I awoke this morning feeling a little cranky. I’m not sure what was up with my ‘tude, but one my endorphins got going at the gym I started to feel more like myself.
Another 10 points for exercise!
My workout began with 20 minutes on the elliptical beside Ryan before hopping off to complete three sets of 15 repetitions of the following exercises:
- One legged squats (from seated to standing)
- Upright rows
- Bicep curls
- Tricep pulldowns
- Kettleball swings
- One legged leg extensions
- Front shoulder raises
- Deadlifts
On my way home from the gym I talked with Ryan about how I’ve been feeling about my workouts lately.
I really, really miss BodyPump.
Big surprise, I know.
That class totally rocked my body and left my muscles fatigued and tingling. It was the best feeling.
I wish my new gym offered BodyPump so bad but since BodyPump is not an option right now, Ryan suggested breaking up my weights workouts so I’m doing more exercises to target one specific muscle group at a time.
I think working out this way will help me feel like I’m really working my muscles to the core rather than just going through the motions.
There’s one issue with this new plan.
I like to be in and out of the gym in about an hour and I need to fit in two weekday five mile runs to stay on track with my half marathon training plan. I’d like to train every muscle group two times a week and this means weight training will overlap with my training runs twice a week.
I see some long workouts in my future but I’m kind of excited to shock the ol’ bod and try something new. I’ve been less than excited about my gym routine lately and I need a little spark!
My tentative plan?
- Monday: Lower body weights + Shoulders
- Tuesday: Arms + Chest + Back, 5-mile run
- Wednesday: Lower body weights + Shoulders
- Thursday: Arms + Chest + Back, 5-mile run
- Friday: Workout of my choosing (likely a circuit workout, yoga, workout DVD or group exercise class)
- Saturday: Long run
- Sunday: Off
I’m not exactly sure how I’ll work the running and weight training into my schedule on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but Ryan offered to do my runs with me after work since he wouldn’t mind getting in some weekday runs as well since he’ll also be running in the Savannah Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon in November with me.
Still, I’m not crazy about the whole working out twice a day thing and would love to bang out my run and weights workouts in one swoop. We’ll see! Maybe I can… or maybe it’s time to invest in some weights for the house so I can do some exercises at home? Hmm.
I don’t want my half marathon training to feel like a burden – it’s only eight weeks after all – and will try my best to keep my running up along with regular weight training.
Whoa that ended up being a lot more wordy than I anticipated. I guess I had a lot of things to say about revamping my workouts, huh? Hope you’re still awake out there, friends!
Breakfast
I cannot wait to share this new recipe with you… once I perfect it.
Pumpkin protein pancakes! Err… pancake, since my batter ran together and formed into one gigantic pancake that I clearly had trouble flipping.
The recipe is so close to being sharable, but I want to do a little tweaking. It’s delicious with syrup, but right now I feel like it might be a little too dry without syrup. I like it as is, but I want to make sure it is delicious enough for the pickier eaters out there.
For what it’s worth, this little lady liked it a lot…
But she likes basically anything with pumpkin in it, so that may not be saying too much.
Big Day
Before signing off for the morning, I just have to share with you that today is quite a big day for PBF!
More on that later!
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As I see the 1 year mark approaching for me (I’m still months away), I can’t even believe that, let alone 2 years – major congrats to you on the big day! 🙂
I’ve also been feeling a little wishy-washy about my workouts and have been looking for something to amp them up and revitalize them. Maybe I’ll give your plan a try too!
I’ve been waking up crabby a lot lately (is it the change of seasons?)…and working out has been a HUGE mood boost.
Happy Anniversary 😉
Can you run to the gym on the days you want to do a run and weights? Or just do your run from the gym or on the treadmill? I run 6 days a week and only do strength once a week (Body Pump) so I have the opposite problem!
I’m all for changing up workout routines – I try and change things every month or two because I tend to get stuck in a rut! I’m having a similar problem though with fitting in runs for my 10 miler training, and keeping up with strength training! There’s just not enough time in the day!
Congratulations on 2 years of blogging! 🙂
Happy 2 Years PBF!!!
I’ve been working on changing up my routine as well..I’ve been feeling so blah about the gym! Hope your cure works for you!
