joe. (I thought the product photos might be helpful. I am a “visual learner” and often try products that I see on other blogs.)
Participant Insights: Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk
Lori, a fellow food blogger, interviewed me the other day about my experience and why I participate in the BMJFW event. In addition to her own blog, Fake Free Food, Lori contributes to the Charity Mile blog, a blog that provides information about charity walks, runs, and biking events. To read the interview: Participant Insights: The Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk.
My friend, Jenny, posted this photo of me on Facebook the other day. (BTW– Carrots N Cake has it’s own Facebook group!) She snapped it when I stopped for a quick D&D iced coffee during the walk. She totally busted me! 
For more photos and a recap of the event or to donate: Jimmy Fund Walk.
Abs Class
Abs class went pretty well! I was nervous, but I got through it just fine. The first time is always the hardest, right? The only issue that I had was that the stopwatch I used didn’t work! (Of course, right!?) Typically, the Fitness Specialist will time each ab exercise before switching to the next one to keep the class moving along. I ended up using the wall clock to time the exercises, but it was kind of a pain in the butt because I couldn’t easily read it from where I was standing.
I had 8 women for the class, and I think they enjoyed it. I actually think I might have worked them a little too hard! Personally, I’d much rather have a too tough workout than a too easy workout. At least if it’s too challenging, you can take a break and rest, but if it’s not challenging enough, you’re sort of wasting your time.
Anyway, here are the exercises that I used for abs class last night. Most of the exercises were timed for 45 seconds, except for the planks, which were 30 seconds.
Abs Class – September 22
- Plank
- High plank with forearm touch
- Crunch with alt. leg extension (both legs)
- Alternating toe touches
- Rest – stretch hands over head and legs out straight
- Low back extension
- Low back extension – arms form W, V, W then rest
- Lying side oblique crunches
- Scissor kicks
- Seated crunch leg pull-in
- Hip lift with leg (both sides)
- Cobra pose (to stretch abs)
- Child’s pose
Look who’s on duty! This is SUCH a dorky photo, but every Fitness Specialist needs to have one. Trust me, it could have been worse– I almost had a photo of me doing a squat on a Bosu. Not that cool.
Question of the Day
After a crazy week (or just a few days), how do you relax and unwind?
Posted by: Tina 35 comments
Posted in: Uncategorized
Tags: agave nectar, soy milk
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 8:49 am
I too am SOOO excited for the Office premier! That may be the funniest show ever produced
Congrats on getting the first class out of the way – sounds like it was a success!
I think that’s an adorable pic!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Oh goodness, I know, I’m SO confused on the days when I wake up – I can’t believe it’s only Wednesday!!
Love the pumpkin oats with Puffins!!
BEST AGAVE NECTAR BRAND EVER!!!
Sounds like a great abs class!! Love the photo!!
To relax and unwind, I listen to music, read magazines/more of my novels, catch up on DVR’d shows, do full-body stretching…
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Ah! Cute on duty photo! I wish I lived in the area and could attend your ab workout! Jealous.
Love the Office but I am way more pumped for GREYS on Thursday!:) Do you watch?
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 9:01 am
Glad it went well! Believe me, more people return when its tooooo tough than too easy! That stinks about the stop watch, but you’ll get comfortable with how much time everything takes and won’t need it after a few classes
Thanks for all the great ab exercises! I think the pic is cute!!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 9:04 am
That photo is HILARIOUS! (the one for your work) As for the other photo, you’re like the lady who ran the Boston Marathon and caught the bus midway thru…
When I’ve had a tough week I just veg out and STAY HOME. All weekend, if necessary, leaving only to run errands.
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 9:07 am
I can’t wait for the Office either! Glad to hear the class went well, thanks for posting the moves. I am always looking for new ones. Totally agree about the tough classes when it comes to muscle conditioning.
A relaxing time for me is all about a good book, the couch and a good coffee (morning) or a cocktail (night).
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 9:15 am
I thought today was Thursday for a good portion of the morning. I am totally with you on the days being a blur!
My relaxation? One glass of wine. Honestly, it always does the trick on a Friday night.
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Tina, I made your chocolate oat bars last night and my husband loved them! I brought one to work today to sample
I LOVE THE OFFICE and am so pumped to watch the premier. Congrats on teaching your first class! And…I love to unwind watching a funny sitcom or browsing around on facebook 
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 9:21 am
That is awesome about your first class. I am sure it will get MUCH easier over time. It makes me wish I belonged to health works, but if you ever do any in-home personal training on the side let me know. I would love to have a trainer come to me!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 9:21 am
I can WAIT for the office! And listing those ab exercises is so helpful – thanks! My way to relax is either taking light run/walk to get fresh air or having a glass of wine.
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 9:22 am
I would definitely rather take a too hard class, a too easy class seems like a waste of time. Oh, and the picture is not dorky!
I’ve been trying to cut out sweeteners in my coffee, so I think adding vanilla soy milk might be helpful. Thanks for the idea.
I can’t wait for The Office either. I need to see what happens to Pam and Jim!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Ohhh and let’s see, my relaxation. Definitely cooking. I love to pour a glass of wine and let myself get fully into it. I find chopping and stirring very relaxing.
