The return of circuit workouts!
The Best Body Boot Camp program I’m following had a freakin’ awesome circuit workout on the books for today.
Before I started doing the program a few weeks ago (I’m halfway done!), I incorporated a lot of circuit workouts into my exercise regimen and they’re definitely one of the things I miss most about my old routine.
Thankfully Tina, the mastermind behind the boot camp, incorporated a few circuits into the workouts on the schedule for the next two weeks, so my craving for circuit workouts is satisfied once again!
Today’s circuit was fast-paced and each of the 10 exercises in the circuit were completed for 40 seconds, followed by a 20 second rest. I did the circuit three times through and it flew by like most circuits seem to do!
My two favorite exercises were performed back-to-back.
One-arm dumbbell row in a plank (I did this on a bench, as seen in this video):
And bench hops:
I say I liked the bench hops, but really they were probably the exercise I dreaded the most because they were the most challenging for me. Talk about getting your heart rate up FAST!
Breakfast
Apparently yesterday was National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day and I totally missed it. What the heck!? I jump on any opportunity to celebrate ridiculous food holidays that involve peanut butter.
This morning I made sure to use my beloved peanut butter in my breakfast and ate a toasted whole wheat English muffin topped with peanut butter, banana slices and shredded coconut that I had leftover from my Easter Rice Krispie Treats.
Whenever I eat coconut and banana together I cannot help but think of one of my favorite Blizzards from Dairy Queen: The Hawaiian Blizzard! It’s a little cup of banana, coconut and pineapple heaven.
My mom turned me onto the Hawaiian Blizzard when I was younger and it appeals to the piña colada-lover in me. (If you’re also a piña colada fan, you may enjoy my piña colada protein smoothie. It’s a good one!) Speaking of my mom, her PET and CT scans came back perfect yesterday. She is still cancer free! That kind of good news never gets old.
Time to write!
I have a lunchtime appointment at a local chiropractor for an assessment, treatment and massage, so I’m hoping this morning will be extra productive. I bought the chiropractic/massage package through Groupon a week ago for $35 because I have always wanted to go to a chiropractor and ask them questions and hear what they have to say. I am really intrigued and hope goes well. If you’ve ever been to a chiropractor, please feel free to share about your experience in the comments section. I’d love to know what I’m getting myself into!
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Congrats to your mama! That is SUCH good news!!! 🙂
Your breakfast looks yummy! I love shredded coconut especially when it’s with peanut butter or chocolate. It’s so good.
thank you, hope. 🙂 very happy about that news!
Oooo that Hawaiian blizzard sounds delicious! And I have my first chiropractor massage at the end of the month – also from a groupon deal! Haha I can’t give you tips but I’m excited to see how it goes for you!
gotta love groupons!!!
Good luck with the chiro today Julie! I just started with a new one (as I REALLY did not agree with the practices of the previous one) and love my current chiropractor. I’ve only been working with her for a short period of time but I feel like small gains are already being made. She also made some other lifestyle recommendations (specific stretches etc) so I’ve been doing those too. Hope it goes well!
I am SO happy to hear that your mom’s scans went well! It’s always so nerve-breaking going in! That definitely calls for some kinda celebration 🙂
I’m glad you are checking out a chiro. If you find a good one, it can be life changing.
I go to one that uses what’s called The Koren Specific Technique, or KST. She does not pull, twist or crack- she just uses the little tool that sends tint vibrations. Sounds like complete quackery, but I swear, it’s amazing.
I would not have made it through my last pregnancy without her and now even my 1 year old loves going.
It’s worth checking out!
And Hurrah for cancer free scans!!!!Those few days awaiting results are beyond stressful!
So happy to hear about your mom’s news! I’ve been to a chiropractor before and I feel it REALLY helps with stiffness/soreness especially in my back and neck, whether just from sleeping or working out. They apply pressure or twist your body certain ways until you’re aligned again. And they are usually really helpful regarding naturopathic medicine.
Groupon massages are always a crapshoot – sometimes they’re great, other times they’re disappointing. At least you’re getting a good price! 🙂
I go to a chiropractor and he has really helped me understand just how important it is to take good care of your back. It will change the way you see things for sure! 🙂 Happy to hear that about your Mom. I’ll never tell my Mom this but every time she goes for her scans I don’t think I breathe fully until she gets the results back. Have a great day.
i know the feeling! i hope your moms scans continue to come back with great results!
Yay for excellent news about your mum!!!!! I can’t imagine how happy you all are :). You are right, that kind of good news will ever get old.
I can not believe I have never heard of the Hawaiian Blizzard before! I feel like I need to skip work and run right to DQ 🙂 I can’t get enough of anything coconut related. YUM.
Those bench hops look killer!!! Definitely going to try that out soon!
I knew it was PB&J day but I still didn’t manage to celebrate. Today is chocolate mousse day.
The Kidless Kronicles
SO glad to hear about your mom, Julie.
