Workout Breakdown

For those of us who are guilty of remaining in our workout clothes all day long sometimes, it makes sense to invest in some cute and comfortable apparel that you feel good in.  I may be a sweaty mess at the end of my training, but at least my outfit is cute.  Stinky, but cute.

I’m partial to neutrals.  I have a closet full of blacks, whites, and tans.  There’s just something so classic and clean about neutrals, and I love them even more all mixed together.

And leather bags?  Well, let’s just say I have a bit of a love affair with leather bags.  I have a small collection- quality over quantity, that I predict will never stop growing.  There’s just something special about a well made, hand crafted leather bag- the texture, the scent, the way it ages so beautifully.  This one is particularly special to me because it comes from an amazing company out of the Netherlands.  Their leather bags, and their company, have a special story.  You can read about it here.

With all the different options of physical activity and exercise available to us today, there’s no reason you should spend any of your precious time suffering through an exercise method you simply don’t enjoy.  There is no one exercise method that works for everyone or that everyone enjoys.  And that’s OK! 

My personal favorite training method, one that I’m most comfortable with and enjoy doing on a daily basis, is traditional strength training.  I actually enjoy heading to the gym or our basement and throwing around some iron.  What doesn’t work for me?  Running.  People ask me all the time if I’m a runner, and I almost always reply “Only if someone’s chasing me.”  I don’t feel comfortable running, I don’t enjoy it.  So guess what, I don’t do it.  EVER.  I know that cardiovascular health is important, so I incorporate other types of cardio into my routine.  My most common forms of cardio are stepmill circuits and plyo, circuit, and Tabata training.

In fitness, and in most of life, there are no “one size fits all” solutions.  Find what works for you- what you enjoy doing. Because if you don’t enjoy it, you’re far less likely to stick with it.  And don’t be afraid to change it up.  Even if you love a particular sport or activity, if you’ve been doing it for a while, you may get burned out and need a break every once in a while.  Instead of laying around while you’re taking a break from that particular method of training, take that time to explore another activity.

When I feel burned out or at a plateau, sometimes I’ll take an entire week off of strength training and go do Pilates, TRX, or a ballet barre class- anything to feel refreshed.  And after that week, I’m always itching to get back to lifting.  I find that I really miss it if I take any time off.

If you’re dragging yourself to the gym every day because you feel like you have to, but you hate it every minute you’re there, then STOP!  Find an activity you can’t wait to go to- one that you actually enjoy.

Here is a list to get you started- complete with links to valuable resources for each method of exercise.  Why not give one a try and if it’s not your thing, move on to the next!

Fitness Options

Pork gets a bad rap sometimes.  Most of us know that bacon and other fatty cuts are high in saturated fat and cholesterol.  But did you know that leaner cuts of pork like tenderloins, chops, and sirloins are actually a healthy protein source?  Lean cuts of pork are high in protein, low in fat and have more B-vitamins than any other type of meat.  And they’re rather yummy, aren’t they?  So take a break from your chicken, tuna, and steak rotation and give this recipe a try. It is a quick & simple, light tasting meal.  Enjoy!

Skillet Pork Chop Saute with Peaches

Ingredients

Preparation

I’m sure by now you’ve heard of Tabata Training, or some version of it.

Tabata training was designed in the 90’s by a Japanese scientist, Izumi Tabata and  his colleagues, at the National Institute of Fitness & Sports in Tokyo.  They compared the results of moderate high intensity training and high intensity interval training (HIIT) among athletes.  They concluded that the athletes who performed HIIT saw increases in their aerobic (cardiovascular) system as well as anaerobic (muscle) system capacities, whereas athletes who did moderate high intensity training only improved their aerobic system, but had little to no increase in their anaerobic system.

So what does that mean for you? Tabata training is an excellent training method to add to any fitness program.  You can throw it in at the end of your regular exercise routine, supplement your usual cardio with it (I do- you’ll almost never see me on an elliptical or treadmill.  I rather bust out a 4 minute Tabata session than park myself on an elliptical), or if you’re short on time, it’s a great way to squeeze in some exercise on a day where you may otherwise skip it all together.  After all, it only takes 4 MINUTES!

Due to high intensity of the workout, another great benefit of Tabata Training is the after-burn effect (EPOC)- where you continue to burn calories for up to 24 hours after finishing this exercise, whereas with regular exercise, your calorie burn quickly returns to normal once you stop exercising.

Tabata Training Breakdown:

• Traditionally done with one exercise- squats, burpees, boxing, etc.  The possibilities are endless.  However, many trainers often incorporate different exercises.

• 8 rounds of 20 sec intervals, each followed by 10 seconds rest.

• Go all out on the 20 seconds of exercise.  If you’re not exhausted by the end of the 4 minutes, you didn’t push hard enough.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is here!  This sale is unique because with most sales, you’re buying last season’s inventory at a discounted price.  However, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is sort of a combination of a preview sale and a traditional sale.  They give you a chance to purchase their NEW fall merchandise at a discount!  This a great opportunity to stock up on your fall wardrobe at a fraction of the cost!