Turkey muffins

It took me almost a year, but I finally made it back 😉

Crossfit  1 of 1 2

(Thanks to my friend Megan for waking up early to be tortured with me)

I’ve been wanting to go back to CrossFit for a while, but it hasn’t worked out with my schedule. I know that if you want something bad enough you need to take the steps to make it happen, so I guess I haven’t wanted it that badly. They don’t have traditional child care – there’s a baby-gated area with toys, but I’m sure Liv would stand at the gate like a prisoner, crying and bellowing, “Mama! MAMA!” over the AC/DC music- and the Pilot is at work during most of the CrossFit Lite classes. (I don’t ask family to watch Liv while I work out because they help so much as it is, especially while I’m at work.)

When I took my first CrossFit class ever, instead of hitting up the beginner (lite) option, I messed up the schedule and went to a regular class. A few friends who are CrossFit regulars said I should be fine, and to modify if I needed to. Welp, I found out afterwards that you HAVE to take the beginner classes. So this time I was determined to do it right. I triple-checked the schedule, then woke up bright and early to head to CF lite with my friend Megan.

Here’s what we did:

Warmup:

Foam roll

200m run

200m row

Crossfit  1 of 1

2 sets, 10 reps of the following:

Ring rows

Side lunges

Storkes

“Thunderstruck” warm-up (a short variation; you do a burpee every time they say “Thunder!” in the song)

For the actual WOD (workout of the day), we did 1/2 of the workout called “Nicole,” alternating between 200m runs and pull-ups (or ring rows) for maximum reps, as many rounds as we could complete in 10 minutes. The full version of Nicole is 20 minutes, with a longer run (400m).

I did 5 rounds in the 10 minutes… and wanted more when it was over. The purpose of the “lite” option is to learn the movements, but some workouts (like Nicole) are fairly basic; the full version is just longer in duration and/or distance. My fitness level is there, and I could have continued to go for 20 minutes, so in that sense I felt a little cheated. In my dream world, there would be an in-between option with thorough explanation for the exercises, but the ability to complete the full workout.

One thing that I loved about the lite class was that I always knew what was going on. My first class was extremely overwhelming, fast-paced, and I ended up skipping a majority of the warmup because I was so confused. Yesterday, it was so nice to be coached along the way. I’m going to attend my next beginner class for a more complicated WOD and hopefully after a few more, hopefully I’ll be able to graduate to the regular option.

I still don’t see CrossFit becoming my #1 workout, but I love the functional workouts, camaraderie between the participants, and the ability to push it to the max. I’ve done many CrossFit-style workouts in my own gym since my first class, but there’s something to be said about the motivational group atmosphere + some friendly competition.

I picked up a Groupon for 10 classes, which will encourage me to go more often than every year, along with my CrossFit buddy 🙂

Since we already talked about strength, how about some protein to go with that?

I thought I’d share a snack I’ve been enjoying lately; it’s been exciting to switch things up from my egg and jerky obsession.

These little turkey muffins are perfect alone with some mustard/ketchup or great in a wrap or salad.

Turkey muffins  1 of 1 3

-1 lb ground turkey

-1 C gf oats

-1 egg + 1 egg white

-1/2 t mustard powder

-1/2 t garlic powder

-1/4 t cumin

-sea salt

-pepper

-drizzle of hot sauce

I combined the ingredients in a large bowl, scooped into a greased muffin tin and baked for 35 minutes at 350.

Turkey muffins  1 of 1

Another fun variation: these turkey lentil muffins.

I’m packing up afew to take to work with me today — it’s ZUMBA time!

Turkey muffins  1 of 1 2

Hope you have a lovely morning.

xoxo

Gina

Have you ever tried CrossFit? If you could pick ONE all-time favorite workout, what would you choose? That’s a tough one for me because there are so many that I love, but my top 3 are Zumba, barre and yoga.

Yoga thumb1

*Summer Shape Up friends, be sure to check in with workout #1 + today’s hill challenge! (Cardio details are on the intro page) @fitnessista or leave a comment to let us know how it went <3

Post Navigation:

96 Comments

  1. caitlin on June 5, 2013 at 4:20 pm

    so far so good this week! just checking in (to hold myself accountable tonight ;)) getting workout 1 in after work tonight and going to modify the hill workout with a stairs workout! looking forward to rest day already!

  2. Mary Kathryn on June 5, 2013 at 4:25 pm

    workout 1 was a little easier today! yay! and I did an RPM (cycle) class as well

  3. Erica on June 5, 2013 at 4:31 pm

    Hi all! I’m making the vegan chocolate chip cookies this afternoon and am so excited to try a new recipe! Can I substitute Stevia for either if not both of the organic sugars?!

