Group exercise
If you’re like me, the average weight lifting workout routine gets insanely boring in a matter of seconds. Three sets of bicep curls with 10 reps in each set doesn’t sound very fun or worthy of someone’s undivided attention. Although the intense weigh room sessions may motivate a few to work harder and get better while comparing and competing with those around them, the repetitive motions seem to only make my mind wander and shatter my attention span.
My personal favorite method of exercise is any type of group exercise. From spin class to Zumba, these group activities are highly motivational and extremely fun. Instructors are there to guide anyone throughout the classes, and truly help them succeed and excel with a variety of exercise routines.
Group exercise has come to redefine the average gym-goer’s daily workout and has made becoming physically fit something everyone can do together. Classes are offered at almost every fitness facility and some of the same classes can be found at almost every gym across the nation.
A highly effective group exercise that I have come to love is spin class. This intense, fast-paced, calorie burning workout is sure to whip anyone into quick shape. The class is a strictly cardio workout, and classes generally vary from 45 minutes to an hour. Spin class is taught by an instructor who gradually makes the class more intense as time goes on. They start by warming the class up with riding on a “flat road,” which means very light resistance, as if you were really riding on a straight street. Instructors use a one to ten scale to judge resistance, with a flat road being anywhere from a one to a three. After the warm-up, the class can start anywhere from sprints to a climb (gradually adding on resistance, eventually ending up at levels seven to nine), or instructors like to incorporate a tabata routine to the class. Tabata incorporated into spin means interval training with either sprints or climbs. Generally, using a sprint tabata addition to the class means the instructor will time 20 seconds of sprints, followed by ten seconds of rest.
On the opposite side of pure cardio group exercise is class that is another personal favorite of mine: muscle pump. This class is offered at the Rueter YMCA every Tuesday and Thursday at either 4:30 or 5:30. The class is 50 minutes long and is described as a weight lifting class, mixed with a littlle cardio. The instructors for both spin and muscle pump base their routines around up-beat music, making it very easy to participate in and feel like time is flying by. Muscle pump will feature a variety of exercises like squats, crunches, lunges, and shoulder presses, but makes it in a way that is entertaining for everyone and fun to do.
Getting up and getting motivated to workout is something that doesn’t come easy to everyone. While I do appreciate and see the effectiveness of the old-school workout system, group exercise is highly motivating and entertaining. It incorporates all types of fitness into one, and give participants the opportunity to make new friends and become more comfortable with the process of working out.
My personal favorite method of exercise is any type of group exercise. From spin class to Zumba, these group activities are highly motivational and extremely fun. Instructors are there to guide anyone throughout the classes, and truly help them succeed and excel with a variety of exercise routines.
Group exercise has come to redefine the average gym-goer’s daily workout and has made becoming physically fit something everyone can do together. Classes are offered at almost every fitness facility and some of the same classes can be found at almost every gym across the nation.
A highly effective group exercise that I have come to love is spin class. This intense, fast-paced, calorie burning workout is sure to whip anyone into quick shape. The class is a strictly cardio workout, and classes generally vary from 45 minutes to an hour. Spin class is taught by an instructor who gradually makes the class more intense as time goes on. They start by warming the class up with riding on a “flat road,” which means very light resistance, as if you were really riding on a straight street. Instructors use a one to ten scale to judge resistance, with a flat road being anywhere from a one to a three. After the warm-up, the class can start anywhere from sprints to a climb (gradually adding on resistance, eventually ending up at levels seven to nine), or instructors like to incorporate a tabata routine to the class. Tabata incorporated into spin means interval training with either sprints or climbs. Generally, using a sprint tabata addition to the class means the instructor will time 20 seconds of sprints, followed by ten seconds of rest.
On the opposite side of pure cardio group exercise is class that is another personal favorite of mine: muscle pump. This class is offered at the Rueter YMCA every Tuesday and Thursday at either 4:30 or 5:30. The class is 50 minutes long and is described as a weight lifting class, mixed with a littlle cardio. The instructors for both spin and muscle pump base their routines around up-beat music, making it very easy to participate in and feel like time is flying by. Muscle pump will feature a variety of exercises like squats, crunches, lunges, and shoulder presses, but makes it in a way that is entertaining for everyone and fun to do.
