Days 13 and 14... walking/situps and Irish Step Dance class

Yesterday was rough... had class starting at 8am and then started day 1 as a grad assistant, and then had to study for a midterm. Luckily it was a nice day, so I walked to and from school (a little less than 3 miles round-trip) and then did an abs video when I got home.

Today was a LOT more productive - I had my last Irish Step Dancing class which was 1.5 hours tonight to make up one of the times it was canceled due to weather. The class was a blast as always. Here's a video of an example of one of the steps/dances we've learned. We actually did this one today! As you can see, it's a lot of jumping around and using muscles you probably don't use on a regular basis! I get lost about halfway through that step - it is soo fast-paced. It's still so much fun to learn though. I am really sad the sessions are over, and I have night class during the next set of sessions, so I can't make it to those. Our instructor gave us some other options of places to try classes at, so I'll try a few of those. Although I am still the worst, most uncoordinated dancer ever, I really loved going and learning new steps. I think it's opened me up to trying new dances as well... I think tap probably incorporates some of the same movements, but it's a little more difficult to find a "laid-back" tap class. I'll let you know what I come up with!

No hot water in my apt tonight - hoping to use that as an excuse for an early gym trip + SHOWER at the gym!

Day 12 - Thirty Day Shred workout video

Hmm... I'm getting pretty used to these workout videos. It's so nice just to roll out the exercise mat instead of suiting up to go to the gym. I also found my 3-lb hand-weights, and the people below my apartment moved out yesterday, so now I can do every move of the workout including jumping rope (well, fake rope) and doing jumping jacks. One of the moves in the video was a kickboxing move, and made me realize that I haven't looked into a kickboxing class in Boston yet. I did an awesome kickboxing class in NYC with Kick Ash Fitness. Ashley (the instructor) has since moved to California, and it looks like she's teaching classes near LA according to her blog. The class she taught was a really fun mix of kickboxing moves, dancing, and strength training, all to the tune of some really amazing upbeat music. I'm looking to find a fun class like that, and not the more serious kickboxing classes I may find at a martial arts center. Any ideas? Anyone tried Zumba? I'm thinking that may also be a fun alternative!

Day 11 - Sunday night pilates class

I really enjoy pilates class, especially on Sunday nights. It's a great mix of a hard workout and relaxation (if that makes any sense.) The studio near me, North End Yoga, is renovating and adding an extra floor, which means they'll offer more classes, which I'm pretty psyched about. I'm starting to think of ways I can exercise while on vacation next week (in San Pancho, Mexico. YAY for sun!) I've done some googling and found out they offer a $7 yoga class in town, so I'll definitely try that. I'll also have my laptop loaded up with workout videos. And there's always swimming, or running on the beach! I always seem to bring sneakers on vacation and never use them... so this vacation I vow to actually put them on. I may invest in some FitFlops as well if I can find a good deal.

Happy March!

Days 9 and 10 - workout videos at home

Well I have to admit Day 9 was not my greatest effort... I had slept 5 hours the night before, but did get up and do a quick pilates video before going to school to study for a midterm. Last night I did 2 different videos - abs and lower body. The difference between classes and videos is that you can really wimp out when doing a video at home. I found myself skipping a rep here and there and just generally not focusing as much as I do while in a class with an instructor looking on. I think they're a great choice if you're strapped for time, but having the energy to actually do it is really a prerequisite. I plan to do a more traditional workout today since I have finally gotten a decent amount of sleep and don't have to spend every waking minute studying for Neuro. On that note... off to the gym!

Day 8 - Irish Step Dancing

Best workout of the week! I have wanted to try an Irish step class ever since I spent a semester in Galway, Ireland. My friends and I tried to take one in Galway, but it was very advanced and we were kicked out for wearing jeans and not taking it seriously. I found this class at the Boston Center for Adult Education, and it is SO great!!! This was the 6th session. It is a very relaxed class, the students are fun, the instructor is helpful and motivating, and it's a blast! We do a mixture of basic steps, jigs, partner, and group dances. I can't say I am any good at it (at all), but it's an awesome and fun workout. It's a Beginner class, and I'll probably retake the Beginner class again just to get more comfortable with the steps. The BCAE is a really great facility on Arlington St. near Boston Common. They have a huge variety of affordable classes. I have seen their cooking classes in action, and the kitchen is really nice and the food smells amazing. I really recommend trying a class if you're looking to do something new!

Day 7 - boring gym!

Had a ton to do today, but luckily an 8am class started a little later so I was able to go to the gym in the AM. Just did elliptical and treadmill, and was bored the entire time. If the machines at my gym weren't from the 80s, I'd be happier to be there. Oh well... tomorrow is my favorite activity of the week, Irish Step Dancing!

