Dear Leg Workout: Ouch. That's All

I have a love-hate relationship with Legs Day. Kinda-Hate the during, absolutely love the post and really hate the day (and two) afterwards. So wait, actually it's a kinda-hate-love-hate, but since the love still outweighs the hate I keep on rockin' it!

Yes, yesterday was my Legs Day. And as promised from yesterday, here is my workout: 

Legs (+ Set of Abs)

1 (a). Bulgarian Split Squat w/ weight

1 (b). DB Calf Raises

- 4 sets; RI = 30 sec. -

2 (a). Walking Lunge-to-DB Bicep Curl

2 (b). (slow count) Ballerina Squats
3 (c). Walking Planks

- 4 sets; RI = 30 sec. - 

3 (a). Hanging Knee Up

3 (b). Ab-Rope Pulldown

- 4 sets; RI = 30 sec. -

4 (a). Quad Extension
4 (b). Hamstring Curl

-  4 sets; RI = 30 sec. -

5 (a). Bench Step-up-to DB Shoulder Press

5 (b). Deadlift

5 (c). Jump Squat

- 4 sets; RI = 30 sec. - 

The end. At the end of that workout yesterday I was extremely fatigued and shaky. The exhaustion felt great! And yes, that's the "love part" that is ultra-addicting!

(And ps. my Abs are also sore. Working your abs to the max in just one or two exercises will far outweigh hundreds of mindless situps. And besides, please remember - your abs are made in the kitchen!)
 

CHEERS!

7-Week Program

I began my new 7-Week Workout Program on Monday. (Side Note: Why 7 weeks and not 4, 6 or 8 - something a little more normal?! Because I'm headed to MN again in 7-weeks, so I wanted it to extend right up until then!) 

Each time a workout series ends for me, (roughly 4-8 weeks) I typically take a week or two off and just do whatever I want at the gym, outside or wherever! This keeps me motivated, fresh and defers me from any burnout!

So I started a new Program this week! I am loving it already, especially because after Day 1 I was extremely sore! This is kind of a "quirky" program, but it's one that changes, yet doesn't change each week. The weight/reps/sets will change each week. The movements won't!

So here is what I did on Monday that left me sore up until today (and I am still mildly sore!):

Shoulder + Tricep + Bicep (+ Set of Abs)

1 (a). Rope/Cable Overhead Extension

1 (b). DB Military Press (Make "Y")

- 4 sets; RI = 30 sec. -

2 (a). King Throne with 5 lb weight

2 (b). Grasshoppers

- 4 sets; RI = 30 sec. - 

3 (a). Bench Dip (w/ feet up on other bench)

3 (b). DB Front Raise on one-leg

- 4 sets; RI = 30 sec. -

4 (a). Cable Pushdown
4 (b). DB Lat Raise on one-leg

-  4 sets; RI = 30 sec. -

5 (a). One-Arm DB Tri Kickbacks

5 (b). Alternating DB Shoulder Press
5 (c). BB Curl
- 4 sets; RI = 30 sec. -

I loved it & it loved me because I was exhausted and shaky at the end. This always tells me I gave it 110%.

Stay tuned to tomorrow, when I'll give the Leg Workout I did today!

CHEERS!

Motivation Monday: 38 Ways to Beat Exercise Boredom

It can be hard to find your Monday Motivation when your bored with your workout! 


Working out should not be a "chore." It should be something you look forward to. And if you are constantly changing it up and finding new things to add to the mix, you will likely never be bored!

