Spring fitness faves
Hi! How’s your day going? Thank you so much for all of the kind comments about the house so far. I have to admit I was a liiiittle afraid of the paint color -we jokingly called our last house the everything-brown house- but have fallen in love with how cheery and crisp the white walls makes it feel. It definitely feels like home already 🙂
One thing that I haven’t managed to get into the swing of yet: planning, prepping and actually making food. I think the Pilot was shocked the other night when I said dinner was cooking in the slow cooker. I made some chili and we didn’t even end up eating it that night… we were out by the beach and Pizza Port was right there, and then this happened:
(Mead with gluten-free margherita pizza. It was my second time trying mead and even though it’s wicked sweet, it’s pretty tasty)
I should have taken a pic inside Pizza Port because it’s such a cool and casual place. They have an awesome beer and wine selection, variety of pizzas, wings, and a kale salad that is TO DIE FOR. The seating is family style with picnic tables and we were surprised with how fast the food was ready. We’ll definitely be back!
(Random: I have decided that if a restaurant has “port” in the name, I like it. Tiki Port and Pizza Port are now two of my favorite things.)
We finally ended up eating the chili I made last night -tons of veggies with tomatoes, spices and chicken sausage- but we definitely still feel like we’re in vacation mode. I’m committed to getting back on the wagon this week, prepping ahead and making more dinners here at home. It has been fun to go out and try new spots, though 🙂
More on the to-do list:
-Take bags of clothes to Goodwill and Buffalo Exchange
-Find a teaching job (in progress! I’m kind of nervous about tonight’s Zumba audition)
-Find a preschool for Liv. It’s super competitive here and there are about 1408283 schools; I feel a little overwhelmed.
One thing that has been surprisingly easy has been getting in solid workouts since we got here. There are so many options and great choices, and while I don’t have an official gym yet, I feel invigorated by new options and changing up my routine.
Here’s what I’m loving for spring:
-RUNNING (<– say what?!) I did 6 miles on Sunday, and it.was.glorious. I think the weather has a lot to do with it, and somehow the Today’s Hits station knew I needed an awesome lineup. There were a lot of unique um, aromas, but it was a great one.
–Orange Theory. I’m stoked to take more classes!
-Barre3. I’ve taken two classes since we’ve been here and adored them both. I’m excited for this to become a regular part of my routine, and am thankful for all of the classes I took in Kate’s garage in Tucson 😉 It helped to teach me the format and basic moves, so I was pretty comfortable jumping into a studio class. Stay tuned for a Barre3 workout this week, too!
-BodyPump. This is going to become a regular part of my life because I’m getting certified to teach BodyPump. It’s my first Les Mills format, and I feel like it’s a good match for me since it’s so music-driven. Any BodyPump instructors out there with tips for certification?
-Still haven’t found a yoga home here and have only taken one class. I’ve heard mixed things about CorePower but there are a ton of studios here to check out. Maybe I’ll try an intro pass at a couple of studios to see if there’s a good fit?
How many different types of classes or workouts do you do during the week? Do you tend to stick to the same things, or are you a little all over the place (like me)?
Hope you have a lovely afternoon <3
xoxo
Gina
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You should look into Dual Immersion school/programs for your daughter! San Diego has outstanding programs. Learning two languages has so many benefits!
that’s a great idea. it’s funny because liv’s favorite books (the ones she begs me to read over and over) are all bilingual; half spanish half english
so jealous of the beach. I’m glad you are enjoying it.
