Since the name of this blog is Peanut Butter Fingers, I would be remiss if I did not wish you a very Happy National Peanut Butter Day!
Just in case you’re hoping to celebrate this peanut butter day in style, here are a few of my all-time favorite peanut butter-packed recipes:
- Peanut Butter Protein Bars (<—Most popular PBF recipe of 2011)
- Apple, Peanut Butter and Granola Sandwich
Question of the Morning
- What is your favorite way to eat peanut butter?
And another follow up question to yesterday’s post…
- I am in the process of writing a follow up post to yesterday’s post about feeing awkward during group exercise classes at the gym. I’d love to share any tips you may have that have proved beneficial for you for making yourself feel more comfortable at the gym or in a group exercise class environment. Please share!
My number one tip is to arrive to a new class five minutes early. This gives me a chance to speak with the instructor privately so I can tell them I’m new to the class and discuss any reservations I may have about the class before it begins.
![\"Quantcast\"/](\"//pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-1e3-7hOJ_U8Bg.gif\")
Oh my goodness, yum, yum, yum, yum, yum. My favorite way to eat peanut butter is in a smoothie, out of the jar, in a granola bar, on toast, in a cookie. The list goes on!
I’ve learned that it helps to introduce myself to the instructor & they will usually give me tips & point out which students have been coming for awhile so I have a few different people I can watch when I’m not sure of a move.
A waffle with nutella and peanut butter is the yummiest breakfast treat ever!
The waffle melts them together and makes a chocolatey peanut butter syrup
yummm
If I am new to a class, I try to a) go with a friend who has already been before and can give me the low down beforehand, but if I don’t know anyone who has gone before, I b) bring a friend who is also new! That way I don’t feel like the only crazy person in the class. Another thing I sometimes do is ask at the front desk or one of the employees on the floor of the weight room sometimes about different classes – i.e. which teachers are really good with beginners, which classes are more focused towards intermediate or advanced students, etc.
I love peanut butter with greek yogurt or on toast! The best!
Happy National PB Julie! That must be like a 2nd birthday for you right?! I love PB straight from the jar, on apples or mixed in yoghurt. Every time I try a new class I try to get there early and smile and introduce myself to another person doing it. Then I ask them if they have any tips and see if they mind if I position myself close to them so I can copy what they do. After the class, I make a point of going up to the instructor and thanking them, as well as checking any moves I didn’t quite understand. It has worked well so far!
For a new class I remind myself that everyone had a first. Even the instructor who can put her ankle over her head!!! AND I may not rock at Yoga but they might not be able to shake their bon bon like me in Zumba!
I pick a spot front and center at a new group exercise class. That way, I just focus on the instructor and my own workout. When I’m in the back of the class, I find I focus more on what the people in front of me are doing, and this leads to comparisons and takes away from the quality of the workout.
Yes! I told my husband this morning that I wasn’t going to cook tonight Nd that we would have leftovers instead. I am totally going to have a peanut butter sandwich for dinner now. Yum!
I like to position myself in the middle of the room when I go to a new group exercise class. That way, whatever direction we are facing, I can see what’s going on and have a better chance at following along. That is of course assuming the people around me know what they are doing. 🙂
By the SPOONFUL! MM
My best tips for trying a new class are to take advantage of any beginner or foundations classes that are offered, many times if you are trying something new there are specific class times for beginners. I recently started Crossfit a few months ago and I still attend the beginner class to get the benefits of the extra instruction on proper form. Also don’t forget to have fun, as long as you are breaking a sweat it’s a win!
When I’m taking a new group exercise class, I like to bring a friend. Having someone with me makes me feel more comfortable tackling a new workout. 🙂 I implement the buddy system! Ha! I also try to go at a time when it is typically less crowded. I don’t like going into a new class that is packed with a bunch of regulars.
Those sound SO good!!
I would also arrive early but I wouldn’t talk to the teacher because I’m just too shy for that. haha. I just make sure that I have the same equipment everybody else has and don’t sit in the front. I think, at least for me, that there are always a large range of fitness levels in group classes. It’s comforting to now that they aren’t all professional athletes.
Happy National Peanut Butter Day!! All of your PB recipes look wonderful….I’ve got to give some of them a try!
Am I the only one who doesn’t think it’s a big deal to go to a group exercise class for the first time? I’ve done it several times on my own and while I’m not the most coordinated person out there, it’s an hour of my life and if all fails, you just “fake it til you make it.” Plus, awkward situations are inevitable in life and the best way to deal with them is to embrace them. I’d laugh about it afterwards if it goes awry, but it never has. Confidence is all you really need. I don’t think it’s necessary to make a big thing of it and talk to the instructor privately before the class, unless you have specific questions. I mean it’s supposed to be a FUN activity and it’s a mere hour of your life! No bigs!
