Top 10 Things I learned from the Equinox 3 Week Challenge

I just finished up the Equinox 3 Week Workout Challenge and it was challenging, fun, and I learned a lot about myself during these 3 weeks.  Also Aneesh and 4 of our other friends who workout at the gym also did our own mini challenge. It was fun to have a little friendly competition with our close friends.

Overall I ended up in 9/83 in Bethesda and 3/6 with our friends.  I was out of town and could not get to the gym on 5 out of 21 days of the challenge but I made an effort to get to the gym on most of the other days.  I feel proud of my own personal results and accomplishments.

Best of all the money we put in for our own personal challenge is all going to a great cause. We are donating it to 1000 Urban Scholars, a wonderful non profit organization founded by Minal Kundra, one of the 7 friends in our mini Equinox challenge.  1000 Urban Scholars gives motivational scholarships to kids in 9th grade in DC wards 7 and 8 to encourage them to stay on track. They are given tuition money to their 4 year college/university when they matriculate.  In my mind all seven of us are winners and in the end we are all supporting our friend, her amazing organization, and these young scholars.

So here is what I learned from the Equinox 3 Week Challenge. It is not in any particular order but #6 has to be the most frustrating and irritating thing I learned. Ladies-I know you will agree with me on this one!

Top 10 Things I learned: Equinox 3 Week Challenge

1.  I increased my frequency to the gym.  Prior to the challenge I averaged about 2-3 visits/week at the gym.

Week 1 October 26-Nov 1: 5 workouts

Week 2 Nov 2-8: 4 workouts 

Week 3 Nov 9-15: 7 workouts

2. I tried new classes and did a variety of workouts each week including yoga, spin, and strength training classes. I enjoyed having varied workouts and hope to continue to incorporate a variety of classes in my workout routine.

3. I pushed myself more than usual and increased the intensity of each and every workout. I was out of town the first two weekends but when I got back on those two Sundays I was tired yet I made my way to the gym. Trust me...that would not normally happen.

4. I have a renewed interest in Yoga.  I don't have the time or patience for the longer classes but the 45 minute classes were perfect. They were intense, focused, and so effective. And the benefits of doing yoga first thing in the morning for me were amazing. I felt positive, happy, and energetic for the entire day. I go back and forth when it comes to yoga and I think the key is finding the right type of yoga and a good instructor. I personally enjoy vinyasa flow. I also think yoga is a complete and balanced workout because you focus on breathing and your mind and body during each yoga workout.

5. I  missed Pure Barre classes and can't wait to get back to the barre studio.

6. I didn't lose a pound. Yes yes I know muscle weighs more than fat and I certainly feel toned but come on...not even a pound? Really? I do feel healthy, toned, and my clothes fit better but I would like to lose 5 pounds. So I am now doing my own food challenge and keeping a food diary because I have certainly proven here that if I want to lose a single pound I will have to make some tweaks and improvements with my diet. Exercise alone won't cut it...not at my age anyways.

7. It's a lot of fun to do workout challenges with friends. Humans as a species thrive on competition.  We all raised the bar with our workouts and motivated each other to stay in the game and to be accountable.

8. I already knew this about myself but the challenge confirmed that when it comes to workouts I like to get them done in the morning. I tried the 6 am workouts but that is just way too early for me. I like having a cup of coffee, check my emails, and then start my day with a good workout around 8am.

9. It takes a lot of discipline to do a challenge like this, stick with it, and make it a priority. I don't think I can sustain 5-7 workouts a week with my schedule but there is no reason I can't make time for 3-4 workouts every week.

10.  I am so much more organized and efficient with my time and day with scheduled workouts.

My Latest Workout Routine

Jodi Higgs 30 day AB challenge 

I am taking a little break from style and fashion today to talk about my latest workout routine. To stay in shape I usually work out 2-3x a week at the gym and go to a barre studio 1-2x/week. But for the past three months I put my gym membership on hold and I have been running outdoors, biking, and continuing with barre classes. I also started spin at Zengo and I am completely addicted to this high energy workout.  I love the variety of workouts and this plan has been working great for me the past couple months. But I will be attending my cousins wedding in a month so I figured I would change things up again. I love it when I have big event coming up because I am motivated to set specific goals, make a detailed workout plan, and stick with it.  For the next 30 days my fitness plan involves the occasional barre class, {yes I am addicted to barre} Insanity DVD's, and this 30 day AB challenge my sister introduced me to.  After 30 days I am hoping to switch to the ARM challenge along with the second half of Insanity and of course barre classes.  So far the plan is working out great because it is super convenient to be able to work out at home and I am huge fan of getting a workout done first thing in the morning..one less thing on my to do list for the day! What is your workout routine?

