Workout Wednesday: Zombie Chase!

Look at these regular posts you guys! It's amazing what not having a full time job can do for your blogging life. Being a teacher is pretty cool sometimes.

Workout Wednesday is back in full force and you know why? The Zombie Chase. On Saturday, me, my sister-in-law Haley and some of our friends will be running the Zombie Chase 5K through the ghost town/obstacle course in Eureka. The run goes through buildings, zombie traps, rope courses and a paintball shooting finale - all under the light of a luminous full moon. (If you want to run with us - slowly - there's still space! Sign up for the 10 pm wave and email me so we can meet up!)

That's pretty much the only thing that can entice me to run. At all. Like any sane person, I hate running. I'm so bad at it. I play sports, it's true. But when I get on a treadmill I seriously can't even run a mile. So I'm counting on my adrenaline and my competitive nature to get me through this.

To prepare, I finally downloaded Zombies! Run on my iPhone. In a word (2 words): WORTH IT. It is so much fun. Never in my life have I TRIED to find time to run. Each day I download a mission, in my role as Runner 5. It might be a routine run for supplies or to save a lost child - the story plays between the songs of my selected playlist. As you run you collect supplies and you build up your base after your run. Sometimes during a song you'll hear "ZOMBIES DETECTED 50 METERS" and it beeps until you evade them.

 

So picture this. Danica. Laboriously jogging at an embarrassing pace on a treadmill at a busy Gold's Gym. All of a sudden she lets out a short low "OH!" and turns up the speed to an all out sprint. "Come onnnnnnn Come onnnnnnnnn" she spurts between pants. Finally a "Yessssssss!" and she's down to a walk, red-faced and hyperventilating. 

Because that's what I accidentally did the first time I tried it. I was so into it I completely lost awareness that I was in a gym, surrounded by bros and old ladies.

SORRY EVERYONE. JUST TRYING TO SAVE WHAT'S LEFT OF THE WORLD OVER HERE ON TREADMILL 8. DON'T MIND ME. 

Since then I've been running outside. I've taken Glen Coco with me twice, and it's over.

Time #1 - Joy

 

Little kids, puppies and birds to chase? THIS IS THE LIFE

Time #2 - Heat Stroke/Defiance

We cut this run short, obviously because SOMEONE decided to just let the Zombies eat us. If you noticed how show my pace was on the iPhone screen above it's because after coaxing him into a sprint to evade a zombie horde, in 90 degree heat, when he desperately needs a haircut, I allowed him a much needed walk and then he gave up. Sorry, Abel Township. That child is not getting rescued.

Workout Wednesday: Kickboxing or Watch Out, Criminals

This post is a little late for a Workout Wednesday, but I wanted to write after I got back from my first ever Kickboxing class!

Glen was all kinds of concerned about these scary black things

My good friend invited me to try it and boy, am I glad she did. I signed up pretty much instantly for $30 which included these free boxing gloves and 5 classes.

They also include disheveled hair and running makeup, if you were wondering...

I've liked kickboxing for a long time - I used to do Tae Bo with my mom occasionally back in the 90s, and more recently I did a kickboxing DVD workout that was on Netflix (curse you for removing all the workout videos, Netflix. How dare you). Apparently I'm naturally aggressive, because punching and kicking stuff is just way too fun and cathartic. 

The class started with a few jogging, high knees, grapevine and butt kicker laps around the studio. Then we did some Cross-Fit style training for about 5-10 minutes of mountain climbers, triangle pushups and V-ups. We did some light stretching and then hit the bags. 

LITERALLY. 

The class moves from activity to activity for the whole hour, so you're responsible for taking breaks and water when you need them. They were really helpful and took the time to make sure I understood each sequence (jab-cross-hook-hook-knee-kick-jab-jab-what?), which I really appreciated. 

I felt like it was an amazing cardio workout, without the misery of running. Yahtzee. I know my muscles got a great workout because I could barely climb out of my car once I was home. 

The only drawback is that they really push to have you sign up for a membership - and it's pretty pricey. If I was trying to get in shape for something really pressing and worth the money - like a wedding or a cruise or to lose huge amounts of weight - I'd do it in a heartbeat. 

Their classes were fast-paced, so you never get a chance to feel bored or tired (it was almost over by the time I finally looked at the clock to see how much time remained), and they give you an awesome workout. It was also incredibly cathartic for "Freestyle Time" to just punch the crap out of that bag however I wanted. :)

I highly recommend the temporary pass for 3 or 5 classes and free gloves. Sign up at ILoveKickboxing.com and choose whichever location works best for you. I'm signed up in Sandy if you want to join me. :)

Workout Wednesday: Yoga Challenge!

