A Pret Surprise and Workout Happy Hour

*Don’t forget to enter my Pearly Whites giveaway here!**
Yesterday our office was a ghost town due to multiple all day meetings taking place. This was the perfect environment for a productive Friday. In addition, yesterday’s cloudy skies made me happy that it was Friday intsead of Saturday. My ideal week is when it’s overcast Monday through Friday morning and then gorgeous Friday evening through Sunday evening. I know, that’s demanding a lot but a girl can dream can’t she.
Lauren suggested we try somewhere new for lunch since we both normally have a big salad every day. We’ve tried almost everywhere within a block or two of our office but I realized I’d never journeyed into Pret. She was craving one of their baguette sandwiches so we headed that way. The place was packed! I was immediately impressed with their salad and sandwich assortment. Pret is the perfect lunch spot for people who want quick combination options to go. For example, their sandwiches are all offered in full or half portions and they have both large and small salad options. I quickly chose the beautiful tuna nicoise salad as I was craving something a little different.
It was even more gorgeous when I opened it back at the office. My lovingly handmade salad was absolutely divine and the fresh cucumber and olive flavors blended with the egg and tuna perfectly. I loved that the lettuce base was arugula which provided a peppery flavor combination. This hearty salad packed a whopping 30 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and 310 calories. The lemon shallot dressing I chose to top the salad had a great rich flavor that highlighted the freshness of the salad. I only needed 1/4 of the container since the salad’s flavors and freshness stood wonderfully alone.
Unfortunately, my soup choice was not quite as delicious. I was intrigued by their miso soup and decided to try it instead of their chicken soup. However, my medium miso soup included ONE measley piece of tofu and maybe four pieces of kale. It was an utter failuer and left me immediately regretting my choice.
I only had three sips before pouring the rest down the drain. Luckily I had a bag of Baked Lays in my desk drawer that were able to jump in as a perfect backup.
Bo and I decided to meet at Equinox after work since we’d set the alarm clock for PM versus AM that morning. We thought it’d be fun to take their Body Conditioning class together before staying for half of a spin class to ensure we had a great Friday workout before our date night. We both rushed from work to make it in time for the class only to find a room packed to the gills! I forgot how much room step platforms and weight equipment takes up in a studio. I’ve become accustomed to group yoga classes which only have a mat and block as tools. I have mentioned on Twitter and the blog lately how much i’ve been missing Body Pump. Since I thought this would be very similar to Body Pump I fought the urge to leave and made myself a spot. The class was described as:
Informed by the latest findings in exercise science and functional exercises, instructors focus on strengthening and fine-tuning major muscle groups. This cutting-edge workout makes use of various equipment.

Carl was a hilarious instructor who kept the class interesting and the music flowing. His attitude was light hearted and he wanted to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves since after all it was a Friday night. The class was not Body Pump but it was cutting edge and focused the majority of the time on my “trouble areas” of arms and thighs. I enjoyed the class and will most likely make it a weekly addition. His spin class directly following was VERY intense filled with climbs and sprint intervals. At the thirty minute mark my thighs were screaming and I was more than elated to head out since Bo and I had to shower before our dinner reservations. Overall, we both LOVED working out together on a Friday night. It was a great way to start the evening, refresh our energy which is often drained after a long Friday, and feel relaxed and happy before going out!

Our surprise date night post will come later this afternoon, after our spur of the moment long run is completed. We just found out that the leasing office will be showing OUR apartment ALL day today since we’re the only apartment available with a May 1 lease that offers a balcony. Lovely. Glad we cleaned this morning. Hmmph! The bears ARE NOT HAPPY with this sudden change of plans. Oh well, long run here I come!


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Physique 57 for the non-New Yorker

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.

Saddlebags Workout

Famous Thigh Dancing

The Rockette

Get your hand weights ready because tomorrow’s post will focus on the arms! 🙂

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