Like riding a [spin] bike

Hey! Hope you’re having a lovely day so far <3 I loved reading about your March goals this morning and what you’re looking forward to- it’s going to be a great month.

So, there’s nothing like having your gel-cushioned booty handed to ya 😉

spin bike

Madre came by this afternoon and told me to workout or run errands if I’d like to. We got all of our groceries yesterday,

fruit2

(a full produce drawer is a happy one indeed)

and it was right before a spin class was starting at work, so I decided to go for it- it’s been almost a year since I’ve taken one!

Wow.

Holy noodle legs over here.

I’ve done my own spin workouts over the past year, but there’s something to be said about the group environment, not having to plan out the workout, and awesome music blasting. It was a great class, and it made me remember when I love spin so much. When I first really got into fitness, spin was my workout of choice- I took classes almost everyday. Since it’s been a while, my quads were on FIYAH! I’m definitely going to feel it tomorrow.

Many of my workouts lately have been low key, since I usually workout at night and by that time, I’m pretty mentally and physically drained. It’s awesome to have a little time to shake my legs out, read a magazine on the elliptical or lift weights. Since it was an afternoon spin class, I wasn’t totally zonked, could push it a little bit, and am still enjoying the energy boost 🙂

Some eats:

This morning’s strawberry breakfast cookie

bfast cookie2

with tea

bfast cookie3

Last night’s Pilot-grilled dinner

chicken and veg

Brussels sprouts (borderline burnt = perfection), black beans and spicy chicken

He flies planes aaaaand he cooks…

pilot griller

Very nice 😉

I also filled the rice cooker with quinoa and lentils for salads, wraps or burgers for the week:

lentil quinoa

We’re just taking it easy tonight and enjoying The Voice. I’m trying to save The Bachelor for tomorrow’s entertainment… I hear the fangs come out.

Hope you have a lovely night and I’ll see ya in the morning with a Focus On post!

xoxo

Gina

Something to talk about: What’s the first cardio class you got into? Spin was my first cardio love, and I also adored the step classes at the Ft Bragg in North Carolina.

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50 Comments

  1. Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries on March 5, 2012 at 10:32 pm

    i’ve been LOVING spin classes lately! i just recently got into them a couple months ago, and i look forward to classes each week. i’m glad you were able to go back again! it’s so fun!

  2. Stephanie @ Legally Blinde on March 5, 2012 at 10:45 pm

    My mom did Jazzercise while she was pregnant with me, pretty much right until I was born, so maybe that was the first cardio class I got into, haha. In college, I liked taking strength-training classes, and I think spin class was actually the first cardio class I really got into. There were only about 6 or 7 bikes so it was a small class, and the instructor was awesome, definitely one of my all-time faves. I couldn’t believe how intense it was, which made me love to hate it. I remember the first few times I took a spin class, my legs were tired within the first few minutes, and I didn’t know how I would make it through a 60-minute class! The energy I had after class was amazing, though – a spin high (instead of a runner’s high), perhaps?

  3. Katie @ Plates and Paste on March 5, 2012 at 10:48 pm

    I’ve only taken one spin class but would love to take more. First cardio class love was ZUMBA. Unfortunately the teacher I loved moved away and there’s not a lot f good ones around my parts :/

  4. Dorian on March 5, 2012 at 10:57 pm

    Great post! I think we should clone the Pilot so everyone can have a good lookin’ hubby who can master the grill as well. 😛

    • Fitnessista on March 5, 2012 at 10:59 pm

      right? i couldn’t agree more

  5. natalie @ southern fit foodie on March 5, 2012 at 10:59 pm

    Ahhhh I miss spin! I haven’t been in over a year, but I need to find a time for it in my schedule. I had one of your breakfast cookies this morning, and it was delicious! I made it with Wild Squirrel Curious Cocoa-Nut Butter (chocolate coconut pb) and mashed banana – it was amazing!

    • Fitnessista on March 5, 2012 at 10:59 pm

      where can i find this nut butter you speak of?

  6. Emily on March 5, 2012 at 11:26 pm

    What were the measurements for the lentils and quinoa? I’ve never made them in a slow cooker but great idea!