Here are 38 ways to Beat that Exercise Boredom:

1. Go for a hike.
2. Go horseback riding.
3. Change up your lifting workout every 4-8 weeks.
4. Make a (short term) goal (Ex. Complete 10 full pushups by week 4).
5. Make a (long term) goal (Ex. Complete a half marathon in 5 months).
6. Make a new Playlist.
7. Join a walking/running club.
8. Listen to Podcasts/Audio Books while working out.
9. Sign up for a Charity Event.
10. Hula Hoop.
11. Hot Yoga.
12. Table Tennis.
13. Take a spin class.
14. Multi-task with Circuit Training.
15. Join an Online Fitness Community.
16. Get new workout apparel - shoes, shirts, shorts, headbands, etc.
17. Get a new workout "gadget," like a fancy heartrate monitor or step counter.
18. Workout at a different time of the day than what you are used to.
19. Write down 10 reasons you workout. Place this list somewhere you'll see multiple times a day.
20. Always use machines? Try free weights or cables or resistance bands.
21. Go for a long bike ride.
22. Swim laps.
23. Play beach volleyball.
24. Live near a lake? Go paddle boating. 
25. Take dance lessons.
26. Try Pilates.
27. Check out Tony Horton's P90X. 
28. Always run or walk? Mix it up with the Stair Master, Elliptical, Stair Stepper or Bike.
29. Take a new group class you've always wanted to take, but never got around to taking. (Ex. Zumba)
30. Mow the lawn.
31. Go to a track and do sprints.
32. Indoor wall-climbing.
33. Have kids? Wash the car together! (Ok, so you don't really have to have kids for this!)
34. Jump rope.
35. See how many sit-ups you can do in between each commercial of an hour-long show/movie or more.
36. Wii-Fit. Need I say more?
37. Take a martial arts, Tae-Bo or kickboxing class.
38. Get your booty in gear - participate in a Boot Camp.

If, after reading this list of 38 Ways to Beat (Exercise) Boredom you are still bored, then perhaps it's just your attitude that needs an adjustment!


Clearly there are many more than 38 Ways to Beat this Boredom! So tell me - how do you beat exercise boredom? What are some good ideas (activities - things to do) to add to this list?


CHEERS!



http://digg.com/d3Qj4r

Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch

It was Ryan's birthday this past week, so I surprised him with a mini-vacation to Quincy, CA to Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch. 

We had an amazing time! I always learn something new about myself each time I step out of any comfort zone. And this is the reason I love taking mini-vacations - traveling and exploring new places, especially with Ryan!

This time, we also brought the dogs with us. Greenhorn is extremely accommodating to dogs, so it worked perfectly for us!

Heading out of Town.

My Babies.

Ryan & Ms. Rae.

Ranch Chuckhouse.

Absolutely gorgeous views.

Getting ready to ride.

Ryan ahead of me on Dolly.

When Cody met Dolly.

Ranch Saloon.

Fiona hanging out in the Saloon with us.

Sweet, little girl who loved Fiona.

We loved the Saloon! Best Saloon Bartender around:)

Always in love with the country look.

Simple, beautiful and open!

The dogs loved all the space!

Running back to our room. Trying to catch up to Ryan & Reagan.

Driving home. Absolutely exhausted. (And yes, somehow we all fit in the front seat!)

If you ever have the chance to get to Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch, I highly recommend it! They were the nicest, most down-to-earth people I've met in a long time! Everything about the place from the people to the atmosphere to the activities and overall ambiance is simple, stress-free, active and yet magnificently peaceful! 

Furthermore, I really love them because when I was researching "dude ranch" and stumbled upon them, I was able to find out even more about them via their Facebook Page and Twitter Profile! I was impressed with what I saw, and I truly believed that "sealed-the-deal" for me!

So what did I learn about myself this weekend?

1. Being active does not just mean "24/7 in-the-gym bootcamp-style rah-rah-rah." It can mean a weekend getaway (or any "daily getaway") with movement. We were highly active this weekend - always out running around with the dogs and horseback riding. I didn't feel an ounce of guilt for not being in the gym! (But I am also excited to begin my new program tomorrow!)
2. I love horseback riding! 
3. I CAN disconnect from my "digital life." I had no cell service. I barely jumped on my computer. Though it was tempting to be on the computer more, staying away from it from time-to-time is not only a good thing, but an absolutely critical thing for my mind, body and overall well being!