I agree! If you make it a big show then that’s what it becomes. There’s always a first for everyone so just go with it 🙂
I totally agree too! I’ve never felt nervous about trying a new class, just excited to be trying something that puts something new in my workout routine. Everyone in class is there for the same reason and once class gets started, no one is paying attention to the new person anyway. What’s the worst that can happen? You get behind a count or two? No biggie! Group exercise classes are fun no matter what!
Love this! Happy National Peanut Butter Day! Surprisingly, I didn’t really become a fan of PB until about 4 years ago when I became a vegetarian. Now I can’t get enough of it! This morning I made myself a smoothie after my run that tasted just like a butterfinger. Peanut butter, chocolate syrup, and vanilla coconut milk. YUM!
P.S. I’m new to your blog, but I REALLY enjoy reading it! I’m totally into healthy living and eating well (and a lot), so it’s fun to see what others are doing.
What an excellent holiday! And what an even better excuse to eat absurd amounts of peanut butter today! Haha. I’m a pretty big fan of peanut butter on toast and an even better fan of peanut butter in baked goods. Yummmmm 🙂
Good thing I have a PB&J for lunch today! I eat peanut butter in some way, shape or form everyday. I don’t think I will ever get tired of it! 🙂
My boyfriend (who has his Master’s degree in sport psychology and I (who am getting my Master’s in clinical mental health counseling) frequently discuss mental toughness and positive self-talk…for me personally, I think that the positive self-talk plays a huge role in pumping myself up for a new and/or unfamiliar group exercise class. I think being mindful, having an awareness of the present, and ability to chuckle at yourself, and being patient with yourself are incredibly helpful when starting any new experience! When I started taking Jazzercise classes, I was a bit daunted…I mean I love to dance around my apartment or when I’m out with friends, but that’s a different story 🙂 Then, I saw the wonderful diversity of the people in the class (men and women of all ages and body types) and seeing the older women really bust a move and so carefree was a great motivation for me!!! Hope these thoughts help!
I really like group classes because someone is there pushing you and having others there is always motivating. If I don’t like a class 1/2 way through I’ll just pick up my equipment and leave. I have done that twice, I didn’t really know what they were about and they weren’t focusing on the party of my body I wanted to work on.
My favorite way to eat peanut butter is on a PB&J sandwich, preferably toasted or at least heated in the microwave.
As far as feeling more comfortable at the gym, I was very nervous when I first joined, and it was all about overcoming mental hurdles. I had to remind myself of 2 things:
1. People are there to work on their own fitness goals, not to look at me. So if I’m looking awkward in Zumba, no one really cares – they are probably too busy looking at themselves in the mirror or at the instructor to notice my flailing arms and legs. 🙂
2. Stepping outside your comfort zone is how you grow, and that’s a good thing!
I’m just super awkward when I try new things, so going with a friend always helps. Also, standing near the front where I’m behind the experienced people but still able to see the instructor makes me feel less lost. Sense of humor is the most important part!
My favorite way to eat peanut butter is with a spoon. (Because, let’s face it, sticking my face in the jar is simply barbaric.)
Happy PB Day!!
I am the most nervous when attending any kind of dance exercise class. I have zero rhythm!!
I just keep telling myself ‘mistakes burn calories too!’ Then I smile and have fun! 🙂
I made a killer peanut butter pie this weekend. My husband loves anything peanut butter and chocolate so this was for him. While it was not good for you, it was definately good! You can find the recipe on the Food Network under the Pioneer Woman peanut butter pie.
that sounds unreal! yummm.
Honestly, my favorite way to eat peanut butter is straight from the jar to my mouth 🙂 OR on a banana. That is soooo delicious.
Yay for peanut butter! I like eating nut butters on everything and anything, including my fingers or a spoon right out of the jar.
I love peanut butter on a toasted english muffin so it gets all warm and gooey when you eat it. I especially love it if it’s coconut peanut butter!
Coconut peanut butter?! I must try this! Sounds wonderful!
I found it at my local Kroger and love it! The brand is Earth Balance.
Ha, every day is National Peanut Butter Day for me! I just had some in my oatmeal! The recipes look great though!
I’m not sure if this has been said already but I think walking up to someone else in the class and asking them if they have taken it before and for their advice would help to take the edge off a little. Plus, you can make a new friend!
My favorite way to eat peanut butter is most definitely in cheesecake form :p
This is going to sound really silly, but when I go to group exercise classes I don’t wear my contacts. I can still see what I’m supposed to do via the instructor, but I can’t see myself clearly in the mirror and I can’t see other people’s faces. At least for me, it makes me feel less awkward!
Agreed!! I don’t wear my glasses and I like it better that way
I like to put Smucker’s Natural PB on a toasted English muffin
When I started attending step class the instructor asked if there were any “new bees” I timidly raised my hand and she said, “Don’t worry! No one is looking at you. Just do what you can. At some point it was all of our first time. So, let’s have some fun and sweat!” That was amazing! After stumbling all over myself for an hour I decided to go back and after about 8 months of that two days a week, I lost 60 pounds and I hit my goal weight!!! And after 3 years I have kept it off and love working out! Although, I have grown out of step and am on to things that challenge me more.