Well, I've sucked with Workout Wednesday. I'll admit it.

But I'm ready for another one!

I found this on tumblr and signed up! I'm really looking forward to yoga every day, and it will definitely be a challenge. It begins September 10 and runs for the month. They send you videos to complete each day and tips for fitness and nutrition. It's going to be awesome!

Somebody do this with me! I'll struggle doing it every day, but if I'm held accountable to one or more of y'all I'll be tougher. Go sign up and comment or email me! Let's yoga this shiz!

Workout Wednesday: The Barre Method

The Barre Method is the hot new thing in fitness. You know, it was Tae-Bo, then Pilates, then Yoga, then Zumba, well now it's Barre Method.

Barre Method is a combination of ballet, Pilates/Yoga and aerobics. The idea is to tone and define your body to achieve a long, lean physique, like a dancer. It's a full body workout, but the legs/butt are definitely going to feel it the most. (My legs are already PISSED at me. Seriously, I'm so sore and so spent. This workout is for real.)

Barre studios are popping up all over the place, but a place like Pure Barre near where I live in Draper is kind of pricey unless you are super dedicated to the barre method. There are online and DVD options as well, but it seemed like the kind of thing that is more beneficial in a real studio. So when the Sandy Gold's Gym offered a Barre class, I jumped on it.

Since it's a Gold's Gym aerobics room, they didn't have the bar on the mirrored walls, so we used chairs, in addition to mats, squishy balls and light hand weights. We started off with a light aerobic warm up and then jumped into leg work with the chair. Basically it's moving your legs all different direction with fluid, controlled movement. We placed the squishy ball behind our knees to work the hamstring and calf during the reps.

Then we moved to the hand weights, coordinated with lunges and heel raisers. Even if your upper body is strong, opt for 1-3 pound weights. You'll be holding and moving them for 10 minutes, so they'll start to feel like 50 pounds.

Finally the class ends with a Pilates-based ab workout on the mat and some serious stretching.

What to Wear: Leggings or Yoga pants that will cling rather than hang loose. A yoga tank or somewhat tight shirt will stay out of your way during swing and crunch movements.

Other tips:

• Drink lots of water and make sure you eat something substantial a few hours before you go. I hadn't had enough water and only ate some yogurt with granola and started feeling light headed during the class.
• Go to a Barre class fresh. It's not like yoga or something gentle that you can just go to after your regular workout. It's a challenging, KILLER workout on its own. I was sore from a new lower body workout I tried on Monday, and it made me much less effective during class last night. 
• Stretch before, immediately after, and long after the class. You'll get super tight otherwise.
• If you have a background in dance, you'll have a slight advantage, but I don't and I survived.

My final word:

It was a crazy workout that I'll definitely see results from. However, I was expecting it to be more graceful and yoga-like, so when it turned out to be more "aerobics for former Drill Team members" I got a little bored and found myself watching the clock. They've only been doing this class at Gold's for a month and it's still in a "trial" phase, so maybe they'll tinker with it. Hopefully.

Also it didn't help that the girl next to me set her mat less than 12 inches from mine and thought she was auditioning for Step Up 7: Samba in Space. Really? No one is that impressed by you Miss "Never Gave Up My Dream."

I don't think I'll go to another class, just because it was a little too tedious for me. Everyone in the class seemed to be stretched a little thin as well, but a few people (Step Up girl) were loving it. If you are into dance/ballet/controlled leg movements/flexibility, then this might be the class for you. Give it a shot with this YouTube workout and see what you think!

Workout Wednesday: Running with Tayler Christiansen

Today's post comes from my smart and sporty friend Tayler. We met in England on our Study Abroad and now we talk all the time about history teacher stuff. :) Check out her blog about her book reviews, yummy recipes and her upcoming wedding and first year of teaching at my alma mater, Springville Junior High. And this post is the push I needed to get out and run today!

Why run? I hate tracks. Always have, always will. That is why I was never on track although I admired my younger sister for doing so. She was in great shape, able to run in such heat and at such distance. I was jealous of her legs.  But I hate tracks. Round and round and round and round. Going in a circle. That’s all it is—getting nowhere. I am a hamster running, trying to get somewhere, but am trapped in the same place.


I run (not on tracks, but outside exploring Provo) because I can. That is the reason.

I run away. I away from stress, from sickness, from bad days. When I am feeling down, I change into my shorts and running shirts, put my hair in a braid, turn my iPod up super loud, and head out the door. About 15 minutes in, whatever bothered me before is history. I am flying, I am fighting, and I am winning.

