Spicing It Up + Over Bodypump

Posted: October 19, 2011 at 9:08 am

So. Um. Wow!

I’m pretty speechless after the response to yesterday’s post. It’s a tough spot to be in because part of me hates to give less to something I care so deeply about. However, I also know that I care more about other things – like my family and my own health. If that means letting go of control in order to have my goals and passions in line with my values, then I know I must. Thanks for everything. You don’t know just how much you all mean to me.

Now…let’s move on. Things may have to change a bit, but I’m for sure not leaving!

I’ve been in the mood to spice things up lately.

Spicing Up The Eats

Remember that fair thing we did this weekend? Yea. I’m sure you do. I only showed 93714854189 million pictures of it. Remember this one?

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One of the vendors at the fair had a variety of local, homemade jellies and sauces for sale. For $6 a jar and a portion of each sale supporting a local school fundraiser, I knew I needed to grab some for home. I taste tested about every single one before finally settling on these two:

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A spiced apple chutney and a hot pepper jelly. MMMM! I almost went with a FROG (fig, raspberry, orange, and ginger) jam as well that a certain someone always raves about, but the spice called to me on Saturday. Perhaps because I had just satisfied my sweet tooth with a mondo funnel cake and needed to balance it out? Who me?

Good thing I went with the spice though. I have been absolutely loving it. I have even spiced up my standard oatmeal breakfast a few times this week. Things are getting crazy up in here!

I’ve been having an omelet with some pesto, feta cheese, and a large handful of spinach in its innards.

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Then, spicing it up with the pepper jelly.

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Two slices of nine grain and seed bread from the bakery – one with a smear of peanut butter and another with a thick layer of pepper jelly. My mouth was on fire and I was loving every minute of it. I foresee a new favorite in this combo! Maybe for lunch today? You know I can’t go without oats for too long. Winking smile

Spice Up The Workout (aka I’m Over Bodypump Type Classes)

Yesterday, in the midst of my overwhelmed feelings, I knew I needed to head out for a mind clearing workout session. I didn’t want to have to think much about my workouts, so I headed to the gym for some classes. I did a combo I used to frequent quite often – Group Power class (aka my gym’s Bodypump) and Group Ride class (aka cycle). I had a lot of steam to blow off obviously.

I started off in Group Power class and within 10 minutes of the workout, I found myself looking at the clock to see how much longer I had left. Blech.

I was not smiling like in that ^ old school preggo photo. ^

Here’s the thing – I like Group Power, Bodypump, and other group weights classes for many reasons.

  • not having to plan a workout
  • mixing things up with the endurance style training
  • using a different tempo for exercises for a new challenge

But besides those things I am soooo over it! It’s just so BORING to me! Yea. I said it.

  • It’s the same moves every single class.
  • I like using different equipment.
  • It always feels like I don’t get a great workout because I can never get the “just right” weight. For example, my back and neck make me use lighter weight in the legs track because they don’t like a bar on them for 3+ minutes. That leaves me not lifting heavy enough for my legs to really feel it. And with a sore neck. Grrrrr.

Long story short – I want to find something new for my strength training! I’m getting very bored with the same ole stuff and I want to spice it up!

I’ve tossed around the idea of Jillian Michaels’ Making The Cut or doing one of the New Rules of Lifting workout routines. If I could hire a trainer or afford a Cross Fit gym, I would so be there. Basically, I need a change. A change that doesn’t require me thinking or planning. A change that forces me out of my comfort zone and keeps things new and exciting. I need to spice it up, folks!

  • Do you like spicy foods?
  • What’s something new I should try to spice up my strength training?

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86 Comments to “Spicing It Up + Over Bodypump”
  1. Carly says:

    I couldn’t agree more about body pump! SOOOO boring!!! I don’t get how people can go multiple times a week!

  2. Brittany says:

    I love classes but I haven’t been going as much because I was bored too!! That jam looks soo good! I just had an omelet ;D You could do some circuit workouts or use different equipment, body weight, etc.

  3. rhonda says:

    I’ve been experimenting crossfit exercises for the first time-man they are something you have to get used to! the risk of injury is high at first…..

  4. This is a tough one! Maybe develop your own choreography for your ability?

  5. Tina, I’m catching up on months of posts (crazy schedule!) and your post from yesterday totally spoke to me. I go all out – and then crash and burn – because I have so much that I’m interested in! I’m in grad school full time and do a billion other things – and I always say “yes” to things, which I’m getting better at recognizing those habits, but it’s hard! Thanks for sharing and writing that post. It was a reminder that I can always readjust because my values should be number one – and just a sidenote, you said they happen every 3-4 weeks. Don’t underestimate hormone cycles! 😉 Hugs to you!

  6. I’ve never taken body pump before but I am actually dying to because I am so clueless when it comes to strength training that I really need the guidance.

