Overhead Squat-a-Thon...

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.

1. Plio pushups...150...men 200...Full range of motion, hand release from the ground

2. "Overhead Squat-athon"

100 Overhead Squats for time (95, 65)
10 rep Knee to Elbow penalty anytime the bar comes down from overhead.
Thursday
check out this awesome instructional video for information on how to do the OH squat...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCWLs1jTOVE


3."Filthy Fifty"...get in teams of 2...FIND SOMEONE NEW to workout with so you dont get all chatty!

50 Box jump, 24 inch box
50 Jumping pull-ups
50 Kettlebell swings, 1 pood
Walking Lunge, 50 steps
50 Knees to elbows
50 Push press, 45 pounds
50 Back extensions
50 Wall ball shots, 20 pound ball
50 Burpees
50 Double unders or 100 singles (jump rope)

you can do these in any order that you would like...the jumping pull-ups can be done at the Smith machine and should be done in teams of 2...I would start with one team, tag another team when you are ready to move on.
How’s your nutrition this week? Are you getting the results that you want? Are you reaching your goal?

how wonderful!

One of my favorite things to do is grow a little garden, it is small, but, I love it.  My children help me pick out the plants.  We go to the nursery and decide what to grow for the summer season and we plant together. We work on weeding, watering and upkeep.  This year, we planted sweet potatoes, having no clue how it was going to turn out! Imagine our excitement when these GIANT sweet potatoes started poking out of the ground this fall! So, I am on a mad hunt for recipes that I can use these amazing sweet root vegetables.

Did you know sweet potatoes are high in antioxidants?
Did you know that it is an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), a very good source of vitamin C and manganese, and a good source of copper, dietary fiber, vitamin B6, potassium and iron.
Sweet potato, baked, with skin has 95.39 calories!

cherry tomatoes still growing in Mid-October!

sweet potato poking out and ready to eat!

By the way, its so wonderful to be still getting tomatoes in October!
Curried Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup
This thick and hearty soup is packed with spicy flavor. Get it going, then call a friend or spend some time with the kids while it simmers.
SERVINGS 8
COOK TIME 75m
INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 medium sweet potatoes (about 12 ounces each), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
2 large stalks celery, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1 large onion (12 ounces), cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 tablespoon grated, peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
3 1/2 cups LOW SODIUM vegetable broth
1 package (16 ounces) dry lentils, rinsed and picked through
6 cups water

PREPARATION
1. In 6-quart Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sweet potatoes, celery, and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, curry powder, ginger, cumin, coriander, salt, and ground red pepper; cook, stirring, 1 minute.

2. To vegetables in Dutch oven, add broth, lentils, and water; heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender, 40 to 50 minutes.

Form Matters

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will. --Vince Lombardi

When you are doing your workouts, are you paying attention to your form? One of the hardest parts about leading group fitness classes is that I can't be everywhere at once...I try so hard to keep you in line, keep your knees back, keep your back straight, keep full range of motion.  BUT, ultimately, its up to you to be more aware of what you are doing during during your workouts. Pay close attention to the descriptions of the exercises. It's okay to perform the movements slowly if you need to in order to get them right — it's better than doing them inaccurately. Try not to use momentum or leverage to complete the moves — you'll only be cheating yourself. It is also better to use lighter weight and do the move right than to load up your bar and do it wrong.  Poor form can significantly hamper the results that you obtain from your weight workout, and it can also increase your chances of injury.  STAY INJURY FREE! If you want results, follow the rules and one of those rules is to use proper form!

Play Hard and stay smart with your workouts...

WARMUP....tabata pushups and tabata squats...I will be looking for perfect form....pushups..chest TO THE GROUND, squats...deep, hips deep, knees behind toes....

For time: 5 rounds...

50 Wallball shots

40 Double unders or 100 singles or 20 tuck jumps

30 Kettlebell swings

20 Walking lunges

20 Knees to elbows

overhead plate carry, 25, 35 or 45 pounds....1 set of lampost suicide runs between each set!

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not. Dr. Seuss

Thursday AGAIN??!!

"You've got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was."