Going to a chiropractor has changed my life. My chiropractor is one of the best people I have ever met. She really emphasizes nutrition and wellness and isn’t just a “back cracker”. If you don’t like this chiropractor, keep searching till you find the right fit. Like I said, it can be life changing =]
That’s great to hear about your mom! 🙂
Have you tried the unsweetened Almond breeze coconut/almond milk blend? It’s amazing if you like coconut!
no! i’ve been looking for it, but i can’t find it near me! ocala isn’t exactly health conscious so it takes stores around here a while to get on the bandwaggon!
I agree with Alyssa…you MUST find this! It’s even better than the 100% coconut milk. And it’s divine in smoothies!
Did you try mother earth over on 40? Also be careful with chiros in Ocala specifically. I had been going for years in Ocala to the same guy and he cracked my neck like he usually did. Well, he gave me what the orthopedist called a traction injury. Weeks of PT at UF and massage therapy have helped but I still have a hard time turning my neck to the right. The orthoped said it’s fine to have them crack your back but stay away from your neck. It’s too risky which I found out. He is a very well known chiro in town there too! It made my arm go numb,tingly, and weak. I just now after6 months can sleep on my side again as it irritated my brachial plexus. Sorry for the long post but be careful! A 35 copay regular chiro visit turned into about 3000 dollars worth of therapy to undo the damage.
oh my gosh! thanks for sharing, liz. i’ll definitely be careful and have them stay away from my neck. i’m going to pitts chiropractic clinic… hopefully that wasn’t the one!
So glad to hear about your momma!!!! I know that gives everyone a peace in their heart that she is still doing great. Happy for your family 🙂 And it’s 8am right now but I’m gunna go ahead and go find that Hawaiian Blizzard. Or pretend my greek yogurt and banana tastes like one.
That’s so great that your mom’s scans came back clear – such good news. I’m very curious to hear about your chiropractor experience – I’ve seen Groupons and LivingSocials for chiropractors pop up a lot and have been seriously contemplating getting one, but they make me kind of nervous for some reason. Probably just because I’ve never been to one before. Good luck!
Congrats on your mom’s news; it must be such a relief each time!
Thank goodness I ended up eating PB&J for breakfast and dinner yesterday!
Wow, I’m a rather new reader and haven’t gone through all of your old blog posts. I didn’t know your mother had the same cancer my mother was diagnosed with in 2011. When she told me I reacted more or less in the same way you did even though I’ve never been as close to my mother as you seem to be to yours. My grand mother also had the same cancer, both came out as survivors. My mother just finished her treatment and I hope and believe she will stay free of cancer just like your mother who seems to be a true fighter and an incredible woman.
thank you for sharing your story, lina. it’s such a scary time and i’m so glad your mother and grandmother ar survivors!
Congrats on your mama! That’s great news. I’ve been to a wonderful chiropractor in New York, who fixed my sacrum (lower back) for months after 3 or 4 visits. The last time I was there was August, and after months of travel and flying, it’s only bothering me again now, so I consider that successful!
I’ve never added shredded coconut to my pb/banana toast- sounds like a wonderful idea!
Hi Julie! I work at a Massage School, and also work with a few Chiro’s. When I go, I usually get muscle stimulators, which are literally electric shocks to your muscle that will make them twitch. It’s kind of freaky feeling, but it helps your muscles to relax and go back into a rest mode. Hopefully you’re okay with the sounds of your bones crackin’ because that’s a HUGE part! I love it 🙂
I’ve grown up around chiropractors (my mom has worked for one for 18 years) and I have complete faith in the profession.
Chiropractors are more than “back crackers”; adjustments align your entire body and keep your body (and brain) functioning properly. Not only do they help with body pain, but also immune functioning. I’ve been going for most of my life and I’ve never even taken an advil or antibiotic, I believe I owe it to my chiro! Good luck!!
I have been going to a chiropractor for a couple of months now for scoliosis management and an injury to my anterior tibialis. My hips aren’t wonky anymore and I was able to run four days in a row last week, and I couldn’t even do two days in a row last summer! Each visit is also cheaper than getting my hair done, which my husband likes, especially since my insurance won’t cover chiropractors. Good luck, I hope your doctor is awesome!
I have scoliosis and when I was younger had a ton of back pain. I used to go to a chiro once a week I hurt the most when I was getting manipulated frequently. I stopped going and worked on strengthening my body I’ve been relatively pain free.
So happy to her such great news about your mom! She seems like such a wonderful person and deserves her health! 🙂 I can’t wait to hear about your chiropractor appt. I have been thinking about going for awhile but just haven’t taken that step yet!
SO happy your mom got good news! I’m sure that’s the best feeling in the world each time 🙂
Yay on your Mom’s status!!!!! 🙂
I love circuts too, they just go by so quickly! However, bench jumps scare me as do box jumps. Apparently I don’t like jumping on or over things!
I love circuit workouts too! I always leave the gym feeling amazing after them 🙂
Yay for your Momma 🙂 My mom has MS so whenever she has a check up and I love hearing when the results are that she is the same (healthy!). I’ve never been to a chiropractor because I’m a little afraid of them but would be interested to see how it goes for you!
