Taking the Workouts Indoors

Hi! The weather around these parts has done a quick 360 and it has been cold, gray and wet. I'm a big wimp and don't go out when it's crappy weather, so that means my workouts have been moved inside. I get really bored with the same workouts day after day, so I know that I need to keep things interesting and I need to have a PLAN once I'm 100% moved indoors. Creativity is key to keep this gal motivated and in the gym during the winter months!! 

Source: Pinterest via Michael O'Hanlon

Here's some of the workouts I've been enjoying lately:

• I am in love with yoga right now. On Saturdays, I often go to a kundalini yoga class, which I love! The Fitnessista is hosting a Namaste November challenge right now too, which challenges the participants to spend at least 10 minutes per day doing yoga. I'ved joined the challenge and I've done it almost every day. It's quite amazing what a difference 10 minutes of mediation and stretching can make in your day. When I spend a few minutes in the morning in peace and quiet where I can stretch and just focus on the day, I feel so centred and on track. I am loving this new ritual of mine!!
• When I need a routine to do at home, I've been relying on the Internet. My favourite yoga sites are YogaDownload.com and MyYogaOnline.com - there are some free classes or your can pay a fee for some more intense classes.
• I don't know about you, but I can't just hop on a treadmill/spin bike/elliptical machine and go full tilt for 30 - 60 minutes. Can you say boring?! I'm constantly on the lookout for some fun workouts  that keep it interesting. I often check out Julie's workout page and Courtney's workout page when I'm looking for a new cardio workout. If you are looking for some fun workout ideas, check out my Workouts/Runs Pinterest page because I'm always updating it with new workouts that I find.  
• If I find a cardio routine to do on the treadmill or elliptical machine, then I like to pair it with a weights workout. You might recall that I tried out some of Jamie Easson's LiveFit workouts back in early July and I still like to reference them when I'm looking for a weights workout.
• Group classes at the gym are another one of my fave ways to be active in the winter. My favourite classes are Zumba, Spin and Circuit training.
• DVD Workouts - I don't own too many yet, but I do love Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred and I'd love to get a couple of the dance cardio DVDs that Gina recommends here.

Everytime I think about skipping a workout, I think about this:

Source: Pinterest via FitFluential LLC

How do you keep yourself motivated at the gym?

Do you have a fave workout DVD or site? I'd love to hear from ya!!

Have a GREAT Friday!

Andrea
xoxo

What I Ate Wednesday: Fun, Food & FITNESS

I am ridiculously excited about this month's WIAW theme! The timing couldn't be more perfect because I just started Jamie Eason's 12-week LiveFit program, so food & fitness (and always a little fun!) is pretty much my main focus obsession right now! 

My current plan focuses on several small meals per day

 and some seriously clean eats.

Here's a peek into my eats this week:

Of course, I'm focusing on the amount of water I'm drinking each day.
My goal is to drink at least 64 oz per day, not counting what I drink while at the gym.

Breakfast

Egg white scramble with veggies (I used sundried tomatoes, mushrooms & red onion) with sugar-free salsa.

<Insert workout here - I like to hit the gym before work>

*more on my workouts below*

Mid-Morning Snack

Non-fat plain Greek Yogourt with stevia, cinnamon and fresh berries.

The addition of cinnamon was AWESOME!

Lunch

I had a kale & shredded brussel sprout salad with chickpeas. The dressing was a combo of extra virgin olive oil, dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice. I made this up the night before and layered it in a mason jar. Around 10 a.m., I gave the jar a shake so that the kale leaves could marinate before I dug in.

This was SOOOO good!

I'm thinking a recipe post might be in order ;)

Afternoon Snack

One thing about this program is that the majority of protein options allowed are animal proteins. I plan to use egg whites, tofu, tempeh and protein shakes to supplement some of that and I also made a batch of Jamie Eason's lemon protein bars.

They're really easy to whip up and I was happy to find that they're quite tasty too! One batch made 16 squares and I froze the majority so I could snack on them all week!

Dinner

One slice of sprouted 16 grain bread with mashed avocado, tempeh 'bacon' & sliced tomato with a side of stirfried kale & crimini mushrooms.

Hello plate of awesomeness <3

Delicious, filling & satisfying.

Fitness

I am doing something that I NEVER do.....I ventured into the free weights area of my gym. I was shaking like a freakin' leaf because for some reason I am so self conscious over in that area, but I rocked the workouts for Week 1, Day 1 and Week 1, Day 2 and I feel awesome for getting over my insecurities!!

Oh, and I.AM.REALLY.SORE.

(a 'hurts to lift my arms to type this' kinda pain)

Wanna see what other bloggers are eating and doing to keep active?!
Check out Jenn's WIAW page for all kinds of motivation.

 

Do you have any insecurities when at the gym?

What is your favourite post-workout snack?

Have a great day!

(...and Happy Independence Day to all my American family & friends!)

Andrea

xoxo