Morning Workout with Michael

Posted on July 14th, 2011 by peanutbutterfingers

Wanna know what takes an interval workout to the next level?

A little bit of Michael.

   michael jackso

About 10 minutes into my treadmill workout, “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” came on my iPod and I found myself flyin’!

My mind instantly thought of all the fun we had dancing to Michael Jackson at my friend Leah’s wedding last weekend.

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Pretty sure there’s nothing more fun than belting out every word to a song as loud as you can and cheesily dancing with your girlfriends. Our moves are seriously intense.

Since my mind was thinking about last weekend, dancing and other memories I have associated with Michael Jackson’s music, my 50-minute treadmill workout was over before I knew it.

Minutes Incline Speed
0-5 8.0 4.0
5 – 15 1.0 6.5
15-20 8.0 4.0
20-25 1.0 6.5
25-45 1.0 Alternate 4.5 for one minute with 8.0 for one minute
45-49 8.0 4.0
49-50 5.0 4.0

I cooled down to a little more Michael. That song from the Free Willy soundtrack is the JAM.

Walk + Breakfast

Another work out done. Another walk around the lake with the dog. Another beautiful morning in Orlando.

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Once our 40-minute walk was over, it was breakfast time.

It’s been more than a week since I’ve made a smoothie. What is wrong with me!?

Naturally I had to fix that immediately and made myself a chocolate protein smoothie right as I walked in the door.

chocolate protein smoothie 001

That’s more like it.

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And now I’m freezing. Smoothies always make me so cold. I guess that means it’s coffee time!

Filed under: Breakfast, Smoothies

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81 Responses to “Morning Workout with Michael”

  1. 1
    Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food, on July 14th, 2011 at 8:53 am Said:

    I LOVE MJ!!! Such a great idea to workout to him :)

    so glad you and sadie had such a wonderful walk, hope you have an even better day! :)

      

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  2. 2
    Jordan @ food, sweat, and beers, on July 14th, 2011 at 8:54 am Said:

    Sometimes, a girl just needs Michael to pick her up and get her toes tapping (or running).

      

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  3. 3
    Lindsay@ In Sweetness and In Health, on July 14th, 2011 at 8:55 am Said:

    Love Michael Jackson songs! My dance instructor used to use his CDs for our class warm-ups :) . That made everyone so happy!

      

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  4. 4
    Laura@ Backstage Pass, on July 14th, 2011 at 8:56 am Said:

    Bahahaha the Free Willy soundtrack! I think I know what song you’re talking about, and it is indeed amazing!

      

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  5. 5
    Gina @ Running to the Kitchen, on July 14th, 2011 at 8:57 am Said:

    MJ takes any workout to the next level :)

      

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  6. 6
    Cait's Plate, on July 14th, 2011 at 8:59 am Said:

    I was never much of a Michael Jackson fan (except with the Jackson 5 – LOVED A,B,C!) HOWEVER, I wholeheartedly agree with you that the song from Free Willy is the JAM. My sister and I watched that movie and listened to that song incessantly for about an entire summer when we were little :)

      

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  7. 7
    Niki (Life's a Payne), on July 14th, 2011 at 9:01 am Said:

    The free willy song was my favourite! Especially the video of it that played on the tape before the movie started! That brings me back!

    How often do people update their ipods? Honestly I do mine twice a year, no wonder the music gets old!

      

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  8. 8
    Bethany, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:04 am Said:

    LOVE the Free Willy song :)

      

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  9. 9
    Lisa @ Sunny Seed Stories, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:09 am Said:

    I yo-yo hot and cold too based on the temperature of what I’m eating. Good choice with the post-smoothie coffee–just make sure not to get your temperature back up too much or you’ll have to have another smoothie! ;)

      

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  10. 10
    Andrea @ Onion in My Hair, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:11 am Said:

    I’m going to miss your photos of downtown Orlando. You always seem to capture the city in it’s best light.

    But I’m sure Ocala will be just as gorgeous. :)

    Congrats, BTW, on all the fun changes going on in your life. The moving drama will work itself out!

