I haven’t written too much about fitness this summer, but lots of workouts have been happening!! I’ve found a new fire inside of me that has made me want to push myself to the max.
Strength
I’ve been focusing on strength training this summer. Partly because my friend Lynsie started using the 30 pound kettlebell and as a competitive gal I had to try to catch up to her. So I started picking up heavier weights every week and now I’m lifting some of the heaviest in the class (but who’s counting ; ) ) It’s been one of those snowball effects where I started going a little heavier, then results came, then I picked up even heavier and got more results. I used to leave strength class barely breaking a sweat, and with heavier weights I am red faced and dripping puddles. (It also helps that Chris has incorporated a few plyo/cardio moves into the sets.) I’m looking at each class as an opportunity to really get stronger, and not surprisingly that is exactly what has happened.
Cardio
A year ago I used to mix in quite a few days of basic cardio into my routine. On days when I didn’t have a good class at the gym, I’d do a mix of walking to and from the gym and the stairmaster. While I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the stairmaster (I think it’s the hardest cardio machine you can do!) I’ve traded solo workouts for more group ex classes. Thursday morning 6am is my favorite class of the week. It’s like a drug – once you’re hooked you’ll do anything to get up at 5:30! The class is all jumping and plyo moves, so there’s no equipment. The music is great, and by the third set we are all having one big dance party. Getting up early on Thursdays also leaves me open to work during the morning, so that’s a bonus. I’ve also been going to tabata classes, which combine plyo moves with strength exercises, and trying to get in one outside run each week.
Soccer
Summer soccer was a blast. My team finished in second place in our division! Soccer is by far my hardest workout of the week, especially if our team doesn’t have any women subs. Summer games were 70 minutes, and in the fall and spring they are 90 minutes – that’s a lot of running! It’s also a great balance between the classes I do at the gym. We’re on a break between seasons right now, but fall starts soon and I’ll be playing in two leagues – co-ed and women’s. Can’t wait!
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What’s missing? Hot yoga!! I need to get my butt over to Fly Dog, our new sort-of-hot vinyasa studio, and get in some sweaty flow. My biggest obstacles are childcare and distance, but I need to make this happen.
I could sing the praises of my gym, ACAC, until the cows come home. Not only are the classes great and the facilities awesome, but I have made so many great friends there that make working out a blast. August is BFF month and members can bring a friend on weekdays for free, so if any of you locals want to give it a try, let me know!!
Samantha @ The Planted Vegan says
Love your posts on fitness! Definitely very motivating!
Lil says
Any plans to slow down on the soccer for you know what? ; )
KathEats says
Eventually!
Bee says
Haha, I was wondering about that too as I was reading… Kath, I remember you talked about ttc this summer and I am wondering what you philosophy on exercise during that time is? I am about to start ttc #2 too and scared of pushing myself too much, but also worried about taking it too easy if takes a while…
KathEats says
We’re not trying yet…and I wouldn’t change anything until we were maybe 6 months in with no luck yet.
Katie says
I sure wish I lived in the area! I absolutely LOVE strength training & those group fitness classes you speak of make me jealous 😉
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
I love that last picture! haha Way to go on all your workouts!
[email protected] says
LOVE kettlebells and lifting heavier in general is so addictive, in a good way of course and the rewards are huge not just physically but I find mentally I feel stronger too!
Annie says
Love your bright workout gear in that last photo!!!!
KathEats says
That’s my friend Lauren!
Dawn says
Is that you in that last photo with the ACAC employee? Love the workout outfit!
KathEats says
That’s my friend Lauren! She’s a barre teacher
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
I love how varied your workout regimen is! Lots of different things to keep you from getting bored and to keep you body guessing. That’s how I like to stay active too!
Elyse says
I always admire how much activity you do!
I love strength training! To me it’s way more fun than doing cardio.
Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola says
I have been incorporating more strength training into my exercise regimen lately for physical therapy purposes. It’s amazing how much you can increase your pounds when you stick with it!
Amanda says
Your gym is the best! I went there when I visited C-ville. The whole thing is like a spa!
Linda @ The Fitty says
I live all the way out in Canada!
Emily says
Wow, that’s so cool that you’re lifting the heaviest in the class now. 🙂 I need to keep up my strength training. I’m not the best at building muscle, but I do love strength training. I’ve found that it’s been such a great way to round out my training and prevent injury.
Sagan says
Yay fitness! Looks like you are KILLING it this summer 🙂
Group exercise classes are my favorite – it’s been a loooooong time since I did an early morning one, although I used to adore them… right now I’m hooked on the lunch hour classes!
Yuli says
Kath, don’t always agree with you, but acac is pretty awesome. Decided to check it out in my neck of the woods (PA). Loved it. Teacher’s discount makes it happen. I suggested more pre natal exercise and yoga classes at times women who work can attend and they actually seemed to take the suggestion seriously. Wished they’d to athletic conditioning. too
EG says
We’re moving to RVA at the end of the year and will be near an ACAC. Group Ex is my favorite so I’m glad to hear you singing their praises!
KathEats says
The Short Pump location is apparently AMAZING!
Kim says
I recently joined ACAC in richmond and its amazing!! so worth the money.