But, I am stubborn. I run towards a goal. I run because I am stubborn. Every step is a fight and I will prove to my body I can win. It is a test of courage, a test of diligence, of determination, of ambition, of spirit. But, it is mainly a test of strength. To see how far I can push myself. Can I make it all the way up this hill without walking? How many stairs can I run up? What is the longst, fastest sprint I can do? Who will give up first, my legs or my spirit? It is something I can prove to myself. Something I can strive for and show that I can achieve it and more. Besides, that high that you get after running is enough to keep you gong for the rest of the day—the satisfaction and knowledge that you just defeated your own body and made it do the impossible.

This mantra not only applies to running, but to whatever I (or you) do to work out and stay in shape. After I run and stretch, I like to do other exercises to build my muscle tone. Again, I like to push myself: 10 more seconds on core exercises, 5 more pushups, etc. 

So go out and go running. Don’t get stuck on an endless track. Find a windy, shady trail. Try some stairs. Run past your friends headed up to class and smile, showing off. Explore neighborhoods you’ve never been to before. Have a soundtrack going. Make sure to include Rocky Story music, such as “Gonna Fly Now” and “Training Montage” (even include Mulan’s “I’ll Make a Man Out of You.” When you hear these songs, push yourself to the utmost limit and DO NOT STOP NO MATTER WHAT until the song is done. Then, don’t stop even then! Keep going!

So my challenge for you is to listen to Lowell Thomas. Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can. You will thank yourself afterward. Because, it’ll surprise you—you can actually do it. Mind over body. Determination over mind. Be stubborn. Go run.

Workout Wednesday: Rock Climbing with Katie Ashby

Hey there! I'm Katie from These Are The Days - my husband, Devin and I are here to talk to you today about one of our favorite things to do: Rock Climbing!

It may come as a surprise to some people that rock climbing is actually extremely beneficial for your health, on multiple levels - that is, if it's done correctly!

Boring stuff first: the absolute most important thing to remember is that rock climbing is a dangerous sport, so it is essential that you get proper training and practice safety as you climb! If you're local to Utah, we highly recommend climbing at Momentum Indoor Climbing Gym (in Sandy) seeing as how Devin works there and all! The staff is amazing, helpful, and new climbers are always welcome and encouraged! Momentum is an awesome place to learn how to climb if you don't already know someone with the experience to teach you.

Like I said before, rock climbing is a great way to get in shape, stay in shape, and what's more, it's an awesome social activity. For starters? Climbing is heart-healthy. And by that I mean, it helps improve your cardiovascular system by stressing your heart (in a good way!) - it gets the blood pumping, and makes your heart stronger!

Rock climbing can also contribute to healthy weight loss! I think I read somewhere once that 1 pound = 3500 calories (just double-checked. I read right.), which means to lose 1 pound a week, you need to eliminate 500 calories each day. And guess what? Climbing at a "moderate intensity" for about 1 hour, burns 400! That means you spend some time at the gym, skip your daily can of soda, and you're there!

The most obvious benefit of rock climbing, I think, is toning and muscle building. Rock climbing is a progressive sport, so the better you get, the stronger you get, and the harder stuff you can climb! Climbing at those harder levels, and even as you're working your way up, requires a lot of strength, and a lot of that strength comes from your fingers, but it also counts where your arms, legs, and core are concerned! Climbing targets all of those main muscle groups in one total body work out! (plus, if you're asking me, it's a lot more fun than running on a treadmill!)

More awesome things about rock climbing: what some people don't know about climbing is that it is actually a very technical sport. You aren't just pushing off rocks to get to the top of a wall, there is a sequence to follow - so rock climbing requires a lot of mental (and physical) focus. Now, this is important.  It's easy to "plateau" in rock climbing if you let the mental part of it get the best of you! But as long as you have the right mental control, it's an awesome way to involve your mind while you exercise, and it helps increase your hand-eye coordination. Rock climbing is a sport where you can constantly challenge yourself and improve.

Oh, don't worry, we're not even done. Rock climbing is one of the best ways to increase your endurance! Walls in a climbing gym are typically anywhere from 30-60 feet tall - which doesn't seem like much, but when you're spending every inch of those feet pushing yourself mentally, and physically, it can seem much longer! Building up endurance is probably one of the most immediate benefits you'll notice if you start climbing regularly, which doesn't just benefit your improvement in climbing, it can help you last longer in other exercises (that is, if you even care for them anymore, now that you've found your new love for climbing!)

Okay, okay I'm almost done. Mostly because I know I've already convinced you to give it a try. But there's even more good that can come from tying into a rope and climbing up a wall. Climbing increases your FLEXIBILITY, BALANCE and COORDINATION! Just think about it! Am I right? I am.

