Last night after slipping into my carb comma from our pancake dinner, Cody and I enjoyed a little more cuddling. This guy seriously just cannot get enough of my lap these days.
And the positions he gets himself into? Seriously, hilarious.
P.S. – Have you noticed my repeated cozies outfit for the umpteenth time in a row? I almost feel bad about my constantly looking like a scrub after 5pm, but then again, I really don’t feel bad at all.
*****
Fast-forward to this morning and I am going to tell you that I survived one of the most intense workouts that I’ve done in a long time. And by long time, I mean since about January 21st…
This morning, I was thrilled to see that the Rock Hard Total Body video was BACK! Not only do I love this video for the killer workout that it gives me, but I also found it extremely interesting to do this time around, since I’ve been studying for the NASM exam. Many of the things that Marco Reed would talk about during the workout were things that I’ve been studying, so I could totally relate on a whole different level.
For example, the Rock Hard Total Body video is considered to be anaerobic interval training, or as many others know it, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). The word ‘anaerobic’ literally means “without oxygen,” and when you’re working at such a high intensity, your cardiovascular system can’t deliver the oxygen to the muscles fast enough.
For that reason, anaerobic moves (or HIIT) should only be done for short periods of time; each move in this video is completed for 45 seconds, with 15 seconds active recovery, which allows for maximum muscle recruitment, ultimate fat-burning and muscle building potential. Needless to say, I already know I’m going to be sore tomorrow!
Ok, whew. Kind of long-winded there. Let’s talk about breakfast…
Does something look familiar to you???
It probably does, since this was my week-long repeat breakfast from a few weeks ago. The bread may look exactly like the original bread I was eating before, but it’s actually a totally new experiment of mine, which I worked on yesterday. I’m thrilled with how it came out so I’ll be sure to share it with you as soon as I write it all up. It’s amazing.
On the side, I enjoyed my ketchup-covered scrambled eggs, because that’s the only way to eat ‘em…unless they’re covered in raspberry jam, of course.
And another mug of coffee with my new Silk Pumpkin Spice. I actually used to drink my coffee with soy milk all the time, but I ended up getting out of the habit, and I think I know why.
As yummy as the flavor is from the soy milk, and even though it tastes nice and creamy, I miss the way that it doesn’t lighten up the coffee. It seems like no matter how much I add, the color doesn’t really seem to change much, which in turn, plays mind tricks on me. I know that it tastes creamy, but it doesn’t look creamy, so it throws me all off.
Anyone else have any idea what I’m talking about?
*****
Okay, I apparently could talk the ear off an elephant this morning, so it’s time to wrap it up and get headed to work. Guess what…cookie recipe comin’ atcha this afternoon!
Questions for the Morning:
Do you think that you’ve learned more about exercise the more you do it?
Are there certain things about exercise you wish you knew more about?
Khushboo says
Ive definitely learned more about exercise over the years! Interesting about only doing 45-second bursts. My intervals tend to be slightly longer but I think I’m going to reduce them and amp up the speed even more. Have a great day!
Sylvia @ Frolic Through Life says
I’ve definitely learned a lot about exercise the more I do it and the more I research it. I think our bodies are amazing and with the right training, we can do so many things. I actually added some fitness books to my Christmas wishlist. I really want to read The New Rules of Lifting for Women.
I’m in my cozies as soon as I walk through the door. Who doesn’t love to be comfy at home?
Krissie J @ A Philly Nerd Girl says
My kitties position themselves in the most awkward napping arrangements. You just look at them and wonder how the heck it’s comfy. Silly kitties. :) Can’t wait for the cookie recipes!
Jess @ Jess Go Bananas says
One time my mom and I went to a vegan restaurant where they only had a soy creamer-needless to say, my mom poured in the whole serving they gave us thinking that it would turn lighter the more she poured in!!! She was not happy-she wanted her light coffee! lol
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
I totally get the soy milk thing. Although I do still prefer my mistos at Starbucks with soy milk. I can’t see the coffee so the color doesn’t bother me!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
I simply can’t wait for that bread recipe! YAY!! …..and I totally know about the whole not looking what it tastes like thing- that throws me off too! You’re not alone.
Lindsey says
I have learned a lot about working out in the last couple of years for sure and I just keep learning :) I wish I knew more about which moves worked better than others and what moves compliment what – if that makes sense.
PS I am in my PJs everyday right after the gym too :)
Andrea @ Andrea Out Loud! says
I have definitely learned more about exercise, the more I do it. And about my body and what it reacts to!
I wish I knew how to trick my body into liking running ;) I know, I know, “practice!”
AnnetteCook says
I’ve learned a lot since I started circuit training and pump FX. Mainly how important having the correct stance is to each of the exercises you do. I see so many people tackle it in the wrong way and straining their backs / necks, it makes me cringe.
I am totally anal about having the correct position when doing moves like press ups, planks and lifting weights. My husband takes the mickey out of me all the time.
I’d love to learn more about stretching and cool down’s. I tend to shy away from cooling down after a gym session for fear I look like a wally.
