Morning, everyone!
How’s everyone’s fitness going this week? So far, this is what I’ve done for workouts:
- Monday: Hot Yoga
- Tuesday: Teach Circuit Training
- Wednesday: At home 20 minute cardio interval workout + shoulder strengthening + abs
- Thursday: Teach Circuit Training
Not too shabby for pre-Christmas weeks!
Speaking of pre-Christmas weeks, can you believe we are already at mid-month? You know what that means…
…it’s time to talk about my favorite things!
In case you’ve missed any of my past mid-month “Things I’m Loving Lately” posts, you can find them here:
November 2011 Edition
October 2011 Edition
September 2011 Edition
Here we go with December!
Peppermint Tea
Perfect for the season, right? Usually I’m not a huge fan of peppermint. Candy canes don’t thrill me, I usually opt for a different gum flavor, and I’ve never really hopped on the peppermint train before. But for some reason, this little box of Celestial Seasonings Peppermint Tea just caught my eye in Target the other day. I’m so glad I picked it up! Peppermint is the only ingredient in this tea, and it’s both gluten and caffeine free. Also, this product has all-natural herbs, and no artificial colorings, flavorings or preservatives. I’ve enjoyed a cup before bed (yes, I’m 80 years old), while working from home, and in the afternoon at the office when I get chilly!
This Christmas Card
Otherwise known as “The Negativity Scene.” No further explanation required. I think this is absolutely hilarious!! Anyone else? Just me?
The Boston Pops
In my opinion, there is just nothing better to get you in the Christmas spirit. Last Friday, the roommates plus boyfriends enjoyed our time spent at Symphony Hall. My favorite part was when they did The Grinch! Or maybe The Night Before Christmas? Eek, or maybe the sing-a-long when Santa comes out at the end! Ahh, can’t decide. Love it! Some pictures of us all dressed up:
The rest of the night? Not so classy. Oh crap, and pictures to prove it.
Plank Jacks
My new favorite move of the moment!
In class on Tuesday night, I literally said “A move that combines planks and jumping jacks, it doesn’t get any better than this.”
I got a lot of weird looks.
How to execute? Get in modified plank position, balancing on your forearms (elbows aligned under shoulders) and toes. You can also opt for regular plank, with hands aligned under shoulders. Tighten abs so body is straight from head to heels.
Keeping torso tight, hop feet out wide. Hop feet back to starting position and repeat.
Ab burner!
Cranberry Pomegranate Juice
Not just Cranberry Pomegranate juice, but DIET Cranberry Pomegranate Juice. I really love to drink juice, but try to drink it sparingly because a lot of juices have really high sugar content. My go to is either light or diet cranberry raspberry, but I have been in search of a light or diet cranberry pomegranate for some time now. Literally during every grocery store visit I’d scan the aisles for this stuff. They’ve finally hit the shelves of Stop & Shop, and I couldn’t be more excited about it. I think I actually accidentally let out a little yelp when I saw it in the store. Awkward. But you knew that about me.
Question of the Day: Tell me about something you are loving lately!
Don’t forget there is still time to enter my free Chobani giveaway! I don’t announce the winner until Friday morning!!
Clementines!!! Totally in season, and I think I eat about 7 a day.
This week I actually discovered the pushup version of the plank jack.
Doing a pushup while moving feet out and back is beginner. Moving arms out and back along with the legs is advanced. Holy crap. Great ab workout. And yes, they look a little silly.
Oh wow! I’ll have to give those a shot next. Thanks!