I’d love to hear more about your experience about getting certified in Body Pump!
i’ll do a full post afterwards! i’m a little afraid; an ENTIRE WEEKEND of bodypump. i did one class this week and it hurts to walk today haha
Gina- I’m a long time lurker and such a huge fan of your blog. You really are such an inspiration in so many ways. It makes me genuinely happy to see you adjusting to your new home so well. I’m sure it’s tougher than it appears to us on the outside but you have such a positive attitude which is half the battle. Your priorities and your heart are always in the right place, and even though I don’t ‘know’ you, I can tell that you are a truly amazing person. You deserve every good thing that comes your way. Thanks for your openness and honesty in sharing your life. Not many bloggers can hit the right balance of being personal but informative and still entertaining. You are doing it right and doing it well! And that pizza looks AH-mazing! 🙂
hi priscilla,
your comment warmed my heart so much; that you for all of the kind words and for reading <3
made my afternoon!
xoxo
Hi! I’m certified in Body Combat, Body Pump, and I am filming my Body Attack video in May 🙂 You are going to do an amazing job! The first thing I do whenever I get my release is listen to my music. In my car, in my headphones, while I’m making dinner 😉 Once I know the music so well can karaoke it (not that ANYONE wants that), I do the release from start to finish (with or without weights, depending on what else you’ve done that day) with the video. Then, I do the program with my back to the television/computer. Finally, I practice my cues with just the music. Make sure you read the materials regarding form because there are “compulsory cues” that you need to says during your training (as a PT, you’ll know them and probably say them just out of habit – that’s great!) Good luck!!! Les Mills is such a great company, I love all the friendships I’ve made through the programs and trainings.
awesome tips! THANK YOU <3
i figured that it will be very similar to learning zumba music (need to know it like the back of my hand), plus all of the extra cueing. i'm excited for the challenge!
Looooove bodycombat, too! would you ever teach grit?!
Oh my gosh – GRIT is my jam! We used to offer it and all our instructors got certified (at the time – I was doing my Body Pump cert!)
We don’t have it at our club anymore 🙁 I’m a big CrossFit chicken *(your posts about Cross Fit inspire me that one day, I too can enter a box and not feel like a total noob) but GRIT made me feel really powerful and I loved the small group aspect. If the program ever comes back to Pittsburgh, I’d love to get certified. Have you tried Attack or Sh’bam? I just have a hunch you’d love those classes…
And! one more thing – make sure that you have lots of frozen veggies at home for Sunday night after the Pump Challenge :: heh heh ::
What a great tip, especially about listening to the music and knowing it intimately! I’m an elite pump instructor, and also teach combat, attack and CXWORX. So glad you’re hopping on the Les Mills wagon! My biggest piece of advice would be to have an open mind. Les Mills has a very particular coaching format that will probably be different than what you’re used to doing, so be prepared for lots of learning. They also look at technique with a fine-toothed comb, and again, things may be a bit different than what AFAA or ACE teach. As for the weekend itself, bring lots of food, TONS of changes of clothes (including underwear, socks, sweatshirts, etc.), and your usual incredible self 😉 Can’t wait to hear how it goes!
It’s so fun to see you in So Cal. I went to UCSD and now live in Orange County. Pizza Port is seriously one of my favorite places.
I go to Corepower and actually love it. I like the flow and that different level classes have different heat levels. I could see why some traditionalists wouldn’t be fans, but I have had great experiences there.
Best of luck with your audition! I’m sure you’ll rock it! 🙂
it makes me so happy to hear your new house already feels like home <3 ohhhh that is just wonderful!!!!!! some times it takes a while to feel that way!
i do two upper body and two lower body workouts each week involving weights 🙂 i stick to that
I LOVE BodyPump, so glad to hear that you’re getting certified! As someone who takes the class a lot, I have some recommendations from the participant perspective, but it might be too soon for those…
Just for example though, I really like when the instructor tells us what moves the upcoming track will feature, because for me, that can make a big difference in the weight I can put on my bar (e.g. I have a really tough time with the power press in the shoulder tracks, so I will reduce my weight a little, but if there is no power press then I’ll challenge myself). It helps me get the most out of the class!
I totally agree! I am so relieved when the instructor does this, it makes all the difference!
Gina, for example, “this is a super long squat track with a lot of singles” tells me allll I need to know, or if I know it’s a shorter or easier track I am motivated to add that extra plate I may have been contemplating.
