What's Going On Wednesday

Guess who's running a 5K on Saturday?

Me! Sweaty...

Last night I made these homemade oatmeal creme pies:

And look at the new billboard by my apartment:

My bosses watch over me at night

Gotta love it.

Ditch the Workout...

Join the Party! Today I got called out in Zumba class for my "boom shake drop."


Let's just say I have a fierce "drop." I'll leave that to your imagination, lol. Hey, it's not my fault my first Zumba instructors were sexy Latinas. I know how to shake it :) I have to say that I'm loving my Saturday morning Zumba with Cindy. She gives a serious cardio workout with lots of squats, lunges and crunches. Plus she always does a full 60 minutes (if not more).

Here were some workout questions I've been wondering about (in case you were too):

Why do my legs shake uncontrollably when I do lunges?
Because your muscles are working hard

Why is my weight different every time I get on the scale?
A fluctuation of 3-5 pounds over the course of a day is normal

Recap of the Carbondale Lights Fantastic Parade tomorrow!

Sauna Sunday

I went to the gym today for some cardio. The new sauna in the ladies locker room is open for business!

It's teeny, by the way. But, it got me wondering what the health benefits of using a sauna are. From this site, I learned that the heat makes your metabolism and pulse increase. The blood vessels become much more flexible and your extremities benefit from increased circulation. This is a similar effect to vigorous exercise. Sauna use can also aid in stress relief and there is some belief that toxins are released from your sweat.

I think I may try using it sometime. What is the proper etiquette? I know that I should sit on a towel and keep my clothes on, anything else?

Here's what I look like today :)

I just realized that this is pretty much the same pose (and shirt) that I used in my blog photo.

I LOVE Sunday TV. Looking forward to America's Next Great Restaurant, Celebrity Apprentice and The Amazing Race.

Pickles and Meatloaf Oh My!

I'm having a relaxing weekend, anybody else?

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Last night Brandon and I watched The American. And by watched, I meant I fell asleep to it. I need more talking in my movies!

Saturday started with Zumba at 1pm with Joann Waclawek. This girl rocks. Today class started a little slow, but by the time we did the "Wiggle" I was sweating all over! I also learned about the secret gym schedule...on Monday and Wednesday evenings Body Combat is held from 6-6:30 pm at Gold's in Carbondale. Later in the day we went to borrow a friend's truck because ... we're finally getting a washer and dryer tomorrow!!! Then we stopped by TJ Maxx and the mall but were unsucessful in our search for shoes and sunglasses.

Dinner tonight started with an appetizer of baked pickles. The recipe was from the Healthy Tipping Point blog.

Such a simple receipe and my first time buying Panko bread crumbs. I'm definetly a Panko fan, I love that crunch!

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As for the pickles, well they're pickles, of course they were good! I wasn't sure what sauce to serve with them so I made a trio of ketchup, ranch and mayo+ketchup.

Ranch wins! The main entree was also inspired by a blog, BBQ Meatloaf as seen on Peanut Butter Fingers. I didn't take a picture but it looked like meatloaf and Brandon ate it right up.  

What are you up to this weekend? I see laundry in my future!

Workout Move of the Day

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Star Pose - ok not quite as intense as this photo - raise one leg up and to the side while pointing your toe. Lean in the other direction with both hands up. Twinkle your fingers like a star!

Sorry, I couldn't find an accurate photo but I just had to share this move which I first learned in Body Flow and just did again today in Body Step. Learning to love those Les Mills workouts :)

I've become my father ...

... when I go to the gym, I spend more time in the shower than working out. Haha!

I have been a member of Gold's Gym in Carbondale for about 3 weeks now. The gym first caught my eye because we live just down the road from it. It is also in the shopping center next to work. Convenience is key! And since my commute has been cut from 40 minutes each way (on a good day in DC) to 5 minutes here in Carbondale, I figure I should use the extra time wisely. As an added bonus, Brandon and I motivate each other to exercise (he goes to the student rec center).

I also considered joining the Rec, which has a pool and tons of classes, but it is on the other side of town. I think what made my decision was my familiarity with Gold's. I was a member of Gold's on Leesburg Pike back in VA. Also, when I went to sign-up the Sales Manager told me he lived in Maryland and Richmond and just recently moved back to Southern Illinois.

Gold's Carbondale has high ceilings and an open layout (it was once a Kroger grocery store). There are ample aerobic machines and of course plenty of weights. The women's locker room is modern and spacious. However, there is still an unfinished space where the sauna will go. I really enjoy the showers which is why I end up spending a lot of time there. The shower in our aparatment has a super low shower head (even I have to duck)  and the hot water only lasts about 5 mins. And if you know me, you know I like my showers scalding hot!


There is one other Gold's in Southern Illinois and it is in Marion. I checked it out just once but it was older and smaller. The purple and green color scheme is not good! Word is out that they are looking for a new location so they can renovate. Occasionally I may work in Marion so I may try it again. 

I'm really happy with the group fitness classes. So far I've taken BodyFlow and Zumba. I also made a friend through the Southern IL Ladies group who goes there. Do you have any workout tips? Got to keep working on my beach bod :)