Caliente
Hi 🙂 Thank you so much for all of the amazing enthusiasm for this year’s Summer Shape Up! (Fashionably late to the party? Check out the intro post if you’d like to join in!) So many of you have done the first workout already and I’m glad to hear it was as challenging and fun for you as it was for me. Hopefully those biscuits were burning 😉 Don’t forget to check in at the end of this post when you complete your first circuit workout and HIIT for today.
Sunday afternoon, we decided to hit up the very picturesque Agua Caliente park to take Oliv to see the ducks.
Agua Caliente is an oasis in the middle of the desert. It’s funny because while you’re driving there it’s cactus, brown, dried-up desert and then BOOM: greenery, trees and water. I love the fact that the lake is filled with ducks and little turtles who like to poke their heads out of the water and look around.
It was Liv’s first time seeing ducks in real life (she’s only seen pics in her books and had to listen to me try to “quack.” Poor girl) and she was fascinated.
Of course, I was ready to make a quick escape the second a duck started looking scrappy… I had a traumatic run-in with a goose when I was about 3.
There were so many families at the park enjoying the day, BBQing and picnicking. We’re going to try and have a breakfast picnic one of these upcoming weekends.
As far as eats go, summer eats are in full swing since it’s a thousand degrees here.
Lots of smoothies, fruit
Salad beasts,
(that one had greens, turkey, lentils, brown rice bread “croutons,” tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and Meyer-lemon olive oil)
made a batch of banana-almond muffins to crumble on breakfast cookie cereal or smear with almond butter
and continue to cover everything in Cholula, which really has no season 😉
The Pilot snuck that photo of me yesterday: 100% immersed in my turkey wrap and the fact that I had to drizzle Cholula in after every bite.
I hit up a spin class yesterday afternoon and it KILLED me. The new watts/RPM bikes that we have at work are really effective… and make me feel like a slacker. I think about the days that I used to teach spin and then immediately teach Zumba afterwards and am hoping to get my cardio endurance back to that level over the next few months. Right now I could do one or the other, but both in a row would be a little cray.
Here’s one of the songs the instructor played yesterday- I love it. Perfect for heavy climbs or hills:
This morning, Liv and I are off to get some bday goodies for the madre- her birthday was yesterday but she was out of town.
Hope you have a wonderful day and I’ll see ya tonight with a recipe <3
xoxo
Gina
Something to talk about: Are there any animals you’re afraid of? I’m definitely afraid of German Shepherds since one bit me in the face when I was little, and my poor brother Trev was afraid of rabbits growing up – one bit his finger. If you asked him what sound a rabbit made, he would say “RAWR!!!” and stick his finger out. Very sad then, kinda funny now.
Also, please let me know if you have any new workout song loves! Since many of us will be hitting (HIITing) the gym today, a killer playlist always helps.
Something to do:
Did you do the first circuit workout + HIIT? How’d your eating go today? Leave a comment to check in so we can cheer each other on! Not doing the Shape Up? Check in anyway! I love to hear what you’re up to.
Shout outs to some of the amazing ladies who rocked it out yesterday: Joyce Fu, Lili, Mischa, Rachel C, Erin, Lindsay, Raya, Rebecca and Natalie!
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I’ve been loving on fruit lately, too. Primarily grapes and watermelon.
It must be the cutest thing to see a child experience something for the very first time. I can’t wait for that when I have little ones.
I’m terrified of big dogs. I don’t have a traumatic experience attached to that fear, but they always make me uneasy. I also used to be cripplingly afraid of elephants. Like, when my mom took me to the circus I used to scream and cry at the mere sight of one.
I’m afraid of chickens.
For a workout song, I’m in love with Drive By by Train.
chickens?! haha!! they are kinda scary!
I don’t like birds – just as a species they terrify me. I had one swoop down on me when I was a kid and nearly run into my head. I’ve been afraid ever since. haha!
I don’t really like birds either, but parrots in particular freak me out! I hate that they talk..creepy!
Spiders, snakes and roaches. All three freak me out. Big time!
-I am deathly afraid of snakes, even little tiny harmless snakes. You cannot pay me to go into a reptile room at the zoo. When I was little there was some made for TV movie called “Rattled”, obviously about rattle snakes. Whenever I have a nightmare, it usually has snakes it in, and I literally “see” them everywhere in my dream. I actually had said nightmare a couple of nights ago, and reached for my husband, who always kisses my forehead and snuggles me when I have that nightmate. Unfortunately, when I woke up I remembered, ‘oh yeah, he’s deployed”..which made me miss him even more :(.
