First Workout in 14 Days

Well, it was back to the gym for me this morning and I was so excited. After 14 days I was ready to get in there and really have a great workout. On Mondays, I usually go to a 45 minute cardio class that is followed by a 45 minute Pilates class. The cardio portion of the class today was all on the step. I love step workouts because I am able to push myself enough to get my heart rate up and really work off some calories. According to my watch I burned 298 calories during the 45 minutes of cardio. As my heart rate comes down during Pilates I don't burn as much, but I still burned 129 calories. So total calories burned for my workout this morning was 427! Not too bad for my first day back. I think I actually burned more calories today since I had not worked out for two weeks. Class seemed much harder to me than it had in the past, so I think my idea of getting a jump start might just work out.

A couple of things I want to share with you about working out is make sure to drink lots of water and eat something! I take a 16.9 oz bottle of water with me to the gym. I drink a little before class and take many breaks during class to have more water. I finish up my bottle usually on the way home after class. I always eat something before I workout in the morning. My typical morning routine is to have a popcorn cake (caramel flavored) with peanut butter on it. This is about 125 calories and really helps me have the energy to get through class. The peanut butter is great because it has protein so I don't get hungry in the middle of my workout. Plus this is light enough that it doesn't upset my belly while I am working out. When I get home after a workout, I have my second part of breakfast. This is normally a 1/2 cup of Kashi Go Lean Crunch with 1/2 cup Vanilla Soy Milk. This is 130 calories total. I am usually eating this portion of my breakfast after 10am. I don't worry about filling up too much because I know I am going to have lunch at noon. Sometimes I also have a banana with my cereal. Because fruits and veggies are good for you!

Well, I need to get back to my day, but I hope this information about one of my workouts helps you be motivated to do something today. Don't forget to push yourself! :)