PS-I’m headed to Bodypump this evening and will think of you and work twice as hard 🙂
Happy 2-Yearversary!!!
Oh my goodness, I am pretty much holding my breath waiting for that recipe. Protein Pumpkin Pancakes?! Seriously!?!? I’m having images of foodgasms in my head during Family Law!
Good luck with the new workout plan! Keep us posted on how it goes! Right now I’m doing Jillian’s Ripped in 30…which is just all sorts of insane. But I’m looking to do something like what you’re on once I finish up, so let us know if it works out 🙂
When I was marathon training, I had to get strength training in with my husband too. I would get up and run and then do weights. It all goes back to what you would like to get done first, but for me I like doing cardio first. That’s what’s important to me and I don’t ever want to skimp out on it, especially when I’m training for an event. This seemed to work well for me and then I didn’t have to do double-days. Are there no types of strength training classes at your gym??
I love my little Target hand weights! I definitely say invest in some. You can get a workout in when you’re just watching T.V.
I totally hear ya.. I can’t do the whole two-workouts-a-day thing.
AND HAPPY TWO YEARS! so exciting!
dang girl! you workout a lot!! does your body ever want to take more than 1 day off? If I do weights there is no way I could even run 1 mile after!
I have to tell you, I thought I would hate working out twice a day, but I REALLY like it. I didn’t mean to be doing 2-a-day’s. But I like to run in the morning and my husband likes to workout at night. So i started going back to the gym with him. So I do my runs in the morning and weights in the evenings. Now, this is usually only 3xweek. But I like it.
And I would suggest working certain muscle groups at a time. That way you can work them to “failure” and then the next day you can work something else.
The Kidless Kronicles
Wag More, Bark….
I’m in the midst of marathon training and find it really hard to fit in everything I want to do to feel like I’m training at an optimal level. I hate split workouts, so I combining everything into one session becomes key. I’d like to do more lower body strength training but find I can’t do it the day before longer runs because it really slows my pace, but who wants to do it right after running 8 miles? Nothing will ever be perfect so I just tweak everything until it “works” for me, but I just like more structure!
woohooo! i actually sometimes don’t mind doing weights and a run at different times of the day. i did it in college for cross country or track practice and it was nice to not have a super long workout session but to break it up- esp. if you have someone fun to do it with!
i HIGHLY recommend getting The Women’s Health Big Book of Exercises: Four Weeks to a Leaner, Sexier, Healthier You! (said in cheesy announcer voice)
it’s on sale juuust about everywhere- and it has some great outlines for workouts, followed by chapter upon chapter of detailed lift options (with pictures). iz good.
Happy two year anniversary! Your blog is amazing 🙂 I actually read your most recent post before this one and I just want to say, don’t let those reader’s comments sway you. You’re beautiful and talented with such a gift for spreading health/wellness through writing, they just wish they could be like you 🙂
Love the new plan! Can’t wait to get that pancake recipe!
Yay for two years! I’m assuming that’s the big news. 😉
And looks like we’ll be splitting up our workouts similarly in our training. Great minds think alike!
Happy two years! For my training (I’m running a half in Oct and a Full in Dec) I have been doing two weights workouts a week – one total body with a little bit more emphasis on the legs and one workout that is arms and back focused with some minor leg work and it has worked very well for me. I found that a long run plus weights never really worked for me… anything more than a few miles took away from my strength training energy or left me running out of time. Good luck training – I’m interested to hear your thoughts and see how it works out for you 🙂
Happy Birthday to the blog! Congrats for keeping it up!
Yayyy 2 years!! Seriously so glad I found your blog (probably a little over a year ago). Your positive attitude and sense of humor, not to mention yummy recipes and Sadie pictures, keep me coming back for more everyday!!
I used to be big on the weight training and I realize its importance, but I find myself getting bored pretty easily with it. I recently tried doing the New Rules of Lifting for Women workout plan and just burned out around the 6th week….I think I need to give it a go again–maybe if I find someone to do it with me I’d be more likely to complete it!
I just recently got a gym membership and had to change my routine up as well! It’s a little stressful planning it all around school + work but we can both do it :)! Runs are so much better with a friend though and go by so quick. My boy-friend always does my runs with me 🙂
Looks delish!! and Happy birthday pbf!