-Workout 1/HIIT kicked my ass this morning!! LOVED IT!
Caterpillars really freak me out. I’m not exactly sure why, I can handle spiders and all other icky bugs but not caterpillars. They make me cringe.
I just got back from the gym and did both the workout and HIIT – wowwww I’m already a little sore! My arms were shaking by the end of the 2nd circuit.
I’m afraid of birds flying at my head – and I did 20 minutes of HIIT after workout 1 this morning before work and i was schweeattttinnnn 🙂 great workout!!! Although I really questioned my coordination on those push-up toe touches….
I really questioned my coordination on the step-ups + knee lifts. I was wobbling all over the place – what a sight for my fellow gym-goers! Definitely could work on that balance. Great workout – felt sweaty and awesome after!
It’s roasty over here too – my AC has been broken up until today so I’ve been all about the no-cook eats!! Thank goodness though, the repair dude tells me I can switch things on tonight and we’ll be chillin in no time.
Animals… I agree on the German Shepherds! They just LOOK mean! Other than that, I can’t say I’d want to encounter a snake, and spiders in the house always make me jump!
I’m scared of Canadian geese – they’re all over my campus and I’m scared they’ll attack me, so I’ll always turn around and choose a different route if I encounter them! 😛
I’m loving Ellie Goulding- Lights (bassnectar remix) for a good workout song –> http://soundcloud.com/bassnectar/ellie-goulding-lights-bassnectar-remix
Can’t wait to rock out to it while I try out the sweaty circuit + HIIT run on the track!
Did my first Summer Shape-up workout yesterday! All went pretty well, minus me kicking myself hard on the shin during the toe-touches. Bruise and bump appeared immediately. 🙁 But awesome workout!!!
I have an intense fear of rats and mice, so much that I dream about them at least once a week 🙁
I’m totally terrified of bees. Like I’ll freak out and start crying if they come near me. Not like I’m allergic or anything and I think I was stung once when I was little but I don’t remember it being traumatic or anything. I try to control it but every BBQ or dinner outside I’m a huge wuss.
I didn’t do yesterday’s workout as I was getting my burn on around 530 am, but I did do a mix of two of your workouts from SSU 2011. And instead of my usual warm up (jogging in place and jumping jacks at home), I went into the back yard and did a little sprinting and then jump roping on the deck. Fun way to switch it up!
I did workout 1 and my HIIT on the treadmill this morning. I was definitely sweaty but felt amazing after it.
great job, kristen!
Summer Shape-up KILLED me this morning. I had to take it a bit easy on the HIIT but my biscuits were definitely burning and my heart rate was up the entire circuit workout. I was a sweaty beast by the end 🙂
amazing 🙂
I am afraid of horses.. I got kicked by one when I was young so now I stay far away! Geese can be scary to they like to chase people!
Workout songs I love right now are “Starships” by Nicki Minaj, “PYT” by Michael Jackson (old school!), and “Call Me Maybe” (I know, predictable!).
love all of those!
Wow- picturesque indeed! Love the shape up workouts and music suggestions!
Embarassingly, spiders are my animal fear (if you classify them as animals)! I’m not too bad with most dogs, hiking in the middle of mountains with all the wild animals, or bees. But if I spider comes anywhere near me, I full on panic!
For old but good workout songs I love “chasing cars” and “run” by snow patrol. Great climb songs. Though an instructor yesterday played “run” as one of first songs and it was seated flat road. I was very confused. How can an instructor not understand the basics of song selection? 🙂
I am fearful of water bugs. Which are like giant cockroaches that can swim. When growing up in Baltimore, my parents house is older and had a lot of sand under their porch (which I guess is a hot-spot). The bugs were drawn to me. Felt like they were attacking me. When I was a teenager my cousin had to carry me up the steps on her back as I had a full on panic attack because the bugs were coming towards. I ran in the house late screaming one night, my Dad thought I had been attacked. Nope, just irrational fear of a bug. I literally saw one walking the dog last night and it took everything in this 29 year old not to run.
I love Agua Caliente park! My dad’s family is from Tucson, and my parents were married there and my older sister was born there, and we have SO many pictures of them there! Now, when we go and visit family still in the area we always picnic it up there, so pretty!