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 9:22 am
oops – meant to say – i CANT wait for the office!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 9:22 am
I would do exactly what it sounds like you are doing tonight to relax! Glass (or two!) of wine with my husband, eating delicious food, and lounging on the couch.
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I like to save my long runs for the weekend and use that as my time to relax, I saw save my large grocery trip for Sunday and usually spend an hour going through the store making my slections. This is really one of my favorite parts of the weekend and I look forwrd to it every week. The grocery store is just so relaxing to me.
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 9:43 am
I light a candle and either read on the couch or watch some mindless tv. with hot tea of course. Looks like a great ab workout. I’ll have to try it.
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Hi Tina – It was great to meet you last night, it was like seeing a celebrity when I recognized you! Congrats on your first abs class, maybe next week I’ll take it when you teach, although I know you’re tough!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 10:17 am
I agree, I would rather have a too-hard workout as well. And the photo definitely is not dorky.
Relaxing? Usually involves wine, some super yummy food, and either watching old black and white movies with the hubs or gaming with the hubs. A snoring boxer must be close by as well!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 10:21 am
I’ll be doing that ab workout at the gym today! Thanks!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 10:24 am
i just friended you on facebook! i’m not a regular poster, but i read your blog every day. i wish i could take your class!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Thank you SO much for posting your abs class workout. I can’t wait to incorporate some of the exercises into my routine. I LOVE your blog – keep the good stuff comin’!!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Thats so funny I woke up today not knowing why i was getting up at 6 untill is saw it was wed. Great job teaching the class.. itis always harder than it looks.. untill i had to teach group exercise i i did not know what I challenge it was! Have a good day! And i love stop and shop natures promise brand!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Annie,
I used to watch Grey’s– I was actually pretty obsessed with it! I still have the biggest crush on Patrick Dempsey! I don’t watch it anymore because I watch The Offic, which is on at the same time. I miss Grey’s– I should Netfix the DVDs soon!
Ann,
It was so nice meeting you too! I’m so glad you stopped by to introduce yourself!
Re: Wine and The Office
CAN’T WAIT FOR BOTH TOMORROW NIGHT!
Re: My Blog
We’re having some technical difficulties. Everything should be back up and running soon. Sorry!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 10:56 am
I love the sign with your picture!!!
That is my favorite brand of agave nectar!
I am definitely going to try your ab routine! It looks awesome! 6 pack abs here I come!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 10:58 am
To relax, I read and do yoga. Or take a nice walk. I try to get a walk in every day.
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 11:53 am
i like the postings in the middle
looks even better now!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Loooove the picture!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 11:59 am
I read your blog all the time, but this is my first time posting. I have to give it to you for being goal-minded and taking on the challenge of your job switch. I should take a page from your book! Anyway I really love reading your blog–it inspires me. =)
Also, I cannot wait for The Office premier tomorrow. It’s only the best show ever!!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Im glad your 1st class went well!
To relax or vent I exercize. I run or swim super hard till I cant anymore.
I love the new picture. Very appropriate!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
I’m new to your blog, but love it! Question: what kind of oats do you use? Or maybe, how do you prepare them? Yours always look so much more delicious than mine. And do you have a warm-weather alternative for oatmeal? A cold use for oats? (It’s not fall here yet!)
To relax, I’m with so many of the others…cooking delicious (usually including some sort of grainy bread) meals and drinking a delicious glass of wine with the honey.
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Congrats on a successful abs class! haha I love the pick, you are definitely on serious fitness duty!
I’ve thought about adding pb puffins to my oats in the morning, now I think it’s a must next time!
Definitely a nice dinner and a glass (or 3) of wine, depending on how tired I am, I love the atmosphere at classy restaurants so going out could be an option
Happy Hump Day!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Tina,
I really enjoy reading your blog! Your ab routine looks awesome — thanks for posting!
I noticed that you use the “amber” agave nectar. I have also seen “light” agave nectar and I was wondering if you knew if there is a huge taste difference between the two or if one type is better than the other?
Thank you!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Kate,
I use Old Fashioned Quaker Oats from the canister. To make: I use 1/2 cup of dry oats and 1 cup of water (or milk), then combine them in a large, microwavable bowl. (You can also add your goodies at this point– fruit, nuts, spices, etc.) Pop the big bowl with all of the fixings in the microwave for 2 minutes. Stir and enjoy!
I haven’t experimented with cold oats yet, but you could always try a smoothie with some oats thrown it. I think Kath (www.katheats.com) has some good oat-smoothie recipes on her blog.
Jess,
I use the amber version, which is very sweet. I actually haven’t tried the light version, but here is some info from Debra Lynn Dadd’s site:
“Agave is produced in different grades, of varying color and flavor. Light agave is flavor neutral (it adds sweetness, but no flavor of its own). Amber and Dark agaves add sweetness and a mellow flavor, much like honey and maple syrup.
To make light agave, minerals, color, and flavor are extracted, and then the nectar is cooked down to concentrate the sweetness. Amber and Dark agaves retain the natural minerals, color, and flavor of the agave.”
I didn’t know the difference either! Hope this helps!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I woke up this morning thinking it was Thursday! I hate it when that happens. Your picture is NOT dorky! You look so professional.
And who doesn’t LOVE The Office?!!! My husband and I are obsessed and quote it all the time!
on Sep 24th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
I like the photo! And I’m going to have to try that ab workout, looks like a killer