    • Fitnessista on March 5, 2012 at 11:30 pm

      i did 1/2 C dry quinoa, 3 cups water, and when it was cooked, stirred in a pack of the Trader Joe’s lentils (pre-cooked, in the produce section)

      • Dani on March 6, 2012 at 12:06 am

        Glad I looked here! I was just going to ask the same thing! Thanks!

        • Maddy on March 6, 2012 at 11:55 am

          Glad I looked too. I was going to just throw some quinoa and dry lentils in the rice cooker and use the same amount of water as I do for rice. Now I know what to do. Will try this.

  7. Laura @ She Eats Well on March 5, 2012 at 11:28 pm

    I’ve been in a breakfast cookie-phase lately and I just can’t stop. My fave is with Trader Joes Raw Crunchy Almond Butter…i die! As for fitness classes, Body Pump was my first fitness class that I really liked, followed by spin. Noodly legs are a good thing! 🙂

    • Shaina on March 6, 2012 at 2:02 am

      best. almond butter. ever.

  8. Carla on March 5, 2012 at 11:30 pm

    Girl I could live without spinning! When I was 7 months pregnant i could no longer fit between the spin bikes at the gym lol. Came home and cried at the thought of not being able to spin anymore then wised up and bought myself a spin bike lol I used it throughout the rest of the pregnancy then for quite a while after the baby was born!

  9. Julie on March 5, 2012 at 11:31 pm

    I’ve actually never taken a spin class! I don’t know why, but I think I was intimidated when I belonged to a gym, and now I don’t belong to one! But perhaps in the future I’ll give it a go. 🙂

  10. Caroline @ After Dinner Dance on March 5, 2012 at 11:47 pm

    I haven’t ever done a cardio class. I’ve heard a lot about spin, but I guess I don’t quite understand it yet. Maybe I’ll try it one day 🙂

  11. Suzanne on March 5, 2012 at 11:50 pm

    Those look so good! I love the idea of the oat cookie with fresh strawberries! So filling!
    Thanks for the ideas (:

  12. Lena @Fit on the Rocks on March 6, 2012 at 12:03 am

    Zumba and BodyPump were the first classes I really got into! I’ve kind of always wanted to try spin, but I’m not much of a bike-rider, so I’ve been way too intimidated to go.

  13. Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga on March 6, 2012 at 12:16 am

    The strawberry breakfast cookie looks great. I made a breakfast cookie a couple days ago..it had been like 2 years since my last one. So good!

    I am not really into cardio classes. I just like to run, alone, outside, no matter the weather. Rain, snow, heat, don’t care. I love being FREE outside!

  14. Jen on March 6, 2012 at 1:04 am

    I noticed that you mix your fruit and veggies in the same drawer. I used to do that then I read that you shouldn’t put fruit with your veggies cause they let off a chemical and your produce doesn’t last as long. All my stuff now that I seperate my stuff lasts way longer! I forgot the site that I found the info on, but i’m sure its not hard to find!

    • Fitnessista on March 6, 2012 at 1:19 am

      wow, i had no idea! usually i eat it before it has a chance to go bad, though 🙂

  15. Sara on March 6, 2012 at 1:09 am

    At my old gym (the one that is now a pile of rubble due to quakes and. .the demolition ball), we had spin class in a dark room with lights like a nightclub. It was MOST AMAZING. Like clubbing, on bikes.

    I saw the gym demolition site today and could not believe that they just pulled it down with all the gear still inside. Like you can see bits of equipment sticking out of the pile, it’s sooo sad. The building was very unstable and, with the aftershocks, too dangerous for a salvage operation. If it wasn’t in a really open area, and quite seriously fenced, I’d be VERY tempted to get in there and yoink a few homeless dumbbells. There I just admitted that I’d commit crime for gym gear.

  16. Sam on March 6, 2012 at 2:36 am

    The first group class I did was a step and kickboxing combo that my friend and I signed up for at our university gym. We thought the “step” part might be a little cheesy, but I loved every silly (and hard!) move. My post-college gym doesn’t have step anymore because they’ve added trendier classes like Barre and Body Jam, which is great, but I miss the silly ’80s workout video vibe of step class!

