Hey there,
sorry i haven't been posting as often as I was. School is taking me by storm and although I manage to squeeze in my workouts, I have such little time for the blog. Spring Break is coming up so soon I'll have a little time to breathe and share more with you. Alex and I still have our make-up Valentine's Day to do so I'll most likely be cooking up a few things and doing something.
The gym has been going very well despite my levels of stress; I think everything would be worse if I wasn't going. My knees have been feeling great and I haven't even bought a split. I've started using the treadmill more and I've found I prefer it over the elliptical or bike now-- just because I get to feel my feet pound, I guess. It's also exciting that I've been doing good with my breathing-- no asthma attacks for two or three weeks now!
I hope all is well with you, readers. I'd love to hear from you to see how your own practices are going. Keeping up with the yoga? Starting a new good habit? Send me an email :)
Namaste
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Friday, February 22, 2013
It's an I-Feel-Like-A-Bad-Ass Morning
I hope everyone's having a lovely Friday!
It's the start of another weekend and, while mine is sure to be laden with studying for Midterms, there's no need to neglect our best friend, the gym.
Yesterday was a rest day for me but I found that I regretted not going to the gym. I was so antsy that the first thing I did this morning was head on over to the Leach. No more gym-skip days. I must do something every day-- can't allow myself to count going to class.
Today was arm and abs day for me at the gym, though, any day could be ab day.
I did biceps, triceps, shoulders (from all angles), ab-twists, weighted side bends, lower back lifts, and everyone's best friend, plank.
Since I've added weight training into my routine, I've noticed everything from yoga to doing a plank is easier. I carry my laptop in my backpack with significantly less struggle than before. I'm only a month or so into my new habits and I'm already feeling more confident, energized, and focused.
If you want to make a change in your life, this is definitely one to make. Start with just a quick workout or yoga routine every morning for 15 minutes. Yes, just 15 minutes. This will help you transition into a healthy motivated mind set.
Give it a try and let me know how it works for you.
Food (because I can't not talk about it)
Fancy Oatmeal Recipe (as pictured in my Wake Up Call post):
1/2 cup instant oatmeal
cinnamon
honey
pinch of salt
Tbs ground flax seed
1 sliced banana
Raisins (optional)
Almond Milk (just about drown everything in the bowl)
Microwave for 2 minutes and let sit for a few.
Dig in and Mmm!
It's the start of another weekend and, while mine is sure to be laden with studying for Midterms, there's no need to neglect our best friend, the gym.
Yesterday was a rest day for me but I found that I regretted not going to the gym. I was so antsy that the first thing I did this morning was head on over to the Leach. No more gym-skip days. I must do something every day-- can't allow myself to count going to class.
Today was arm and abs day for me at the gym, though, any day could be ab day.
I did biceps, triceps, shoulders (from all angles), ab-twists, weighted side bends, lower back lifts, and everyone's best friend, plank.
Since I've added weight training into my routine, I've noticed everything from yoga to doing a plank is easier. I carry my laptop in my backpack with significantly less struggle than before. I'm only a month or so into my new habits and I'm already feeling more confident, energized, and focused.
If you want to make a change in your life, this is definitely one to make. Start with just a quick workout or yoga routine every morning for 15 minutes. Yes, just 15 minutes. This will help you transition into a healthy motivated mind set.
Give it a try and let me know how it works for you.
Food (because I can't not talk about it)
- Pre-workout Fuel: Water + Hummus on Whole Grain Toast
- Recovery: 1 yolk & 2 egg whites, scrambled + my fancy oatmeal
Fancy Oatmeal Recipe (as pictured in my Wake Up Call post):
1/2 cup instant oatmeal
cinnamon
honey
pinch of salt
Tbs ground flax seed
1 sliced banana
Raisins (optional)
Almond Milk (just about drown everything in the bowl)
Microwave for 2 minutes and let sit for a few.
Dig in and Mmm!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
The Leach
Hi, my name is Catherine and I'm a gym-o-holic.
While that may not be entirely true, I've found I am having trouble with controlling the amount I time I spend. I always shoot for a max of one hour but always seem to go over. In the past it was easy to time myself because all I did was stare at the clock on the elliptical or just wait for the end of the group workout class.
Now that it's me, the weights, and twenty other people on the floor. I think the time waiting for things contributes but I just want to try and see if there's anything I can do to use my time more efficiently-- without sacrificing proper form.