FINALLY, my husband and dogs reminded me that no matter where I am - California or Minnesota - HOME is truly where they are (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RYAN - hope you loved it)!

And I hope all of your weekends were healthy, fit and fantastic as well! 

CHEERS!

Working with what You've Got

No matter where I'm at, I never let my location affect my workouts. Sure, I'll take days off - rest, relax and have fun, but I'll never use the excuse, "Well I couldn't workout because there was nothing to do!"

Being in Minnesota, at my parent's house is no different. All they have is a treadmill (old-school) and a set of 12.5 dumbbells. 

And yet, I was still able to get an extremely great workout in! Here's how:

• 7 minutes interval running
• 4 sets with 4-move circuit
• 7 minutes interval running
• 4 sets with 4-move circuit
• 7 minutes interval running
• 4 sets with 3-move circuit
• 10 minutes interval running

And one hour later I was done. I was exhausted and dripping with sweat - proving that you can always get a great workout when you just work with what you've got! 

CHEERS!

Updated Leg Circuit Workout

I have an Updated Leg Circuit Workout from the one I shared with you a few weeks ago:

1 (a). Bulgarian Split Squat - no weight

- 3 sets; 12-reps/leg; RI = 30-40 sec. -

2 (a). Squat - no weight

2 (b). Moving/walking pushups - no weight
2 (c). Medicine Ball Chop

- 3 sets; 10-15 Reps/each; RI = 30-40 sec. - 

3 (a). Hamstring (in-and-out) on Ball

3 (b). Calf Raise -no weight

- 3 sets; 15-20 Reps/each; RI = 30 sec. -

4 (a). Bench Stepup - no weight
4 (b). Medicine Ball Chop + Squat
4 (c). Jumping Split Squats

-  3 sets; RI = 30 sec. -

My new Leg Circuit Workout is just more intense (and interjects an Ab set).

Here it is:

1. Bulgarian Split Squat (deeper) - no weight 
1. 5 sets, 12 Reps/Each Leg, RI-40 sec. (Next week it will be 6 sets.)
2.  (a) No-weight deep squat, (b) Walking pushup, (c) DB Chop
1.  5 sets, 15 Reps/squat - 8 Rep Walking pushup - 10 Reps (*15 lbs) DB Chop), RI between each set-40 sec. (Next week it will be 6 sets)
3. (a) Side (Oblique) Dips off bench, (b) Off-Bench V-ups
1. 3 sets, 10 Reps each side/oblique - 20 Reps V-ups, RI-30-40 sec. (Next week I'll try for 4 sets).
4. (a) Hamstring (in-and-out) on Ball, (b) No weight calf raise
1. 5 sets, 16 Reps hamstrings - 25 Reps calf, RI-30 sec. (Next week it will be 6 sets)
5. (a) No-weight bench step-up, (b) Stiff-Leg Deadlift, (c) Jump- Split Squat
1. 4 sets, 12 Reps each side/bench step up - 10 Reps (x40lb) Deadlift - 14 Reps Jump-Split Squat, RI-40sec. (Next week I will try for 5 sets).

Did I do Cardio afterwards? H#$% No! I was so tired! I warmed up for 5 minutes, and the entire workout took me just a little over 50 minutes to complete. I was super shaky and "spent" when I was done with that one! When you have little resting time in between sets and you're constantly moving, you are getting a double-whammy out of your workouts. 

While the "no weight" (or very low weight) might seem nonsense, it's not! Trust me, this was hard! But again, you always have to do what makes sense for you and your goals. My workouts are finally starting to make sense for me! (My proud moment in the gym today was when a lady came up to me and said, "Are you a trainer?" To which I responded, "No, sorry." And she said, "Hmmm...you look like you should be." #ThankYouMA'AM!)

So go ahead, give it a try! Let me know how it goes!


CHEERS!

 

Leg Workout: Circuit Version

This is the last "lifting" part of the workout. Today was Day 5. I really loved this workout. It's hard, short and sweet and to the point!