--Irish Proverb--

Sprints...., 15 times

then...For time:
Run 800M...50 Squats...10 Manmakers...Wall ball x 21...Dips x 15...
Run 400M...50 Squats...10 Manmakers...Wall ball x 18...Dips x 12
Run 200M...50 Squats...10 Manmakers...Wall ball x 15...Dips x 9
Run 100M...50 Squats...10 Manmakers...Wall ball x 12...Dips x 6

Kerry has tickets to the GUN SHOW! Do you???

 "Tabata Something Else"
Complete 32 intervals of 20 seconds of work followed by ten seconds of rest where the first 8 intervals are shoulder presses, the second 8 are push-ups, the third 8 intervals are L sit-ups...wooohooo!!! I hope ya'll are ready!!!

Travel Workouts...
Simply pick one and do it. No more excuses!
•Run 1/2 mile 50 air squats - 3 rounds.
•10 push-ups 10 sit ups 10 squats - 10 rounds.
•200 air squats for time.
•"Susan" Run 200m 10 squats 10 push ups 5 rounds.
•Sprint 200m and do 25 push ups, 3 rounds.
•10 Handstand push ups and a 200m run 3 rounds.
•Tabata squats and tabata pushups.
•5 push ups 5 squats 5 sit ups, 20 rounds.
•Walk 100 meters on your hands, even if it is 2 meters at a time.
•10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 sets of sit-ups and a 100 meter sprint between each set.
•Invisible Fran...21-15-9 of air squats and push ups for time.
•Spend a total of 5 minutes in a handstand, or headstand. If you are using the headstand do not stay over a minute at a time.
•Run 1 mile for time.
•10 push ups 10 air squats and 10 sit ups, 6 rounds for time.
•Do one air squat and take one breath, ( you can breath all you want while you do the squat or squats) do 2 and take 2 breaths etc...up to 10, and then come back down to one.
•3 vertical jumps 3 squats 3 long jumps - 5 rounds.
•Handstand 30 seconds and 10 squats, 8 rounds.
•10 push-ups 100M dash 10x.
•Tabata squats.
•5x 400M sprints.

The Great Pumpkin! Hungry Girl's Pumpkin Pie (http://www.hungrygirl.com/)

We're year-round pumpkin freaks, but fall is when all the "normal" people celebrate the fat orange squash. Check out this recipe. It's SO great!
 You'll need a springform pie pan for this recipe.
Ingredients:
For Crust
2 cups Fiber One bran cereal (original), ground to a breadcrumb-like consistency in a blender or food processor
1/4 cup light whipped butter or light buttery spread (like Smart Balance Light or Brummel & Brown), melted & mixed with 2 tbsp. water
3 tbsp. Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
1 tsp. cinnamon

For Filling
32 oz. fat-free cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)
1 cup canned pure pumpkin
1 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
1/4 cup light brown sugar (not packed)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

For Topping
3/4 cup fat-free sour cream
1/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Combine all crust ingredients and mix thoroughly. Spray a springform pie pan (about 9" wide) lightly with nonstick spray -- make sure to get the sides as well as the bottom. Then evenly distribute c rumb mixture, using your hands or a flat utensil to firmly press and form the crust along the bottom of the pan. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine all filling ingredients. Using an electric mixer set to medium speed, mix until completely blended and lump-free. Pour mixture into the pan.

Bake in the oven for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, until set. Allow pie to chill in the fridge for at least 3 - 4 hours (overnight is best).

Once pie has chilled, carefully release and remove springform top. In a small bowl, mix all topping ingredients together until thoroughly blended. Spread topping evenly over the pie.

Return pie to the fridge until ready to serve. Cut pie into 12 slices.
MAKES 12 SERVINGS
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 160
Fat: 3.25g
Sodium: 579mg
Carbs: 20g
Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 15g
POINTS® value 3*

How clean are you??

How has your nutrition been this week? Are you getting the results that you would like to get? Stronger, leaner and faster recovery time after workouts? Do you know the importance of the post workout meal? Have you had more than one cheat meal so far this week? Remember its ok to have a cheat MEAL...cheat DAYS can turn into a 5,000 calorie feast that will derail you!