I’m not sure how far you are from downtown San Diego but there’s an awesome gym called Aire Urban Fitness. San Diego residents get a free week to try it out and they have a ton of classes!
thank you- i hadn’t even heard of that!
You should definitely give Corepower a try! I’m a member in Colorado and I love it. You are an experienced yogi so you could totally handle the C2 classes (probably even a C3 if they offer it at your studio). You would probably like Yoga Sculpt too.
I guess I can see why people who like a more meditative practice wouldn’t be into Corepower, but its not like they market it as a hatha practice or anything. They tell you straight up its power vinyasa, and they definitely structure the flow as more of a workout. I mean, you do a set of ab work in the middle of every class, they really put the CORE in corepower, ha!
i will definitely give it a try!
I adore body pump! It’s the best!
Patio at Pizza Port is doggie friendly too so your pups can join you for dinner (if you can get a spot). Something I never heard about until I lived in San Diego that you may enjoy – SOUR BEER! Pizza port usually has one on tap so next time you are there ask if they currently have any sours.
Corepower is good at appealing to the masses, but if you are a true Yogi at heart it may not be the place for you, but they do offer one week free so its worth a try. In general there are a TON of yoga studios in San Diego but even in your hood there are a lot and I believe most either offer first class or first week free.
For workouts I have been seeing a personal trainer for about 6 months but I’m feeling an itch to try something new so I may be interested in checking out some new studios. There are also a lot of bootcamp groups that workout outside on mission bay or in parks, but not sure if that would work out with schedule to watch Liv since its usually early morning or right after work.
Patio at Pizza Port is doggie friendly too so your pups can join you for dinner (if you can get a spot). Something I never heard about until I lived in San Diego that you may enjoy – SOUR BEER! Pizza port usually has one on tap so next time you are there ask if they currently have any sours.
Corepower is good at appealing to the masses, but if you are a true Yogi at heart it may not be the place for you, but they do offer one week free so its worth a try. In general there are a TON of yoga studios in San Diego but even in your hood there are a lot and I believe most either offer first class or first week free.
For workouts I have been seeing a personal trainer for about 6 months but I’m feeling an itch to try something new so I may be interested in checking out some new studios. There are also a lot of bootcamp groups that workout outside on mission bay or in parks, but not sure if that would work out with schedule to watch Liv since its usually early morning or right after work.
have you tried orange theory yet?!
ps i’m a little way too excited to take bell with us to pizza port and try the sour beer next time 🙂
I hadn’t heard of it until you mentioned it, which I’m surprised about because my boyfriend used to live down the road from it. I checked out the website but couldn’t find the schedule (technology fail). But I’ll definitely try it out.
Aaaaaah, Pizza Port! Honestly one of my all time favorite places to go!
Hi Gina! I love CorePower for a few reasons, but I do agree with some of the criticisms you have probably heard. It is corporate but each studio has its own personality. I went through their teacher training program and while they focus less on the parts of yoga that make it spiritual they do really train you from an alignment standpoint. I don’t teach there since that make you take an additional training before you can (which I don’t agree with!) but instructors do know their stuff and the teachers range in their “yoginess”. The good thing is that there are so many classes and so many teachers there is bound to be a few that you love and that fit with your style. Having so many studios I can access close to where I live and a large variety class types and the times of classes, for me makes it worth it. Plus I know you mentioned that Liv tried if I was a Bird and if you go to the Point Loma or Hillcrest studio she can take classes while you practice. Anyways that is just my two cents. There are tons of good yoga studios to try in SD and I am sure you will find one that you love. I have heard good things about Yoga 6 which is also in Point Loma and they also do a free week. Plus in San Diego there is a lot of teacher crossover, some of the girls who teach at Yoga 6 also teach at CorePower and I know that is true for many studios in town 🙂
that is great to know, thank you!
i’m definitely excited that they offer kids classes at the same time. i’ll definitely look into it!
i’m auditing a bunch of classes at a club where i may be teaching, so i wouldn’t be able to get full advantage of the yoga six unlimited month. i’m waiting until i can get as many classes as possible 🙂 in the meantime, i should do a drop in at core power and see how it goes
xoxo
I tend to pretty much stick to my routine but do go to yoga classes and sometimes spin. I feel like I need to try out some new things out there!