Recap:
Day 1: Chest/Back + HIIT Cardio

Day 2: Legs (lift)

Day 3: OFF

Day 4: Shoulder/Tricep/Bicep + HIIT Cardio

Day 5: Legs (Circuit)

Day 6: OFF

Day 7: HIIT Cardio + Abs

Here is what my Day 5: Legs (Circuit &/or Reps) Looks Like

1 (a). Bulgarian Split Squat - no weight

- 3 sets; 12-reps/leg; RI = 30-40 sec. -

2 (a). Squat - no weight

2 (b). Moving/walking pushups - no weight
2 (c). Medicine Ball Chop

- 3 sets; 10-15 Reps/each; RI = 30-40 sec. - 

3 (a). Hamstring (in-and-out) on Ball

3 (b). Calf Raise -no weight

- 3 sets; 15-20 Reps/each; RI = 30 sec. -

4 (a). Bench Stepup - no weight
4 (b). Medicine Ball Chop + Squat
4 (c). Jumping Split Squats

-  3 sets; RI = 30 sec. -

5 minute cooldown. Stretching.

It might look "simple," given that most of it is weightless. But try it, I guarantee your heart will be pumping. I was dripping with sweat. The workout only took me 30 minutes. I was definitely fatigued, but I may try 4 sets on all next time if I'm feeling ambitious! 


After the hard workout, I'm rewarding myself with a Manicure and Pedicure from The Jellyfish Spa! Are you in the East Bay - or Bay Area in general? If so, you should check out this phenomenal deal from PASSBOX! Today is the last day to get this Deal: $30 for the 'Moon Signature' luxury manicure & pedicure (Normally $75) at The Jellyfish Spa at the Blackhawk Plaza! (and ps. 5% of every purchase you make goes back to the Local School of YOUR CHOICE!)


Do yourself a favor and reward yourself (or someone in your life who deserves it) with pampering vs. food! ("Well....I did this Leg Workout today so I deserve a cupcake.") WRONG! You deserve to treat your body good. So eat your lean protein, get your pampering at The Jellyfish Spa and then go have a glass of Red Wine:)

CHEERS!

Shoulders, Triceps & Biceps

Sometimes "life" gets in the way of your workout plans. That's okay. Just adjust! Yesterday was supposed to be Day 4, but it turned out to be another "OFF" day. So, I moved forward with Day 4 today and instead of taking tomorrow off, I'll just plug through.

Day 1: Chest/Back + HIIT Cardio

Day 2: Legs (lift)

Day 3: OFF

Day 4: Shoulder/Tricep/Bicep + HIIT Cardio

Day 5: Legs (Circuit)

Day 6: OFF

Day 7: HIIT Cardio + Abs

Here is what my Day 4: Shoulder/Tricep/Bicep + HIIT Cardio looks like:

Side note(s): Shoulders are my absolute most favorite body part to work. I could quite honestly train them and only them, but clearly that would be very unbalanced! Also, you will notice I only put in one bicep exercise (right at the end). This is because the bicep is (relatively speaking) a very small muscle group. And, with most moves you engage your biceps anyways. For me, I don't see a huge need to focus heavily on them. I just try to lift them as heavy as I can to exhaust them at the end. Adjust if you wish!

1 (a). Rope/Cable Overhead Extension

1 (b). BB Military Press

- 4 sets; RI = 30 sec. -

2 (a). BB Skull Crusher

2 (b). DB Front Raise

- 4 sets; RI = 30 sec. - 

3 (a). Cable Pushdowns

3 (b). DB Lat Raise

- 4 sets; RI = 30 sec. -

4 (a). Tricep Pushup
4 (b). Alternate DB Press
4 (c). DB Curl

-  3 sets; RI = 30 sec. -

HIIT Cardio - 20 minutes of (Cybex) Elliptical-Style Resistance+Sprints

5 minute cooldown. Stretching.