Getting up and getting motivated to workout is something that doesn’t come easy to everyone. While I do appreciate and see the effectiveness of the old-school workout system, group exercise is highly motivating and entertaining. It incorporates all types of fitness into one, and give participants the opportunity to make new friends and become more comfortable with the process of working out.
chipotle offers on-the-go clean eating option
From burrito bowls to classic tacos and everything in between, Chipotle offers several different options for those wanting to get a classic, Mexican grill experience. This blog post is going to highlight one of my favorite restaurants, Chipotle. Having only been in Asheville for a little over a month, I’ve personally made over ten trips to the famous restaurant and haven’t regretted a single visit.
The main reason I’m featuring this restaurant on my blog is because of the fact that the restaurant puts such a large focus on making the majority of their ingredients organic. The mission statement of the chain is “Food with integrity,” making it the perfect spot for anyone who’s looking to eat clean, but is on the go.
Not only is Chipotle the largest chain restaurant around that features naturally grown meat, but they also vowed to not let any of their locations contain freezers, microwave ovens, or can openers due to their mission to give customers the freshest ingredients they possibly can; everything and anything a “clean freak” like me looks for in a restaurant.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat out, but still want to stay on track with a healthy diet, Chipotle is a perfect choice and offers a variety of different options for any person to put in their bowl or burrito. They remain traditional with the choice of chicken or steak, but offer alternatives like their vegetarian burritos and bowls or their tofu substitute called “sofritas,” which is still being tested on the market.
My personal favorite combination is the burrito bowl with brown rice, chicken, and salsa. The bowl contains all the features of a classic burrito, but without the dense, carb and calorie filled shell. One of the many features that sets Chipotle apart from other Mexican grills, like Neo Burrito or Barboritos, is that it offers customers brown rice instead of the less health conscious, traditional Mexican rice.
Something that the restaurant seems to be known for is their lack of queso. While this fact may upset the masses, for me it’s something I see as a pro for the Mexican grill since it completely takes away any temptation to splurge on the delicious, cheesy dip. Even though they may not include the popular side on their menu, dining out at Chipotle is almost as great at the food. The clean, modern look sets an urban vibe for those looking to venture out of their comfort zone and really take in all that Chipotle’s menu has to offer.
The main reason I’m featuring this restaurant on my blog is because of the fact that the restaurant puts such a large focus on making the majority of their ingredients organic. The mission statement of the chain is “Food with integrity,” making it the perfect spot for anyone who’s looking to eat clean, but is on the go.
Not only is Chipotle the largest chain restaurant around that features naturally grown meat, but they also vowed to not let any of their locations contain freezers, microwave ovens, or can openers due to their mission to give customers the freshest ingredients they possibly can; everything and anything a “clean freak” like me looks for in a restaurant.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat out, but still want to stay on track with a healthy diet, Chipotle is a perfect choice and offers a variety of different options for any person to put in their bowl or burrito. They remain traditional with the choice of chicken or steak, but offer alternatives like their vegetarian burritos and bowls or their tofu substitute called “sofritas,” which is still being tested on the market.
My personal favorite combination is the burrito bowl with brown rice, chicken, and salsa. The bowl contains all the features of a classic burrito, but without the dense, carb and calorie filled shell. One of the many features that sets Chipotle apart from other Mexican grills, like Neo Burrito or Barboritos, is that it offers customers brown rice instead of the less health conscious, traditional Mexican rice.
Something that the restaurant seems to be known for is their lack of queso. While this fact may upset the masses, for me it’s something I see as a pro for the Mexican grill since it completely takes away any temptation to splurge on the delicious, cheesy dip. Even though they may not include the popular side on their menu, dining out at Chipotle is almost as great at the food. The clean, modern look sets an urban vibe for those looking to venture out of their comfort zone and really take in all that Chipotle’s menu has to offer.
healthy holiday eating is easier than you think
This time of year entails not only festivities like stringing Christmas lights or decorating trees, it also comes with the annual battle of whether or not to partake in holiday food traditions.
Cookies, turkey, pie, eggnog, hot chocolate. They are all examples of the holiday treats every person loves to indulge in, but is overcome with regret after the fifth cookie is finished. Well, I have three easy tips to overcome this stressful battle and come out victorious.
With every holiday season comes the holiday parties that serve numerous amounts of snacks and treats that may not be the best option for someone who is looking to eat clean. If the snack table is up to you, try filling it with a variety of creative healthy snacking foods. For example, instead of the basic chip bowl, try serving a hummus tray with whole wheat pita chips. Fruit is always a quick and easy replacement for any of the foods being served on the sweeter side, and it’s, of course, a much healthier option. For anyone craving something a little more on the salty side, almonds and cashews are a great substitute for artificial, calorie filled flavored crackers.