I still have yet to take a body pump class. But I ADORE barre. If only I could find a gym that offers both since paying two memberships is obviously out of the question.
Hi Gina! Congrats on your new home in San Diego! I just got certified in Body Pump, and am waiting to get my results from my Body Flow assessment video- you’ll love the weekend workshop!! They give so much constructive feedback that even as a long time instructor I walked away feeling like I learned a ton! After the workshop my best advice would be to find another instructor or two to help you practice and even team teach- I found that helped me stay accountable with learning all the tracks and it was really helpful to hear how other instructors coach and cue each track. Good luck! You’ll be fantastic 🙂 and you’re right, it’s a lot like learning Zumba so you’re already one step ahead!
thank you!!
yes, i should definitely find a training buddy 🙂
xo
Just my thoughts–but I’d stick to more local/private-owned Yoga studios. In Chicago there are a bunch of Core Powers–like 2 in each neighborhood in the city–and the ones i’ve been to–I’m really not a fan. First off–I’m more of a vinyasa flow girl–and like building heat in my own body–I”m not a huge fan of heated yoga. I don’t feel like you can get as good of a workout in because you’re slipping and sliding on your mat from the heat–and it’s not internal–it’s being oppressed on you from the outside. Also–I found Core Power has a very corporate feel to it–just my opinion–but I’ve had so much better experiences at small local studios. Good luck on the body pump!!
So exciting for your Bodypump cert!! That was my first Les Mills class and the music hooked me too. You will do great!! 🙂
I want to try out some BodyPump!!
I used to go to CorePower all the time, but now I’m hooked on YogaSix (especially the sculpt class)! I usually just run and go to sculpt, so that’s my little combo of workouts.
Pizza Port is so good! Their Port Salad is my favorite. It has everything I love in it (portobello mushrooms, butternut squash, asparagus, red peppers). Let me know if you ever need restaurant recommendations!
i wandered into yoga six and definitely want to try their month unlimited! since i’m auditing classes where i might be teaching for now, i didn’t think i’d be able to take full advantage for a couple of months
i’ll try the port salad next! thank you! and YES i love restaurant recs
So, I would suggest keeping an eye on groupons for Yoga classes, there are ones all the time! There’s a great studio in Ocean Beach called Indie Yoga and I believe that they do have a groupon.
Not sure what part of SD you live in, but my family lives in Point Loma and there are some great, although a bit pricey preschools. My oldest goes to Westminster and my youngest will be starting there in the summer. There is also a school called Warren Walker, where my youngest is starting Jr. Kindergarten next year. Lastly, I have a ton of friends who send their kids to Red Brick Church Preschool as well. Not sure if they are even in your neighborhood, but good luck!
i will definitely check it out! thank you!
going to email you about preschools 🙂
xoxo
YES to Indie Yoga! I love their classes, especially their candlelight and surf flow–you should def try it out!
And if you haven’t been to Raglan yet in OB you haaaave to go! One of my faves in the neighborhood 🙂
My workouts seem to be in phase like fashion trends. I will go a few months doin the same stuff nut them try something new. I used to only run but now I swim, cycle and barre too. I also did a piloxing class recently and loved it but haven’t found a place near home that offers it.
Hi Gina,
I teach three Les Mills formats and can give you an exact rundown of what to expect. First of all, you’ll have to prepare two tracks ahead of time for the training, which you will present. You’ll learn about Les Mills, do some drills and go through the “release” many, many times, correcting your technique and going through presentations by each budding instructor. You’ll want to bring lots of snacks and a sweatshirt to put on when you do book work. Group fitness rooms get VERY cold when you are not working out. You’ll get some feedback on your presentation and homework to work on that night to improve. Your “outcome” or passing of the initial training will be based off your presentations. There will also be a BODYPUMP physical challenge, which everyone does together.