Make note that HIIT Cardio does not always have to be running sprints. Running sprints is a phenomenal way to get your HIIT in, but for people like me with physical problems (plantar fasciitis in my case) I can't always run. But don't make that your excuse to "take it easy." It's still called HIIT. I made mine so hard today that I thought I was going to throw up at the end!

My entire workout lasted about an hour today. I was shaking and "spent" by the end. I went home, re-fueled and I feel fabulous now! This is how our workouts should be!

CHEERS! 

Workout: Day Off

Today is an "Off Day." And we need these days. They help us repair, recover and rest so that the next day we are better, stronger and ready as ever!

In case you missed them, here was Workout Day 1 and Workout Day 2.

Since it's an "Off Day" today and I don't have a workout to share with you, I wanted to offer up a deal! If you live in the East Bay area and are looking for a killer workout, I highly encourage you to check out the UFC Gym in Concord, CA. This is not just a Gym for Men. No, Women and Children participate in many things as well there! It's the Ultimate Fitness Experience. And remember what I said - ultimate usually yields faster results!

Click here to PAY ONLY $49 for a 1-month membership, 2 Personal Training Sessions and a Free Kids Club (normally $199). (But hurry...you only have today and tomorrow to take advantage of this!)

Maybe you'd like a shot at winning one of these? Click HERE to do so!

Have fun! If you are taking this as your "Day Off" with me, remember 2 things:

1. You should still get some sort of movement in. I will probably go for a walk with my husband and dogs or a bike ride. 
2. If you get the 1-month membership to the UFC Gym that will take you through this 4-week program. You could substitute any of your "cardio" for classes there!

Questions? Let me know! Feel free to reach out to me HERE!

CHEERS!

Leg Workout

Day 2 in the Workout is Legs (the lifting version of the Leg Workout). 

Recap:

Day 1: Chest/Back + HIIT Cardio

Day 2: Legs (lift)

Day 3: OFF

Day 4: Shoulder/Tricep/Bicep + HIIT Cardio

Day 5: Legs (Circuit)

Day 6: OFF

Day 7: HIIT Cardio + Abs

Here is what it looked like:

1. Smith Machine Deep Squat

- 4 sets; RI = 45 sec. -

2. Straight Leg Deadlift

- 4 sets; RI = 45 sec. - 

3. Ballerina Squat - slow

- 4 sets; RI = 45 sec. -

4. DB Calf Raise

-  4 sets; RI = 45 sec. -

DB Lunge - to - 2 minute uphill walk/run/sprint - to - DB Lunge. (2 times)

5 minute cooldown. Stretching.

My legs felt like Jello. I thought they might come off, but never fear, they are still here! And I feel great! Since I have 2 days of legs, this is the day where I lift heavy. I try to do heavy weight at only 8 reps. The second leg day is more reps in a circuit-style manner. You'll see!

CHEERS!

Summer Workout

After this weekend, California finally feels like the summer I have so desperately been waiting for! 

It has been a long time since I've written a workout. After I go months and months of being on a stringent workout plan, I like to take some "off time" and just go to the gym, do what I please and be done. 

Those of you who know me, though, know that I like to have intense workouts constantly in the pipeline. It's the "goal" of getting into the gym, achieving something, writing it down and leaving with the pure satisfaction of "goal achieved!"

I am happy to be back here - with my "Summer Workout!"

About 3 years ago, I had every intention of studying to be a Personal Trainer. I even had all the material from the NSCA. I studied and studied. Meanwhile, I was working at ClubSport in San Ramon. While I was studying and seeing the day-to-day of trainers, I decided that making a career as a Personal Trainer was definitely not going to be me. Unfortunately those were two passions that could not be mixed. 

But fortunately, I had acquired some knowledge and my passion for working out for me had not diminished at all!

When I make my workouts, I pull from many different places and resources. I get things from my NSCA material, my husband, friends (dannymclarty.com) and just general knowledge I've acquired over the years from this obsession.

I'm not an expert. I'm not a professional. I don't pretend to be. And I don't pretend to give out advice to "help you reach your goals." I do this, talk about this and live this because it works for me and because people can usually pick up a thing or two which may work for them as well. 