P.S. I did the incline treadmill workout from yesterday morning’s post. I completed it TWICE through for a 60 min treadmill sesh. It flew by and was a great workout. Thanks!
Big congrats to your mom on the A-OK scans! 🙂 My favorite DQ blizzard is the German Chocolate – yum! (coconut in that one, too, of course).
I started going to a chiropractor this year when I began having lower back pain while running. I had never experienced any back pain before, so I was worried. There are two schools of thought with chiros: the first is that if you have a major problem, they’ll want to see you multiple times a week and charge you crazy money. The second is more of a sports therapy method where they’ll adjust you, but give you stretches and exercises to do as “homework” on your own. Mine is the second school of thought – and hopefully yours is too. It was a little unnerving the first time he cracked my neck. But he’s a professional and super nice – so I trust him. I love my chiro. My hips have never been so loose and my back pain went away after 2 visits. Now I go in every 6-8 weeks for a tune-up! Good luck, Julie!
I love my chiropractor! They are awesome! The massages are great, but adjustments are so important! It’s amazing how can go in all jacked up and crooked and walk out completely straight and pain free! Let us know how they “assess” you!
Congrat’s on your mom’s news!
I started going to the chiropractor regularly last December after experiencing a lot of soreness in my hip after running. Turns out my hips were way out of alignment. It’s been really helpful and I’ve learned a lot of neat things from my doctor. Hope you have a great experience too! I’m jealous you’re getting a massage!
That’s great news about your Mom 🙂 I also love Hawaiian Blizzards, that and Mint Oreo are my favorite ones.
After always getting headache and migraines I started going to a chiropractor a few years ago, and they helped so much! Now if my headache lasts longer than a day or two I go in for an adjustment and voila no more headache! It also helped with running since my hips were always an inch or so off I kept going for adjustments to prevent injury.
I have been needing to find a chiro, but I’ve been pretty scared about it despite my already awful back pain. I haven’t been, but I hope you have a great experience!
Congratulations on your mommy’s wonderful news! Your whole family must be so incredibly relieved.
As for that yummy looking muffin – have you tried Justin’s brand peanut butters yet? The chocolate one would be utter PERFECTION on that bad boy.
Happy Tuesday!
Yes! I LOVE them!!!
I just had a chiropractor appointment Saturday morning! I go routinely for adjustments and love it. I work at my computer all day so my back and neck are always out of whack and when I go to see him, it makes me feel so much better!
I hope it goes well & you enjoy your experience!
What amazing news about your mom!! I am sure that is always a huge sigh of relief 🙂
I had to move workout B this week due to 1/2 marathon training schedule but I LOVE the looks of it … can’t wait to do it 🙂
Good news for your mom!! What a relief for all of you!
I go to the chiropractor about once a month. I started going a year ago when I messed up my hip running too much. I love going now and hope it keeps my body happy and healthy! Enjoy 🙂
So happy for your Mom and you! I bet that is SUCH a relief!!!!
congrats for your Mom, that is really the best kind of news!! P.s. you have made me a circuit workout lover, I cannot get enough of them!
aren’t they the BEST!? definitely my favorite kind of workout.
Glad to hear your Mom is doing well!!
I was having serious knee & hip pain and couldn’t run and tried several different doctors, and nothing seemed to help. I went to a Chiro, turns out my back was out, he started adjustments and now my back, hip and knee are SO much better!! Love my Chiro!
Do you do these in your home or a gym?? I would feel a little strange doing things like those bench hops in public!
i kiss my dignity goodbye and do them at the gym. 🙂
I don’t know how people live without a chiro!! I don’t see mine on a regular basis but wish I could. I only go to him when I have an issue or when I am training for an event like a half or full marathon. You will love it and notice a difference in how you feel after just one visit. You will want to be a “regular!”
AWESOME NEWS about your Mom.
That breakfast looks so good. I would love that as I am a pina colado fan myself.
I went to a chriopractor for about a year. His adjustments really helped with my migraines. I recommend going at least once to get evaluated. The chiro may want to take x-rays, which might not be included in your Groupon, but your health insurance should hopefully cover them.
Ahaha sorry if I’m creepin’ too close, but I love how you wrote “haha” next to the 25 pushups on your workout sheet! That cracked me up – and would say it on my workout, too. Love that you’re keepin’ it real 😉
LOL!
Congrats for your mom!! Very happy for you and your family!
I love the news about your mom! That is such a blessing!! 🙂
Before I started working for a chiropractor I thought they focused primarily on cracking bones. Eeeek!
Now I see there is a full range of ways they might treat and heal the body, some of which involve electrotherapy and manual manipulation (similar to massage techniques). A good chiropractor will evaluate your body using a holistic approach – it’s not uncommon for chiros to practice acupuncture and/or nutrition as well.
Good luck with your appointment! You’ll definitely learn a new thing or two about yourself. 🙂