      

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    Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers Reply:
    July 14th, 2011 at 9:21 am

    thank you! we are really hoping something turns up soon!

      

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  11. 11
    Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:11 am Said:

    OMG the Free Willy song is amazing! I think I just might have to youtube it now! :)

      

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  12. 12
    Brittany @ Healthy Slice, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:11 am Said:

    Who doesn’t love a little MJ in the morning?! :)

      

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  13. 13
    meg @ pinkgiggles, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:12 am Said:

    Love love love PYT! and also the glee version! I have been inspired to add both songs to my running playlist for today. Thanks!

      

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  14. 14
    Hope, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:15 am Said:

    Haha, I can tolerate Michael Jackson a little bit. Some of his songs are irritating to me. I think that’s because my mom told me that she used to listen to him the entire time she was pregnant with me. ;)

      

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  15. 15
    SaraRM, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:17 am Said:

    I definitely need to update my ipod, my workout songs are getting pretty boring!

    Beautiful walking scenery!

      

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  16. 16
    Tiff @ Love, Sweat, and Beers, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:20 am Said:

    He’s a great workout buddy – I totally agree!

      

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  17. 17
    Holly @ The Runny Egg, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:23 am Said:

    I love MJ’s music — last year my boss got married and me and my coworkers all got out and danced to Billie Jean — it is one of my favorite memories ever. It was a blast!

      

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  18. 18
    Claire, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:26 am Said:

    I love that you included the song from Free Willy hahaha so amazing. And dance parties are the best :)

      

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  19. 19
    Claire @ Live and Love to Eat, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:30 am Said:

    I love Leah’s dress – so classy!

      

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  20. 20
    alyssa - fashion fitness foodie, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:35 am Said:

    MJ gets my workouts moving too! My favorite is black or white!

      

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  21. 21
    Katie, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:40 am Said:

    I love MJ! My roommates and I had a dance to Thriller in college. Also love the Free Willy song. We sang it in middle school choir which is when I became obsessed with it. It always reminds me now of how I should have never been in choir though :) .

    Good luck w/ the moving situation! I have friends who did what you are contemplating (living in temporary housing for a month until house they wanted was available) and even though they said it was annoying, they thought it was worth it for the place they are in now. I’m sure it will work itself out though, and maybe you will find a place that is 10x cooler!

      

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  22. 22
    Tessa @ Amazing Asset, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:42 am Said:

    I love MJ! Great choice for a workout, sure gets me going too :D
    And I just read your post about the moving situation and that is just annoying, I’m sorry to hear :( But everything will work itself out, just keep your head up pretty lady!

      

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  23. 23
    Lauren @ What Lauren Likes, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:43 am Said:

    haha MJ!? loves, I got that record in a yard sale for 25cents ages ago and never looked back. :)

      

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  24. 24
    Brooke, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:43 am Said:

    I love the free willy song. It’s so emotional!!

      

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  25. 25
    Jill, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:45 am Said:

    Where did you get your smoothie cup?I love it!

      

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    Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers Reply:
    July 14th, 2011 at 10:05 am

    bed bath and beyond. they’re tervis tumblers and my whole family is obsessed!

      

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  26. 26
    Cait @ Beyond Bananas, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:45 am Said:

    Michael sure know how to get a lady workin’ :) Lovin the workout this mroning!

      

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  27. 27
    Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:49 am Said:

    So I have to admit that I have never been a Michael fan….. but, your post makes me want to give it a try again with a workout….. Maybe some iTunes downloads are calling my name tonight!

      

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  28. 28
    Yolie @ Practising Wellness, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:58 am Said:

    Oh my gosh, you’re totally right – that free willy song is beautiful and totally awesome! when I was younger it used to make me tear up, lol! :-P imho you seriously cannot beat MJ and Queen for dancing…woo hoo! :-D Love the view of Orlando, it looks so beautiful across the water…you must be soaking it all up before your next adventure and home…but you will find something just as wonderful to love in your new place too, i know it! <3 xyx

      

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  29. 29
    Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:01 am Said:

    Ah, I love Michael! True story: I asked for a Michael Jackson cassette tape for my 5th birthday. My obsession with his music began at a young age :) .