A tradition that’s been around in my family for as long as I can remember is having a substantial amount of Christmas cookies around the house. By substantial amounts I mean at least three dozen of every kind of cookie imaginable. In order to overcome this intense temptation to stuff my face with an unnecessary amount of cookies, I learned the best way is to simply donate them. Nothing makes a better gift than a basket of sweet treat; that way you can carry on the baking tradition and only keep a minimal amount around the house.
Holiday meals can be extremely dense and not always the healthiest option for a clean eater. I personally do not see a problem in straying a little ways from yearly traditions and tweaking a Christmas dinner to be a little on the healthier side. My go-to choice for any meat is always chicken; it’s lean, delicious, filled with protein, and a much lighter choice than the usual ham. A kale salad can also be a great addition to any holiday meal. A zesty lemon dressing, combined with a mixture of sunflower seeds and any combination of fruit can finish the salad off, making it a filling and healthy side that isn’t quite like any other holiday dish.
All-in-all, the holidays are a challenging time for clean eaters, but there are several methods along with the ones I mention that can help keep the holidays healthy. Although I do support healthy eating all year round, having a few festive cookies or a slice of delicious apple pie won’t hurt, especially when sharing it with family and friends during the Christmas season.
Cookies, turkey, pie, eggnog, hot chocolate. They are all examples of the holiday treats every person loves to indulge in, but is overcome with regret after the fifth cookie is finished. Well, I have three easy tips to overcome this stressful battle and come out victorious.
With every holiday season comes the holiday parties that serve numerous amounts of snacks and treats that may not be the best option for someone who is looking to eat clean. If the snack table is up to you, try filling it with a variety of creative healthy snacking foods. For example, instead of the basic chip bowl, try serving a hummus tray with whole wheat pita chips. Fruit is always a quick and easy replacement for any of the foods being served on the sweeter side, and it’s, of course, a much healthier option. For anyone craving something a little more on the salty side, almonds and cashews are a great substitute for artificial, calorie filled flavored crackers.
A tradition that’s been around in my family for as long as I can remember is having a substantial amount of Christmas cookies around the house. By substantial amounts I mean at least three dozen of every kind of cookie imaginable. In order to overcome this intense temptation to stuff my face with an unnecessary amount of cookies, I learned the best way is to simply donate them. Nothing makes a better gift than a basket of sweet treat; that way you can carry on the baking tradition and only keep a minimal amount around the house.
Holiday meals can be extremely dense and not always the healthiest option for a clean eater. I personally do not see a problem in straying a little ways from yearly traditions and tweaking a Christmas dinner to be a little on the healthier side. My go-to choice for any meat is always chicken; it’s lean, delicious, filled with protein, and a much lighter choice than the usual ham. A kale salad can also be a great addition to any holiday meal. A zesty lemon dressing, combined with a mixture of sunflower seeds and any combination of fruit can finish the salad off, making it a filling and healthy side that isn’t quite like any other holiday dish.
All-in-all, the holidays are a challenging time for clean eaters, but there are several methods along with the ones I mention that can help keep the holidays healthy. Although I do support healthy eating all year round, having a few festive cookies or a slice of delicious apple pie won’t hurt, especially when sharing it with family and friends during the Christmas season.
Homemade breakfast offers alternative to green sage meals
One of my favorite restaurants here in Asheville is Green Sage Café on Hendersonville Road. It puts a heavy focus on local, healthy eating and is a great place to dine out for anyone who values good, clean food.
The overall atmosphere of Green Sage is warm and inviting, but their delicious entrees come at a steep price. My personal favorite breakfast combination is their breakfast bagel and mighty mango smoothie. Both round out to a total of about $12, making breakfast far from a bargain.
A quick trip to your local grocery store can provide you with all the ingredients necessary for this meal, along with several meals after that, for around the same price. Ingles Bakery everything bagels are $2.00 and give you enough bagels for four sandwiches, while Oscar Myer turkey bacon is $3.00, eggs are $1.50, Swiss cheese can be anywherefrom $3.00 to $5.00, and a pack of spinach is $3.50. Those ingredients combined comes to an estimated total of $13.00, but gives you enough to make breakfast for the entire family.
