Today is Thursday, which means it was a BodyPump kinda morning!
Our regular instructor is away this week, so we had a replacement who is actually the same instructor who I usually take BodyCombat with on Mondays (if I go). I had never taken a pump class with this instructor before, so I wasn’t quite sure how things would go, but it turned out to be an awesome class.
He was super motivating, had the music turned up a bit louder than normal (which helped “pump” me up even more, and he used one of my favorite older releases, BodyPump 75. He really tried to push us to our max, which was great; but I, unfortunately, tried pushing it a little too far and ended up tweaking my neck. And it is painful. Boo.
I actually have incredibly horrible neck and shoulder muscles so this is nothing out of the ordinary for me. I carry all of my tension in this area and have been working on strengthening the muscles with various exercises. It’s definitely a work in progress!
I followed by today’s BodyPump class with 20 minutes of intervals on the elliptical before calling it a day and heading home for some breakfast.
Are you sick of seeing smoothie bowls yet? 
Today’s bowl was pretty much the exact same combo as yesterday, only with about 1/3 cup fresh blueberries added to the mix. Delicious, yes, but not quite as thick and creamy as I’d like.
You see, the past couple of smoothies I’ve made have caused my little Oster blender to sound like it’s going to either completely crap out on me, or explode all over my kitchen. Neither of which I would be too happy about, so needless to say, I’m a little afraid to try making them any thicker right now.
That being said, if anyone knows where I can get my hands on a heavy-duty Vitamix without having to salvage an arm or a leg, please let me know.
Some day, Courtney. Some day. 
Now it’s time to go dig into my mug of coffee…combining the cold smoothie with a mug of hot coffee just didn’t sound all that awesome. And since I’ve made you look at yet another smoothie bowl this morning, here’s another picture for you…
It still continues to make me laugh every time I see it. What a character, I’ll tell ya!
**Reminder: Don’t forget to get your entries in for my Favorite Champion Workout Gear Giveaway! You’ve got until tomorrow to enter.**
Questions for the Morning:
Where do you carry most tension in your body?
Do you have any particular muscles that are weaker than others?
What foods are you obsessing over right now?
Welcome to Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life! I'm Courtney, a 28-year old personal trainer living in Upstate, NY. I enjoy all things related to food, fitness, and fashion, as well as feeding my huge sweet tooth. To find out a little bit more about the girl behind the blog, check out my 
{ 48 comments… read them below or add one }
I am obsessing over yogurt as usual! And cottage cheese…I seem to have it everyday! I hope your neck feels better!
I too carry all my tension in my neck and shoulders. Whenever I get a massage the first thing the massage therapist says to me is, “You have a desk job, don’t you?” Uh, yup. Can’t wait to change that!
My upper body strength leaves a lot to be desired, but once this marathon is over, I’ll be working on more total body workouts rather than just running my legs off all the time!
I am of course obsessed with pumpkin, it’s that time of year!
Samantha @ Because I Can recently posted..Look How Far I’ve Come
A hurt neck sounds like the perfect excuse for a massage to me! Nothing like a good massage to loosen up tight muscles!
Taylor @ Crumbs Don’t Count recently posted..Betty Crocker Clinic
Same as you…..neck and shoulders are always tense, tight and painful. I smell like an old fuddy duddy from all the mentholated cream I massaged into myself last night. My boyfriend LOVED it
I used to make smoothies everyday with frozen blueberries, fresh spinach (which you can’t taste at all), scoop of vanilla protein powder, Kefir, ice and water……in my lil Oster mixer! Soo good, and good fer ya. I’m obsessed with peanut butter on whole wheat toast and 2 hardboiled eggs for breakfast at the moment. I go through streaks where I eat the SAME thing everyday for a while, then move on to something else.
I found my VitaMix at Costco for about 30% off retail.
IO carry all my tension in my neck which leads to migraines… fun times. Not!
My upper body is weaker for sure, I really suck at push ups
PUMPKIN! haha. Greek yogurt and coffee.