      

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  30. 30
    Carolina @ Peas in a Blog, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:04 am Said:

    PYT is my fave MJ song, everytime I heart it I get happy!

      

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    Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers Reply:
    July 14th, 2011 at 10:05 am

    i think it’s so underrated. it’s a GREAT one!

      

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  31. 31
    Savannah (sweet and savvy), on July 14th, 2011 at 10:11 am Said:

    Smoothies always make me freezing! I love eating then outside For this reason. :)

      

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  32. 32
    Kristi, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:11 am Said:

    Always so jealous of that beautiful view on your morning walks!

    I see veggie bacon a lot on your blog and I was always curious about it. So, when I was at the store yesterday I picked some up (Morning star brand). What makes you have that instead of regular bacon? Just curious :)

      

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    Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers Reply:
    July 14th, 2011 at 10:18 am

    i just like that i can keep it in the freezer and then i only have to microwave it rather than cook it up in a skillet. it’s delicious!

      

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  33. 33
    Emmarie @ BananasAnd Beer, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:15 am Said:

    MJ is always on my workout playlists.

      

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  34. 34
    krista, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:16 am Said:

    That is one of the reasons I don’t care for ice cream, I’m always FREEZING after eating it! And I live in TX where it’s 105 by noon. I do love smoothies though, those are worth being cold. Don’t judge but the McD’s mango pineapple smoothie is awesome! Try it out next road trip. =) I haven’t eaten there in decades yet I’ll stop for one of those, go figure.

      

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  35. 35
    Nicole, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:16 am Said:

    Wow that looks like a great workout!! Lately I’ve been getting pumped up when “Shots” by LMFAO shuffles onto my IPOD…a song about drinking getting me pumped up to run!?!? That’s an issue! hahaha, it’s just so catchy!

      

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  36. 36
    Jodi, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:18 am Said:

    I love old-school music! It’s just so much fun to dance/sing along to! I am seriously envious of your “J” acrylic cup. It’s huge!

      

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  37. 37
    Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:22 am Said:

    I love P.Y.T!!! It’s such a great song!

      

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  38. 38
    Morgan @ Operation Hot Mama, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:23 am Said:

    I missed my morning smoothie today so I am planning on some chocolate/pb smoothie delicousness tonight :) Keep yo head up about the house/living situation also… things always work out in time and always better than what was first expected!!

      

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  39. 39
    Margo @ peanut butter trees, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:35 am Said:

    Music definitely helps workout cruise by!

      

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  40. 40
    Vanessa @ Sweaty in Pink, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:41 am Said:

    I love how they’re just some songs that always make a workout more enjoyable… no matter how many times you listen to them!

      

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  41. 41
    Julie @ There and Back Again, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:41 am Said:

    I stumbled across your blog last week and was intrigued by the name (peanut butter is one of my main food groups!), and I’ve checked in a couple of times. This entry made it official, though – I’m hooked as a reader! MJ is my all-time favorite workout music. He just makes me run faster and faster! Lately I’ve been rocking out to “Hold My Hand” during my evening jogs :) Thanks for the entertaining, interesting writing!

      

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  42. 42
    Kate @ NaturaStride, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:44 am Said:

    I love how a great playlist can totally pump up a workout! (Loving your facebook discussion this morning by the way – my head has been spinning with ideas!)
    And your smoothie photos always make me crave chocolate.

      

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  43. 43
    Sarah, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:46 am Said:

    Omg! MJ definitely has the best workout music by far! Haha! And I have to agree – that song from Free Willy is awesome! :)

      

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  44. 44
    Brandi @ The Vitamin Bee, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:47 am Said:

    I love me some MJ!!! I put Thriller on my running playlist and despite it being on shuffle (perfect timing) it came on right as I was coming into the finish line of one of my first races! Cant beat that!

    They play the Free Willy song sometimes in my yoga class. It’s so hard to focus on holding a pose when you’re singing all the words! :)

      

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  45. 45
    Kristen @ notsodomesticated, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:52 am Said:

    Wow, 50 minutes of interval training and then 40 minutes of walking with Sadie? That’s a lot of cardio! I’m sure you were starving!! :) Good thing you have those smoothies for nourishment!

