Skip to main content

TGIW

Gym Day
Well, today the temps were back closer to the normal range - as in 51 not 73. Today was like my Friday as we are off Thursday and Friday for the holidays. Even better, I got to leave at 12:30 pm. Now that's a Christmas gift for sure!

I had packed my gym bag this morning because I knew I wanted to work back today. I wasn't sure if I would be hitting up spin class or just the elliptical. Since I got off work early (though not early enough for the noon spin class), I just hit the elliptical for my cardio.

Since I missed Week 2 of STS Meso 2, I went with that for my Week 4 workout. I decided to start at 70% and work up to 80% of my 1RM with each set so that I was hitting the 80% as I was supposed to this week.

Warm up on elliptical for 10 minutes
Pullups
Medium grip chinups
Chinups
Barbell rows - 12,10,8,TF
1-arm rows - 12,10,8,TF
Pullovers - 12,10,8,TF
Low back extensions on ball

Again, I left out the band work and deadlifts and substituted with pullovers and low back extensions on the stability ball. I did some ab work, both weighted and using the stability ball. I finished off the workout with about 20 minutes on the elliptical before calling it quits.

What's funny is how different the crowds can be at the gym depending on what time you go. Usually just after 4 pm it's fairly empty with the exception of a few men, typically in their late 30's or early 40's. Today, around 1 pm, it was younger men, and total meat heads at that. More grunting and flexing than at a muscle and fitness show. 

Protein Fail
I went home and got cleaned up and decided to try out a new Jay Robb protein shake. I don't usually drink protein shakes, but I had picked up this single-serving packet because it sounded delish - Pina Colada.

I typically like the Jay Robb brand. So I was excited to try it. First off, I couldn't seem to get it to mix up properly. Then I ended up spilling half (or more) all over the floor, splashing the cabinets of course. Even worse? It tasted horrible. It was sickly, fake sweet. Horrible.

Getting Ready for Tomorrow
Anyway, after that fiasco I had to heat the mean holiday streets for a few errands for tomorrow's party, baking with my sis, and meals on Christmas Day. I realized, however, that I was on empty so I only made it to Kroger. That was enough though. I was ready to be home and done. I had what I needed for the party at least, so that was what counted the most.

We're doing a brunch theme so there will be frittatas. I found a recipe for a vegan/tofu frittata that I am also going to try out (for myself at the very least). Jason requested a coffee cake, so I found a vegan version to test. Hope he likes it ;-) I've never made one period. I'll also do a mixed fruit salad, we'll have some bagels and some faux sausages. I know what all you meat-eaters are thinking...gross. But these have actually made meat-eater approval. Oh, and brunch is not complete without mimosas!

Do you have any brunch favorites? Got any tips for the vegan frittata? I think for the real frittatas one will be a Greek style and the other maybe a Mexican flavored.

And last but not least, dinner: Since today is technically my Friday, and it feels like Friday, and we won't be having Pizza Friday...It's Pizza Wednesday! 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Love in Photos

In honor of Valentine's Day - Love in Photos Husband Family and Furbabies Friends Even if you're not a fan of Valentine's Day - I hope you have a wonderful day and remember the loves in your life.

Workout Wednesday - Body Blaster Tabata

Happy Hump Day! I wanted to thank everyone for their comments on yesterday's post: Be Kinder to Your Body. Calories are Not the Enemy . It sounds like it resonated with many of you. Today I wanted to share a new workout with you. I've been working on interval workouts for some of my clients. I try to give them the most bang for their buck (time). I know that in an ideal world, we would all have time to do longer workouts. There would never be scheduling conflicts, sick husbands or kids, or sick us. In reality, workouts need to be effective and efficient. And they don't have to be lengthy to be effective and efficient either. There's no need to spend hours in a gym to get in a good workout. Interval workouts like HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) or tabata, or even interval running are great ways to get in a fantastic workout in a short amount of time and have many benefits. You can read more about Tabata workouts  here . The benefits of this type of work

Piriformis Update & Grilled Veggie Salad

New Piriformis Exercises Today wasn't too terrible for a Monday. Of course, I did leave a little early. That always helps huh ;-) I had another round of physical therapy today. My PT has been really researching piriformis syndrome and found an interesting article that discusses the use of McKenzie Exercises - typically used for back pain. I have started adding in low back extensions (one of the exercises) but now have a whole new list of exercises to add into my workout rotations. But, if it helps, I'll do it. I also asked her about dry needling (thanks Sarena ), which is sort of similar to acupuncture, but is more about trigger point and intramuscular stimulation. And I'm glad I asked because the timing is uncanny. One of the doctor's in the clinic happens to be going to get certified this weekend. They both believe that I am a prime candidate for the procedure. So we'll see how that goes. Kind of scared because I hate hate hate needles. Have any of you tr