I did steady-state yesterday by taking advantage of the gorgeous weather yesterday (72 and sunny!) and am planning on doing the circuit and HIIT once I get some new music on my iPod, I’m liking Payphone by Maroon 5 lately!
what a gorgeous park! i bet Livi loved the ducks! and that salad beast looks tastyyyy! mmm thanks for sharing!
I went to a Stroller Strides class with my baby today so I will plan to do the circuit workout later or tomorrow (depending on baby needs and naps).
Animal fears? So many!! I LOVE the hiking but am extremely afraid of bears, mountain lions, and snakes!
I love the pic of you with the hot sauce 🙂 I like a little food with my condiments, too.
And those muffins…perfect!
Scared of horses lol theyre so big and have huge personalities!! Plus my dad got kicked by one… No thanks 😉
I am absolutely terrified of cows. It doesn’t even have to a big horned bull or anything (though he would for sure make me just stop breathing and fall dead). I am scared of even regular ole dairy cows chewing on grass!!
I can seriously feel my vitals changing just typing this!!
On a MUCH more pleasant note, that’s a sweet pic of you and baby girl.
I thought I was the only one terrified of cows! Good to know I’m not alone haha!
Such serene pics! I love your dress, btw, where is it from??
I don’t have any fears of animals yet, but I’m not great at riding horses as I struggle to remain in charge, and they end up dipping their heads to eat all the time, which always makes me feel as though I’m about to go tumbling off. I LOVE horses though, as all animals, so I keep trying to battle through it!
thank you, it’s from loft
I have that same cheetah print shirt from Express:) So simple and easy to throw on!
i have a few shirts from there that are cut like that- wear them all the time!
I was one hot mess today at the gym! Between a HIIT treadmill workout and workout 1, I was drenched. Am feeling great today and eating well. Planning to make the ‘balls’ tonight. 🙂
ohh enjoy the balls! 🙂
I did day 2 yesterday (Week 1 workout + HIIT) and I was sweating up a storm before I even finished the first set! It was such a great workout that targeted areas that I sometimes miss during my weekly routine. Thank you so much for such a great workout! I’m planning on running tonight to complete day 1 and then get back on the normal schedule.
Can’t wait to see next week’s exercises! Thank you, Gina!
I’ve been wondering about whether group fitness instructors count classes they teach as their workouts – or do you take other instructors’ classes and/or do other workouts on those days?
My favourite workout song right now is Loreen – My Heart Is Refusing Me (Amarillo & Finer Remix Radio Version). I can’t get enough of it! (She’s the singer who won Eurovision. But with a different song.)
it depends on what i’m teaching. if i teach stretch, then no haha, but zumba: YES
Cool, I didn’t know you trainers took each other’s classes.
I hope you enjoy the song I recommended, you have got me completely obsessed with Bond’s Explosive!
Did the work out and HIIT earlier and it was awesomely hard and sweaty! I tagged you in my instagram post on twitter of the aftermath and how drenched I was lol eating is going great as well! Just subbing according for vegan options but feeling great 🙂
Work out 1 plus HIIT complete! I am super sweaty – such a great workout. Food wise is going pretty well, although I’m back at my parent’s house for the summer and there are so many tempting treat foods, I’m not sure how long my will power will last!!
Ha! I love the pic of you eating the wrap. You like a kiddo who’s as happy as can be with their candy, err…Cholula!
hahah exactly!
I am afraid of cockroaches. Just looking at the word makes me want to vomit a little.
I have no excuse for not doing the summer shape up…maybe I’ll join today!
I just finished workout #1 and the HIIT. I’m sweaty, but feeling great!
I’m terrified of frogs, no real reason & i know its completely illogical but I hate them!
Went to do workout 1 last night, got halfway through my spin-esque hiit & got invited to join in a ass-kicking boxing class!
Haven’t been that sweaty in a while! (Too much info sorry!) X
Getting ready for yoga in half hour 🙂
Just realised I’ve got my days/years mixed up – still following the ssu from last year!
Will start on this year’s tomorrow! X
I got bit by a goose when I was a toddler, too! Is it weird that I’m still a little afraid of them?
And I did my HIIT this morning! Going to do the circuit this afternoon.