    Have a good day!!

      

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  46. 46
    Kristen @ notsodomesticated, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:52 am Said:

    P.S. That sounded sarcastic and it totally wasn’t haha! The smoothie looks delicious!

      

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  47. 47
    Jordan, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:53 am Said:

    i LOVE MJ! my sister and i used to jam out to will you be there all the time when we were younger. definitely the best part of free willy :)

      

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  48. 48
    Carey @ Positively Blonde, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:53 am Said:

    I was having a hard time deciding on what station to listen to on Pandora today- Michael Jackson it is! haha

      

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  49. 49
    Joelle (On A Pink Typewriter), on July 14th, 2011 at 10:55 am Said:

    Ah, your smoothies always make me want a blender!

    Love your music taste- I am totally that person who starts dance-running on the treadmill when I start getting into my ipod’s latest selection. :-)

      

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  50. 50
    Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine, on July 14th, 2011 at 10:58 am Said:

    Every time I listen to Thriller while working out, I secretly imagine myself being really good at that dance and wowing all my friends with it. Nerd alert.

      

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  51. 51
    Hillary, on July 14th, 2011 at 11:01 am Said:

    PYT and The Way You Make Me Feel will forever be my favorite songs to run to. Do you remember the movie Center Stage? The Way You Make Me Feel was the finale song, and to this day, I nearly start dancing (as I’m running) whenever it comes on my iPod!

      

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  52. 52
    Jackie @ That Deep Breath, on July 14th, 2011 at 11:09 am Said:

    Michael has the best workout songs! I actually just finished a smoothie & I had to get back in bed & put a sweatshirt on. Maybe I should have drank the coffee after the smoothie instead of before. Now I can’t get out of bed!

      

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  53. 53
    Laura @ Unchartered 20s, on July 14th, 2011 at 11:21 am Said:

    Whoa that workout looks INTENSE! I need to try it – its HIITS right? And i love me some MJ!

      

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  54. 54
    Allison, on July 14th, 2011 at 11:29 am Said:

    Ok I’ve been reading your blog forever and finally decided I needed to start commenting! Love all your posts and thought you should know that “the jam” has been incorporated into my daily vocab! Haha my friends are also using it too… You’ve started a trend! Good choice on MJ- I think “Man in the Mirror” is my fave!

      

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  55. 55
    Chelsea @ Chelsea's Health, on July 14th, 2011 at 11:34 am Said:

    I love PYT… and everything MJ. When Shawn Johnson danced to it on DWTS, I fell in love and it has been my ring tone ever since. I wish it was on the MJ dance game for Wii!

    Speaking of PYT, it was playing last night when we were out for dinner… the entire time the song was on I kept searching in my purse for my phone as i was convinced it was someone calling me. Slightly embarrassing when it happened for the third time during the same song.

      

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  56. 56
    Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife, on July 14th, 2011 at 11:49 am Said:

    that is a good idea….MJ would be fab to work out to!

    love smoooottthhiiees :)

      

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  57. 57
    Aine @ Something to Chew Over, on July 14th, 2011 at 12:08 pm Said:

    Smoothies always give me brain freeze!

      

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  58. 58
    Shayla @ The Good Life, on July 14th, 2011 at 12:12 pm Said:

    Awww love MJ!! PYT is definitely one of my fav songs!

    Btw, I love that when you respond your box is now colored…it’s nice to be able to find your responses more easily! :)

      

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  59. 59
    Cat @Breakfast to Bed, on July 14th, 2011 at 12:21 pm Said:

    I love listening to “Scream” while working out, also “The Way You Make Me Feel”

      

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  60. 60
    Amber K, on July 14th, 2011 at 12:22 pm Said:

    I love how everyone I know only knows the song as “that one from Free Willy.” I still don’t know the actual title, because the second I see it or hear it I forget it again! lol

      

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  61. 61
    Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola, on July 14th, 2011 at 12:37 pm Said:

    Haha so glad you went for the smoothie this morning too! I am seriously so obsessed! And I loveeee MJ! I have all sorts of fun memories to his songs too that usually involve me singing loudly or dancing! :) But I should add some to my work out list too!