When is your training? Good luck!! And, welcome to the Les Mills Tribe.
Best,
Ashley
amazing tips- thank you!!!
<3
I’m obsessed with Orangetheory too! Try the Sculpt class at Corepower. It combines weights and yoga. Goodluck with your audition!
i will definitely try it!
thank you!
YAY for Bodypump! I’m a BTS (now MOSSA) convert (Group Power, Group Ride and Group Core) and moved to Les Mills Bodypump when I moved to Colorado and there were no BTS gyms. I personally LOVE pre-choreographed stuff, It’s such such a blast and the music, consistency of the workouts and the results are a knock out combination. You’ll have such a blast and no doubt it will become one of your favorite things to teach. Just be patient with yourself. The first few releases can take a while to learn, but after a while there are so many patterns it will take you no time at all to memorize down the line. Have FUN and let us know how much you love it 🙂
thank you so much, ali! i’ll keep you all updated 🙂
LOVED Corepower when I lived near one. I used to go every single day. HIGHLY recommend it!
Love CorePower!
I used to have a lot more variety in my workouts when I went to the gym, but now I rotate between HIIT, Kickboxing, and Strength via at-home vids.
Good luck on your Zumba audition! I’m sure you did amazing. 🙂
I enjoy hot yoga and spin class! I have yet to try BodyPump or barre. There’s a barre studio right near me so I think I might give that a try soon!
Its so hard to be in the kitchen when the weather is nice, so I’m sure in SD its an everyday struggle! Once you’re settled I see a lot of grilling in your future 🙂
Oh my goodness. Preschool choosing must be so overwhelming! Good luck!
I love barre3! I bought their 28 to Great Program when Living Social had a deal for it and I’ve since made this part of my weekly workout. I haven’t activated my free online account yet; just rotating the five workouts has worked so far. I love that it’s still a lot of strength, but with lengthening. It’s a different kind of strength training than my usual routine with weights and it’s helped get me stronger for running. I also love how many modifiers they have, so if you’re dealing with nearly any type of injury, you can still do the workout.
I’ve also finally made yoga a regular part of my weekly workout. I used to only want to do things that were high impact, burning a lot of calories or building serious muscle, but have learned that not only can yoga be quite challenging in its own way, but it has helped me in coming back from a couple of running injuries.
Hey Gina! Congrats on your amazing adjustment to San Diego. You are such an inspiration.
I am a third year medical student (12+ hour workdays with studying at the end of each day), and your workout videos have been a godsend this year. I’ve done each of the winter shape-up videos many times, and I haven’t found anything that gives me as efficient of a total body workout in 20 minutes. I was wondering if you could recommend any similar (free!) workout videos that I could try, either on youtube or through a blog. Thank you thank you thank you — there are so many people around the country who are grateful for what you do! –Molly
i’m so happy to hear you like them!! i’ll be posting more now that we’re settled 🙂
i really like zuzka’s workouts (zgym). she’s amazing!
cassey from blogilates and tone it up are some more great free resources 🙂
Stretching out the vacation feeling doesn’t sound too bad!! That pizza looks SO wonderful. Settling in has looked pretty exciting so far! Good luck with auditions. you’ll rock it!
Gina! I am so excited to hear you are getting Body Pump certified! I am certified in Body Pump, CX Worx and GRIT. My best advice is to bring lots of clothes, a cooler with tons of healthy snacks and drinks (there’s not much time to go grab meals) and an open mind. The trainers are awesome and will give you tons of feedback on how to improve your teaching and technique. I have loved all of my Les Mills training’s, and I know you will too! With your dance background you will have no problem learning the choero. Good luck!
thank you! i’m really excited about it 🙂
I’m so excited for you to share a barre workout! Thanks!