I love body pump and the closest at-home thing I’ve found is Jackie Warner’s 40 minute circuit training DVD (the sell it at target for about $14 I think). It’s awesome! Flies by and I can barely move the next morning. There are also 3 15 minute options too depending if you want to target upper, lower or total body in a hurry.
Just a suggestion!
Happy Anniversary…you are kickin’ butt – I am never tired of your blog!
Happy blogiversary pretty lady!! thank you for providing daily laughs and cute doggy pictures 🙂 Here’s to many more years to come!
Hey girl,
I’ve found that if you have just a few basic workout tools at your house it really helps fit in weights/crosstraining on those run days!
For instance, I have a BOSU ball, a 15lb kettlebell, a set of 8lb weights and a 10lb medicine ball. (and of course my foam roller and lacrosse ball for after the workout) with these four tools I can always accomplish a quick weights session after a run. I usually do this while I catch up on a few minutes of trashy TV that the hubby doesn’t like to watch with me.
I hope this helps you in your quest to get out of your workout rut 🙂
Sarah
Congrats on your anniversary! So random but…I actually just started blogging YESTERDAY. I would say it’s a coincidence but your blog was really my inspiration, so thank you 🙂
i too struggle with getting in enough running and also doing weights…and also getting to my fun zumba classes. i try to do weights 3 days a week, one day legs, and two days upper body. but i focus hard on specific muscle groups each workout to get the most out. i do weights before work in the morning because the gym is too crowded after work. but i can REALLY see a difference just doing weights those 3x. i run 3 mornings a week, the ones i don’t do weights on (time management…not time for me to do both before work). i do 5 miles 2 days a week and then a long run on saturday mornings. my next half is nov. 12. plus i do zumba 3 days a week AFTER work….and help coach other runners also 3 days AFTER work!
I made the most amazing smoothie this morning that included basically everything in my pantry (including granola and peanut butter!) – and thus felt the need to tell you! Smoothie love!
Congrats on the blogiversary Julie!
Happy, happy 2nd blog anniversary Julie!! PBFingers was the first blog I followed … er stalked … on a regular basis, still do. I read EVERY single post!
Keep rockin’ your workouts girl, can’t wait to hear how your new plan goes. Great thing about a new plan? You get to analyze it and either see how fantastic it is, or change it up if you want to. Either way – only good can come from it!
What workout pants are you wearing with the pink waist band in your pic? They’re freakin’ adorable and I love them. 🙂
thanks! they’re from victoria’s secret! 🙂
Woo congrats on the blogiversary! Love your blog!
Just wanted to say THANK YOU for introducing me to body pump. I tried a few classes here and there but finally found an instructor that I like and LOVE it. 🙂
Can’t wait for the pumpkin pancakes recipe. Sounds like a perfect addition to my pumpkin addiction that hits every fall. Happy blogiversary!
First off… happy birthday PBF!
I have to comment, because this post totally hit home for me. I’m training for a marathon (seriously what was I thinking) and I refuse to let my strength training go by the wayside this time.
I’ve been sticking to my training plan to a T, and on the two shorter mileage days (3-4 miles) I put in double days and run in the AM and go to a Pilates reformer class after work.
The double days aren’t so bad, and I swear all the weight training does wonders for your legs when running! 4 weeks into my training plan/twice weekly Pilates classes and I knocked 14 minutes off my 1/2 Marathon time from last year and the only thing I’ve done differently is keep up the strength training!
You’ll rock Savannah! (Then rock Paula Deen’s restaurant!)
i LOVE LOVE LOVE protein pancakes!! i have a tried and true recipe if you need inspiration…
(http://thedailycrumb.typepad.com/the-daily-crumb/2011/09/sunny-saturday-pumpkin-protein-pancakes.html)
happy anniversary!! i would consider investing in some @ home weights. i have 3 different sets (8, 12, + 15) and can complete a solid full body workout with just those 6 dumbbells. they’re super cheap at target!!
give this workout a try! I did this earlier today and i kicked my butt!