    🙂 thanks!
    -E

    • Fitnessista on June 5, 2013 at 4:34 pm

      i haven’t tried it but i’d definitely recommend keeping the brown sugar

  4. Kristen on June 5, 2013 at 4:39 pm

    Workout 1 & hills challenge DONE! The push-ups KILL me. I’ve never been good at them. Hoping to change that. 🙂

    • Fitnessista on June 5, 2013 at 4:45 pm

      great job!! i’m trying to get better at pushups too 🙂

  5. Jess on June 5, 2013 at 5:36 pm

    I have just started CrossFit and am already obsessed! I’m four weeks off a half marathon and I still love running but the group aspect and pushing myself to the max have made me want to go every day! It is addictive!

  6. Ashlee@HisnHers on June 5, 2013 at 5:55 pm

    I havent seen that Crossfit workout! Looks fun and like it wouldnt absolutely kill me. But then again they all do. AND then again thats the fun of it right?

  7. Ellie on June 5, 2013 at 6:01 pm

    Day 1, 2 and now 3 complete. Definitely feeling it!! Great to have a set workout/plan for the day. I do have to admit that my dinner was not summer shape up friendly. Celebrated my husband’s birthday dinner at a new to us French restaurant here in Paris.

  8. Sarah Jane on June 5, 2013 at 6:08 pm

    I did the workout this morning, and my legs are starting to feel it! I am so loving the SSU still and am looking forward to next week 🙂

  9. Lindsay on June 5, 2013 at 6:23 pm

    Those turkey muffins look awesome! I want to make them tonight! Did you put the oats in for flavor or a structural purpose? I’ve been trying to follow a Paleo diet and would like to eliminate them if possible. 🙂

  10. Mandy M on June 5, 2013 at 6:28 pm

    Busted out WO 1 again this morning. Still hate those jump squats. Love how sweaty and accomplished I feel in such a short span of time. Great combo of strength and cardio.

  11. Vera on June 5, 2013 at 6:42 pm

    Loving summer shape up. The workout today was awesome. Went to the gym at lunch from work. So nice to have a plan when I get there. Looking forward to the next 4 weeks.

  12. Katie on June 5, 2013 at 7:14 pm

    Work out 1 and hill challenge done! Feeling very challenged and accomplished so far! Love it!

  13. Maria@The_Brooklyn_Fig on June 5, 2013 at 7:43 pm

    Tough question, but if I had to pick one, it’d be Spinning!

  14. Kady on June 5, 2013 at 8:29 pm

    Workout #1 + hill repeats outside in the rain felt great today! It was challenging in a good way. I’ve tried CrossFit a few times and loved the workouts and motivation from the group. However, I don’t believe it’s the end-all-be-all of fitness like a few CF’ers I have met with that attitude suggest. Plus it’s so expensive. I do like to incorporate the style into my workouts once in a while.

  15. Erin on June 5, 2013 at 8:55 pm

    Just finished today’s workout! Those tri-dips at the end kill me!

  16. Kelley on June 5, 2013 at 9:09 pm

    Did Workout 1 today and holy.jello.legs.

  17. Megan S. on June 5, 2013 at 9:11 pm

    Hills definitely have my hamstrings feeling it!

  18. Kim McDevitt, MPH RD on June 5, 2013 at 9:23 pm

    I just also wrote about my crossfit experience!!! Definitely hard, and out of my comfort zone but I know i need to go back! Your post is definitely motivating me! http://theloudandclear.com/2013/06/05/the-time-i-did-crossfit/

  19. Amanda on June 5, 2013 at 9:57 pm

    Finally squeezed in today’s workout. Loving it! Especially that last combo with the tricep dips!!

  20. Melissa on June 5, 2013 at 10:27 pm

    Just finished and really liking workout 1!

  21. Siobhan on June 5, 2013 at 10:38 pm

    Finished workout 1 and hills! Feeling sweaty and great. The squat jumps are hardest for me, but I’m getting a little better at them as I go.

    • Abby a on June 6, 2013 at 2:18 am

      Me too! Go girl!

  22. Alice on June 5, 2013 at 10:49 pm

    WO1 done, will do cardio tomorrow, along with 1 hr swim and yoga! I also made your turkey muffins- so good!

  23. Jaime on June 5, 2013 at 10:53 pm

    Workout 1 and Hills were fantastic!! (Looking forward to tomorrow’s rest though!)

  24. Christina on June 5, 2013 at 10:54 pm

    Workout 1 and hills are complete.. Lets hope I can walk tmr 🙂

  25. Laura @ A Girl's Gotta Balance on June 5, 2013 at 11:19 pm

    I was pleasantly surprised today that workout 1 felt a little easier!

  26. Corina K on June 5, 2013 at 11:33 pm

    Man oh man, I think I sweat more today than I have in the past year! I will never underestimate tricep dips again…those are killers!

  27. Kristi on June 6, 2013 at 1:01 am

    Day 3 of SSU went well- took me about 55 min-360 cal burned!