The FSU Bobby E. Leach Center makes numerous machines and weight sets available but, with so many attendants, it's difficult for everyone to get in and out in an hour. I'm going to have to try improvising or just figure out how to make patience a swift affair.
Let me know if you have any suggestions.
While that may not be entirely true, I've found I am having trouble with controlling the amount I time I spend. I always shoot for a max of one hour but always seem to go over. In the past it was easy to time myself because all I did was stare at the clock on the elliptical or just wait for the end of the group workout class.
Now that it's me, the weights, and twenty other people on the floor. I think the time waiting for things contributes but I just want to try and see if there's anything I can do to use my time more efficiently-- without sacrificing proper form.
The FSU Bobby E. Leach Center makes numerous machines and weight sets available but, with so many attendants, it's difficult for everyone to get in and out in an hour. I'm going to have to try improvising or just figure out how to make patience a swift affair.
Let me know if you have any suggestions.
Me with an 8 lb dumbbell. I felt odd taking a picture at the gym but it seems like no one really noticed. Smart phones can be so stealthy.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Motivation Motivation Woo!
Whatever your goal is, keep feeding the fire within. You must nurture your desires and keep them close in order to feast on success. I believe in you.
Monday, February 11, 2013
From Daily Cup Of Yoga
I follow this lovely blog and just felt so wonderfully overwhelmed by this particular post, I had to share.
Image shown here is directly from the page on Daily Cup of Yoga.
Image shown here is directly from the page on Daily Cup of Yoga.
Wake Up Call
7 AM Spinning at the FSU Leach Center? Oh yes I did.
Hummus on toast to get me there and push me through.
Fried egg and my fancy oatmeal for recovery.
Hummus on toast to get me there and push me through.
Fried egg and my fancy oatmeal for recovery.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Recipes for the Veggie-Savvy
Hey there! Just wanted to share this awesome vegetarian website. They have recipes for all sorts of special diets: dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, etc.
http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/
http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/
Krishna Cafe
After numerous recommendations, and the will of the universe (ie chance) leading the bus to break down and stop me from going to Jersey Mikes for a tuna fish sandwich, I finally made my way to the Krishna Cafe in the Globe building at FSU.
I made it just as they were beginning to close up. Everything had a very notable flavor from the hot tofu-beans and split pea soup to the strawberry-pineapple cake; it's safe to say I was not disappointed.
My first bite was into the salad-- it tasted reminiscent of Italian dressing but with a sort of lightness you can only get from completely vegan dressing. This well assembled salad portion of the lot was made with romaine lettuce, radishes, and carrots-- simple but classic.
The next portion I dared was the split-pea soup they poured over yellow rice. It had a pleasantly delicate flavor to it-- almost a little too delicate to be paired with the strong flavor of basic yellow rice.
I swiftly moved on and dug my fork into the next part. I'm honestly not sure what it was, which is a shame because it was such a wonderful part of my plate-- it was my favorite part. Next time ill ask the name and request that it be topped with the split pea soup, no rice. Whatever this amazing portion was it had a very airy element to it that was accented with various soft vegetables and a distinct and delicious starchy aspect-- can't quite place it though. It's possible I've never had anything like it until now. (Luckily it went better than my first experience with couscous).
Lastly I got to the beans and-- my goodness!--- they were spicy. It was red beans in a red sauce with notably spicy tofu chunks in it. I was happy to have saved some rice as well as my vegan rye bread piece to help me keep my nose on.
The grand finale of this mound was a happy slice of strawberry-pineapple cake. The cake itself was fluffy with pineapple pieces inside and a delightfully sweet strawberry frosting (probably from Pillsbury but still delish).
That's a salad, rice, three entrees, a bread thingy, and a dessert for-- guess how much? Five bucks. There was another option that gets you extra of something for a dollar more but my goodness was I full! For once I can say five dollars bought me more than my fill at a café.
If you like Indian food or your a bit curious, you should head down to Krishna Café. They're open Monday to Friday from 11(?) -2PM in the Globe-- the building right behind the Career Center. I'm told they have different dishes every day so I'm sure there is something for everyone.
I made it just as they were beginning to close up. Everything had a very notable flavor from the hot tofu-beans and split pea soup to the strawberry-pineapple cake; it's safe to say I was not disappointed.
My first bite was into the salad-- it tasted reminiscent of Italian dressing but with a sort of lightness you can only get from completely vegan dressing. This well assembled salad portion of the lot was made with romaine lettuce, radishes, and carrots-- simple but classic.