    Jullian Michael’s No More Trouble Zones or Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism are two killer workout DVDs that incorporate strength with some cardio and are AMAZING workouts. I can barely walk for a day or two after I do them!

  7. Emma says:

    I am sooooo there with you on the need for a planned strength training routine. The classes don’t do anything for me but I don’t feel like I am putting together adequate “plans” for strength training on my own or just don’t have the time to do so. Nor do I have the $ for a trainer. I often look to blogs for others routines but then I spend my time looking up all the moves and feeling like I’m doing it wrong. However I did do the NROLFW stage 1 & 2 and liked it. No thinking and challenging weight but put it on pause until after my half because I was getting too sore. Hope you find something that works for ya!

  8. You should try doing some moves on TRX bands…they’re fun and super challenging!

  9. Lisa says:

    I want something new too. I’m bored. But I hate taking classes!

  10. I hate classes too – i get bored sooo fast! I like to try a new blog workout once a week. Everyone is doign something different and blogging about it – so I pick one – surprise my husband and we do it together…they are always HARD and it keeps things fresh!
    xoxo from Trinidad

  11. I just said the other day how Body Pump isn’t my thing…I mean, I love the group environment, but its too much of the same thing and way too many reps!

    What about signing up for a new class? Perhaps something out of your comfort zone?

    Or do you have access to a TRX or kettlebells? That could change up your strength training.

    • Tina says:

      Unfortunately my gym only has the same basics and not much variety for classes. There is a great looking boot camp my gym runs…but its extra $$$. Like $100/month!

  12. Keren says:

    Tina- You should try Chalene Johnson’s Chalean Extreme. I have consistently been using the strength training dvds for over 3 years and I never get bored. Sometimes I too switch it up and I always come back to Chalene. If you like Turbo Jam, you will like these dvds too.

    Happy hunting for a new workout! Let us know what you decide to do.

  13. I’m super behind on blog reading so I just read your heart-to-heart. If you did ever choose to stop blogging, I’d totally understand, but I hope you don’t. You’d have to email me periodically about how much faster your running has gotten! 😉

    I’m with you on bodypump type classes. I always feel so anxious in those classes, thinking, “ah, I need more weight, but do I have time to change the weight? Am I going to regret this later?” <–Not worth it 😉

  14. Anna Marie says:

    I have to spice up my workouts from time to time to stop from getting bored. I am actually a big plan of body pump but at my school the work out classes change each semester. This makes it so that burn out does not occur.

    I went through a HUGE Zumba phase with going 3 times a week, wearing the apparel and constantly encouraging my friends to go to classes with me…but now when I go I am just so bored and not as into it. I rotate DVDs that I do frequently. I love the Firm DVD series.

  15. Ana Maria says:

    Hey Tina – so nice to see another post from you! 🙂 You’re awesome. As for boring workouts, have you tried The Women’s Health Book of Exercises? I find it amazing for looking at different moves or versions of standard moves and love brainstorming workouts looking through it! It also comes with workouts at the back. But I’m sure that any other weight-training guide would also be great!
    Or you could try a dance class. I’m taking belly-dancing and it is SO fun and sexy!

  16. I will flat-out admit that even as an instructor (although not a BP one) I’m over Pump just like you, for the same reasons. Have you tried kettlebell training yet? I love it as a good way to mix up my strength training, especially because so many of the moves engage your whole body, not just one or two muscle groups in isolation. Give it a go! 🙂

  17. Amy says:

    Tina! I am so sad that you considered quitting the blog! Although it takes me ages to catch up on everyone’s posting I love coming here and reading what is going on, you have a wonderful perspective on things and sometimes it is as if you are speaking about feelings about eating and such that I have had in the past. That being said, it is so important that you are able to detect that point where everything becomes too much. Having an outlet to divert that stress and decrease the pressure on yourself to be perfectly dedicated to all your passions is very important. It is wonderful that you are able to talk to your husband and get support and consider the options for how to decrease that stress on yourself.
    Perhaps decreasing how frequently you post might be an option. Whatever you decide, thank you for sharing friend 🙂

  18. Denise says:

    No I so not like spicy foods – you can only taste the spice and drown out the taste of the food.

  19. How about a yoga sculpt class? They do them at corepower yoga, and you can stream the classes on their website … I’ve been thinking of doing them myself 🙂 Yoga with weights? I’m curious! 😛 xyx

  20. Deb N. says:

    Hi Tina! I didnt read through all the comments so I dont know if this was already mentioned but I love Chalene Extreme. I was also to a point where I just didnt want to think about my ST but I feared I wouldnt get enough from a home dvd & I am not into classes at the gym. These dvd’s are awesome. I am still in the Burn phase so I cant say anything about the two other phases but 3 weeks into these & I am stronger already. I love every minute of it. And it kicks my booty everytime! Hope you find something that you love! Oh yeah, they are also shorter in length ( a little over 30 minutes each).

  21. […] had a savory craving…more accurately a hot pepper jelly craving…and I […]

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