Some thoughts and discussions from me.
Ramp it Up Boot Camp Workout + Why HIIT Makes You Smart + Pin-able Workouts
Good morning, and happy Friday!
I know it’s only Friday morning, but I have a feeling this weekend is going to be one of those I-feel-like-I’m-on-vacation-because-I’m-packing-in-SO-much-fun-stuff! types of weekend. This has become a pattern. A pattern of which I wouldn’t like to stop anytime soon 
I’ve noticed that I actually sleep more during the week now than I do on the weekends. Not because I have to wake up early on the weekends, but because I go to bed late, and then still somehow naturally wake up at my 6:00 a.m. internal alarm. I wish I had the sleeping in abilities that some others do!
Today I’ll actually be in Lyons at the Boulder Oakley even all day! I’m not too sure what to expect, but I know I’ll be in good company, and I know we’ll be doing both yoga and a boot camp workout.
Speaking of boot camp workouts, I thought I’d share with you guys the class I put my group through on Monday this week. The gym where I teach boot camp (technically Interval class) has very fit people. Basically, they’re fit people looking to get fitter. Because of this, I always have a blast coming up with creative ways to really challenge their strength and cardiovascular capacity. This one was a good one! Word of caution – it’s intense!!
As always, please check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.
This one was a doozy. I did one of the rounds with them, and it’s definitely some high intensity training.
HIIT, or High Intensity Interval Training has many benefits, some of which including:
- produces same physical benefits as longer, endurance cardio in a much shorter time
- increases anaerobic capacity
- Increased EPOC (exercise post-oxygen consumption) or – calorie after burn
- This type of cardio doesn’t promote muscle loss, like some longer, endurance cardiovascular methods do
- increase metabolism
and so on. But then last night I was reading a study that proved HIIT improves more than just the physical body. The study suggested that HIIT can actually improve mental capacity! The researchers found that after a 4 month training program including 2 HIIT sessions per week showed participants having increased executive function and memory. It was a very small study, but I love reading any study showing how the benefits of exercise are more than just physical.
For me, exercise plays much more of a part in my life than just the physical. Just some examples:
- It makes me a saner person
- Gives a sense of community
- Allows other physically demanding activities to be hobbies (hiking, climbing, biking, etc.)
- Allows me to think more clearly
And much more, but that’s what I can think of right now.
And while we’re on the topic of fitness, my friend Lindsay is hosting a Pinterest party! To participate, you just choose 5 pinable posts that you’re proud of, and link them up in her post. I thought today I’d post 5 of my favorite pinable workouts that I’ve shared on the blog, since we’re on the topic of workouts and all anyway. So here they are!
Happy sweating 
What are the biggest non-physical benefits exercise plays in your life?
I’m going to try that living room workout this morning 🙂 Thanks! As far as non-physical benefits of exercise, I like what you said about being able to do other physically strenuous activities as hobbies. At this point in my life, there really is nothing for which I’d say, “I’d love to do that, but I am physically not able.” I can’t imagine wanting to go for a hike but not being able to!
Catherine @ A Two Storey Home recently posted…Workout Schedule + Laughing During Yoga
Love the boot camp workout! HIIT workouts are my favorite because they keep me interested the entire time. Looks like a tough one.
Danielle recently posted…How to accomplish your “when I’m skinny” goals without ever losing a pound
I definitely love the mental clarity that comes with exercise. It’s my ‘me time’ for sure!
And I love that hip mobility routine. I incorporate the moves a couple times a week and I’ve seen great improvements in my hip flexibility!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted…Five Things Friday: 05/03/13.
Every time I read/think about all the benefits of HIIT, I think “ugh, why am I even bothering with endurance running??”…but it always comes back to the fact that I just like it. I definitely need to mix things up more though. The boot camp workout sounds pretty intense. I wish I had enough room to run sprints in my basement. 🙂
Kim @ Healthy Nest recently posted…May initiatives
I need to try that back workout! I suppose this is still a physical benefit, but I love how exercise makes me so alert. I feel like I have so much more energy and a very clear head!
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted…Walk It Off
After a workout, I mentally feel prepared to take on any other tasks that day. I feel more focused. I always try to remember this if I’m dreading my morning workout.
lindsay recently posted…high five friday #20: gymin’.
My parents have a lot of scary health issues, and exercise was never a regular part of their lives. I like to think that by working out regularly I am keeping my heart in better condition and preventing bone and joint problems as well. Who knows if that’s true, but it’s a pretty good placebo right?
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Exercise is my sanity – it’s my stress relief! I love your pinned workouts! I’m off to do some kettle bell circuits myself. Have a great weekend!
claire @ live and love to eat recently posted…Weekend Highlights
Just pinned your hip mobility routine, so great for before running 🙂
I just joined the Pin-It Party – better late than never!
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats recently posted…Pin It Party
And especially after – when the muscles are nice and warm 🙂
Love the running workout. I am going to give it a try! And pinned of course.
When the desert iguana matures, its growth ranges
from ten up to sixteen inches long. For each egg in the ootheca, there is a compartment-like space.
If you have a baby, you should start out by bathing him
for ten minutes or so.
pet iguana Good Care sheet recently posted…pet iguana Good Care sheet
For the bootcamp workout, which looks killer so I may regret asking questions, what are donkey kicks? I have seen a few variations of them online and wondering which ones you did.
Happy belated Valentine ! I feel the same way about this holiady.. I just find it cute and you get to think a little extra on what and who matters to you!And yay to your run !! I love running Victoria recently posted