Day 6 - exercise videos

I realized I needed to get in some physical activity a little late tonight... I was exhausted and did not have a charged iPod (it is charging now, though.) The idea of the gym was a little daunting, so I turned on my OnDemand Exercise channel and did a 30-minute cardio/strength workout and a 15-minute pilates workout. I don't think it was quite as effective as sweating it out on the treadmill, but it wasn't a bad alternative. I'm glad I re-discovered these videos right about the time I found my exercise mat shoved in the back of my closet! I'm hoping to get the gym out of the way tomorrow morning... need to go to sleep soon to make that happen...

Day 5 - Vinyasa Yoga

So last week after pilates I asked the instructor what I could do to increase flexibility, as there are many pilates moves that I simply cannot due because of my tight hamstrings/calves/hip flexors. She said I should try yoga to loosen up. I've done yoga before, but only at a gym, never at a private studio. I decided tonight would be a good time to do it, and I signed up across the street at North End Yoga. I had a super stressful day of driving - I signed up for ZipCar to go to my friend's baby shower. First, I rented a Prius, and get in, and realize there are no keys! Just a power button. I press it and nothing happens. I try multiple combinations of power + ZipCar card + seatbelt on (thought maybe it wouldn't turn on without my seatbelt) for about 15 minutes. Finally, I press on the brake and figure out the car won't start until you press in the brake!!! Please take note - anyone that may need to use a Hybrid car in the future.

Anyway, with the whole ZipCar idea I did not factor in getting lost. Being that it is basically the only time I've driven around Boston, this was a foolish mistake. I got about 45 minutes lost on the way there and 50 minutes lost on the way back. I needed to get the ZipCar back by 3 to avoid a late charge, and pulled into the spot at 3:40. Needless to say, I was panicked and nervous. I figured yoga would be a good way to calm down, as well as get in my fitness for the day!

It turns out... I. AM. NOT. MEANT. FOR. YOGA. I couldn't do more than half the moves due to my poor balance and flexibility. Not to mention, I don't think I buy into the whole meditation thing. Today's theme was "neutrality", and we were asked to choose a "neutral" person in our life and make the session about that person. She mentioned a coffee barista we may see every day as an example. I chose the security guard (an older, kind man) at school. The instructor told us to think of this "neutral person" and bring energy out of our body into this person's life or something like that. I had to suppress laughter the ENTIRE time. I kept picturing sparkles floating from my feet into the security guard's little cubicle. I don't think I'll be able to see him tomorrow without cracking up.

The session was 1 hr 15 mins... and the last 15 minutes... we slept!!! Or at least that's what I did. We were asked to lie flat on our backs with eyes closed and do the Vinyasa breathing technique (which I could not figure out for the life of me.) I swear it was a full 15 minutes that we lied there before getting up and ending the session with a long hum. I just don't think I can take it seriously right now. Maybe if I learned more about the art of yoga, I would not think it was funny. I do have to say I am completely relaxed right now, and I did sweat, and my muscles are semi-sore, so I did get what I wanted out of it. I just don't think I'll do it again. I'm glad I tried though.

Day 4 - beautiful day for a long walk outside

Today I took advantage of the gorgeous weather... mid 40s, sunny, and breezy (well, windy.) Tons of people were out today enjoying the change in weather. Since I tend to fall on anything that remotely resembles ice, I was glad that almost all of the ice/snow on walkways had melted and I was able to walk outside without fear of falling! I walked 3 miles in my new amazing Fit Flop boots. They have a lower heel which is supposed to make your calf muscles work harder (or something like that.) I just got them because I was in the market for black Uggs, and these were on sale for half price and look like Uggs. I can't say I feel like my calves worked any harder. They are super comfy though, and I plan to get the flip flops in the summer.

I got home and still had some energy so I flipped through On Demand exercise channel, and found out there are a TON of free workout videos! I tried Jillian Michaels' Metabolism Boost which was a 25-minute mix of kick-boxing/cardio moves. I actually broke a sweat and didn't care that I looked like a complete spaz (I closed my blinds.) I'll definitely be trying more videos... it's awesome that they are free, and I can do several different "classes" without needing to leave the apartment!