  17. Brett Marie on March 6, 2012 at 2:43 am

    Looks like you & the pilot are very much back in the swing of home-cooked meals. Now if only I could my adorable hubby to do the cooking…haha. Spin was my 1st fitness love, too, but about the same time I also started a 30-minute abs class & kickboxing class that I adored too.

  18. Diana on March 6, 2012 at 4:52 am

    Brussels sprouts aren’t cooked until the outer leaves are charred. Love ’em like that (though they’re also very good sauteed, which I randomly figured out last week).

    I’ve yet to try a spin class! I want to, it looks uber exhausting. I think I need to get my legs into better condition first, though; they always feel like they swell up when I do intense cardio and then I just. Can’t. Move. Them. I’d imagine that’d make spin classes a bit awkward. Someday soon, I hope.

  19. Ashley @ The North Carolina Cowgirl on March 6, 2012 at 7:43 am

    That chicken looks amazing! Will you share how you cooked it? Did you marinate it in anything and what spices did you use?

  20. Vikki Morgan on March 6, 2012 at 8:02 am

    My first class was Aerobics back in 1984.Then next was a step class.I’m not much for the enviroment of a bunch a sweaty people in a room together.I have some phobias,and it aint my style,but glad you had fun with it 🙂

  21. KerriAnn on March 6, 2012 at 8:03 am

    Momma always said the grill was the man’s world. My father always grilled and my mom prepped & cooked everything else. I’m the same way. The only grill I know how to use is the George Foreman. That’s a lie, because my dad used to pay me $1 to go light the grill when I was a teenager.

  22. Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin on March 6, 2012 at 8:16 am

    I think spin class is the only cardio class I’ve ever done! I’m not really a big fan of classes in general, but I love the workout that I get from spinning!

  23. Steffany on March 6, 2012 at 8:27 am

    The first cardio class I got into was called Cardioblast and in parentheses (Advanced Circuit Training). It was AWESOME and I loved the instructor, who has since then left that gym, but remained a good friend of mine (:

  24. Amelia on March 6, 2012 at 9:11 am

    Mmm…brussels sprouts are so good! The first cardio class I ever took was spin at 24fitness. It took 2 or 3 classes to actual enjoy it and about 12 weeks to really see a difference in appearance and endurance. I would take back to back body pump/ spin and throw in kickboxing here and there. After 6 months or so I got burnt out on spin (4-5 x week) and noticed I was watching the clock too much, so I switched it up and added body attack, more kickboxing, stuck with pump, and added in a core strengthening class. I love my current routine!

    Now if I can just muster up the courage to try a Zumba class. I have ZERO rhythm.

    • Fitnessista on March 6, 2012 at 11:59 am

      it doesn’t matter!! definitely give it a try- you might love it 😉

  25. Natasha H on March 6, 2012 at 9:21 am

    Zumba was my first and only class so far. I have a question for you. I am trying to lose weight and recently hurt my knee – guess I was pushing it to hard. I have found when I go to the gym the only cardio I can get is on the stationary bike (not a spin bike, the one that sits straight up, not the reclining one) I was wondering if you have a workout set up for one of those….so far I have been just trying to keep my heart rate above 145 while on it, but I would like to get the most fat burning I can, since I can’t treadmill, eliptical, or Zumba. I looked at your fitness routines and didnt see anything, but thought I would ask 🙂 THANKS!

  26. Melissa on March 6, 2012 at 9:25 am

    I am so jealous of your dinner! Black beans and brussels sprouts are two of my favorites and I’ve had to cut them out as it seems like my son gets super gassy when I eat them. I wasn’t sure if I believed this as I’d heard both sides (that gassy foods will and won’t affect the baby when breastfeeding) but my experience is that my bug does much better when I eliminate beans and cruciferous vegetables. I’m sad to even think about weaning, but the reintroduction of my favorites will be a happy benefit!