The smoothie featured in the video below includes vanilla Greek yogurt, strawberries, banana, and vanilla Silk almond milk, and makes a creamy strawberry-banana smoothie that puts the finishing touch to any breakfast meal.
If you’re easing your way into eating clean, this option is perfect for you. It includes a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrates, and natural sugars between the breakfast bagel and the smoothie. It’s a perfect gateway to try other, healthier options and can be adjusted to fit anyone’s preference.
The overall atmosphere of Green Sage is warm and inviting, but their delicious entrees come at a steep price. My personal favorite breakfast combination is their breakfast bagel and mighty mango smoothie. Both round out to a total of about $12, making breakfast far from a bargain.
A quick trip to your local grocery store can provide you with all the ingredients necessary for this meal, along with several meals after that, for around the same price. Ingles Bakery everything bagels are $2.00 and give you enough bagels for four sandwiches, while Oscar Myer turkey bacon is $3.00, eggs are $1.50, Swiss cheese can be anywherefrom $3.00 to $5.00, and a pack of spinach is $3.50. Those ingredients combined comes to an estimated total of $13.00, but gives you enough to make breakfast for the entire family.
The smoothie featured in the video below includes vanilla Greek yogurt, strawberries, banana, and vanilla Silk almond milk, and makes a creamy strawberry-banana smoothie that puts the finishing touch to any breakfast meal.
If you’re easing your way into eating clean, this option is perfect for you. It includes a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrates, and natural sugars between the breakfast bagel and the smoothie. It’s a perfect gateway to try other, healthier options and can be adjusted to fit anyone’s preference.
time for a 'clean' start
My name is Lindsey Hoover and I’ve decided to take this ever-expanding trend and localizing it for everyone in Asheville who loves eating healthy, local, and organic food. For every new post, I will work to try a new food or exercise that I’ve never done before to get a more in depth look at how living an all around healthy lifestyle is beneficial in more than one way.
I’m going to really focus in on the restaurants around Asheville that provide healthier alternatives to certain foods. For example, stores like Earth Fare or Green Life push clean and organic eating locally, but narrowing down what stores like those have to offer can be extremely difficult. These grocery stores, and several other local eateries, act not only as super markets, but also provide customers a healthy place to dine out with friends and family.
I’ll be sampling several different restaurants, homemade foods, and try a variety of different exercise routines at many different locations all around Asheville. More and more, people are gearing towards health trends like cleanses, green juice, and substitutions like tofu.
Whether these new fads are truly improving a person’s diet and lifestyle has yet to be determined. I’ll find out first hand by sampling several new foods that are rumored to be the next great “super food.” Along with reviews and personal experiences, I’ll be interviewing everyone from students here at TC to head chefs and restaurant managers that make clean eating a priority.
You can find a link below that takes you to one of my favorite websites that gives great, easy recipes for delicious clean meals. One of my personal favorite recipes that I found on EatingWell was a dish that included scallops in whole-wheat pasta with a light lemon sauce.
If you’re looking for a new restaurant to try, or an easy at-home recipe to prepare, check back here and you can find pictures, videos, links and more.
http://www.eatingwell.com/
I’m going to really focus in on the restaurants around Asheville that provide healthier alternatives to certain foods. For example, stores like Earth Fare or Green Life push clean and organic eating locally, but narrowing down what stores like those have to offer can be extremely difficult. These grocery stores, and several other local eateries, act not only as super markets, but also provide customers a healthy place to dine out with friends and family.
I’ll be sampling several different restaurants, homemade foods, and try a variety of different exercise routines at many different locations all around Asheville. More and more, people are gearing towards health trends like cleanses, green juice, and substitutions like tofu.
Whether these new fads are truly improving a person’s diet and lifestyle has yet to be determined. I’ll find out first hand by sampling several new foods that are rumored to be the next great “super food.” Along with reviews and personal experiences, I’ll be interviewing everyone from students here at TC to head chefs and restaurant managers that make clean eating a priority.
You can find a link below that takes you to one of my favorite websites that gives great, easy recipes for delicious clean meals. One of my personal favorite recipes that I found on EatingWell was a dish that included scallops in whole-wheat pasta with a light lemon sauce.
If you’re looking for a new restaurant to try, or an easy at-home recipe to prepare, check back here and you can find pictures, videos, links and more.
http://www.eatingwell.com/