I got my butt to the gym this morning and took a “conditioning” group exercise class at BSC (aka my new gym for the next month). While we waited for the instructor to arrive, a guy standing near me started to complain about how last week’s class was really tough. The woman who he was talking to agreed and joined in on the complaining.
As I listened to their conversation, I thought: YESSS!! This class is going to be awesome! I’d much rather have a difficult class than an easy one. I mean, isn’t it the worst when you try a new group exercise class and it’s not challenging. I always feel like I wasted my time. I definitely didn’t waste my time this morning!
The class was designed to mimic a one-on-one personal training session, but in a group setting. There was a good mix of high-intensity cardio + strength training with lots of multi-joint exercises (ex: dumbbell squat to press). It was tough, but in a good way! I was huffing and puffing and dripping sweat the entire time.
Here’s how the class was structured:
- 15 minutes: Warm-up/high-intensity aerobics and plyometrics
- 15 minutes: Strength training using dumbbells and body bars
- 10 minutes: High-intensity aerobics and plyometrics
- 10 minutes: Strength training using dumbbells and body bars
- 5 minutes: Step aerobics
- 5 minutes: Abs
The class concluded with a 60-second cool down. I’m all about cool downs, but I love that the instructor maximized our time and didn’t spent too much time on it. I’d much rather do a cool down on my own time, ya know?
Dinner
I ate a “garbage salad” for dinner last night. In the mix: romaine lettuce, roasted broccoli, carrots, beets, chickpeas, marinated artichoke hearts, crumbled feta, and the bottom of a bag of BBQ kale chips. I also drank a Pumpkin UFO. I guess you could call it dessert!
Breakfast
This morning’s breakfast was a twist on an old favorite. I switched up the recipe for an Oatmeal Pancake by adding canned pumpkin, ground flaxseed meal, and more egg whites to the mix:
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup liquid egg whites
- 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice
I topped my pumpkin protein pancake with peanut butter and chia seeds.
And, of course, I enjoyed a glass of iced coffee with eggnog.
Our friends at Mohegan Sun invited Mal and me to spend tonight at their hotel and enjoy dinner at the new BALLO restaurant. Mohegan’s PR Manager is a huge fan of CNC and extended the invitation as a way to celebrate me running the New York City Marathon. Mal and I always have such a blast a Mohegan, so, of course, we accepted. I can’t wait for tonight! I even bought a new outfit!
Enjoy the weekend, friends! See you tomorrow with a recap of our Mohegan adventures!
P.S. Ebates members: Just a reminder to use your account for your holiday shopping! I’ve already saved/earned a ton of money with my online shopping. There are some really awesome cash back deals right now!