Lindsey recently posted..Recap: Disneyland Half Marathon 2011
I’m sorry you hurt your neck! When working out we’re always told to push our limits, so it’s hard to recognize when we’re pushing TOO hard.
I carry ALL of my tension in my neck & shoulders too! Whenever I coax Will into giving me a massage, he gets freaked out by the amount of knots I’ve got goin on up there
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance recently posted..Will vs. Popcorn
Yesterday I pushed a little too far in the volume of my exercise leaving my legs quite heavy today!
My abs are my weakest muscle group much to my chagrin!
I am obsessed with pesto right now! Im basically eating it on everything!
Meg recently posted..Pushing Yourself With Exercise
I’m another tense-necker. I think it’s because of poor posture but those knots are the worst!
Faith @ For the Health of It recently posted..Can Negative Thoughts be Part of a Positive Life?
I have a pathetic Cuisinart blender that sounds the same way with too much ice or “thickness.” I hear ya on the Vitamix though, not happening any time soon!
My shoulder area is where my stress/tension stays. Always my left side. When I waitressed in college it would be brutal by the end of the night from being on my feet all the time and carrying plates, etc.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen recently posted..New rules of lifting for women: stage 2 update
I want a Vitamix so bad too! haha and I carry the most tension in my shoulder/neck area because of my school bag :-/ and lately i’ve been loving smoothies too!
Try making the smoothies in a food processor. My blender also sounded like it was dying so I switched over. Whips it up in a flash!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape recently posted..White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
my neck. i used to be able to crack it more but constantly feel like everything is tight!
i love raspberries and peaches.. but summer is almost over
smoothies are ALWAYS delicious!!
honestly i think my butt is weak–:) i really have NO butt but i use my legs so much for running i tend to forget to strengthen my glutes!
Hannah recently posted..Four Years Con’t & WIAW (a little late)
I do a class called power which is similar to body pump and just love it! I would say that I carry most of my tension in my shoulders!! And your smoothie bowl looks amazing!
Hilliary@HappilyEverHealthy recently posted..Wednesday Loving – What I am Loving Vol 6
I definitely carry most of my tension in my neck and in between my shoulder blades. I try to convince the hubby to give me nightly neck/back massages, but he’s not always so game on that idea.
My neck muscles are weaker than they should be, as well as my hamstrings. I’ve been working toward making them stronger, but as you said, it’s a work in progress.
Ashley @ My Food ‘N’ Fitness Diaries recently posted..Scents of Fall
I eat the sams Smoothies all the time… its okay!:)
Courtney, everyone’s always sweatin’ the Vitamix. Let me tell you that the Ninja Kitchen System kicks some major butt! It’s at bed bath and beyond, and you can use the coupon. I’ve used mine for smoothies, blended soups and there’s even a dough mixing button.
Emmarie @ Bananas And Beer recently posted..Caution, Too Hot!
I’ve seen that Ninja thing there and have wondered about it (I’ve even watched the infomercial, lol!) So you love it and think it’s worth it??
Yeah, for sure. It makes a mean smoothie which is why I originally bought it. I haven’t even begun to use all the features (like juicing or dough making), but I probably use it in some form 4 times a week.
Oh, and I STILL watch the infomercial.
Emmarie @ Bananas And Beer recently posted..Caution, Too Hot!
I want a Vitamix too. I heard that Macy’s marks them down a lot AND let’s you use their disount coupons. You can also buy used (they call them “restored”) Vitamix machines which is the route that I may go…unless my hubby pulls through at Christmas time!
My weakest muscles are also my upper back and neck. This has completely gone away since I started practicing yoga (hot yoga) and it just works as a huge muscle release! I do a few exercises to specifically target these areas…lemme know if you want me to send them your way.
I am with you on the smoothie obsession. I’m obsessing over pumpkin, cinnamon (can’t get enough) and refried bean dishes?! I am not pregnant, just like random foods haha!!
