Reason #21: Another Jillian Reasons?

I have been doing a lot of straight running as I prepare for my half-marathon coming up in early May, and I decided I need to mix up my routine. Therefore, I jumped on the blog bandwagon and ordered Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred DVD. Not only has this been the most popular exercise craze lately and been receiving fab reviews, it was only $10! Additionally, Im a huge BIGGEST LOSER fan, and she clearly knows how to get people in shape. Jillian bases the 20 minute workout on the 3-2-1 method: 3 minutes strength, 2 minutes cardio, 1 minute abs. There are three complete 20-minute workouts which progress by level of intensity (1 is easiest, followed by 2, and 3). It seems to be the perfect morning workout to start off the day.... The only equipment required include hand weights (3-5 lbs) and a mat if you're on a hard surface. I should be receiving the DVD in a few days, so I will let you know how it is once I receive it.

Speaking of Jillian, she is coming to San Diego on April 25, NYC on May 9th, and Chicago on May 16th to do a "Self Workout in the Park." Unfortunately, I will have to miss it as I will be at my friend's lakehouse in South Carolina (cant wait!), but here is the site to buy tickets.

Another event in NYC that I am contemplating is the More Fitness 1/2 marathon in Central Park on April 26 for WOMEN only. The only thing that is keeping me back is the Long Branch 1/2 marathon race I will be running the following weekend. Runners out there, is it okay to run 2 1/2 marathons in consecutive weekends? The last thing I want to do is get hurt, but I will have a week in between to recover. Thoughts?

I also just received notification that Gnu Bars and PopChips are sending me some of their products to review. Im so excited - I feel like an official blogger. Reviews to come! EatFabinNYC is also giving a mix your own granola giveaway...check it out!

Reason #17: Token Gym-Goers

I have belonged to four gyms in my life, and I have come up with a theory that all gyms have the following “token” gym-goers. No matter where you go, you shall find them:

Girl So Skinny You are Scared for her Life – When she runs you fear she will fall, when she lifts you fear she will break in half.
Gym Purse lady – Instead of locking up her personal items in the locker room like everyone else, this woman insists on bringing her oversized duffle bag filled with cellphone, towel, ipod, magazines, extra clothing, gum, and sweatshirt to her machine. It is conveniently plopped in everyone’s pathway.
Too Top Heavy Guy – This guy bench presses ridiculous weights and does dumbbell curls as he smiles at himself in the mirror. He wears wife beaters, grunts, hisses, and probably fist-pumps at the Jersey shore.
The Older Woman In A Sports Bra – There is always that older woman who sports spandex and a middrift. While she is very fit and looks great for her age, her outfit is probably more appropriate for a Jane Fonda workout video.
Determined Woman on Treadmill Who Looks Like She is Running to Save her Life – This woman runs as fast as she can, looks straight forward with a frightened look, and easily could be mistaken for Neve Campbell in Scream. Once the treadmill hits :57, :58, :59, the girls grabs the sidebars, slows down the speed, bends over to catch breath, and escapes alive.
Floater Dude – Guy who walks around but really doesn’t do anything – Guy is typically skinny, wears white tshirt, long shorts, high socks, and just wanders. He will pick up a dumbbell, lift it. He will sit on the floor, sit up. Possibly terrified of “too top heavy guy” timbering over?
Non-sprayers – The person who exercises for 90 minutes at a fast pace, sweats all over the machine, yet is too lazy to wipe the machine down.
Girl who runs forever- She is running when you get there, she is running when you leave. She is also running when you get there the next day.
Girl who is on the treadmill but doesn’t run. Girl spends at least 2 miles of her running workout with her legs strattling the sids of the treadmill instead of pausing the machine. She fixes her IPOD, drinks water, talks with her friends as the belt continues on. Cheater!
Social Butterfly – The girl can talk. She knows everyone at the frontdesk and all the personal trainers. Whether you like it or not, you know her nightly plans, her favorite tv show, and what she had for lunch.
Way too Dressed Up for the Gym Girl – We all have recognized her. She is at the gym with a full face of make-up on, hair perfectly blown dry, a perfectly matched gym outfit, and super white sneakers only to match her super white smile (Gretchen from Real Housewives anyone?). She goes onto the treadmill, glistens, and never breaks into a sweat.

Take a look around your gym - you'll recognize the tokens!

On another note:
* My boyfriend and I used Restaurant.com coupon last night! We received a $25 gift certificate for $2 (there is a special right now, buy $25 gift certificate for $2 - use special code "MENU"). We had delicious meal!
** Off to my first co-ed soccer game of the season - hopefully start the season with a win!

Reason #2: Newest Fitness Craze: Crossfit!

A new craze seems to be sweeping over the Tri-State - Crossfit! (crossfit.com) Crossfit gyms seem to be popping up all over the towns and stunning transformations are occurring (primarily in men).

Originated in 2001, Crossfit is a high intensity workout that mixes gymnastics, track and field skills and bodybuilding, resting very little between movements. The importance is placed on quantifiable results, thereby creating a competition against others time or your own personal bests. People who like to push the limits of fitness and strength consider it the most challenging workout around.

Interested?
Beginner Workout: 20 minutes of as many repetitions as you can of 5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups, 15 squats.

For more Advanced Workouts see crossfit.com

CROSSFIT DIET

What should I Eat?

Base your diet on garden vegetables, especially greens, lean meats, nuts and seeds, little starch and sugar.

*Tip* Keep your grocery cart to the perimeter of the grocery store while avoiding the middle aisles. Food is perishable! The stuff with long shelf life is all suspect.

What should I avoid?

High glycemic carbs that raise blood sugar too rapidly. Including rice, bread, candy, potato, sweets, sodas, and most processed carbs.

Try to follow Zone Diet

30% Protein
40% Carbs
30% Fats

My Review

I have only completed the Crossfit Warmup so far, but I plan to take my first class next weekend. I am a bit weary on the program because a) sounds like injury can happen very easily, b) I will be tested on how many pull-ups I can do (ughhh, can I even do one?), and c) I despise heavy lifting (I have terrible memories of lifting at 6:30am in college for soccer!) . However, on the other hand, numerous people (including the most fit men I know of) swear by Crossfit. It will be a nice change from my favorite activities of running, spinning, and kickboxing. We shall see!