  28. Abby a on June 6, 2013 at 2:17 am

    Loving summer shape up so far!! Day 3 and I already feel stronger! But, is it just me, or does anyone else feel like a total dork having the stair master at its maximum incline?! I feel like people are looking at me like WTF?! but I don’t care- I’m going to have a nice tush 😉

  29. Maria on June 6, 2013 at 2:36 am

    SSU workout #1 was much better than Monday’s! (But my legs are still a bit sore). I’m out of town for the summer and using a different gym than I’m used to; I think I finally found an out-of-the-way area I can do all my SSU “moves” 🙂 Used the treadmill for the hill challenge and am hoping to hit up a yoga class soon to stretch out.

  30. Michelle on June 6, 2013 at 5:16 am

    Did workout #1 this morning and the Hill Challenge for 30 minutes tonight on the treadmill. Started with a set walking, next several sets running, and ended with another set walking to cool down. I haven’t run in forever and my hip flexors were KILLING just 5 minutes in. I stretched them out for a good 5 minutes afterwards. I’m loving the variation in the Summer Shape Up workouts and look forward to what next weeks workouts are. Thanks Gina!

  31. Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat on June 6, 2013 at 9:22 am

    I’ve never done crossfit, but I’ve heard SO much about it. It sounds super intense! I’m not sure if it’s something I would like or not. Right now I’m doing Zumba and I LOVE it! Definitely my top workout pick too! I’ve been considering becoming and Zumba instructor because I love it so much! I feel so free when I’m there and it helps relieve all my stress from the day.

    Love the turkey muffin recipe! Can’t wait to try it!

    • Megan on June 6, 2013 at 3:26 pm

      Check out my comment below-but crossfit is totally scalable! Anyone can do it! It’s usually a workout for time, or a timed workout where you see how much you can finish. Everyone is able to work at their own pace, pick their own weights and do their best.

      Plus, it’s more friendly than any group fitness atmosphere (except maybe Zumba). Everyone is welcoming, friendly, and ready to help you succeed.

      I hope you find a crossfit gym in your area and love it as much as I do!

      (And get Zumba certified…. you’ll love that too!)

  32. kathy on June 6, 2013 at 10:32 am

    I love that workout 1. I did that with a leg workout and the hill challenge. Thankyou so much.
    Now I just need to work more on my food.
    Kathy

  33. Kristina g. on June 6, 2013 at 12:30 pm

    I LOVE crossfit! I hope to one day become a coach and compete. =)

    I also love how strong I’ve become the last 6 months and all the comments on my newly buff arms is motivation to keep going! Beauty is strength.

    i follow paleo living as well…could i ommit the oats for coconut flour? say…a tablespoon?

  34. Josie on June 6, 2013 at 2:20 pm

    Good to hear about your 2nd time at crossfit! I’ve never tried it but still am intimidated by it 🙁 I’m currently in my strength training with Jamie Eason’s 12-week Livefit trainer porgram, so hopefully after getting stronger (muscular speaking), I may give crossfit a try.

    Also, what a coin-y-a-dink! I just posted my Turkey Apple Meatloaf Muffin recipe this morning! 😀

  35. Megan on June 6, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    Workout buddies are the best! 🙂

    I’m glad we went, but “Nicole” was kindof a boring workout anyways, even if we’d done the full. Part of that I’m sure was because they didn’t offer the band-assisted pull up, and Ring Rows are just too easy in comparison to a real pull up.

    I understand why your hard-core friends wanted you to try the “lite” first, but most CrossFit gyms don’t even have that option-Purgatory is unique in that sense.

    For anyone who has been too intimidated to try CrossFit… every move is scalable-modifiable-adjustable so that you can be successful even if you haven’t mastered the “skill” listed in the workout. Todays example was a ring row instead of a pull up, but it applies to every crossfit movement.

    Gina-you’re ready for the real deal, I saw it myself. 🙂

  36. Jaime on June 6, 2013 at 5:51 pm

    Loving week 1 of the SSU! The pain is a good pain that I haven’t felt in a while and it’s long over due. I am enjoying the day of rest though. Looking forward to Day 5 and seeing what’s in store for week 2.

  37. Ruthie on June 7, 2013 at 9:33 am

    Whoops, completely forgot to check in on this workout. Actually had to split up the workout over 2 days cause of a time crunch. Did Workout #1 on Weds, and the hill challenge on Thursday. Plus a little bonus mini-yoga session Thursday.

  38. Mian Dela Cruz on June 7, 2013 at 10:49 am

    I’ve been cf-ing for the past 4 months and loving it!!!!

  39. IgKC on June 9, 2013 at 4:02 pm

    Gina, did you ever make a veg turkey roll when you ate vegetarian? Curious if there’s a good alternative. I can always experiment but if there is already a tested recipe, I’d love it!

  40. Amanda on July 15, 2013 at 11:54 pm

    Thanks for the turkey meatloaf recipes. I love meatloaf muffins and the turkey is really good! Check out my blog to see my version: eathardworkhard.blogspot.com 🙂

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.