Good for you! A good instructor can make a class sooo much better. 🙂
Happy National PB Day!! Oh what PB to choose today…
I don’t get the opportunity to go to classes a lot. There are not many offered in the area where I live but if I do go I am going because someone asked me to go with them. That helps ease me into the class since they usually know what they are doing. I don’t know that I would be brave enough to go by myself yet. Plus a lot of things would have to line up for me to be able to go.
I’ve had yoga instructors say something along the lines of “Jane Doe is new to yoga! We are so excited to have you here. If you get lost at any time feel free to ask me questions or take guidance from the rest of the class, but do not let what anyone does intimidate you. Many people have been practicing for years, and what I say is just a suggestion. All of us are just so glad you joined our community and we can have a new friend” It was like SUPER warm and fuzzy, but the girl felt really comfortable the rest of the time. I feel like going out of your way can make a difference. This isn’t something one person can do, but to remember that (hopefully) that’s how everyone feels whenever I’m new somewhere helps (and if not, they suck, and I will ignore them)
I know other people have said this but i always go with a friend to a class! it makes it easier for me mentally and i also know if my friend is in it and giving it her all, then i am too. At Yoga studios and the like I will frequently call ahead and discuss my fitness level/ limitations or injuries with the instructors before signing up. In addition instructors can think of modifications for me before hand.
I eat PB on my toast every single morning. I mix it with a bit of honey-so tasty!
Anytime peanut butter is paired with chocolate I’m in heaven. Simple as that!
Well what a wonderful day today is!!! Loving peanut butter! I was premature as I had peanut butter and graham crackers last night haha. I was thinking about you the other day because as I finish out my undergrad in dietetics and move on to my master’s, I was thinking how I would love to become certified as a personal trainer as well as become a registered dietitian. Since as a collegiate athlete and dietetics student, I realize they go hand in hand and would love to have credentials for each, since people like credentials. Instead of attempting to go through your previous posts, I was wondering which program you were getting certified through?
I just discovered White Chocolate Wonderful Peanut Butter and I love it on chocolate rice cakes!!
I just recently moved from central Illinois to Milwaukee WI and I didnt have any family or friends here so in order for me to feel comfortable at my group fitness I made it a priority to always attend as much as possible. example my Yoga classes are tues thurs and saturday I have found that the more I go even with no experience the more I felt comfortable and made friends I have now found my inner Zin ha! But back home I would just go with a friend to the class and that usually made it better.
I actually hate peanut butter 🙁
But I love your blog!
LOL! i’m glad you decided to stick around! 🙂
After reading your post yesterday, I had the exact same experience at Body Pump last night! I am a regular pumper, but there was one new person to the class and he made her raise her hand, but then offered no other instruction other than, “do less weight since it is your first time”. I remember being really lost my first time in BodyPump, and the best thing for me was to go with a friend who had been before for help. If that’s not an option, I’ve also looked at someone who is about my build and tried what they are lifting. I know that isn’t always a good idea since everyone else has different bodies/strength, but it at least gave me a starting point and if I had to switch weight mid song, I would! Putting yourself out there in a new class isn’t easy, but I find just putting a smile on my face immediately makes me feel happier and more confident and the rest follows suit!
The oatmeal, pb, and banana cookies sound so yummy! I love your blog!! 🙂
– Sara
Peanut butter is easily one of my favorite foods. My favorite recipes that include peanut butter are this peanut butter baked oatmeal recipe: http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2012/02/cooking-with-kelly-peanut-butter.html
Or these no-bake peanut butter pretzel bites: http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2011/12/stand-mixer-sunday-no-bake-chocolate.html
Peanut butter must be what the gods eat.
Happy nat’l PB day to you! I hate PB, so that’s kinda gross to me. Haha 😉
As for your question–as a fitness instructor, I think it’s key to always go over the basics EVERY class. So just acting as though there are always new people there. As for participants, I would say arrive 5 minutes early & talk to the instructor ONE on one. SO important!
i freaking LOVE PB! and almond butter 🙂
check out my blog post today about my run on the oldest treadmill…ever!
http://runningathousandmiles.blogspot.com/2013/01/ol-reliable.html
I think trying to recruit a friend to go with really helps with the uncomfortableness of trying out a new class!
Happy PB Day to you too!! I MUST try your peanut butter granola!
My favorite way to eat PB?? With apple slices! OR “Ants on a Log” lol – celery with PB and raisins. 🙂
I’ve always found that being able to laugh at myself has been beneficial during group classes. The first time I tried Zumba, I’m pretty sure I looked like an ape having seizure. ha ha! But I laughed at myself and kept boogiein’.
In the gym, I suggest going with a friend first and getting to know the equipment, where to find it, etc. You’ll feel more confident and be able to focus on a great workout.