Diet is 80% of the battle:

If your diet is well balanced you will not only feel better you will perform better, and recover faster. Many of us have taken on the idea of CLEAN EATING.  Remember the basic guideline to follow when making food choices: eat real, whole foods, shop at local Farmers Markets and vegetable stands. Avoid buying or eating foods that are prepackaged or processed.  Keep intake to levels that will support exercise, but not body fat.  Clean eating is based on the idea that the best way to eat is to abundantly enjoy whole foods -- that is, foods as close to their natural state as you can get them. This means eating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins instead of pre-packaged, processed foods or fast food. Clean eating is also committed to replacing saturated fats with healthy fats.  So, in evaluating your nutrition, how clean are YOU? What are you doing to move in that direction? I would love to read your comments below!
“There is never an absolute answer to everything, except of course that you have to do your squats.”
Mark Rippetoe



1. WARM UP!
Burpees - max reps in 2 minutes

Sharon is smiling because she is doing 150 pushups TODAY!

For time: 150 Push Ups(women) 200 (Men) – BOOTCAMP style (hand release on each rep)

2. "Make it a Double" 3 rotations!!!!

Complete As Many Reps as Possible of:
2 minutes Wall Balls - go for the heavy balls today, no wimping!!
2 Minutes KB Swings (53, 35)
2 Minutes Box Jumps (24, 20)
2 Minutes tuck jumps
1. Clean and press - Ladder

Every 30 sec complete 1 clean and press for 8 minutes.
Start at 40% of 1RM and add plates every 30 seconds...
After the 8th minute, Immediately start...

2. Front Squats - On The Minute

Every 30 sec complete 3 Front Squats for 8 minutes.
Start with the same weight that you ended the Snatch Ladder with. Do not increase weight each round.
After the 8th minute, You have one minute to strip your bar and begin...

3. Lunges For time.
Complete 100 Reverse Lunges for time, 45# bar.
With the bar in the back rack position step back with one leg so the knee kisses the ground. Return to a standing position, and that is one rep - continue to 100 reps as fast as possible.

CORE IF TIME!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESSIE MARIE!
she's working out on her 3oth birthday...that's dedication!
love you baby!

“Rest when you’re done!”

What's so Bad about SUGAR?

78 Reasons to Avoid Sugar

Straight from the writings of Dr. Victor Frank, founder/creator of Total Body Modification, here are 78 reasons to avoid sugar.

1. Sugar can suppress the immune system.

2. Sugar can upset the body's mineral balance.

3. Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, concentration difficulties, and crankiness in children.

4. Sugar can drowsiness and decreased activity in children.

5. Sugar can adversely affect children's school grades.

6. Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.

7. Sugar contributes to a weakened defense against bacterial infection.

8. Sugar can cause kidney damage.

9. Sugar can reduce helpful high density cholesterol.

10. Sugar can promote an elevation of harmful cholesterol.

11. Sugar may lead to chromium deficiency.

12. Sugar may cause copper deficiency.

13. Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.

14. Sugar may lead to cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostate, and rectum.

15. Sugar can cause colon cancer with an increased risk in women.

16. Sugar can be a risk factor in gall bladder cancer.

17. Sugar can increase fasting levels of blood glucose.

18. Sugar can weaken eyesight.

19. Sugar raises the level of a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which can narrow blood vessels.

20. Sugar can cause hypoglycemia.

21. Sugar can produce acidic stomach.

22. Sugar can raise adrenaline levels in children.

23. Sugar can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

24. Sugar can speed the aging process, causing wrinkles and gray hair.

25. Sugar can lead to alcoholism.

26. Sugar can produce tooth decay.

27. Sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity.

28. High intake of sugar increases the risk of Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

29. Sugar can case a raw, inflamed intestinal tract in person with gastric or duodenal ulcers.

30. Sugar can cause arthritis.

31. Sugar can cause asthma.

32. Sugar can cause candidiasis (yeast infection).

33. Sugar can lead to the formation of gallstones.

34. Sugar can lead to the formation of kidney stones.

35. Sugar can cause ischemic heart disease.

36. Sugar can cause appendicitis.

37. Sugar can exacerbate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

38. Sugar can indirectly cause hemorrhoids.

39. Sugar can cause varicose veins.

40. Sugar can elevate glucose and insulin responses in oral contraception users.

41. Sugar can lead to periodontal disease.

42. Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.

43. Sugar contributes to saliva acidity.

44. Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity.

45. Sugar leads to a decreased glucose tolerance.

46. Sugar can decrease growth hormone.

47. Sugar can increase total cholesterol.

48. Sugar can increase systolic blood pressure.

49. Sugar can change the structure of protein causing interference with protein absorption.

50. Sugar causes food allergies.

51. Sugar can contribute to diabetes.

52. Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy.