Claire recently posted..Secret Pumpkin "Pops"
I’ve been lusting after a Vitamix too for years, but then I bought my NINJA. Found it brand new on ebay for the fraction of the retail price, and it works like a DREAM. Highly recommended and just as amazing as Vitamix or BlendTec.
I’m sorry to hear about your neck tweak. Hope it goes away fast! I carry my tension in my neck as well and have had a masseuse tell me to work that out. I always forget to, though. My hams & butt are definitely not optimized muscles right now as I keep getting a nagging soreness in my hams when I sit too long, and my bum is flat and pathetic.
It’s not a food, but I am obsessed with all the beer we have in the house right now. It’s pretty fantastic.
Krissie J recently posted..In A Funk
I love this (the beer part, that is)
Take care of that neck! Don’t let it get any worse! ….I hear you on the blender thing! I have a KitchenAid but it is getting sick of me putting it through THICK smoothies every day. ….I want a Vitamix tooooooo! Maybe one day we’ll get to share in the goodness!
Legs- strong. Arms—- sooooo weak!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles recently posted..Playground knowledge….
we are on the same wavelength because I tweaked my neck/lower back in yoga last night! It is too darn hot to sleep on a heating pad so I am a mess! working from home today on my couch!
Ruthie Hart recently posted..Thursday Randoms
mmm your smoothies look sooo wonderful. i was really tempted to make one this morning but it’s chilly and rainy here so i didn’t want a cold breakfast
i’m sorry you hurt your neck! i hope it feels better soon!
also…please post the recipe for your delicious looking pumpkin black bean soup! it looked amazing and i’m dying to try it!
Jordan recently posted..A Burger with Grandpa
Aw… that stinks that you tweeked your neck. I hate tweeking anything! BodyPump is a pretty fun class, not my fav though. Honestly I love Combat so much that I get excited to go. I could do it 3 times a day
Kerryne recently posted..Hopeless in SLC
My back gives me the most issue…it’s like a crack machine, literally! I can’t get enough of overnight oats recently- oatmeal is a thing of the past now!
Khushboo recently posted..BPB: This is the remix
I’ve been wanting a Vitamix for years now! In college my roommates Grandma had one and she lived down the street from us. We’d always go over there to use it. Sadly my husband doesn’t think a $500 blender is in our budget… LAME
You know what you should get?? The Ninja blender!!! I want one so bad!!! I’ve heard really great reviews on it from a few other bloggers.
(http://www.ninjakitchen.com/products/ninja-kitchen-system-1100-nj602/cpc/ogviicpc.shtml?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=ninja%20blender&utm_campaign=Offer7CookbookFSH159)
They sell it at Target…sold it at Costco for awhile (Not sure if you have Costco or Sams Club where you live). For the large package it’s only like $150 and I’ve heard works fabulously. Can you tell how bad I want one?!?!?! lol I’m waiting for my birthday to roll around next month and see if the hubby takes the plunge to buy me one!!
Anna Crouch recently posted..Tangents
i just wanted to let you know i tried my first bow of buckwheat. and it was great! it’s gluten free right?
Debbie (accidently delish) recently posted..By: Michelle
Mine says that it is!
that was suppose to be bowl sorry! and i guess i could not be lazy and look at my package. haha <3
thanks for doing that post lovely, i REALLY enjoyed my breakfast, love the texture. also thanks for doing your giveaway <33 have a great weekend doll ♥
Debbie (accidently delish) recently posted..By: Michelle
I carry my stress in my neck and shoulders too. Since I started strength training I have noticed less tightness in that area. On really stressful days I still feel it but that’s what husbands are for, right?
A good hubby back run usually does the trick.
I love those oatmeal squares but I have never tried them in a smoothie bowl before.
Lyndsie @ highcottonlivin.com recently posted..Freezing
Ouch!! I’m sorry, I hope your neck feels better soon – I have done that too (tweaked my neck) when doing strength training and its so uncomfortable!
