Thinking outside the “box”
You may have seen CrossFit on my tentative workout schedule every week for the past, ummm, couple of months?
Well, even with the best intentions, I still haven’t made it back.
There are so many different class options, but no early morning beginner classes. I really want to learn all of the lifts/techniques and the beginner’s class hasn’t worked out with the Pilot’s schedule (I don’t like to ask the fam to come over and watch Liv while I workout- they help so much while I’m at work, and it’s feasible for me to go at night or in the am). If it were *really* important to me, I’d find a way to make it work, but to be honest: it’s not. I would like to learn more about CrossFit and incorporate as a casual part of my fitness routine (not saying anything about the workout is casual- quite the opposite- but that it wouldn’t matter to me if I added or skipped it that week).
Since Tuesdays are usually my HIIT/strength day, I figured it would be fun to do today’s WOD (Workout of the Day) at the gym, since I was familiar with all of the moves and knew it would be an intense, quick workout.
Here’s what my version of this workout would look like:
-Warm-up: run 5 minutes
-EMOM: 5 bear complex (this move right here, doing one round every minute on the minute. This means if you finish 1 round in 30 seconds, you have 30 seconds to rest before starting the next round)
3 rounds for time:
400m run
15 kettlebell swings (probably my current favorite workout move- big-time booty burner and great way to get the heart rate up)
12 box jumps (I’d use a low box… I’ve broken my nose enough times thankyouverymucho)
Note the “would” above because it was a teething night for Liv, so we spent most of the night cuddling in the nursery together. There was no way I could do it when the early alarm went off. I’m hoping to make it to the gym later tonight, but if it doesn’t happen, I’m going to give it a whirl on my lunch break tomorrow.
Beautiful memories of last night’s Thanksgiving dinner:
The Pilot and I were still dying for day-after-Thanksgiving sandwiches (stuffing, turkey, cranberry, lettuce and goat cheese on bread… omgggg) so I made a mini version of the meal. Even though it didn’t do the legit Thanksgiving extravaganza justice, it will work nicely for the intended purposes.
Chicken in the slow cooker- organic and already brined (thank you, Joe the Trader!), with lemon, garlic and rosemary inside, herbed butter, sea salt, pepper and paprika on top. Cooked on low for 8 hours and it was the easiest, tastiest chicken I’ve made.
With stuffing (basically my quinoa stuffing with a loaf of chopped Udi’s bread instead of quinoa and the broth from the chicken to cook), spinach, cranberry sauce and baked sweet potatoes.
Just as you all are probably done with your Thanksgiving leftovers, we’re just getting started….
Tonight is a sushi party at our house, so it should be a blast. On the menu: sushi rolls (from Sushi Garden), with homemade miso soup and salad with ginger dressing. I was trying to think of a good dessert option, but pizookie is always the answer 😉
I hope you’re all enjoying the week so far <3
See ya later on the Family page with Liv’s turkey lentil loaf recipe.
xoxo
Gina
Latest on the Fashion page: my first StitchFix
*Only a few days left of Namaste November! Let’s end it with a bang 🙂 Don’t forget: the winner (chosen by random, the more you check in, the higher your chance of winning) gets a $200 lululemon gift card. I have another challenge lined up for December- I think it’s gonna be a good one.
Something to think:
Something to talk about: Does anyone else do CrossFit WODs at their gym or somewhere else? I think if you’re comfortable with the moves, it’s a great option, but I always thrive from group energy so I could see how it would be more fun and motivating to take a class.
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Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches = BEST FOOD EVER!
Once, while I was in high school, I recreated Thanksgiving everyday through February. It was the best Thanksgiving ever.
Hi Gina!
I love how honest you are. Some people may not post when they don’t accomplish what they’d “promised” us readers that they would do. You are a normal person with a new baby and it’s refreshing to hear about the times when you just can’t do what you’d planned to do. I don’t have a baby but I find myself in those situations because of, well, LIFE. It’s important not to feel guilty when the baby teeths or the fiance’s car needs to be brought into the shop and the gym has to wait.
LOVING el bloggo. 🙂
I adore Thanksgiving leftovers. Luckily we still have some in the fridge – although the variety is dwindling. I think we should make Thanksgiving food more than once a year because it is sooo good and then you don’t have to cook for days afterwards, which I love!
that’s what tom was saying yesterday- it needs to happen at least twice a year. maybe a june thanksgiving too? 😉
You and I have a similar approach to the CF trend. My boyfriend is a CF trainer (though he’s actually a power lifter, not a CFer) so I’ve had a lot of exposure to these style workouts, the box mentality, paleo/primal dieting, and the results that can be achieved from sticking to this lifestyle. I’ve also decided that it’s not *really* for me. I’ve incorporated parts of these kinds of workouts to my own routine but never fully converted.
I think part of it is that I prefer to workout alone and the idea of a crowded sweaty gym full of people makes me want to skip my workout entirely, and the other part is that as a vegan I’m never going to adopt the whole lifestyle so I don’t really see the point of dipping more than just a toe in the water… 🙂
Looking forward to giving your adapted workout a try though!
