WOW this week has been so exciting and full of adventure (as you can tell by the title)! Talk about a great way to start a new month: I tried commuting into the city, went to my 2nd boxing class and tried Zumba for the first time.
Commuting Dilemma Finally Resolved
So, I’ve received a lot of comments and suggestions regarding my Commuting Dilemma and after a lot of careful consideration I’ve come to realize that biking into the city just isn’t worth it for me.
Yes, I would absolutely love to ride to work everyday but having to go through such a congested and dangerous area just isn’t smart; so unfortunately I will continue to take the train to work. One idea that I am still playing with is the idea to run part of the way so that I can get outside, exercise and it’s safer than biking as I’ll be on sidewalks. It’s just a thought…
I have to say that boxing is amazing.
Let me say that again, boxing is freaking amazing. It’s such a great workout for your entire body – arms, legs, core, little muscles you didn’t know existed - you work it all and it’s a ton of fun. The best part about my boxing instructor, Bobby, is that he’s 
extremely experienced, encouraging and focuses a lot on your breath and form. It’s not like you see in shows where people throw on gloves and just start pummeling a big bag.
Class always starts with some warm up drills – jumping jacks, shadow boxing (where you punch the air) and some general exercises to wake up your muscles. Then we go into a circuit and spend 1.5 minutes at each station: heavy bag, little bag, high up bag, lunges, side skipping, bouncing a tennis ball (harder than it sounds), jump roping and finally everyone gets to spar with the instructor. Sparring is my favorite part of class – it’s also the most intense. You essentially get to box against Bobby (he wears head gear) and it gives me a huge adrenaline rush!!
Throughout the entire class Bobby is always reminding us to breathe (kinda reminds me of a yoga class). Jab, upper-cut, breathe. One, two punch, breathe. It’s great that he is so focused on teaching us to listen to our bodies and work with our breath. So for all of you out there thinking boxing is a jock sport that doesn’t require form or focus you definitely have to give it a try – I bet you’ll love it just as much as I do (and your body will too).
I also have to say I LOVE Zumba!!!
Zumba is possibly one of the funnest workouts I’ve ever done.
According to Zumba.com (and I completely agree) Zumba is ”an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party™ that’s moving millions of people toward joy and health.” It’s like being in a music video or a dance club but so much better because it’s fun and you’re literally burning a ton of calories.
Most Zumba classes have you follow the teacher through a choreographed dance for each song and then there are a few songs mixed in where you slow down and focus on different body parts (arms, legs and core). Last night’s class was 60 minutes and it was a kick-ass workout – my legs, arms and buns were all on fire by the end of class. The difference between that class and boxing or boot camp classes is that you feel like you’re at a party so you almost forget that you’re working out!
Big shout out to Alexis for letting me tag along.
Here’s this week’s workout recap, as you can see it’s been a very busy week:
- Sun: Bike Ride – 8+ miles (45 minutes) from our apartment into the city to try commuting to work
- Mon: Spin class – 45 minutes, super hard – didn’t realize how tired my legs were until 5 minutes into class
- Tues: Hip Hop Yoga class – 55 minutes, lots of warriors and balance poses, really great class, felt strong + grounded
- Wed: Boxing – 50 minute class, super super intense! My arms were so sore by the end but didn’t feel as bad as last time
- Thur: Power Yoga – 55 minute class, very hard + 60 min Zumba class with Alexis (first time and I loved it!)
- Fri: Spin class – 60 minutes, woot woot!
- Sat: Trail Run in CT??? We’ll see, I may need a rest day!
Freedom lies in being bold.
Robert Frost
Related posts:
