The owners think I’m homeless
Hey guys! Hope you’ve had a wonderful humpday 😀 Did anyone else celebrate by having Indian food?? If you haven’t tried it yet, get at it! I’d be happy to help with recommendations 🙂
I’ve got a TON of foodie pics for you, since I teach 3 aerobics classes on Wednesday and feast in between, so here we go..
After this morning’s sludge, I had an Ezekiel English muffin before teaching my first spin class with maybe a ts of organic butter
Um, WOW. I’m gonna be honest with you guys, I have avoided real butter for quite a few years. I always had the fake stuff (Promise, Smart Balance, etc.) and have gotten rid of butter in my life for the most part. That little drizzle tasted like heaven. I’ll definitely be adding a little of the real stuff in from now on.
My first spin class was beautiful and I was a sweaty beast, and I met my friend Jeni at The Main Squeeze for some juice.
Spence, aka the Juice Guy, hooked it up with a ginger shot:
Ginger shots are supposed to remedy any stomach ailments, and I took one for the heck of it. It was SPICY!!! Juiced ginger, straight up. And I threw that cup back in a manner that would make a frat boy proud 😀
I got the supergreen juice with no celery (I just don’t like celery uncooked):
Shared a beautiful vegan double chocolate chip cookie with Jeni:
Aaaaaaand a Survival bar (review is here)
When I got home, Megan had made a smoothie concoction and even though I was stuffed to the brim, of course I had to drink my “taster”
That baby had mango, banana, coconut water, hemp seeds, hemp protein, aloe, bee pollen, almond butter and who knows what else in there. And it was ahhhhhmazin’
I had some training appointments, took a nap with the puppies and went back to the base gym for round two: spin and Zumba.
I munched a Saturn peach on the way:
Spin and Zumba were a blasty as usual and then the girls and I went for our weekly Indian feast.
Pappadum:
Dippers:
Gobi manchurian… spicy cauliflower foodgasm (we shared it as an appetizer)
My serving:
The standard. yes, I’m boring but it’s just THAT good
(Spicy baigan bhartha)
And roti (whole wheat naan):
The food was incredible and the company was wonderful as usual 😀
I was thinking about it and I’m pretty sure that Spence, owner of the juice place and Sam, owner of the Indian place think I’m homeless or something. Every time I go in, I’m stinky and in gym clothes. I have real clothes and shower, I promise! 😀
Well I’m off to chill with the pilot since he has another early day tomorrow, but we’re having a date night tomorrow. It should be fun—I like him, I guess 😉
Have a great night and I’ll see you in the morning!
xoxo,
G
Something to talk about: There’s a little bit of talk going on my How to Pick a Good Trainer post on how some readers feel that a trainer/group fitness instructor should be in really good shape and have a great body. Honestly, I disagree. Some of the best spin and step classes I have taken have been from amazing ladies whose bodies I didn’t necessary envy, if ya know what I mean. Anywhoo, they had wonderful energy and pushed me to the MAX. They also taught a LOT of classes, which might have been the reason why they weren’t in stellar shape themselves. A lot of trainers and group fitness instructors are victims of overtraining, which can cause your body to hold onto excess fat. Proper fuel and sufficient rest can prevent this, but even though the trainers or instructors may know this, sometimes it is hard to take you’re own advice. Also, as far as group fitness instructors go: money speaks.. they get paid to teach and missing classes=lost income. While having a trainer/instructor with a great bod proves that they’re practicing what preach, I don’t think it’s a requirement. This is why I suggest taking a gander at their CLIENTS bodies which gives a much better indication of how they can push, motivate and encourage their clients to take the necessary steps to achieve fitness/weight loss goals.
What do you think? Is it important or not so much???
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I had Indian food in honor of you!
I have to agree. My very favorite spinning instructor in the history of mankind is kind of "thick" for lack of a better term. However, her class is amazing. She always packed the house and worked us like no other.
The Indian food looks amazing as usual. I have got to drag the husband out to try some soon! And I totally agree about the real butter, so totally worth it!
Mmmmm I'm right there with you, baigan bhartha is THAT good. I don't know If I could go to Indian food and NOT order it.
You hit the nail on the head. I am a group fitness instructor & during the school year I teach nearly 10 classes in 4 days. I rarely have time to do my own workouts w/ my graduate school schedule. My students love my workouts because I push them & they learn a lot. I am not in tip top shape at all. Some of my fellow instructors "look in better shape" but I think that just means they are thinner than me. I have had plenty of students who "look" in shape or fit but struggle through my classes. I am so glad to see this post because when I first started teaching I would worry about people thinking I should have a perfect physique.
I am a graduate student in health promotion & my professors stress that knowledge does not equal action. Everyone knows they should work out and eat better but they don't!
I think most people are confusing looking in shape with being in shape. I have an overweight friend that runs marathons. I can not run a marathon & I am at a healthy weight.
In the end, a fit personal trainer may have a bad personality or sub standard certification & will not help you get the results you want.
So the "look" of your fitness professional should be the last selection factor.
thank you from one fitness professional to another!
I didn't know you don't like raw celery – I don't either! Actually, I'm not a big fan of it cooked either – my mom always had to grind it in the food processor to hide it in foods. 🙂
Hope you have a great night!
Oh, girl, please. I used to work at Equinox gym in NYC, and the most renowned trainers/instructors rarely had model-perfect bodies. And yet, they were incredibly booked up and in-demand, which tells you that their clients went by results, not waist size.
By the way, I was just wondering if you've ever considered doing a post or two on "healthifying" some of your favorite Mexican recipes? I for one would be interested in reading!
Gina,
My favorite Indian food lovah. 🙂
Sorry I made you puke today…can't say your post did the same for me, although I might have gagged a little if I took a sip of Megan's smoothie as I cannot do hemp protein. Blech. Bought some hemp seeds – do they taste like dirt as well? I haven't tried them yet.
Interesting point you make about personal trainers overdoing it. I never thought about that, but it makes total sense.
I think I would love straight up ginger juice. Too bad I no longer own a juicer. 😉
hey heather- no the hemp seeds do not have the woodsy dirt taste. they taste like nuts.. maybe ground up almonds?
let me know if you want me to re-gift the juicer to you and have the pilot buy me one!
I made some Indian food tonight actually!! Masoor Daal – amazing 😀 I can't get over that ginger shot – I'm so intrigued!
hahahah there are a few places I always go right after I teach and I always want to tell the people that I see there…I really do look nice sometimes, I swear! That vegan double chocolate chip cookie looks awesome! Delicious little treat!
I think of it the other way around too. There are people with bodies I envy, but they are not necessarily motivating on the exercise or health front, ya know. I think the overall attitude and motivation factor are more important.
I tried juicing celery too and just didn't like it. Celery = yuck.
I'm honestly not too concerned with my trainer's physical appearance. I took weight lifting in college and my instructor was so knowledgeable about fitness, but he had a beer belly. He'd always tell us, "do as I say, not what I do," haha. My current trainer is a bodybuilder and I certainly don't want to look like him! He's incredibly experienced though, and he makes me laugh. Another excellent trainer in my gym is older and a little chubby, yet he knows his stuff. Anyway, the point of my long comment is that I totally agree that a good body does not make a good trainer! 🙂
Enjoy your night, and your hot date!
I totally agree with you there-the client's body is more important. I never thought of it that way, thanks for bringing it up 🙂
Indian food looks amazing as usual! Especially that spicy cauliflower!
I've been avoiding butter as well, maybe it's a good time to try it?
I tried Indian once a couple years ago and didn't like what I ordered so I haven't tried it since. But I keep seeing everybody raving about it and it's making me really want to try it again!
My gym has a smoothie/juice bar in it, it seems like a really good post workout treat. Maybe I'll try it tomorrow!
I have to admit, I am a little hesitant when an instructor/trainer who is trying to get me in good shape, isn't in good shape themselves but I totally agree that it doesn't make them any less of an awesome trainer!
I think not so much too. I also have several teachers who aren't in awesome shape looks-wise but they kick my butt every class and they do also take a lot of classes like you talked about so I think maybe they suffer from their bodies holding onto excess fat. Either way, I don't think it matters – that doesn't have an impact on my enjoyment or the value I get from a class.
Amazing Indian eats by the way!!
Omg, how amazing are those vegan cookies?! I've had them from Whole Foods and I seriously think there's crack in them- so addicting/delish!
I wish I had Indian Food today! Someday soon…maybe I will just have to come over and have you make me some! haha
Just out of curiosity, how do you avoid overtraining with your schedule, Gina? You teach an insane amount of classes, plus you still work out. Is it just that rest day that's important? I ask because there are so many fun things I want to do (dance class, surfing, weight training, training for my upcoming 10k) and it's hard to fit it all in! Sometimes I double up on activity and I'm not sure if that's ok. I sure as heck do not want my body hanging on to fat!
I appreciate you talking about this. The best teacher in our gym is a little overweight –but she's amazing. Pulls in a crowd every time and takes time to help everyone. Also can cardio like she's on fire. I swear the weight is more an issue of what you eat than how strong you are, or how much you exercise. (which I know you've said before)
I need to find a juice place ASAP, ginger shot? Interesting…. 🙂
I see your point regarding overtraining and taking one's own advice. But, I also believe that there is something to be said for those trainers, like you, who have the discipline and self-motivation to take their own advice despite their hectic schedules 🙂
LovIN the Indian, as always. We've got to find a hot Indian joint around here, and I don't mean the casino.
haha i doubt they think you are homeless 🙂 interesting about the ginger shot! i had no idea!
That cauliflower appetizer looks incredible!!!!
In terms of the trainer, I do not believe he or she must have a slamming body. Athletic coaches (such as football ones) rarely have great bodies, so why should a trainer?
I hope we get those "Survival" bars in Ohio, I would like to try them! Great food porn!
http://www.alovefornewrecipes.blogspot.com
totally agree that a little bit of butter can go a LONG way! I avoided it for so long but the boyfriend showed me the error of my ways in the form of mashed sweet taters 🙂
I had Indian food last night… but I must admit that I was lazy so I just heated up TJ's jaipur (I think?) vegetables, extra peas and some brown rice!
Do the owners of Squeeze & the Indian place know that you have a blog?
I agree that you don't have to have the most picture perfect body to be a great trainer, but it's hard to dismiss the idea that he/she is a walking advertisement for their services…..so it is a really good idea to stay in shape. I know I certainly felt that pressure while working at Equinox in NYC.
Have a wonderful day!!
laura w- yep, they both know about the bloggy. i'm pretty sure when you google both places, my blog comes up, so i'm thinking that's how they found out about it. free advertising though, right?? 😀
That's exactly what I was thinking! I want the Squeeze guy to open a shop here… we have a chain called Arden's Garden that you'll have to visit next time you come to Atlanta!
your indian food always looks so good every wednesday but i have yet to try it. i keep mentioning it to the husband but we still haven't been.
i think it's so fun that you have a roommate for a few months. and so sweet that she leaves you samples of her morning smoothies. what a great way to get new ideas!
You are my hero for putting back that ginger shot! BRAVE, you are! I'm not a fan of celery, either.
Indian looks fab, as usual! I wish I could get my hubby hooked on it!
mmm everything looks delish. ive never had indian food though! I have a question do you like taking zumba classes, they just started offering them at my gym and im not sure if I want to try it out or not it does sound fun though!
Michal
I was pondering this yesterday (about the fitness of instructors) and you have a great point. As long as they push us and we get an amazing workout, it doesn't so much matter what they look like.
I love ginger shots! And yes, they are very healing!
I am absolutely devoted to my Pilates/Yoga instructor. He is in his late 40's to early 50's and has a little bit of a belly (although he is certainly at a healthy weight). However, I have seen how long he can hold a crow pose! And, most importantly, he kicks my butt in every class. He's also been teaching Pilates and Yoga for 20 something years and in his youth worked out with a ballet company. I think the quality of the workout I get is much more important than whether or not my instructor has a 6 pack. And I think it's nice to have a model for how someone who is fit realistically looks in middle age.
I have to admit when I've seen a certain slightly overweight, more "normal looking" trainer at my gym I've wondered how much she knows. And then I kick myself!! How dare I question her? She's healthy, a normal weight, and obviously not OBSESSIVE like other trainers are. I agree that just because you don't look like a body builder, doesn't mean you don't know your stuff!
Thank you Gina for making the point that a small body size is no indicator of fitness level. I am a size 12 spin instructor and have actually gained weight (muscle) since becoming an instructor. Yet I pass younger and thinner people during 5K races. Mind over matter!
I could care less what my instructor's body looks like. Who am I to judge? As long as they kick butt and are having fun teaching it's not my place to decide if they qualified to teach according to their shape. Sheesh I admire anyone who can get up and lead a fitness class!
Wow! A better discussion than I had even hoped for.
Thanks for the thoughtful and educational responses which I will be mindful of when meeting future trainers and instructors. I never have hired a trainer, but I always watch the client sessions intently while I am doing my cardio. I’ve never felt comfortable that I could put my trust in committing to a trainer who may or may not be qualified. I feel like if I did so now, I would have a better success rate because of the dialogue going on here.
And Fitnessista I really appreciate the thoroughness of your comments regarding the hazards of the job for hard-working trainers. It underscored nicely how proper fuel and rest are an important part of my own fitness.
mmm so jealous of your weekly Indian food, damn this small towns lack of restaurants!
that's such an amazing point about the personal trainers and what is considered to 'in shape.' I know a lot of skinny folk who aren't in shape but women would love to look like and I also know a lot of in shape folk who don't necessarily have a six pack.
Keep challenging our standards Gina it's what we need! 🙂
hey not-anonymous-anymore yvette- i'm SO glad you liked it 😀 i figured it might be a good thing to bring up after reading your comment. take care <3
I totally agree with you in theory, and in general. However,I have a case in point that boggles my mind. I have a trainer friend who is undeniably in better shape/has a better physique than all of the other trainers at his gym. He brings in 3-10x as much business than any other trainer. He trains as many as 14 people a day (seriously, he might just live at the gym!)
A couple months ago, the other (way less fit) trainers complained that he takes on so many clients, the others can't meet their monthly goals — to which he replied, I practice what I preach, I deliver results, and that's what my clients want. Clients are allowed to choose their trainer, and I try to fit in as many people who are interested in my services. This is my job. I work hard to support my family, and I'm not going to work less to make your life easier — and that's assuming my clients would just as soon train with you instead of me.
I was so glad he stood up for himself because it is the case that he walks the walk and talks the talk, but he is also an amazing trainer! More energy and motivation than the whiny trainers, by a landslide. So, looks are not everything in a trainer, but they often don't hurt!
Ah, you make a really good point! I wouldn't have thought of trainers that way, meaning I'm sure I would assume that a trainer with a less-awesome body wasn't practicing what they preach. I'm embarrassed to say that, but I know that's what I would think. Thanks for giving the trainer's perspective!
Wow I didnt know that over training can cause for you to hold onto extra fat!! All the more reasons to eat to maintain 😀
love the indian food!
yay! I'm not alone in my distaste of celery! I really wished I liked it because it makes a ton of juice!
Ugh, I put celery in my green juice this morning and it ruined it 🙁 I managed to chug about 20oz before I had to throw the rest out. BLECH!!!
I'm so glad to hear you say that about the trainer. I didn't get to comment on the last post since commenting on the iPhone is a pain (and where I do most of the blog reading lately) but I couldn't agree more about what kind of shape the trainer is in. Okay, that's kind of a lie… but I don't think you have to look like a bodybuilder or a size 2 to know what you're doing. That's essentially the same as saying that only thin people can be nutritionists. Health does not come in one perfect size! Granted, my trainer is super lean and fit, but I bet that most of it is genetics. Your thoughts on personal trainers are always appreciated, especially since you seem like such an awesome one yourself.
Thank you for posting this! We have a few ladies at my gym that teach Boot Camps, mean spinning classes and even Step classes ~ yet they're plump! They push us to the core.
I think this is proof that DIET is just as important as how much you work out! You can't just burn off a beer or burn off all of that ice cream ~ it'll catch up with ya.