Bootcamp Still Going Strong

I can't believe there is only one more week to the Best Body Bootcamp I participated in. I know I've said this before, but I've REALLY enjoyed it. I've definitely slacked off lately which is beyond frustrating to me but the workouts are so adaptable so I've been able to get a lot done in the comforts of our home.

J & I decided to take advantage of the warm weather Monday afternoon and headed out for a run. We haven't ran since our Thanksgiving 5k so I wasn't planning to push it too much, just a couple easy miles. Once we hit the road though, we felt good and decided to extend our run around Castle Island - something I fear/hate when I'm not in shape. I was so surprised at how great I felt! And then I remembered a saying from SkinnyRunner...."it should not be comfortable." Yup, it was time to push myself. Dig deep and book it home. We didn't say another word on the mile home as we both pushed it. And guess what, it felt even better. It felt so good to dig deep and push myself. I can really tell a difference in my strength from this bootcamp. And the best part, J can too. Yup, having your hubby tell you your legs are definitely stronger was quite nice.

All that is to say, sign up for the next one with me! Tina has opened up registration for her next round of bootcamp. Registration is open until 12/31, still only $25. What a steal. Bootcamp starts January 7th. Think you can hack it?

PS - Looking for some new gym clothes? Check out this post. I am totally tempted.

Best Body Bootcamp: Week 3

I am still loving this bootcamp! Yes, there have been a few times that I've had a really hard time getting my booty out of bed in the morning but instead I've gone to the gym at night twice this week. That may be a record.

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Word of advice - going to the gym while the election polls are running is a great idea. Hardly anyone there and you can distract yourself by watching the results! I'm so smart.

Tuesdays workout was one of my favorites so far. Instead of 40 minutes of steady cardio, this week's cardio days incorporate intervals. But instead of doing quick one minute or 30 second intervals, this one had you working at an intensity of 8 (out of 10) for 5 minutes, then recover, 7 minutes, recover, and finally 10 minutes. I would have never thought about taking small recovery breaks on the treadmill before. And it made a huge difference in my workout. I pushed myself harder during the running intervals knowing I had a 3 minutes of recovery coming up. Recovery intervals were at an intensity of 6. My workout looked a little something like this:

• 5 minute warm up - walking at a 5.0 incline at 4.0 mph
• 5 minute run at 7.0
• 3 minute recovery at 6.5
• 7 minute run at 7.0
• 3 minute recovery at 6.5
• 10 minute run ladder starting at 6.8 increase every minute up to 7.2 and then back down
• cool down starting at 6.8 decreasing by .2 every minute until stopping at 6.2 and 4 miles total

I really think if I had just jumped on the treadmill and attempted 4 miles I wouldn't have made it. I felt GREAT after this workout.

My workout today will look very similar. And since I'm writing this Wednesday night....hopefully by the time you read this my workout will be finished!

And I'll look like this. A sweaty mess.

Happy Thursday!

Cleaning Up

In case you hadn't noticed, October went by a little too quickly. Seriously, I'm pretty sure we got back from Morocco like 2 weeks ago, no?

And somehow with the time flying, I also ended up taking 4 weeks off from any form of physical activity. I can't believe it. I know we've been busy but I really can't use that as an excuse. Working out just didn't happen.

I started contemplating an online bootcamp since reading a review of Fitmixer Bootcamp here. The last session was sold out so I joined the waiting list to hear about the next one. That e-mail came through 2 weeks ago. Phew!

And then, something else happened.....here. Yep, I've been following Julie's blog for a while and had read about her experience with the first 2 rounds of Best Body Bootcamp. I was definitely interested. Instead of trying my luck in her giveaway I went straight to the source. I decided that between the price difference and the fact that I really wasn't ready to give up meals for protein shakes, I would give Best Body Bootcamp a try first.

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So that's it. It's time to clean my act up and get back to the gym. This week is the first week of bootcamp and I'm loving it. Well, I'm kind of hating it because 4 weeks of no strength training is kicking my a$$ right now. But I'm really excited to see where I end up in 8 weeks. Total beach babe for sure. :)

The workouts include supersets, interval workouts, steady cardio workouts, and plank intervals so far. This is my first time doing both supersets and intervals. The supersets are tough! Like I'm panting, sweating, heart racing kind of tough. But I am so determined to get strong. And J has been joining me for runs on the steady cardio days so I really can't complain.

Lastly, something that tends to go hand in hand for us is eating healthier when we're working out. Why ruin all your hard work?!

So thank you Julie & Tina for getting this girl back at it! I sure did need the motivation, and am so excited to see what the next 7 weeks bring!