53. Sugar can contribute to eczema in children.

54. Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease.

55. Sugar can impair the structure of DNA.

56. Sugar can cause cataracts.

57. Sugar can cause emphysema.

58. Sugar can cause atherosclerosis.

59. Sugar can cause free radical formation in the bloodstream.

60. Sugar lowers the enzymes' abilities to function.

61. Sugar can cause the loss of tissue elasticity and function.

62. Sugar can cause liver cells to divide, increasing the size of the liver.

63. Sugar can increase the amount of fat in the liver.

64. Sugar can increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the kidney.

65. Sugar can overstress the pancreas, causing damage.

66. Sugar can increase the body's fluid retention.

67. Sugar can cause constipation.

68. Sugar can cause myopia (nearsightedness).

69. Sugar can compromise the lining of the capillaries.

70. Sugar can cause hypertension.

71. Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines.

72. Sugar can cause an increase in delta, alpha, and theta brain waves, which can alter the mind's ability to think clearly.

73. Sugar can cause depression.

74. Sugar can increase insulin responses in those consuming high-sugar diets compared to low-sugar diets.

75. Sugar increases bacterial fermentation in the colon.

76. Sugar can cause hormonal imbalance.

77. Sugar can increase blood platelet adhesiveness, which increases risk of blood clots.

78. Sugar can increase the risk of Alzheimer's Disease.

Health is always moving on a continuum between sickness/disease and wellness. The only time health stands still is when the heart no longer beats. Which way are you moving?

Now, Im not saying don't eat any sugar at all EVER, but, I AM saying are you aware of how much sugar you consume, where you can find it in your foods....are you aware how MUCH you eat?

I'd love to hear your comments below!

I Love Thursdays!

I love Thursdays for many reasons, FIRST, I get to work out with some of the funniest, sometimes dedicated, always motivating crew of athletes! I love Thursdays because my BFF shows up when she can and I have a cheerleader while I am working, I love Thursdays because I am at home with my family that night and don't have to work. I love Thursdays because I get to take my baby to gymnastics and watch her tumble and cartwheel. I love Thursdays because tomorrow is date night with Big Daddy....
what's your favorite day of the week? I hope that you find something amazing about everyday that you live!
Have you ever hurt yourself when working out? Felt a twinge in your back, knees, regretted it later when you couldn't move? When you do injure yourself, there are a few things that may increase the speed of your recovery. First and foremost, when you feel yourself get injured... STOP! Don't continue working out. Immediately after your injury, to increase circulation and keep the swelling down, ice the area for at least 10 minutes. Continue icing, as frequently as possible over the next several days. Keep moving... anything you can do to enhance circulation will help. Also, I would try "hot/cold" showers. Spray cold water on the injury for 30 seconds, followed by hot water for 30 seconds... repeat this 5-7 times. I always try to remind my participants, to listen to your body...back off when you need to... be SMART!

Thursday
warmup
"Cannonball"


21-18-15-12-9-6-3 reps for time of:

Unbroken Kettlebell Swings
"Cement Mixer"
7 rounds of:
Every 3 minutes complete:
Run to fence and back 2 times
12 walking lunges
In this workout you will run fast as possible and then immediately complete 12 walking lunges, level 1 participants, no weight, level 2 and 3 use dumbells. Seven intervals total....

10 Rounds for time:

15 Deadlifts (Pick yourself a challenging weight; we’ll help you if you’re unsure)
15 Pushups

Turkish Get Ups...
10 each side
repeat this 3 times, adding weight each set...

ABS RIPPER!


Veni, Vedi, Vici (I came, I saw, I conquered) Julius Caesar


if it doesn't get bugs or bacteria, why is it ok for your kids?

Tabata Tuesday!

Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

What do your actions, words and habits say about who you really are and what your destiny is? What are you doing today and everyday to make that a reality?

Today's Workout~

Tabata Mash up
Air squats
Pushups
then
bicep curls
Crunches

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 reps of Thruster, Dumbell swings, Burpees, Overhead Squats,

Run the club 1 time, meet at the back parking lot....15 sets of sprints....

NEXT...CORE!