And lastly, rock climbing is awesome because it is a sport that you can do rain or shine, inside or outside. And there are even different kinds of climbing:

1. You can boulder, which is done on much shorter walls, without a harness.

2. You can top-rope, which is the normal kind that most people begin with - the kind you probably think of when you think of rock climbing.

3. And when you become more experienced, you can lead climb!

Climbing is a sport that anyone can do, at any age! If you have any questions, click here and ask us!

**Isn't she great? If you are interested in guest posting on YOUR area of fitness expertise shoot me a email!**

Workout Wednesday - But I'd Rather Be Lazy...

A while ago I posted about an upcoming fitness series on Black with a Chance of Cheetah. Well here it comes. I know you've been anxiously waiting.

Why a fitness series? Why now? It's June and we're all feeling weird about our swimsuit physique. It's beautiful outside and it gives you more reasons to go enjoy it. I'm done with school and super bored all the time. I don't know, pick one. (By the way, I hate YOLO.)

Let me take you on a little journey through my fitness development:

Stage One: Super fit during year-round sports. Fitness was a by-product of athletics. 

Stage Two: Freshman laziness. I replaced exercising 3 hours a day with 3 hours a day of studying on my butt and eating crap. I got a Gold's Gym pass and started working out regularly, but I didn't lose any weight and didn't really improve my fitness, somehow. 

Stage Three: Busy life. I stopped working out altogether and spent all my time with The Beard, running from place to place and planning my future (graduation, teaching, marriage). I was really happy and subconsciously starting eating less and much better. 

Stage Four: Weak. I noticed how winded and pathetic I was running the bases with my slowpitch team. Moving things around in my new house made me feel like a wussy lightweight. I've been strong my whole life, until now. I started teaching and found myself mentally and physically exhausted. This whole not-working out thing isn't working out. 

Stage Five: Balance. That's when I found my PERSONAL fitness balance. I'm not a gym rat or a couch potato. I don't work out every day, but I'm not afraid to jump into a random game of flag football vs the students. 

Fitness isn't about losing weight anymore, though I wouldn't mind losing a few (amiright?). It's about feeling good. It's about confidence. It's about making myself better. 

And I do. I feel better. I feel good. I'm confident. I have more energy. I sleep better. I naturally make better eating decisions. I don't work out everyday. And I'm not a gym rat anymore. But I'm active and I feel good. That's what it's about. 

Personally I don't think fitness should be about your inspiration board full of half-naked Nike models. I don't think it should be about spending 20 hours a week at the gym. I don't think it should be about doing situps and starving yourself to fit into a size whatever. 

Fitness should be whatever works for you. Whatever makes you feel good. Whatever gives you confidence. Whatever makes you feel alive!

That's what this series is about. I will post about fitness topics that I know and love (weight-training, yoga, Just Dance!), and I have several guest posters lined up to blog about their fitness routines. Join us next week for my adorable and tough Miss Ashby's post about rock climbing!

If there's anything you want to see on the fitness blog series or if you have a hilarious gym story to share, let me know by email at dholdy {at} gmail {dot} com

I Put the "It" in "Fitness"

I let my Gold's Gym pass expire. I used to hit the gym all the time and I loved it. Especially going to Jim's (silver fox) yoga class in Orem. However, once I started dating The Beard my free time pretty much disappeared. No complaints here. I actually ate better and less, because I had to. I played some intramural soccer and city rec. slowpitch, which is fun. (Anyone playing any sports give me call. I'm dece.)

Once I started teaching my daily stress level rose a little, and I was having trouble sleeping. I knew I would feel better if I exercised, but I never wanted to go to the gym. I can't risk running into weird people from my ward and high school, god forbid any students. But something had to be done. I hate running, by the way. So not an option.

I had set up our Wii and played a few rounds of Just Dance since we'd moved in, and I was slowly becoming addicted to it. Problem solved. Just Dance has a function for fitness called "Just Sweat." It tracks your calories burnt and sets you up for a weeklong program with an intensity of your choosing. Yahtzee..

So here's my daily routine. I know you're dying to hear it. I do school, stay only as long as I absolutely need to, then come home and immediately change into my yoga pants. I Just Dance it up, without shame, sucking down water and panting, until my husband comes home from work and laughs at me. Every day. Then I quickly pretend like I'm not 14 and run into the kitchen to start dinner. Some days if I feel like being an adult I'll do the yoga app session that comes with my DVD player. But lets be honest. Who picks yoga over this? (Also picture me doing this furiously, alone in my living room. 22 years of age.)