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...