Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Goodlife Challenge

Afternoon bloggers – or evening for some of you. I’m still not use to being on the west coast instead of the east. It’s a little strange to think it’s only 4 o’clock here but 7' o’clock back in Nova Scotia.

This morning started out with something simple. Toast and oj. I had a slice of sunflower flax toast with some pb and a glass of oj.

 August 001

After breakfast I hit the gym – more on that below. My post gym lunch was Annie’s Mac and cheese with some added broccoli.

 August 004

Enjoyed with a nice cold glass of skim milk.

 August 008

Today was a day where I really didn’t have many plans so I decided to do a little relaxing. I spend a little while continuing to catch up on some blogs and then I took a nice, long, afternoon nap. I don’t usually nap in the afternoons but my body was tired and I decided to enjoy some quiet time.

When I got up from the nap I was hungry and I had remembered seeing a yummy looking smoothie on Diana’s blog this morning so I thought I’d try it out. Strawberry Banana Chia Smoothie to be exact.

I followed her recipe very closely but had to make a few changes. First I didn’t have any strawberries so I used blueberries instead. Second, I didn’t have a frozen banana so I just used a fresh one and added lots of ice to make up for it.

August 011

August 014

August 015

I always forget how wonderful smoothies are without spinach in them too. This was no exception. I loved it. Thanks Diana!

Goodlife Challenge

As mentioned above I went to the gym today. What I didn’t say was what I did at the gym. That is because I have decided to give myself a challenge. When I was living in Nova Scotia I use to go to Nubody’s (a local gym there) a few years ago Goodlife bought Nubody’s so when we moved to Calgary I didn’t need to get a new membership I could just attend one of their 8 gyms they have here in the city.

For the past week I have just been doing my regular gym routine. I’ve been a little bored and not very interested in going to the gym so I decided that since Goodlife has many fitness classes my challenge would be a 7 day fitness class challenge. I figured not only would they be a great workout but they would challenge me to try something new since I’m not good with changing up my workout routine.

The rules are simple:

  1. Must attend a Goodlife fitness class for 7 days
  2. They do not need to be in a row (my weekends are just too busy) so they must be completed by next Friday (August 20th)
  3. Must attend a different class each time (no repeats)

Today I decided to try two classes.

First – Body Pump

According to the website, “The original barbell class that strengthens and tones your entire body. Challenges all of your major muscle groups, using the best weight-room exercises like squats, presses, lifts and curls.”

I really enjoyed this class. It hit every major muscle group (legs – squats and lunges, chest, back, biceps, triceps, shoulders and abs) and pushed me to go harder and longer then I do when I lift weights by myself. I can see myself adding one of these into my regular weekly schedule.

Second – Body Flow

According to the website, “A fusion of yoga, tai chi and pilates. Take an unforgettable journey that leaves you feeling centered and calm. Builds flexibility and strength.”

This class was ok but I didn’t love it. I think I’m just more of a plain, old yoga fan.

I’m already sore from these two classes so I can just imagine how I’m going to be feeling tomorrow. I have a different class I’m all ready to attend tomorrow so I’ll keep everyone posted on how that class goes. You can follow the challenge on twitter as well. I’ll by tweeting under the hastag #7daysofgoodlife.

If anyone would like to participate please feel free and leave a comment below I’d love to keep track of your progress. You don’t have to be a member of Goodlife to participate. You can just challenge yourself to try a different exercise for 7 days.

Also, don’t forget to enter my giveaway. I’m choosing the winner on Friday so you have less then 48 hours to enter.

I’m going to leave you with a question of the day:

How do you mix up your workout routine? I’m usually not very good so I’m using this challenge to push myself and try some new exercises.

~ Katie :)

4 comments:

ElleBee said...

First off, GREAT smoothie shots!!

Secondly, love that Annie's + broccoli combo too. :)

Good luck with your Goodlife Challenge, I wish I lived closer to the gym, I'd definitely use my membership more. I can't wait to hear what you think of all the classes.

Rita @ Fitblogger said...

That sounds like such a wonderful relaxing day. A nap even, just delightful.

I am entirely looking forward to living somewhere close to a gym with classes, darn small towns. But how cool that you can transfer you membership, love that.

Anonymous said...

I love the Body Pump classes and Zumba. Attack is great but you have to be full of beans for that one! I stick to classes at GL because I find that they keep me working hard, especially because the instructors get to know you and push you along.

I have nominated you for a blogger award.
http://campinggirlchronicals.blogspot.com/2010/08/versatile-blogger.html

GoodLife Fitness said...

Katie -

We love your blog and are thrilled to see you continued using your membership after moving to Calgary.

Keep up the great work - we look forward to reading more!