      

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  62. 62
    Jessica @ Sushi and Sit-Ups, on July 14th, 2011 at 12:42 pm Said:

    Smoothies always make me chilly until the afternoon as well. But in the summer, that’s not necessarily a bad thing! LOVE MJ!

      

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  63. 63
    Ali, on July 14th, 2011 at 12:42 pm Said:

    Love the oldies but goodies:)

      

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  64. 64
    Melissa, on July 14th, 2011 at 12:59 pm Said:

    MJ is the BEST for workouts–and PYT is definitely a fav of mine.

    I had a smoothie this morning and felt the same way. Fa-reezing!!! I had to get a blanket while I was eating it. Nuts! :)

      

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  65. 65
    Kristin, on July 14th, 2011 at 1:39 pm Said:

    Beyonce’s new album has really been kicking my booty into gear!

      

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  66. 66
    Laura @ Meet Virginia, on July 14th, 2011 at 2:04 pm Said:

    I love P.Y.T! My little nephew loves it too. He always dances to it and sings the “na na na na” part really loudly. :)

      

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  67. 67
    Lindsay Loves Veggies, on July 14th, 2011 at 2:19 pm Said:

    Oh heck yeah!! Working out to Michael is the best!!!

      

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  68. 68
    Presley (Run Pretty), on July 14th, 2011 at 2:24 pm Said:

    MJ… off the chain! :)

      

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  69. 69
    KitKat1126, on July 14th, 2011 at 2:28 pm Said:

    So coincidental – last night I went to a spin class and the instructor put on the MJ Free Willy soundtrack song! As soon as it came on she told us all we were going to bike really hard with Willy on our backs so we could free him. Do you know how much resistance you have to put on to make it feel like you’re biking a whale to freedom? A LOT!!! :)

      

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  70. 70
    fittingbackin, on July 14th, 2011 at 2:30 pm Said:

    Nice! I love some MJ – ab fab!

      

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  71. 71
    Laura (Cookies vs. Carrots), on July 14th, 2011 at 3:04 pm Said:

    I agree! Michael is the best workout buddy!

    Plus, I used to be obsessed with that Free Willy song. I would play it over and over again on my walkman (that’s right… my WALKMAN).

      

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  72. 72
    Katie @ Katie Rose Fitness, on July 14th, 2011 at 3:24 pm Said:

    My grandpa was my dentist and he put my braces on. He would adjust them in our living room while I laid on the couch…he could tighten them right there! Right before I was going to get them off a wire fell off on the top teeth so all i had were the brace brackets on my teeth without the wire. It looked so ugly! Luckily he took the braces off soon after that!

      

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  73. 73
    Khushboo, on July 14th, 2011 at 3:58 pm Said:

    I lovee MJ, especially ‘Dont Stop Till You GEt Enough’. I was at a party the other night and the crowd went wild when the dj played MJ!

      

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  74. 74
    Sara B, on July 14th, 2011 at 5:06 pm Said:

    Just started reading your blog (was recommended by several friends) and I’m hooked! You’re so adorable, can’t wait to follow along!!

      

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  75. 75
    Yaara, on July 14th, 2011 at 8:11 pm Said:

    Hey Julie!
    I came across your blog recently through the fitnesstista. It’s great!! I wanted to ask–do you find it difficult to just “get up and go” to the gym when you first get up in the morning or do you have to have something small before you leave. I know working out first thing on an empty belly is best–but in the morning I”m so hungry.
    What do you do–and I admire your dedication getting up every morning!!
    Yaara
    ps: I live in Chicago!! I remember you said you were from there originally :)

      

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  76. 76
    Alaina, on July 14th, 2011 at 9:30 pm Said:

    I love rocking out to MJ! Smooth Criminal is definitely my favorite song. Or the entire “Dangerous” CD. :-)

      

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  77. 77
    Peanut Butter Fingers » Summer 2011 Workout Playlist, on July 15th, 2011 at 8:30 am Said:

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