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?!!?

Don't worry, you're not a cheater.

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Good morning! I'm venting today. I have been noticing a common trend amongst online publications and that trend is the labeling of certain foods as "cheat meals". I know this is not anything that is new, but, it's really something that's been bugging me lately. Perhaps it's because I hoped we were past that. I at least hoped that fitness/health professionals and fitness/health writers were past that.

First, let's review the definition of CHEAT:

cheat: verb \ˈchΔ“t\
: to break a rule or law usually to gain an advantage at something
: to take something from (someone) by lying or breaking a rule
: to prevent (someone) from having something that he or she deserves or was expecting to get

Before I go off on my venting session, I would like to say that I understand that sometimes it's easy to get caught up with common words or phrases and there isn't a whole lot of thought put behind saying "I cheated, I had pizza for lunch". HOWEVER, maybe it's something that we should put some thought into. Being a cheat is a really bad thing (see definitions above). Aren't you better than that? Do you need to feel bad about yourself because you ate a damn slice of pizza? No. You made a conscious decision to consume something that you craved and it probably tasted pretty fantastic. You did not cheat. You are not a cheater. Stop bullying yourself.

I've seen a handful of articles and blog posts lately that are headlined with titles such as:  "When To Eat A Cheat Meal" "Cheat Meals from the Weekend". Most of these articles talk about when it's "OK" to eat "cheat foods" and how to counteract said "cheat foods" with exercise. "I ran 10 miles so I didn't feel so bad about eating a donut". Oh dear. Please, no. I hope that running 10 miles was fueled by the desire to be fit and lead a generally healthy lifestyle, not because a donut might be in the future. 

There are two main reasons that I get frustrated with these articles:
1. Calling yourself a cheat is disrespectful to yourself. You deserve better than that.
2. Other people are reading these articles and thinking that they too, are cheaters because they ate a donut. Then, they feel especially bad because they didn't work out that day to counteract said donut.

It's not right. There's enough pressure out there to stay fit and slim. Stop calling yourself a cheat. The happiest, fittest, healthiest humans that I know eat healthy most of the time and have some unhealthy foods 20% of the time. It doesn't mean that 20% of the time, they are "cheating". It means they are just enjoying life. Donuts, and all.

I hope you all have a spectacular week! xo

I can finally share this with you! (NBGNO)

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Hiii friendssss! I've been keeping a secret again and I'm so excited to finally share it! The next NBGNO event is NEXT TUESDAY, July 21st at 6pm and I'm honored to be the host for the third time!

If you aren't already aware of New Balance Girl's Night Out (and my love for these events), let me tell you... they are awesome. New Balance created NBGNO to bring women a new kind of "night on the town" that offers active women a means to be social, fit, and connect with each other to achieve their personal health and/or fitness goals. I can tell you, with 100% honesty, that these events have changed the way my girlfriends and I do "girl's nights". A lot of times, we'll now work out together BEFORE going out to dinner/drinks. It's really incredible to work side by side with your besties and encourage each other to do their best. I've noticed that my girlfriends are SO FRIGGIN' STRONG. It's amazing to see.

Back to the details... Tuesday's event will be my 5th in attendance and 3rd time hosting. Each event is unique in that there is always a theme and two workouts. One workout is a 3.5  mile run and the other workout is picked specifically to fit with the theme. There has been spinning on Copley Square, boot camp in the park, boutique studio workouts, and now SURFSET FITNESS! I must say that as much as I like the group runs, I am REALLY looking forward to this surfboard workout. It's going to be amazing.

PHoto courtesy of www.surfsetfitness.com.

Here is a summary of what past events have entailed. As mentioned, they are all different.
First
Second (Host)
Third (Co-Host)
Fourth
Fifth

Here are the details for Tuesday!
- Theme: Discovering New (Start thinking about what this means to you in regards to your fitness regimen)
- Workouts: 3.5 mile run OR Surfset!
- Summery Swag
- Music provided by DJ BREK.ONE
- Snacks and hydration from Thirst Juice, Essentia Water, Above & Beyond Catering, and Health Warrior

Did I mention these events are complimentary? Because they are. {insert heart eyes emoji}

Ready, Set, SIGN UP!
Click Here: NBGNO, JULY 21ST, BOSTON

Remember, these events fill up fast so get right on that app and sign up asap. It's going to be a blast!
Who's joining me!?
xo