Day 3 - Back to the gym

Well now that I've told a few people about this blog, I think it's going to make me actually keep my promise of 40 days of fitness. This afternoon I did the gym... 45 minutes on the elliptical, 15 minutes doing weights, and a mile round-trip walk to Whole Foods afterwards :) My iPod ran out of battery 10 minutes into the elliptical... which put a damper in my plan to do a hardcore workout. I definitely move much faster when I have good music to listen to. On that note, I thought I'd give a little list of my favorite workout songs:

I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
When I Grow Up - Pussycat Dolls
Just Dance Club Remix - Lada Gaga
And She Said... - Lucas Prata
Sexy Chick - David Guetta
TiK ToK - Kesha
I Got a Soul But I'm Not a Soldier - The Killers
The Biggest Loser Workout Power Music Mix (don't laugh!)
Shape Cardio 2 and Shape Cardio 3 Workout Mixes
Country Roads Remix - Hermes House Band
It's My Life/Confessions Mash-Up - Glee Soundtrack
Don't Stop Believin' - Glee Soundtrack
After Hours at McGann's - Gaelic Storm

I have an iPod shuffle (thanks Etta!) that looks like this, and it is perfect for the gym and for running. I clip it on to my shirt and don't have to think about it! I had the newer model for all of 3 days before I decided I hated it and returned it. The controls were on the actual headphones which was a huge pain! If you're in the market for a shuffle, I highly suggest checking eBay for the 2nd generation instead of buying the new one at the Apple store.

Any workout song suggestions to add to my mix?

Day 2 - walking/jogging on inclines

Got up early and went to the gym for 45 minutes of walking/jogging on inclines. Regis and Kelly was on so it went by quickly. Trying to build up to actually running on the treadmill. I'm starting a job next week and will no longer have leisurely mornings 2 days a week... it will be an interesting transition in terms of getting exercise in!

I belong to a gym I seriously dislike, and already canceled my membership, which is not effective until the end of March. In the meantime, I've been checking out other gyms by doing free trials... it's a great way to discover new equipment and decide what is really important in a gym. So far I've tried Equilibrium, which was nice but a little too silent for me (it's weird being the ONLY person in a gym), and Sports Club LA(next to the Boston Ritz-Carlton), which is extravagant, yet quite possibly the most enjoyable gym experience I've ever had. 2 massive floors of cardio, a completely silent floor for yoga/pilates/meditation, an incredibly clean bathroom with sparkling showers, steam room and sauna, and a gorgeous Jr. Olympic size pool. Not to mention the ridiculous views of Boston Common from almost all the cardio equipment. With the $150+ monthly price tag + $300+ initiation fee, I think it's safe to say I won't be joining this gym anytime soon (or ever), but I suggest checking out the 4-day trial to get back into gym mode!

I'll be trying Healthworks and Equinox trials next. I'm sure I'll end up at Planet Fitness for only $10 a month... but it's nice to check out what's available! Any suggestions for affordable gyms in Boston??

A new goal...

Although I wouldn't call myself very religious (I'm the church on Easter and Christmas type, which I'm neither proud of nor embarrassed of... to each his own), I think the concept of Lent is an interesting one and allows for self-reflection. Mid-February is the time when skies are gray, weather is cold, being single is blatantly obvious, and summer is too far away. Every February I think, "it's time for a change..." and as soon as the thought crosses my mind, I see someone on the street who I always come close to telling, "there's something on your face", and realize, it's Ash Wednesday. Lent begins. Time to put that "change" into motion. It always tends to creep up on me, which means I don't have much time to mentally prepare for "giving up" something for 40 days. I often make a split-second decision and actually tend to stick to it. I guess it's knowing that so many others are in the same boat, and there is a guilt-factor behind it.

Every year since I can remember, I gave up bagels for Lent. Last year I took it a step further and gave up bread. Since I'm not ready to give up carbs entirely (and spring break, St. Patrick's Day, and my birthday all fall within the next 40 days), I'm taking a new route this year and giving up "being lazy." I vow to do physical activity every day for the next 40 days, a plan that I hope continues beyond the 40 days. I used to love running and going to the gym, and right now I despise it. I want to get back to that point where it is an enjoyable experience. I figure blogging about it may keep me on track, or at least be an interesting way to document all the different ways to get into shape. I'd love any suggestions along the way!

So it begins. Tonight I took an hour-long mat pilates class across the street at the studio I've been to quite a few times: North End Yoga. The studio is literally across the street, so it's a great choice if the weather is not great. The instructors are helpful and the environment is unintimidating. I really like doing pilates... I just wish I was more flexible! They have a student rate of $14/class. If you've never done pilates, I suggest you try it! It's low-impact but you will be sore in muscles you didn't even know you had. I'm a big fan. If you're in NYC, I suggest Center for Movement. They have awesome tower classes and it's also an unintimdating environment. Let me know if you try it!