I love that picture of Livi running to you on the beach. So adorable! <3
That’s awesome that you are going to become a Pump instructor! You’ll do great! I was certified as a BodyJam instructor and the only advice I can offer for the Les Mills training is to make sure you practice, practice, practice your track for the test so you can get passed to teach. Also, I had to teach at the same time as someone else for my test, which was kind of confusing so maybe be ready for that!
Gina, are you going to be doing parochial schools? I went to Catholic school in San Diego and All Hallows Academy in La Jolla is a wonderful school and they have a “junior kindergarten” program.
good to know! i’ll look into that 🙂
i looked at another catholic preschool this week and didn’t love it…
Hi Gina!
I really love this kettlebell class that’s offered at my gym, but the time it’s held really doesn’t work for my schedule anymore so I went out and bought myself a 20lb kettlebell. I would love it if you would post a kettlebell circuit workout/video that I can do at home. If you have one on the site already, I can’t find it. Would love some help!
Thanks!
i’m not kettlebell certified, but if i decide to get that one i’ll post a video 🙂
this one has a couple of kettlebell moves: http://fitnessista.com/2012/10/spooky-sweatfest-workout/
I love Body Pump! I do it at least once a week. I have had several running injuries over the last year, so now I’ve been mixing my workout routine up for cross training. I do body pump one day, Zumba another, I take a boxing class one day a week, and try to run 3 or 4 at least one day a week. I also throw yoga in there from time to time for flexibility and to relieve soreness.
Your last house was super gorg, but I have to say I really love your furniture with this bright white- it looks so fresh!
thank you! 🙂
Reading this on Thursday morning but I hope your zumba audition went well! Odds are, you rocked it 😉
I usually stick to barre, running and stretching. I’m trying to look for a regular place to take yoga too since it helps a TON with preventing running injuries. I want to try and make it a regular thing this summer while I train to get my 1/2 marathon time down.
Ahhh zumba audition sounds so crazy! But I bet you’ll do sooo great–I mean, you’re so experienced with it now. 😉 And I’ve never heard of Orange theory~I just checked it out and it sounds like such a fun class. Hope all the transitions go beautifully, Gina!
I went to my first Orange Theory Fitness class this morning and fell in love. Thanks for the review you posted–that’s what pushed me into finally trying it out. It was so much fun. I signed up for 2 classes / week (Especially after hearing about their pricey drop-in rate from you!)
I have a Groupon for Barre3 that I let expire, but I can still use it for the price of the voucher…I’ve been meaning to go, but haven’t made it yet. I do occasionally go to Barre54, a local studio here in Orlando. I think Heather (at Housewifeglamour.com) used to teach there when she lived in Florida 🙂 It’s a great workout. Oh, the thigh quiver!
I’m all over the map when it comes to working out. I get bored easily and I have no idea what I’m doing when I attempt to work out by myself. It’s not pretty. I much prefer classes with an instructor to motivate me and tell me when I’m doing things completely wrong!
Glad to hear you’re loving SD!
Gina, I’m so excited you’re getting certified in BodyPump! I’ve been teaching Pump for almost 3 years and I LOVE it! The training is so much more intense that the other formats I’ve done, but it’s so good and you’ll do great since you obviously know all about correct form 😀
The only tricky thing about BP is working it into an existing strength routine…you really need to do Pump at least twice per week so that your muscles get used to the high reps, but since you hit every muscle group, it makes hard to get any other strength training in without adequately resting.
You are seriously making me want to pack up and move to CA!
I pretty much stick to yoga (4-5x a week) plus weight training and cardio on my own. Works for me! I could always do more yoga. Hope you find a studio you like soon!
If I lived walking distance to the beach, I’d have a difficult time ever getting out of vacay mode. I think I’d be ok with that!!
Competitive and preschool are 2 words that should never need to be combined. Good luck with that!