The next portion I dared was the split-pea soup they poured over yellow rice. It had a pleasantly delicate flavor to it-- almost a little too delicate to be paired with the strong flavor of basic yellow rice.
I swiftly moved on and dug my fork into the next part. I'm honestly not sure what it was, which is a shame because it was such a wonderful part of my plate-- it was my favorite part. Next time ill ask the name and request that it be topped with the split pea soup, no rice. Whatever this amazing portion was it had a very airy element to it that was accented with various soft vegetables and a distinct and delicious starchy aspect-- can't quite place it though. It's possible I've never had anything like it until now. (Luckily it went better than my first experience with couscous).
Lastly I got to the beans and-- my goodness!--- they were spicy. It was red beans in a red sauce with notably spicy tofu chunks in it. I was happy to have saved some rice as well as my vegan rye bread piece to help me keep my nose on.
The grand finale of this mound was a happy slice of strawberry-pineapple cake. The cake itself was fluffy with pineapple pieces inside and a delightfully sweet strawberry frosting (probably from Pillsbury but still delish).
That's a salad, rice, three entrees, a bread thingy, and a dessert for-- guess how much? Five bucks. There was another option that gets you extra of something for a dollar more but my goodness was I full! For once I can say five dollars bought me more than my fill at a café.
If you like Indian food or your a bit curious, you should head down to Krishna Café. They're open Monday to Friday from 11(?) -2PM in the Globe-- the building right behind the Career Center. I'm told they have different dishes every day so I'm sure there is something for everyone.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Intimidating machines
I conquered the treadmill this past week-- sort of. I know it sounds silly but weren't you initially intimidated by a specific machine, or a new machine that doesn't look quite natural?
A treadmill may be far from out of the ordinary but for a woman who's found endearment with her elliptical, it's hard for me to go to something that simulates a much more natural form of movement. The pounding of my feet on the tread and the actual bouncing of my body is very different from the swish swish of the elliptical. I'm really bad with controlling my breath while running so, naturally, the treadmill led me to an asthma attack. Boo.
For my gym buddy, every weight machine looked like a torture contraption. After the initial novice feeling, she became adventurous and even tried out a controlled weight system all on her own. The instructions are on each machine but, come on, they are not always the easiest to simulate properly. She did good. My only worry is that she's bored or that I'm not guiding her properly.
Form is of high importance, especially when using a machine: not holding your elbow to your side during a tricep pull will cause different muscles to be used instead of the backside of your guns.
I'd love to hear your moments of intimidation with machines and new exercises.
A treadmill may be far from out of the ordinary but for a woman who's found endearment with her elliptical, it's hard for me to go to something that simulates a much more natural form of movement. The pounding of my feet on the tread and the actual bouncing of my body is very different from the swish swish of the elliptical. I'm really bad with controlling my breath while running so, naturally, the treadmill led me to an asthma attack. Boo.
For my gym buddy, every weight machine looked like a torture contraption. After the initial novice feeling, she became adventurous and even tried out a controlled weight system all on her own. The instructions are on each machine but, come on, they are not always the easiest to simulate properly. She did good. My only worry is that she's bored or that I'm not guiding her properly.
Form is of high importance, especially when using a machine: not holding your elbow to your side during a tricep pull will cause different muscles to be used instead of the backside of your guns.
I'd love to hear your moments of intimidation with machines and new exercises.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Yoga Update
Now that I have made my morning yoga into a habit, it's time to change up my moves. While sun sals are a wonderful way to get my blood and breath going first thing in the morning, I think I should try alternating routines. Ill do my sun sals on Tuesdays and Thursdays since I can't really squeeze out extra time on those days. As for Monday Wednesday and Friday, I want to try a different sequence like the one depicted in the image-- or exactly like it.
How often do you like to change up your own routine (whether it be yoga, lifting, aerobics, etc.)?
How often do you like to change up your own routine (whether it be yoga, lifting, aerobics, etc.)?
Image from Thoughts By Natalie
Friday, February 1, 2013
Chaturanga
I am still working on my Chaturanga but lately my form has been getting much better from practicing it every morning! When you don't think you'll ever get it, stop and observe but, most importantly, keep trying.
If the little giggle about t-rex's short arms isn't enough of a push of encouragement, here is an inspiring video of a man who ignored those who said it wasn't possible.
If the little giggle about t-rex's short arms isn't enough of a push of encouragement, here is an inspiring video of a man who ignored those who said it wasn't possible.
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