Jodi Higgs 30 Day Arm challenge

Jodi Higgs 30 day Cardio challenge

Slim and In Season

I was watching a news program where they were reviewing fruits and vegetables that are in season (or will be soon) and help with weight loss.  These five foods speed up weight loss because they are low in volume and calories but high in essential nutrients and vitamins. Basically they fill you up without loading you up with fat and calories.  Perfect timing with bikini season right around the corner right?

Here's a little more information on how each of these "super" foods can assist with weight loss. 

Cherries: Cherries are full of antioxidants, sweet, made up of 75% water, and low in calories. Because they are so high in water and low in calories they keep you fuller for long periods of time. They are also loaded with soluble fiber, a type of fiber that helps accelerate weight loss and reduce cholesterol by slowing it's absorption into the bloodstream.

Asparagus: This green vegetable is low in calories and high in fiber. The dietary fiber can help control and satisfy your appetite and serve as a natural laxative. Asparagus also acts as a diuretic to reduce water retention.  

Mustard Greens: When it comes to eating green vegetables you can pretty much eat all you want! Mustard greens are full of vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting phytochemicals. And they are also rich in fiber, an important nutrient for weight loss. 

Strawberries: This sweet and delicious fruit can help you lose weight by increasing the production of a hormone that stimulates metabolism and suppresses your appetite. They can also slow the digestion of starchy foods, which in turn helps control the rise in blood sugar that usually follows a starchy meal. And one cup of strawberries contains only 49 calories. 

Artichokes: Like these other foods, artichokes are high in fiber and low in calories. They also take longer to eat so they keep your mouth busy while your stomach has more time to feel full. Artichokes also act as natural diuretics and can help prevent water retention and aid kidney function. One medium artichoke has 16 grams of fiber, 10 grams of protein, and 150 calories. 

Spring Into A New Workout Routine

With the Boston Marathon yesterday, many of my friends raving about the 30 day shred program, and spring weather finally upon us, I am inspired to get back into shape. Last year we really enjoyed riding bikes on vacation and this year we are finally getting bikes so we can enjoy biking more often around Boston during the spring and summer months.

Last week I tried Zumba, a class that combines high energy and motivating music with unique dance moves, and I absolutely loved it. This class was being offered at the exact same time Ariyana was taking ballet class so I really had no excuse not to try it. I am also hoping to learn a few new dance moves for my sister's wedding next year!

I have also been doing core fusion and core fusion yoga at Exhale but last week I tried core fusion sport and loved it. This class uses a combination of lateral and twisting movements to firm arms, shoulders, legs and butt while focusing on your core. This calorie burning class involves resistance bands, core balls, and mat abdominals for a full body workout. If these classes are not available in your area you can check out the line of core fusion DVD's.

And last night after reading my May issue of Self Magazine I decided to download the Self workouts on my IPhone. I have always been pretty self motivated at the gym but I am so bored with my routine and need some fresh new ideas. Not a bad deal to have your own personal trainer for $1.99 right?

Have you tried any new workout routines or downloaded any useful applications on your phone recently?

Also, my blog was nominated over at Circle of Moms

If you have a moment please click here and then click vote. (You can vote once daily) Thank you for the support!

Get your ASana Outside

Many of you  know I love yoga and I practice as much as I can.  I am also obsessed with the store Lululemon.  So when I was in the store a week ago buying more lacey lulu hotshorts for myself and for Nicole's bachelorette,  I heard about an amazing Lululemon Yoga event taking place across North America. 

On Saturday August 7th from 9-10 am Lululemon stores across North America  (in every time zone) are hosting a complimentary all levels outdoor yoga class for the community. If you would like to find out where your location is going to be visit Lululemon Salutation Nation.  You can also check out the Salutation Nation Facebook event page to RSVP.  Whether you are new to yoga or have been practicing for years this event is for you.  Besides what better way to start off the weekend right? 

And it is never too late (or too early) to start practicing yoga and to enjoy all health benefits yoga has to offer.  So get your asana outside! Namaste.