Ohhhhh sweet jesus, Gina! I did workout 1 along with 20 minutes of HIIT this morning before work and I am still feeling it. Not gonna lie, I expected to breeze through the workout & have to add some more to the end to get me sweating, but it completely kicked my ass (I actually literally fell doing the step-ups haha, but I am determined to master them!). I can’t wait to keep up with the workouts!
yeahhhhhh! awesome job!
I can’t stand fish. Live ones that is….
Did workout #1 and HIIT early this AM. Already sore!
For some reason I am terrified of horses. They are just so big, and lord knows they probably hate when we get on them and ride them around!
I love the idea for Summer Shape Up! I am loosely following your workout guide and food suggestions (I really enjoy strength training four days a week) but I love the new moves that I am adding in. Plus, yesterday was the first time that I tacked 40 minutes of steady running – woo hoo! Thanks for the inspiration!
Checking in on today’s workout! I walked on the ‘mill at 15% incline and 3mph for 10 minutes to warm up, then did your workout circuits 3x (WOAH!!), then did 30 mins of HITT- 3mph and 12 and 15% inclines for the intervals. I was a schweaty mess when I was done…but in a GREAT way!
love it! great job!
I did workout one x 3 this morning. Love the plié squats and struggled through the push-ups! Then did HIIT for 17 on the treadmill at 6.0 and 7.5 speeds. I was sweating like a beast by the end! Love it!
I’m afraid of lots of animals! If we’re going to include the whole spectrum, then sharks, bears, wild cats, etc. definitely top my list! In terms of actual day-to-day animals, though, any big dogs (like bull mastifs, doberman pinchers, etc) & horses scare me! I actually fell off a pony when I was young & have forever been terrified of them, though I appreciate how beautiful horses actually are.
I’ve fallen off my fitness routine the last few days 🙁 Sunday I was visiting my parents all day and yesterday I had to work at a charity golf tournament from 5 AM – 10;30 PM .. yikes! Tonight I plan on going for a 5.5k run.. I’ve just started training for a half-marathon in the fall! 🙂
Hey Gina,
is it important to do the HIIT cardio immediately after the workout for this week or can they be split up. I have a 3 month old so I have time to do weights in the morning but I usually can’t make it to the gym to do cardio until my husband gets home from work. I just wasn’t sure if I should wait until right before I do cardio to start the weights portion 🙂
you can definitely split them up!
xoxo
Felt pretty sick yesterday so I am pushing this weeks workouts back a day. Did a beautiful 55 minute run on Lake Michigan this after noon. Ran up and down some stairs and in the sand for a bit for an added burn.
Love this late summer shape up! Seriously perfect timing.
Lets do this ladies!!
I am so excited to be doing the summer shape up! I was just saying that I need a plan to follow and the timing of this starting couldn’t be better!
I did the HIIT workout on the treadmill and then workout 1. I was definitely a sweaty and feeling the burn in such a good way 🙂
I did the HIIT part first then the workout, but I just realized it said to do the workout first, then the HIIT training. Does the order matter?
there are benefits to doing it either way, but i’d try to do the hiit second if you can next time 🙂
glad you were sweating and burning 🙂
xoxo
What a cute trip! We always used to go feed the ducks by our house when I was younger. I actually used to be petrified of most animals when I was younger. I love them now but I was so afraid of them for such a long time. I actually told my preschool teacher once I was allergic to rabbits just so she wouldn’t bring one in! Probably the most devious thing I have ever done lol!
I did workout 1 3x through and LOVED IT!! I’m injured and can’t do much cardio right now, but this got me sweating and I’m so happy you are posting workouts. Thank you!!
There are not many animals I’m afraid of having grown up on a farm. Plus I majored in Animal Science in college. I think it’s really good that you are exposing Liv to different animals.
However, I am not a big fan of insects. My sisters always like to tease me with cicada shells. They creep me out because I think that a cicada is going to pop out even though they are really long gone.
Just finished Workout #1 and loved it!! I found all of the moves way more challenging than I had expected! Even though 10 of anything doesn’t sound like much doing 10 “real” pushups in a row is NO joke! And the fact that the workout called for a total of 60 was extremely humbling haha I was panting at the end of those babies! Anyways, I have followed your shape up plan for two straight days now which is one day longer than any other plan I’ve ever committed to so Im giving myself a pat on the back right now 🙂 Thank YOU for putting together something so challenging yet doable!
virtual pat on the back from me, too 🙂 great job!