PS I thought the coffee was just really strong so I know what you mean. Makes me think it would taste bitter when I’m sure its not ;)
Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health says
Oh I absolutely think I’ve learned more about exercise the more that I do it! And I was an exercise science major and I got to learn all of the nifty stuff that happens on the inside when we exercise! I totally know what you mean about putting soymilk in coffee- I don’t like that it doesn’t get lighter!! It makes me not want to drink it haha. What do you put in your coffee now?
Chelcie of Chelcie's Food Files says
such cute pictures of cody! I definitely think the more I exercise the more I learn, especially when I take group exercise classes!
Annette@EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
I LOVE HIIT work. It is hard and makes me feel strong and athletic. So true that it also burns fat–even after the workout. Score.
LOVE me some eggs!!
Jackie @ That Deep Breath says
The second I get home I run to my sweat pants and sweatshirt…it’s a habit! I like being comfortable and totally don’t feel bad about it, especially because it’s pitch black outside by 6:30 every night now!
Courtney says
Ughh, isn’t that such a bummer? Gimme sunlight!!
Mallory @ It's Only Life says
I would definitely love to learn more about exercise and energy expenditure- i’m a science nerd for sure. like, if you run every day and your body gets “used” to it, do you burn less calories? does it take less energy to do what was once very laborious? stuff like that is intriguing to me! (i’m not asking you, just hypothetical, but if you have any insight id love to hear! :D)
Courtney says
Yes! That’s actually along the lines of the Principle of Specificity (also known as SAID). Basically, it explains how the body will adapt to the specific type of demands that are placed on it. So if someone repeatedly runs long distances and has built up that endurance then the body will more easily be able to adapt and in turn, burn less calories. If that same person were to suddenly incorporate weight training into their workouts, it would be a new demand for the body, so it would be more difficult for the body to adapt to it. (Hopefully that makes sense and you don’t mind the answer!) :)
Mallory @ It's Only Life says
that makes sense! thanks for your thoughtful response, courtney. :D
Lauren says
I haven’t done an Exercise TV workout in so long! I used to LOVE the Crunch workouts but I’m not sure if they are still on there. Maybe I’ll give this one a try tonight.
Courtney says
I think they are still on there!
Rosa - Fitness, Food, Fulfilled says
I’ve learned so much about exercise in the last several years, but more importantly, I’ve started actually implementing a lot of what I’ve learned into my workouts. For instance, I used to not take rest days, but when started doing it (mostly because I was physically exhausted), I started seeing better results. And doing weights? So great for the metabolism.
Courtney says
Yes, rest days are great! How many do you usually take a week?
Rosa - Fitness, Food, Fulfilled says
I was doing one a week before I got pregnant, but now I regularly take two and sometimes three if I’m really fatigued. Two seems about right though and I’ll probably stick with that after I have the baby.
Courtney says
I agree, I am loving the 2 rest days per week!
Alyssa says
I think I’ve learned a lot about exercise from different blogs, and then realize what they’re talking about when I go out to do it myself! I think I’ve learned a lot from trial and error.
And YES I know exactly what you mean about the soy milk! Especially when my coffee is dark and the milk starts to curdle…not pretty.
Courtney says
Ughhh, YES! Mine curdled this morning…so gross. :(
Katie says
It’s so funny that you mention the coffee non-lightening experience; just this morning, I added almond milk to my coffee for the first time and was thrown off by the lack of color change. I had not been expecting that!
Candice @ Sailing on Paper says
I love your orange kitty! So cute. And in terms of fitness knowledge, I wish I knew more about strength training and weight lifting. There’s so much info out there; it’s hard to know the “right” way to strength train.
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
I do learn more about exercise the more I do it..but I’m mainly learning it through my nutrition and fitness classes at school. It’s so cool to know deep down what’s going on in out bodies!!
Courtney says
It certainly is!
Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile says
I totally feel you on the soy creamer! I use it all the time now because regular upsets my stomach, but as long as it tastes good I try to ignore the darkness. I love learning about exercise things and I do feel like I have learned more over the years!
Erica says
i just started working out w/a personal trainer, so i’m learning a lot! i love knowing why i’m doing certain things, and the proper form, and why the form is important. :)
Tina says
Isn’t it funny how much stuff you view through a “trainers eye” after studying? I do the exact same thing!
Shayla @ The Good Life says
I’ve definitely learned so much more about exercise over the years – I especially love it when fitness instructors mention interesting facts like the one above. My spin instructors always talk about going to your anaerobic threshold and doing HIIT training – very interesting stuff!
And I am totally with you on loving my coffee “light”. I hate it when my coffee doesn’t have that “light” color to it, it totally throws me off even if it tastes creamy! ;)
Melissa says
AHH!! So excited that video is back! It was one of my favs last winter for the KILLER workout! Woot! Thanks for letting me know! :)
Also, just catching up on blog reading, but those cookies look seriously LEGIT! Can’t wait to try them!
Courtney says
Haha, thanks Melissa!
Shannon says
I think you learn more about exercise when you do more, yes.
And you did NOT yak a lot- don’t feel guilty!