I just made a whole chicken in the slow cooker over the weekend and it was hands down the best ever, plus plenty of leftovers to go in a soup the next day! WIN!
The thought of jumping straight onto a box does not sound like my idea of fun and I would probably fall on my face!
I started crossfit three weeks ago and I absolutely love it. That’s not to say that I don’t get nervous pretty much every day before I go and work out, but afterwards I feel so accomplished and I know I’ve pushed myself to the max. I also love love love the camaraderie with the other members. From day one everyone was so supportive and encouraging. I felt like I wanted to learn all of the moves prior to really getting into it as well, but really you totally learn as you go, and from what I understand most gyms are like mine, in that there are multiple certified instructors in the classes and they are usually more than willing to help you out prior and during the WOD. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve talked to that finally tried it out seriously and then stated multiple times that they wished they had started sooner because they love it so much. I’m a total addict now if you can’t tell 🙂
I will say though, you are obviously very self-motivated in your workouts and you seem to like a good mix. I will push myself hard when I’m by myself, and I sometimes do the WOD at the base gym instead of going to the box because it’s on the other side of town. However, I can tell, when I’m by myself, I probably push 85% compared to what I would do if I was actually in the class. It’s just a whole different, and awesome, mentality and atmosphere.
Is it OK to use a dumbbell instead of a kettlebell for swings? My little gym is kettlebell-less, but I’ve been afraid to drop a dumbbell or fling it right into the mirror!
I use a dumbbell….just hold on!
Great quote at the end and I love this workout. I will definitely have to give it a shot!
I do a lot of the ZWOWs that are posted on YouTube. I have started using this style of workout in my daily routines, but I am not really a crossfit junkie. I love to run my half marathons/marathons/ultras while I still have the time to do it. I have really tried to focus on getting my heart rate up while working out. Most of the time, I plan my # of exercises and put burpees/jump rope/tabata type exercises in between. Some days I have 4 exercises (3 RFT) for a quick workout and other days, I have 15 exercises (1-2 Rounds) that will take about 40 mins to complete. Going to the gym and lifting without the cardio sets is kind of boring now. My gym is at a firehouse and most of the time I am alone. I can act a fool and no one knows!:) lol
I just LOLED at the comment about Joe the Trader! Haha! So jealous that you are having a sushi party, I loveeee sushi!
I like crossfit style workouts but like you it does not fit into my schedule. I think it would be fun to do it a few times here and there, but I don’t love heavy lifting. I am much more into zumba, pilates and running!
I haven’t done sushi in a while. You might have just inspired me 🙂
We had a crossfit gym at our previous military post that we could use for free. Is that what you have access too? There weren’t official “classes”, but people would work out together in groups. We had plenty of trainers (including my husband) who could assist in proper form in technique. When the gym closed for almost a year for renovations (!), we bought some equipment to do the workouts at home or we would do the WODs at a regular gym. It wasn’t the same intensity, but it worked out great since I was pregnant anyways:) Since PCSing, our local box doesn’t offer classes that suit our schedule (two afternoon/early evening class options that I would need to get a sitter for–not happening). Also, I love the atmosphere of the box, but I don’t think I would do it every day. I like variety, and while I know that’s what Crossfit boasts, I like some less intense days in my routine. Do you have a friend you could do Crossfit workouts with? That’s how I got started initially. My friend was very knowledgable about the Olympic lifts, and we motivated each other a lot without the need for a bigger group class. And even though I’ve been doing Crossfit workouts for almost 3 years, I just now can do a correct clean and jerk. They take so much practice to avoid injury!
Looking forward to trying your modified workout!
All those leftovers look so yummy! I swear that’s the best part of the holidays!
Pizookie is a perfect way to end ANY meal!
Just looking at a cross fit studio scares me! No pretty treadmills and TV’s set up?! Good for you 🙂
I have been wanting to have a sushi night at home for a while now…i love sushi! On a whim we stopped by a little place by our house and got it to go and it was terrible and expensive! I hate spending money on food when it’s soooo not worth it!! Bummer…hopefully our next sushi night will be much better!
Just curious what kind of cuts of chicken you used? Breasts/thighs, everything? Or one kind? Love the simple dinner idea!
i used an entire chicken 🙂 it was super easy and so good!
Yum that dinner looks great! I really wanted to get into CrossFit but the only thing holding me back was the cost. Even with a student discount, I just can’t handle that cost right now!
How heavy of a weight do you think you’ll use for the emom thing? I am so intimidated by bar weights and would rather use dumbbells anyday…ahhh
Love Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches – best comfort food! Your chicken sounds amazing!!! I have a hard time getting myself to a CrossFit box also. I’ve wanted to start doing it, but the times for beginners don’t work with my toddler’s existence (LOL) or my husband’s work schedule and I’m with you – I don’t like asking for babysitters while I workout either.
