Fitness Update: Braving the Spin

After a couple months getting my footing with the Barre Pilates class I have been taking, a friend of mine convinced me to take a spin class with her.  Well really she said "I took this class with you and now you have to take a spin class with me."  hahaha  I know what a bunch of you are thinking.  I am clumsy walking on a good day.  How would I ever walk away from a spin class in one piece.  My only hope was that the class is on stationary bikes. 
One of the aspects of Barre Pilates I love is the easy gear.  During the warmer months I would show up in flip-flops.  The mat and bands are all provided for me.  This is not the case for spin.  My friend was so happy showing me her cool spin shoes that were made to clip right onto the bike and special spin shorts that contain extra cushion in the tushy section for a more comfortable class.  She then informed me that my bum was probably going to be quite sore tomorrow. 
And in comes the doubt.  Was this actually going to be a fun workout or a form of torture?  I was really starting to get concerned.
We were among the first people into the spin room.  After deciding on bikes, I opted for one near the fan, I learned that not only does the seat move up and down and forward and back, but the hand part moves multiple ways too!  It was starting to become overwhelming and then the instructor came in.  She took extra time to make sure I was comfortable and correct in my pose on the bike.  After ensuring that I was secure she also told me a little about the class.  She showed me different techniques she would be calling out to the class.  She started going over the jumps.  Yes, you heard correctly.  Spin class is about doing jumps and sprints on stationary bikes. 
Thankfully one thing I have learned about group fitness classes is that the instructors are there to facilitate the push, but also offer easier alternatives to make everything doable even for a beginner like myself.
The spin class lasted for 1 hour.  It was such a rush!  The instructor choreographer the "ride" to go with the music.  We did sprints, jumps, hills, and long climbs all based on the resistance we set on our own bike.  It was great.  I felt the cardio burn and the sweat, but had a blast learning something new.  The jumps are no joke!  They are timed like dance moves and are quick and controlled.  And they really work your legs!
I am so glad my friend pushed me to take the spin class with her.  I plan on joining her again next week.  It was such a different class, but I loved the challenge!
And yes, in case you are wondering, my bum killed the next day. 
Have you ever taken a spin class or ever thought of taking one but got too scared?  Do you have another cardio class you love that you think I should try?  Would love to hear from you!

See you soon!
Love always

Real Life, Real Food - Drink It Up

All moms worry about what their kids are eating and drinking.  As a mom of a child with CHI I worry about nutrition and carbs.  Adding the complication of anemia and I am basically a crazy person for labels.  With all of this in mind, I found an easy and yummy way to insure Zoe gets all the carbs and nutrition she needs.  Our answer is drinks.

After Zoe has her iron medicine, she can not have dairy for 2 hours to help with absorption.  So we had to find a new drink for her morning and night time bottles.  We could use juice, but both nutritional and carbs are lacking.  Finally we found Naked Juice.  Many of Naked Juices are dairy-free and all of them taste great.  Zoe's favorites are Green Machine and Peachy Almond.

Hope this helps you get nutrients (and carbs if your little one needs) into your little loves.  Do you have any tricks?  I would love to hear.  All help is great!

See you soon!

Love always

Scheduling Motivation

With the start of a new week I have set myself a new goal.  No more excuses.  I have told myself this time and time again.  So I had to think "what is different this time?"  How can I make this stick?
Hopefully I have found a way around my excuses.  My new motivation is scheduling!  The rest of my life is crazy scheduled between my husband's work and band, Skyler's school, homework, and extra-curriculums, Zoe's doctor appointments and play dates, my parents, and life's errands and responsibilities.  I just need to start making working out and my health a responsibility as well.
This week is going to be my planning time.  I am going to figure out walking with some other moms I have been walking with, figuring out what group fitness classes I want to take and then I am going to schedule them into the family calendar.  I am going to make mommy unavailable for set times each week.  Fingers crossed!
Have you ever tried this?  I sort of feel anxious taking this time for myself.  Would love any encouragement you have!  Please leave a comment below.
See you soon!
Love always