    • Fitnessista on March 6, 2012 at 11:59 am

      hahaha eating the brussels sprouts was a big mistake. she was SO gassy! poor girl :/

      • Melissa on March 7, 2012 at 11:20 am

        I’ve had a hard time getting the timing right, but one thing I’ve tried is pumping within the window where the gassy foods would be an issue, and then because I refuse to toss breast milk unless it’s really gone bad, I dilute the potentially “gassy milk” by adding it to other pumped milk. Like I said, it’s hard to get the timing down, and it’s extra work, but for me it’s worth it for brussels sprouts every once in awhile!

  27. Jessica on March 6, 2012 at 9:43 am

    Not a class, but the first cardio I have gotten into is Insanity. I really enjoyed it but never made it past about a month because it got a little repetitive. But definitely great to revisit every so often.
    Your brussel sprouts are making me drool!!
    I have only taken one spin class and it was good, but not great. All the ladies and the instructor knew each other so they chatted more than giving a rip-roaring workout. But I wish I could go more often, I would like to get my legs geared up for summer so I can have better endurance on my bicycle outside.
    OMG, I must be weird, but i leave my veggies in their plastic sacks from the grocery store inside my veggie drawer. Anyone else a weirdo? I will have to try it your way, Gina, looks much more appetizing and accessible.

  28. Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food on March 6, 2012 at 9:44 am

    Step was the first class that I took on a regular basis. In college, my roommate and I were obsessed with it and met everyday after class to go.

  29. Michaela on March 6, 2012 at 9:47 am

    I absolutely adore spinning. Definitely my favourite cardio class. And now I miss my old gym even more, especially my fabulous spinning teacher, who I love to bits.

  30. Jessica J on March 6, 2012 at 10:40 am

    I love spinning! I love the exercise bike in general actually, I find it’s a great warmup prior to cardio. I keep bugging my husband to let me get one for the house 🙂

  31. Kelly @ Vegolosophy on March 6, 2012 at 10:45 am

    I love a great spin class, always such a great workout!

  32. Rebecca @ Miss Magnolia Munches & Moves on March 6, 2012 at 11:00 am

    I agree with you on the group environment thing! Even if I go into a solo workout with a defined plan, I never feel like I push myself as hard as I would if I had someone next to me. Maybe it’s the competetiveness in me coming out.

  33. Caroline on March 6, 2012 at 11:14 am

    Looks like a bunch of great eats! That breakfast cookie looks to die for! 🙂

  34. Valerie @ FreshMutz on March 6, 2012 at 11:57 am

    I love spin. Unfortunately at both of my old gyms they were offered at hours that didn’t work with my schedule, unless I wanted to go to the 6:00 am class (which I did on occasion). So much fun and I am glad you enjoyed an afternoon workout.

    I love charred brussel sprouts but have learned to steam them just a little first so they’re not too hard. So so so good.

  35. Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola on March 6, 2012 at 12:44 pm

    It has been way too long since I’ve taken a spin class! I used to go all the time but haven’t been in years- I need to bring it back!! And your breakfast and dinner look so delicious!! I need to bring back the breakfast cookie and what a smart idea to make some quinoa for the week! I think I’m going to do that tonight! Enjoy the Bachelor today!! It’s definitely crazy!

  36. Beth on March 6, 2012 at 1:28 pm

    I may need to invest in a rice cooker – you’re quinoa looks so wonderful and fluffy! I made a whole bunch last night to take to work with lunch and it is mostly a large (very tasty!) pile of mush.

  37. Ashley on March 6, 2012 at 1:41 pm

    The first cardio class I got into was Zumba and I have loved it ever since

  38. Holly on March 6, 2012 at 4:02 pm

    silly question, but can you please expain how you cooked the quinoa and lentils in the rice cooker? what did you add? can I use a crock pot ya think?

    • Fitnessista on March 6, 2012 at 7:04 pm

      you probably have to use a rice cooker because of the quinoa :/ i just cooked the quinoa then added the trader joe’s pre-cooked lentils to it 🙂

      • Holly on March 7, 2012 at 8:38 am

        ahhhh, thx! off to Bed Bath Beyond for a rice cooker… I just love gadgets!

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