Good afternoon!
I’m so glad to be back in Manhattan! Last night, the fiance and I got met each other at Physique 57 after my class and walked home together. It was great just catching up, chatting, and holding hands like teenagers as we walked through the streets of Soho and Tribecca. It’s amazing how quickly i’m becoming acquainted with the area since i’ve started walking more. A few weeks ago I made a pact that as long as it was safe, i’d walk everywhere whenever possible instead of hopping in a cab or even the subway. I’ve fallen in love with Google Maps walking option and will frequently map my walks before I leave. This week i’ve walked to Physique 57 two times (1.5 miles each way), Tribeca Whole Foods 2x (.5 mile each way), and tonight i’ll walk up to Columbus Circle for a book signing with Kate Jacobs who wrote Friday Night Knitting Club, Comfort Food, and Knit 2. I highly recommend her books if you haven’t read them yet. Her character development is wonderful and the first book takes place in NYC! I’m actually going to another book event next week at the same Borders. Missy and I are going to catch the famous Lisa of Hungry Girl next Tuesday night. I’d LOOVVEE some samples and i’m excited about the new book. While I don’t agree with everything they recommend some of their substitutions are great like Shirataki noodles, Fiber One, etc.
But, back to last night, we came home and cooked dinner together (salmon, roasted veggies, and huge salads) and relaxed. But, then the night turned for the worse as I had to stay up an extra hour doing last minute preparation work for my customer call today in Harrisburg. Needless to say it’s already been a long day as I was in my car by 5:30am and just got back to NYC. For the first time in ages I packed all my food with me today and it worked perfectly! I microwaved the oatmeal ahead of time and put the bananas on it before sealing it for the ride. In addition I packed an apple and celery sticks w/almond butter for snacks. Prepping all my food at the beginning of the week made packing lunch a sinch: open Rubbermaid, insert chicken breast, top with 1/2 c rice, top with veggies and some seasonings. I ate all of this during the drive to and from Harrisburg! It’s amazing how much shorter the ride seems when you don’t have to stop for coffee, breakfast, lunch, snacks, etc. I spent time during the drive thinking of ideas for the blog and quickly realized that if I want to attract new readers beyond the few awesome NYC gals I need to give everyone something they can use. So, today I present to you…(in collaboration with YouTube)
Part 1: The PHYSIQUE 57 WORKOUT for the NON-NEW YORKER
For today’s first installment you will need nothing other than your body and a yoga mat or carpeted area. This segment focuses on your abs and legs. I highly recommend watching the segment once through before you attempt it. Also, during last night’s class I was given some great critiques that i’ll pass on to you, my readers.
1)Whenever doing ab exercises you MUST continue to breathe. If you are holding your breath you are pushing your abs out which will result in firm abs that protrude versus flatter abs. The instructor said that breathing during ab exercises insures that you are using the abs evenly.
2) During any exercise that engages your core focus on bringing your belly button in to your backbone versus “sucking it in”. This will work more muscles.
Get your hand weights ready because tomorrow’s post will focus on the arms! 🙂