Andrea @ Andrea out loud! recently posted..A New Fitness Endeavor
I hope your neck feels better! In spin classes when an instructor is playing an especially awesome song with the volume turned up, I can tend to give it a lil more “oomph” and have tweaked my knee before, not very fun!
I carry alll my tension in my back. And on top of that I have horrible posture…I am dying for a nice spa massage right about now!
I am still obsessing over my smoothie bowls, overnight oats, and my new found love – goat cheese!
Shayla @ The Good Life recently posted..Walk This Way…and Goat Cheese Love
I carry all my tension in my neck and between my shoulder blades. I’ve tried doing yoga regularly on top of strength training to help, but so far nothing will make the tension go away.
I’m obsession over peanut butter (go figure), and strawberries and blueberries before they’re completely out of season. I’ve been putting spinach in and on everything I’ve been eating lately, too.
Ally recently posted..Half day
The first time I took BodyPump I messed up my neck and was out the two weeks after. Luckily I’ve gotten better about my form and know where to put the bar, but it’s still tricky if I get too “pumped”;)
Heather @ Girlyeverafter recently posted..Girly Things Thursday debut
I definitely get neck aches from excessive computer use. It’s the worst! Yesterday at Body pump I also had some wrist pain which I haven’t had before. I need to work on better posture and upper body stretching. I’m obsessing over pumpkin coffee… Just the smell makes me smile. As did your margarita kitty photo.
Lindsay @ biking before bed recently posted..WIAW: Pumpkin Addition
I carry most of my tension in my neck or between my shoulder blades.
My core definitely needs to be stronger. I plan on zeroing in on that in my future workouts!
I’m obsessed with sweet potatoes… love them
Leanne (Bride to Mrs.) recently posted..The View Vs. The Talk
I carry my tension in the same place. My biceps and shoulders are totally disproportionately weak compared to the rest of my body. It’s annoying! I, like what seems like the entire rest of the world, am pretty obsessed with pumpkin right now!
Ari @ Ari’s Menu recently posted..Pumpkin Smoothie
Ouch! I’ve been there with bodypump. It’s fun to push ourselves..but sometimes we go just one inch too far!
I tend to hold most my tension in my lower back and neck. It depends from day to day.
Mary @ Bites and Bliss recently posted..Plan A, have B
alllll my tension is in my neck/shoulders/upper back area. i once went for a spa massage and the therapist just touched my back and said “woah.” lol.
i think i’m weak all over. i have no body strength, but i guess if i had to pick, i’d say upper body is the weakest :/
totally obsessing over the okoshi treats my friend’s mom made. it’s SO good.
Erica recently posted..planner talk (part 2):let’s get to life planning
I definitely carry tension in my neck as well! It stinks, but it gives me a reason to ask for a neck massage!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake recently posted..Chicken Cacciatore
Try this yoga DVD if you have a lot of stress and tension. After stressing your body with a tough workout, this really helps relax all those tense muscles!
http://ashleyturner.org/store/attachment/stressflex_cover_3d/
Shana recently posted..Whole latte love
My hips! I have to stretch them every other day because they get SO tight
Katie @ Plates and Paste recently posted..German Food, Cigars and Boat Rides
Hope you get rid of the tweaked neck soon!
I carry all of my tension in my shoulders. It is really painful that’s for sure.
Abby @ Abz ‘n’ Oats recently posted..A New Practice
Ok I have to chime in and say that the Vita Mix is worth every penny. I use it multiple times per day. I like to think of large purchases in per-use expense, in which case it really isn’t that expensive. Kind of like designer jeans and per-wear expense. Anyway, the Vita Mix I use was my Grandpa’s – and was purchased in like 1994. I replaced the container once, at a cost of about $80. If that’s not quality I don’t know what is! (And no, I don’t work for them, but maybe I should!)
If you can’t stomach buying a new one, go for ebay. My Dad did is successfully.