So....back to my "Summer Workout." (Well...phase one anyways - roughly 4 weeks.)

Day 1: Chest/Back + HIIT Cardio

Day 2: Legs (lift)

Day 3: OFF

Day 4: Shoulder/Tricep/Bicep + HIIT Cardio

Day 5: Legs (Circuit)

Day 6: OFF

Day 7: HIIT Cardio + Abs

Yesterday was (obviously) Day 1: Chest/Back + HIIT Cardio. 

Here is what it looked like:

1 (a). Rotating DB Bench Press

1 (b). Reverse Situp 

- 3 sets; RI = 30 sec. -

2 (a). DB Incline Fly

2 (b). DB Lawnmower

- 3 sets; RI = 30 sec. - 

3 (a). Pullups

3 (b). Reverse DB Fly

- 3 sets; RI = 30 sec. -

4 (a). Wide Grip Pushup

-  3 sets to failure on each -

HIIT Cardio - 20 minutes of Running Sprints. 

5 minute cooldown. Stretching.

In less than an hour, I felt like I had worked out for 2 hours! There is so much beauty in that!

Legs today....

CHEERS!

What's Your Reason?

There is a reason behind everything we do. And there is a choice that precedes every decision we make. And thus is the reason for the decision. Sounds deep. But it's not!

Today was a "rest day" for me in my workout schedule. I did a hard leg workout yesterday and it's typically the day after that that I will take my rest day. So that only leaves 1 (maybe 2) days a week that I'm not in the gym. But today I was reminded again of WHY only taking 1-2 days/week off is max for me.

Remember why I started this blog in the first place? If not, refer here. I have a form of Colitis. I am food intolerant. And I have stomach and mouth problems that drive me crazy most of the time. BUT, I try not to focus on them. I focus on things I can do to alleviate them. 


There are 2 ways for me to do this:

1. Through food (or lack thereof)
2. Through my workouts

My post today is not about food. It's about the working out portion. Working out is my "friend." Literally. It's a 110% positive relationship. I think we all strive for our relationships to be like this! For me, working out = less stomach problems. Working out = a better attitude and frame of mind. Working out = control (over my stomach issues).

I will choose, almost each and every day of my life, to workout - I have decided this. And my reason is because it helps me manage all the random stomach problems I have. Ok....and I'll admit, my other reason is to keep it rockin' my entire life! 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and above - always keep it rockin', healthy and fit!

So tell me, what's YOUR reason?!

My Broken Yoga Relationship

Phase 2 of P90X is going great! 3 days a week I workout 2x/day. And I love it! Crazy and intense, yes, but it's making me feel so "alive!"

Yesterday was the Yoga X Day. I have realized something about this workout and Yoga in general. Relaxing - sure. Difficult - definitely. Fun - mostly. But, I just can't stay committed to it! 

Here is my personality, for those of you who have not yet gathered it: I constantly have 100 things on my mind. I am thinking about the next thing before I have finished saying the first. I can't sit still. I don't like long periods of silence. I love to be social. I love moving. I am full of life and energy. I would rather run 10 miles than be confined to anywhere for longer than 30 minutes. I'm not extremely patient. Slow movement gives me a hint of anxiety. (My list really could go on an on....but I think you get this "idea of me!")
 
It came as no surprise to me when I finally admitted to myself: Yoga is probably just not for me! There is nothing wrong with Yoga, in fact, I recommend and support it 110%. But for ME, I believe it's a broken relationship. 

And here's the deal, Yoga is so good for me/us. For me, I need it to help me continue to heal from workout injuries. And so I will continue to do it from time-to-time. But I will admit - I will not be doing it once a week for 1.5 hours at a time. Again, it just does not sit well with my personality. 

