In University I discovered the website – BodyRock.tv which really helped set me on the fitness and training path that I find myself on today!
This was the very first BodyRock video I came across on Youtube almost three years ago! At the time I was really frustrated with my workout routine. I had been doing triathlon club and although I loved it I just couldn't commit to the two hour long training sessions. I found my body wasn't really responding after I got used to the initial training. I also hated waking up to swim! I hate getting my ears wet, it's weird I know! I remember one morning my boyfriend Matt basically had to drag me out of bed to get to swim practice. When I finally got to the practice five minutes later I left … that was a sign it just wasn't doing it for me!
Incorporating body-weight exercises and high intensity interval training into my life has changed everything! I am so grateful to BodyRock and a handful of Toronto trainers who have mentored me over the years – mainly Paula Ryff who I will talk about in a later post!
Yesterday I revisited my first BodyRock workout and nearly doubled my first score!
The workout looks like this:
Jump tuck, one leg squat on the left leg, jump squat, one leg squat on the right leg and repeat that sequence 3 times, so that you get 6 one leg squats total and 6 jump tucks. Then move directly to the pull up bar, or rings and do 5 pull ups. This counts as 1 round. How many rounds can you do in 15 minutes?
I tried this workout again yesterday and managed to complete 16 rounds in 15 minutes! That was seven more than the first time I did this!
:: Dress – H&M current, Belt – H&M current, Shoes – Michael Kors past, Bracelets – Tiffany & Co., Nail Polish – Essie Ballet Slippers ::
My sister Lindsay is the true "beauty" in the family. Ever since I was about 16 and she was 14 I've always wanted to wear whatever she liked. Linds just has an eye for what looks good. I trust her style implicitly. Last month we went shopping together and she always picks outfits that I would never try on alone. When I first put on this dress I didn't like it at all, then she added a belt and I was in love! I really like the 70s vibe of this dress. And it's just $36!
I've recently been salivating at Nutella popsicles on pinterest.
But after trying the recipes many of the pins suggested – with bananas and skim milk – I was left feeling a little jipped. The Nutella taste was totally over powered by the banana.
Then I heard about putting coconut milk in instead and that was a life changing suggestion.
These Nutella fudgesicles are the best frozen treat I've ever made. Maybe the best thing I've ever made. And I've made many things!
Here's the ridiculously simple recipe:
One cup Nutella
One cup coconut milk
Blend and fill popsicle molds. Freeze for at least an hour – or as long as you can hold off! And enjoy!
One thing about running your own business is there is no normal.
Yesterday, for example, I trained eight clients from 5:45 am until 6:30 pm. Today I have a client free afternoon but a busy morning and a night time Bod Squad. And that will change again tomorrow! I also have an endless to-do list as I'm sure you all can relate to!
With a constantly revolving and rotation schedule it's becoming increasingly impossible to schedule in my own workout times. I like working out in the mornings but now that my day typically starts around 5 – 5:30 I just can't get up at 4 am to do that! I'm needing to find ways to make each workout count more and take less time!
{Me playing around at a brand new gym I'm training out of … details coming soon!}
I'm always asked what I do for my own fitness routines outside of teaching the Bod Squad. So here's what my week's worth of workouts looked like last week:
Monday:
I teach two Bod Squads on Mondays and Wednesdays so I don't do any circuit style workouts on these days because I get a lot of that in class.
Started Monday off with a 6 mile trail run with friends! I like to get one long run in every week (45 minutes max) and this was it! Good to get it done and happy to have friends to pass the time.
Tuesday:
I did my classic 20 minute interval run:
5 minutes at a 7.0 mph warm-up
5 intervals of 11.0 for 2 minutes – 6.0 for 1 minute rest
Then I did my three favourite abs moves from my "All About Abs" video
Wednesday:
Taught Bod Squads and had five clients! Took the day off exercise but biked 30 km in travel (physical activity) time. But note: I bike like a grandma, people pass me all the time! I just like to take my time and not workup too much of a sweat between clients.
Thursday:
Met up with training buddy Sarah for some hill repeats.
We did 6x Woodchip Hill in the Rosedale Ravine (takes about 1:30 to get up the hill).
Friday:
Taught morning Bod Squad
Went on a 3.5 mile tempo ravine run loop after (25 minutes)
So that's a pretty normal week for me. As you can see my workouts range from 30-45 minutes max! I try to take at least one day off and add one yoga to the mix. I've started working out around 2-3 in the afternoon because that's typically a client free hour and if I leave it any later it just won't happen!
Toronto has some of the best city trails in the world and it amazes me how nobody knows about them! I think our ravine network is a best kept secret!
{Sarah Tory, me, Vicky on the Lower Don Trails }
Whenever I can I like to run the trails with friends. I was lucky enough to have some time last week to catch up with two great friends and running buddies Sarah and Vicky. We went to the Lower Don trails (starts at Bayview and Pottery Road). These two are FAST!
I was really excited for this run because last week I was sent these trail running shoes from Montrail to test out after I talked about my love of trail running in this post. I received a size 6.5 and a 7 because they weren't sure which would fit better. I've never worn specific trail running shoes before so I was excited to see if special shoes made any difference.
I was especially curious too because about a month ago I was teaching a Bod Squad and while demonstrating a challenging jump-twist combo move I landed on my knee and it made a loud CRUNCH sound. Ever since my knees have felt really fragile on trails (and dancing!).
I now can't believe I've gone this long without trail shoes.The shoes were SO good! Holy grip! I felt like my feet were attached to the trails. My knee felt so stable which really reduced my knee pain.
I will be rocking these bright red runners on the trails from now on!
Nice city view eh?
:: Giveaway ::
I've got a pair of size 7 extra shoes! Please post in the comments today if you're in the Toronto area and interested in these trail running shoes (size 7 only)!!