I love how you are adapting CrossFit to your needs! That’s great that your box has a beginner’s class too as not many have that. I hope you make it back again soon or at least start adding into your HIIT schedule 🙂
Now that I’m farther along in my pregnancy, I quit my CrossFit gym and have just been doing modified crossfit workouts at the YMCA. While I miss the group atmosphere, it’s actually been good for me because I shouldn’t be pushing myself too hard right now (I’m due December 18!) and I get competitive around other people. Also, for anyone who’s interested, the CrossFit Moms website is very useful and has a lot of body weight workouts on it, which can be less intimidating if you’re newer to the Olympic style lifting movements. Here’s their website: http://www.crossfitmom.com/
Thank you for posting this website !!!
You’re welcome!
Dang it ! I never knew namaste November was a contest ! I’ve been so good sticking to it, I never make it through those month long “challenges”. Instead of writing out weekly schedule with specific classes and specific times, I’ve just been fitting it some hatha stretching whenever I can in the day. It has SAVED me this month I can’t believe i let my yoga practice go! It was really hard to Get back into it after ihad my baby (one year ago!) It’s like I put it off for so long but once I get back into regular classes I feel like I could never stop again ! So sad I missed out on the gift card but I’ve still benefited so much this month namaste November has been life changing literally . Thank you Gina <3
I can always tell a CrossFitter at my gym because of their mostly horrific form when lifting. I imagine they’re so used to it being timed, when they’re on their own at a normal gym, I’m afraid they’re going to drop something it’s so bad. Why risk injury with poor form?
Kudos for your honesty and remembering that the gym is only a small part of having a healthy life.
This is not related to this post but I just wanted to share this with you: I spent a lot of time over the past couple of days reading your earlier blog posts and I think it might have been a little bit life-changing… went out to buy a pair of running shoes and stocked my fridge with produce. So if I get super healthy and fit, I’ll have you to thank for it. Haha!
wow, that makes me so happy to hear! you will do it… and it will be all YOU- i’m just a cheerleader along the way 🙂
xoxo
I love doing WODs in my college gym! Using the Crossfit Youtube channel and the Reebok blog I get great WOD ideas and review the videos for proper form 🙂
xoxo, Grether
yum, your thanksgiving dinner pic made me hungry! my mom and i are actually going to do the same thing tomorrow because we didn’t take home any leftovers either and we’re dying for more turkey/stuffing =)
hope your sushi party goes well! if all else fails, you can always pick up some ice cream mochi at trader joe’s for dessert!
I’ve heard so much about Cross Fit! People who do it certainly seem to love it.
Your meal looks and sounds absolutely delicious! I may be making something very similar very soon!
I love Crossfit so much!! I live in Tucson and I do CrossFit at Platinum Fitness on Golf Links and Harrison. They have an early morning class at 7am monday-friday and they have night classes at 5 and 6pm monday-thursday. The night classes have childcare. They are all really great classes for beginners. They are also the cheapest in town. 🙂 It is a great group of people. The staff is all very friendly. The website is platinumfitnessusa.com. Not sure that’ll work for your schedule but maybe it’s something you might want to try. 🙂
I have never tried cross fit! I find it kind of intimidating and I’d have to get a babysitter just to go, so not really manageable.
Your sushi party sounds awesome!! Bit jealous! I love sushi!!!
I am terrified of crossfit. I have heard only great and amazing things about it, but looks very intense. But here the community only is worth it!
I feel like Crossfit is a lot like Bodyrock, which I discovered via you and I LOVE! I did Bodyrock 5 days a week for 7 months until I got into group fitness at GoodLife (Canadian gym franchise). Anyway, my boyfriend got into Crossfit during this time so when I would visit him and we wanted to workout together we’d do CF. It was a kick-butt workout but I didn’t feel it was worth going to the CF gym and paying the money. We made a lot of our own equipment with chairs, stairs, heavy items, etc. plus he had the basic weights/pull up bar. Whenever the workout would be something really different like rope climbs, we’d either search the iPhone app for a workout from a previous day or look for similar more do-able moves like say, walking push ups while pushing and pulling a sand bag between reps. Hope that helps 🙂
today i was doing burpee box jumps at the gym and this lady walked by and said “girl, I would break my face doing that”. I wasn’t sure if I was looking like a bad ass or a crazy person. Let’s hope I don’t break my face. Never really thought it would happen until she said that and you mentioned the nose possibilities. haha.
I’m in the same position with you for Crossfit. I haven’t had the time to fit it into my routine. I’ll have to look at the site for WODs to incorporate into my routine.
Sushi party sounds fun!! 🙂
Hi Gina,
I have only just discovered your blog and absolutely love it! I really enjoyed this post as I am always looking for new and exciting ways to work out! Even though I am from the UK I will definitely be taking your advice and will go out in search of new exercise classes! Also all of your food looks absolutely delicious! Keep up with the posts!
Claire
xxx
I feel the same way about CrossFit!
Mmm I love Thanksgiving food.. it’s good any day of the week! 🙂
How heavy of kettlebells are active and moderately strong people using. I am moving to Asia and want to take 1-2 kettlebells with me for these kinds of workouts as I am not sure what kind of gym options Ill have.