And one more thing you should know: Working out, staying fit and being healthy is not about doing so by means in which don't fit your own personality! If you hate running, don't do it! If you would rather watch paint dry then swim 10 feet, stop! Do something you love! Find the activity that has you waking up in the morning saying, "Bring it! I can't wait to workout!" It's then, and only then, when you will realize that you will NEVER "workout" another day in your life!

Running, weights, dancing, biking, hiking, skiing, kickboxing and circuits - those are my "perfect" fitness relationships! Cheers! 

Jumping, Squatting, Lunging...Oh My!

P90X had me gasping for air yet again with the 2nd round of Plyometrics. It never fails that immediately following that workout I'm super hungry! The intensity from Plyometrics revs my metabolism so much. 


For those of you who are not familiar with what Plyometrics is, here is how the Wikipedia defines it:

Plyometrics is a type of exercise training designed to produce fast, powerful movements, and improve the functions of the nervous system, generally for the purpose of improving performance in sports. Plyometric movements, in which a muscle is loaded and then contracted in rapid sequence, use the strength, elasticity and innervation of muscle and surrounding tissues to jump higher, run faster, throw farther, or hit harder, depending on the desired training goal. Plyometrics is used to increase the speed or force of muscular contractions, often with the goal of increasing the height of a jump.

The Plyometric Workout essentially encompasses all body parts, thus maximizing caloric burn. Here is an insight into the P90X Plyometric Workout (ps. Someday I'd like to make my own videos like this to post!)



I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

No Frills Gym

Day 57.

I started a new schedule for Mondays, so instead of a normal 9-5pm, I'll work 11-7pm. I like this. I love the fact that I can ease into my week. And I really love the fact that I can ditch the 580 traffic on Monday morning!

For anyone who knows me, though, you know that I am an early riser! I could wake up at 6am every morning and go to bed at 9pm each night. I've always been this way. So despite having this great new Monday schedule, I'm not the type that will actually enjoy the ease!

Ryan and I got up at 5:45am and headed to the gym to get our workout in for the day. And we just wanted a quick in and out. Ryan did a leg workout, and I did a back workout. And that was that! This can be accomplished anywhere.

I work at an upscale health and fitness club in San Ramon, CA, called, ClubSport San Ramon. It is an extremely nice, private health and fitness club. We have everything at our Club - outdoor pool (heated year round), indoor and outdoor hot tubs, spa, sauna, steam room, cardio, TRX, racquetball, squash, tennis courts, weights, basketball, adult-only lounge and every single class/activity imaginable for children. We are celebrating our 20 year anniversary on June 20th. In honor of it, we have incredible low enrollment fees for the month of June only. (Contact me if you want to know more.) But I digress....this club is just simply amazing.

Out about 45 minutes from that Club is where Ryan and I workout on the weekends. This is definitely a No Frills Gym. There is nothing fancy and/or sexy about it. But, it gets the job done. And I thought about this today, when I was there at 5:45am. I got a great workout in, in 1 hour and 5 minutes and I didn't need anything fancy to get the job done. You can be anywhere - when you find the gym or club that suits you, anything is possible!

I can't sit here tonight and say it was another fabulous day for my mouth/stomach. It was not. My stomach starting bothering me sometime after lunch. It was upset and moving and just uncomfortable. Unpleasant smells. My mouth started to annoy me some again today as well. It was at about a level 5/6. None of this made me very happy, but it's just another step in my journey. Slowly and surely...

Here was my day:

Breakfast

• Steel Cut Oats, Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, Flax, and Stevia
• 1/2 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)
• Unsweetened Applesauce
• Peets Coffee with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, and Stevia

Snack

• Organic Apple
• Lean Turkey
  

Lunch

• Spring Mix + S. Salt + Olive Oil
  
• Grilled Chicken
• New Scallop Pasta Mix
• Spinach + Garlic
  
• 1/2 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)

Snack

• Orange
  

Dinner

• Spring Mix + Fish Oil + Spirulina + Sea Salt
  
• Wild Salmon Burger
  
• New Scallop Pasta Mix
• Spinach + Garlic
  
• Orange