Fusion Workouts

 

Remember how I told you I had to hit it hard last night at the gym?  Well, I did, and it actually felt really good!  I've mentioned "my class" in a few posts now, but haven't really explained it very well.  I teach a Fusion class, and it's AWESOME!  It's kind of a combination of pilates, low impact cardio, and yoga.  We do tons of strength building exercises, but mainly without weights. (Or if we do pick up weights, they're usually no heavier than 3 pounds).  It's amazing how powerful your own body can be when it's tested.  The concept of this class is totally fresh.  We get our heart-rates up, feel the burn, and leave class as sweaty messes who feel strong and ready to take on the world.

I totally have what I've self-diagnosed as Exercise ADD.  I get completely bored with doing the same workouts over and over. I'm pretty sure that's why I hate running so much. (Well, that, and I have built up such a mental block that I now feel like I'm gonna die the second I break in to a jog). But anyway, that's why I love Fusion workouts so much.  You can't ever get bored because it's always something different.  Like, in my class, we'll do some low impact, strength building cardio followed by some planks followed by some yoga stretching. Before we know it, 30 minutes has passed and it's time to get down on our mats for some traditional Pilates stuff.  It goes by so quickly!

I go to a great Step class sometimes too.  It's not a Fusion class, but it's a Circuit class. So, instead of a bunch of styles being all mashed together, we'll do step circuits followed by weight circuits. Cardio and weight-training together = maximum fat burning!!  Yes Please!! 

Mix it up, do it all, fuse it all together... just do something!

So last night it was some fusion for strength and flexibility and tonight it will be some heart pumping Zumba.  What will your workout look like today?  Whatever it is, I hope you get the most out of it that you possibly can! Like I always say to my class members: that hour of time at the gym is probably one of the only hours in the day that is just for YOU. So make the most of it! 

Have a healthy day,

J

I LOVE THAT.

I ran up the stairs the other day as my son was calling that he needed me up there RIGHT NOWWWWW! Wanna know where I found him? In his closet, doing a headstand against the wall.  (And by the way, he was wearing nothing except socks. He's four. God I love that kid.) Once I told him that, wow, that's a really cool trick, he responded with, "thanks. Ok, you can leave my room.  I gotta put on shorts and lift heavy stuff now." His little brother chimed in with, "yeah, I gotta work on my musclessss", and flexed for me.  Yes, their new favorite game is "Gym". I love that.

Look at how cute these guys are. I mean, seriously.

They are constantly running, jumping, climbing, and being otherwise physical.  They know that we go to the gym to be healthy, that we take lots of walks so Mama can get exercise, that Dada lifts heavy weights to get big muscles. And now when I've taken a few days off, they'll even suggest, "Hey, are we going to the gym today?" I love that!

We got a new Laurie Berkner CD from the library the other day (BEST kids' artist EVER btw!), and at the end of the "Pretzel Song" she says, "oh well, I guess I'll go eat some chips".  Didn't my kids, on their own, yell out, "Hey, you don't need to be eating chips.  Pick an apple or a plum instead!"  You know where I'm going here...  I LOVE THAT!! 

This is the CD we've been listening to.  I highly recommend it.

Now... I'm not a health freak.  My children have consumed more than their fair share of chips.  All four of us have a major weakness for french fries, and who doesn't love them some cupcakes?!?  But it's all about moderation and building good habits. I LOVE that my kids (at 3 and 4 years old) understand that those things are treats.  That too many treats are unhealthy, and that exercise is a mandatory part of life.   

What kinds of habits are your kids building?  (I'm also feeling the guilt here, and must admit that amidst all of this great stuff, my kids are also in the habit of never eating vegetables, not picking up their toys, and only wearing socks when forced... Baby steps, right?!)

Have a healthy day!

J

Welcome!

I love a good oxymoron.  Baby grand, jumbo shrimp, large fries with a diet coke, healthy with a side of ranch.  It seems as though everywhere we look, we're making excuses.  Doing what's mostly right, and justifying the other part.  Right?  Isn't that how it goes?  I ate really well today, so I deserve this cookie for dessert.  I am so stressed out, so I deserve this ice cream.  Hey- I'm not knocking you.  In fact, I'm right there with ya.  And I'm declaring that today is the day it needs to stop.  For all of us.

I have become obsessed lately with fitness blogs.  And you know what I'm finding?  That they're all written by supercute, young girls who live supercool lives in big cities.  They all love running, and taking pictures of their expensive, organic breakfasts.  Well I'm here to tell you something.  I am neither supercute nor young.  I am a 32-year-old average mom of two gorgeous boys. (Check out my other blog- http://www.naptimeisthenewhappyhour.blogspot.com/).  I live in a pretty small city.  I eat breakfast on my way to work in the morning, and as much as I hate to admit this, I rarely eat as organically as I should. Oh yeah, and I hate running. 

Have you seen this? I think it was written for me:


So what business do I have writing a blog about health?  Well, I certainly don't know everything about anything, but I do know a little bit about a few things.  And what I know is that we aren't left with much if we don't have our health and wellness.  I'm looking forward to sharing some of my sweat, tears, joys and successes with you.  (And some tips along the way).  Thanks for stopping by.  I can't wait to hear from you, learn from you, and celebrate successes with you!


Have a healthy day,
J