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. Winston Churchill

Nutrition:


Craving: Chocolate

What your body may really need: Magnesium

Where you would find that: Raw nuts and seeds, fruits, legumes

____________________________________________________
Craving: Bread or toast
What your body may really need: Nitrogen
Where you would find that:
High protein foods, fish, meat, nuts, beans
_________________________________________________
Craving: Sweets
What your body may really need: Chromium Carbon Phosphorus Sulfur Tryptophan
Where you would find that:
Broccoli, grapes, dried beans, calves liver, chicken Fruits Chicken, beef, liver, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts Cranberries, horseradish, cruciferous vegetables, kale, cabbage Liver, lamb, raisins, sweet potato, spinach, cheese
____________________________________________________
Craving: Salty Foods
What your body may really need: Chloride
Where you would find that:
Raw goats milk, fish, sea salt

All things are difficult before they are easy.

- Thomas Fuller

Get Inspired

"The best moments - and most agonizing ones -

occur at the intersection between two people."

After reading this quote from another blog, I thought about the amazing way that our group fitness classes help us to do more, be more and ENJOY our workouts more. Think about it, would you EVER do burpee broad jumps across the parking lot by yourself? would it even be close to being fun alone? I know that the comaraderie in class helps us to get through some tough workouts, helps us to laugh at ourselves and many times have paved the way for a more confidant and self assured person. I know that for me personally, my time in classes, even when I am a participant, is a chance to be around some of the most amazing men and women, who inspire me to do more every day! Look around you in your next workout, why are you here? GET INSPIRED!

"Make it a Double" Move from one station to the other on the two minute mark. The clock does not stop between stations. Post scores for each station.


Complete As Many Reps as Possible of:
(repeat 3 times...this is like a circuit, we move from station to station, repeating the whole workout 3 times)
2 minutes Wall Balls
2 Minutes KB Swings
2 Minutes Box Jumps
2 Minutes tuck jumps

then...
20 Thrusters
20 Sumo Deadlift High Pull
20 Push press
20 Overhead Squats
20 Front Squats
4 Burpees on the minute every minute until all reps are complete! starts with 4 Burpees…

then...partner hill sprints...8 times...
Don't forget, I love your comments, post below in the comments section!!!



Are you reaching your goals?

Maria knocking out her overhead squats!

I think this means HILL SPRINTS!

Have you set one?  How will you know what to work for if you don't have goals? Write them down, refer back to your list. Be mindful of what you are doing in the gym, in your workouts and with your nutrition.


"I ran and ran and ran every day, and I acquired this sense of determination, this sense of spirit that I would never, never give up, no matter what else happened.” -Wilma Rudolph....winner of three Olympic gold medals in track who also born prematurely at 4.5 lbs., with 21 brothers and sisters, and caught infantile paralysis (caused by the polio virus) as a very young child.

Post your thoughts to comments below!

Once you learn to quit, it becomes a habit.- Vince lombardi


PART 1

I have been warning you about this one...
Burpee Broad Jumps from one end of parking lot to the other and back...
MEN...to make this more interesting, you should hold a dumbell in each hand, how heavy is your call
 
HIIT
Hill Sprints -- 8 sets----with a partner......
 
cash out Turkish Get up...10 each side.....if you have forgotten how to do it correctly, see video below, good explanation.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztTOn0rSMis
 
 
CORE if time.

Someone requested a recipe for butternut squash soup, here is one I found that looks yummy and is CLEAN!
 Butternut Squash Soup With Coconut Milk And Cilantro (Makes approximately 8 cups)

Ingredients
2 regular sized butternut squashes – baked and removed from skin
2 cups chicken broth
1 14oz. can light coconut milk
2 tsp. dried cilantro
1 tsp. dried, ground ginger
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions
Step 1 – Place your pre-cooked squash, chicken broth, coconut milk, dried cilantro, and ginger in a large soup pot and blend with a hand blender.
Step 2 – Turn on your stove and warm the ingredients in the pot.
Step 3 – Serve and garnish with fresh, chopped cilantro
Eat and Enjoy!

Nutritional Content
1 serving = 1 cup
Calories: 99
Total Fat: 4 gm
Saturated Fats: 3 gm
Trans Fats: 0 gm
Cholesterol: 0 gm
Sodium: 171 mg
Carbohydrates: 17 gm
Dietary fiber: 0 gm
Sugars: 3 gm
Protein: 2 gm
Estimated Glycemic Load: 6 – (Daily target is 100 or less)