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/anywhere-workout
Hey! I may have a solution to your problem…I am in the same boat as you in regards to body pump. I know free weights/bars are expensive but may be worth the investment…When I can’t make it to body pump I use my parents free weights and youtube some of the body pump tracks. I usually have to skip back b/c I don’t have the bar but you can pretty much do everything else. But investing in a body pump like bar with adjustable weights and then watching the videos may be a great option for you…some of the videos are a little rough around the edges but personally I’m so happy to be doing the workout I don’t mind! Sorry if someone already suggested this, I didn’t read through all the comments.
I’m probably a little late in the comment game, and my eyes couldn’t handle reading all 98 of them, but have you heard of “The New Rules of lifting for Women”? It’s a great book and an excellent workout. Plus, you only have to do 3 days of weights a week and then cross train on the other days. You should give it a look, the books only like 10 bucks on Amazon. Happy 2 year Blogaversary!
I recently discovered a way to make pancakes with just pumpkin, protein powder, and egg whites (+spices). They are SO poofy but mine are drive as well. I love syrup, though, so I understand what you mean when you say it doesn’t bother you! 😉
Scheduling a new workout routine is seriously hard. Now that I have classes on Tuesday/Thursday I’ve been trying to find a balance with exercising, too. It’s frustrating when you have to try and think of working specific things so you don’t over-do one part of your body!
I love your blog and have been hooked for quite some time! You are VERY inspiring to me….after reading your blog, your workouts and what you eat (not all of what you eat of course..wink wink), I feel motivated to get up and do something!! I haven’t figured out my favorite part of your blog yet because I love it ALL!! Keep up the AWESOME job you are doing and CONGRATS on your anniversary….here’s to many more years to come!!
I also love bodypump and the schedule at my gym has really been jiving well with my shift work schedule lately:)
I know my gym was recently taken over by a larger chain and they have started incorporating more classes into the schedule. I would approach management at your new gym as to whether they would be interested in starting the class in the future.
You could also look into becoming qualified to instruct it! I’ve been thinking about it myself lately…one of the personal trainers at my gym asked me if I would be interested in teaching some classes – she said I had good form (never would have thought I’d get that compliment at the gym!!).
Just some ideas:)
Congratulations! I love this blog…looking forward to the next 2 years
Ahhhh I want to make those pancakes!! Tweak soon please!
Kudos to changing up the workout routine. You’ve got to keep your mind happy and your body challenged to find fitness success! I found half training and lifting hard to work together. My heart was always with lifting and the runs to train felt obligatory. Just know whatever you do each day makes you stronger and fitter. I lifted full body 3 times a week, did 1 20 minute sprint day, and 1 long run each week and I hit a PR. I believe that a strong body = a strong race!
Good luck and happy anniversary!
As many have already said – please hurry up and share the recipe! The pumpkin pancake 🙂 looks delish!
Someone may have already said this, so I apologize in advance….have you looked into bodyrock.tv…? Interval training, mostly bodyweight only…crazy intense! May be just what you need to blast through a plateau and amp up your workouts…bonus you can do them at hone, all under 20 minutes!!!!
Love pumpkin protein muffins; make them all the time! I love adding cottage cheese or oat/wheat bran to them. Often I’ll just add protein powder and cinnamon, other times I add eggs and fiber. Try adding grated carrots and apples, a bit of whole wheat flour and coconut milk or maple syrup in the batter!
I’ve totally been feeling the same way about my workouts lately. I also just moved to a new gym, and since it’s a college gym not only do they not have the Pump, but they only have ONE STRENGTH TRAINING CLASS A WEEK. Hopefully the caps there communicate my angst. The class is at a semi-convenient time, but I tend to have a lot of meetings that overlap with it, and so when I miss it, I don’t get another chance during the week. So frustrating.
When I have BodyPump available at my leisure I usually will go twice a week and do my own strength workout a third time I feel up to it, but now I’m left trying to design my own workouts 2-3 times a week and it’s just nowhere near as fun. 🙁
The good news is that my gym is considering bringing BodyPump in “in the future,” or so they told me yesterday… to which I answered “GOOD! Because your current class is only offered once a week!”
…and then they looked at me like a crazy lady.
Pump lovers unite! Good luck with your new workout plan.