Some thoughts and discussions from me.

Good morning, and happy Friday!

I know it’s only Friday morning, but I have a feeling this weekend is going to be one of those I-feel-like-I’m-on-vacation-because-I’m-packing-in-SO-much-fun-stuff! types of weekend. This has become a pattern. A pattern of which I wouldn’t like to stop anytime soon Smile I’ve noticed that I actually sleep more during the week now than I do on the weekends. Not because I have to wake up early on the weekends, but because I go to bed late, and then still somehow naturally wake up at my 6:00 a.m. internal alarm. I wish I had the sleeping in abilities that some others do!

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Today I’ll actually be in Lyons at the Boulder Oakley even all day! I’m not too sure what to expect, but I know I’ll be in good company, and I know we’ll be doing both yoga and a boot camp workout.

Speaking of boot camp workouts, I thought I’d share with you guys the class I put my group through on Monday this week. The gym where I teach boot camp (technically Interval class) has very fit people. Basically, they’re fit people looking to get fitter. Because of this, I always have a blast coming up with creative ways to really challenge their strength and cardiovascular capacity. This one was a good one! Word of caution – it’s intense!!

As always, please check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.

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This one was a doozy. I did one of the rounds with them, and it’s definitely some high intensity training.

HIIT, or High Intensity Interval Training has many benefits, some of which including:

  • produces same physical benefits as longer, endurance cardio in a much shorter time
  • increases anaerobic capacity
  • Increased EPOC (exercise post-oxygen consumption) or – calorie after burn
  • This type of cardio doesn’t promote muscle loss, like some longer, endurance cardiovascular methods do
  • increase metabolism

and so on. But then last night I was reading a study that proved HIIT improves more than just the physical body. The study suggested that HIIT can actually improve mental capacity! The researchers found that after a 4 month training program including 2 HIIT sessions per week showed participants having increased executive function and memory. It was a very small study, but I love reading any study showing how the benefits of exercise are more than just physical.

For me, exercise plays much more of a part in my life than just the physical. Just some examples:

  • It makes me a saner person
  • Gives a sense of community
  • Allows other physically demanding activities to be hobbies (hiking, climbing, biking, etc.)
  • Allows me to think more clearly

And much more, but that’s what I can think of right now.

And while we’re on the topic of fitness, my friend Lindsay is hosting a Pinterest party! To participate, you just choose 5 pinable posts that you’re proud of, and link them up in her post. I thought today I’d post 5 of my favorite pinable workouts that I’ve shared on the blog, since we’re on the topic of workouts and all anyway. So here they are!

Sexy Back Workout

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3-2-1 RUN! Workout

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Lower Body Supersets

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Hip Mobility Routine

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Living Room Workout

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more fun workouts!

Happy sweating Open-mouthed smile

What are the biggest non-physical benefits exercise plays in your life?