By Mary, on June 15th, 2010
Last week was one of those weeks where it was Monday and I just wanted it to be Friday! By the time Friday actually came around, I just wanted to shut the laptop and never look at it again. If only!
The weekend turned out to be pretty exciting. Scott had scheduled some secret plans for us, telling me that we were going somewhere that involved nature and a fancy dress. He somehow managed to keep a secret for three weeks…which is crazy because we both pretty much tell each other everything. I didn’t find out what we were doing until our cab pulled up in front of the Chicago Symphony Hall and he told me we were seeing Beethoven’s 6th symphony which was inspired by nature. It was probably the most thoughtful date I had been on. Here’s a pic of Scott and me (and the dress I got for the occasion).
Don’t we make a cute couple? Here’s a view from our seats.
Saturday we hung around the apartment. I think the only productive thing we did was clean the fridge and freezer. A boys fridge is gross! Maybe they think that since the fridge is usually half beer that they don’t have to clean. Who knows!
Sunday I went to a killer strength training class. I don’t think I will be able to walk properly for a couple days. Luckily I was able to reward myself with a delicious meal made by our good friends Brigid and Ryan. We started out with some yummy cheese, salami and crackers. I can’t remember the last time I had salami and it was so good.
Scott focused on the wine. I guess its the important things that matter the most!
While Brigid focused on the cheese.
Ryan whipped up some cilantro pesto pasta with marinated chicken and garlic bread. The cilantro sauce was refreshing and different.
And for dessert, Brigid made mini carrot cakes with cool whip in the middle. I think dessert made in a ramekin always tastes better. It must be the cuteness factor.
Great food, great friends and great conversation completed our classy weekend. Too bad it’s back to the Monday grind!
By Mary, on May 26th, 2010
One of the best parts about joining a gym is the plethora of group fitness classes available. From your standard YMCA to your more expensive clubs, almost every gym offers free fitness classes to members. I find classes to be a very motivating way to get to the gym. Here are some tips that I use to get the most of out my gym’s classes:
- Find a class style you like
I love kickboxing. In fact, in the past I’ve almost been obsessed with it. After the first couple times I tried it, I was hooked. I love how I feel during every kickboxing class…strong, athletic and determined. My love for kickboxing drives me to go to the gym. Once I find a class I enjoy, I’m motivated to go to it every week and even get disappointed when life gets in the way of my gym class time
- Find a teacher that motivates you and improves your knowledge of form and technique
The best teacher I’ve had was named Melissa and taught a Monday night kickboxing class that I attended religiously. The room was always packed whenever Melissa taught, and for a good reason. Melissa motivated us to work harder and push past our mental blocks. There would be times when I would think to myself, “Wow I can’t go any longer this is so hard!” and five minutes later I would find myself jumping higher or longer or punching like I had never punched before. Find those teachers in your city. They are gems that will help you get to the next level of fitness
I get that it’s easy to go to the back of the room when you attend a group class, especially if you are new. However, after you take a couple classes and get used to a teacher’s style, go stand in front. You will be more motivated to execute every move to its fullest since all eyes may be on you
- Pretend you are in a fitness video
This tip may sound a little corny, but it works. Stare at yourself in the mirror and pretend that you are casted in the next Jillian Michael’s DVD. You would step up your workout if you knew you were going to be featured on Exercise TV!
- Watch your teacher’s form
Make the most of your time by picking up pointers from your teacher. Learn how to correctly perform a squat (wiggling your toes the entire time so your weight is in your heels) or throw a right hook (making sure not to lock your knees and using your body’s momentum to make the move more powerful). You can take your knowledge of form and technique to improve your solo workouts
I love Cardio. I could do Cardio every day, however I know that my body needs balance. Make sure to include a mix of Cardio and Strength Training classes to mix up your workouts
- Plan ahead. Make a calendar appointment for the classes you want to attend that week
You will be much more apt to attend a class if it’s included in your weekly plan. Look at your gym’s schedule and pick the classes that you want to hit up that week. Add your choices to your Outlook or Google calendars and make those appointments just as important as a work meeting
I hope these tips help improve your gym experience. Do you have any tips that you would like to share? Add them in the comments section!
