Tag Archive for bouldering

Tuesday Ramblings

How’s everyone doing today?

I’m just sitting at home waiting for the pest control guy. Fun stuff! We’ve had a ridiculous ant problem for the last two weeks and we FINALLY got someone to come out and fix the problem. It’s been quite a nightmare. Let’s just say, I’m a pro ant-annihilator at this point. -_-

In other news, I found a new protein powder that I’m excited to try called SLAP. I actually ended up buying the entire stack of supplements, which is just L-Glutamine, Whey Isolate Protein Powder, and a Coffee Pre-Workout supplement. I was intrigued by the company because of the minimal and clean ingredients in all of their products. The protein powder is sweetened with Stevia (score!) and doesn’t have any artificial ingredients. I haven’t tasted it yet, but I’ll be sure to let you all know how it is!

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Workouts for the Week

I’m still super sore from Sunday’s Leg Insanity, but overall I’m feeling really good and still “on” my game!

Here are my workout plans for this week:

Monday: 20 min. HIIT + Chest/Triceps (DONE)

Tuesday: Boxing

Wednesday: Legs + Bouldering (yup! Haven’t done that in a while!)

Thursday: Shoulders/Abs + Boxing

Friday: Full Body

Saturday: Back/Bi’s

Sunday: REST

Finally…I’m thinking about getting a Brazilian blow out. I NEVER feel like/have time to do my hair and it just ends up being kind of a mess. Anyone ever had one? I’ve heard the chemicals can be kind of harsh, so I’m curious. Let me know your experiences!

Questions of the Day:

1. What is your favorite protein powder?

2. Brazilian Blowout advice please!!!

Workouts for the Week + BIG BEAR!

Woohoo, we’re halfway through the week! It feels good. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m still pretty bummed about the passing of Robin Williams. I was fortunate enough to meet the guy, and he was just as nice and funny as he is in his movies. I don’t usually get this way when a celebrity passes away, but for some reason I think Robin Williams’ death has hit a lot of people much harder than usual.

Circa....2008?

Circa….2008?

Aside from that, this week has been pretty good. I did a tough workout on Monday and then did a tough leg workout Tuesday. Today I plan on bouldering and maybe just foam rolling. My body is kind of…..toast.

I am heading to Big Bear Lake with my man tomorrow for a few days of relaxation, hiking, and WAKEBOARDING!!! So my fitness will all be outdoors towards the end of the week.

Here’s my week:

Monday: Shoulders & Chest + KB Burpees (video below)

Tuesday: Legs & Plyos (Squats, Squat Jumps, Walking Lunges, KB Goblet Squats w/ Rotation, Jumping Lunges)

Wednesday: Bouldering + Foam Roll & Stretch

Thursday: Hiking in Big Bear

Friday: WAKEBOARDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (my favorite thing on the planet if you couldn’t tell)

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Hope everyone has a great rest of the week! I’ll be back next week with some photos, recipes, and more workouts!!

 

4th of July Weekend Recap + Video

Oh man….is anyone else having trouble getting back into the swing of things after 4th of July weekend?? I kind of felt like I forgot how to work when I got up this morning. 3 day weekends are awesome, but I think I get why we don’t have them every weekend. I’m still getting things done today…but I’m struggling….

I don’t think this sunburn is helping….

sunburn

More on that later…..

Friday morning Charlie and I hit up Best Buy and decided to buy a new TV. We’ve been totally red-necking it with our TV set up at home and finally bit the bullet with a new Smart TV. We still don’t have cable (and don’t want it) but now we can watch Netflix and Hulu on our TV instead of our laptop. Woohoo for getting with the times!

Afterwards, we headed to the [closed] gym for a workout. Perks of working for a gym I guess. We did heavy deadlifts, heavy squats, and heavy barbell reverse lunges. We were SO SORE all weekend because of it.

We spent the rest of the day hanging by the pool and relaxing….not a bad day if you ask me!

Soooo about that sunburn….Not cool. I completely forgot sunscreen TWO DAYS IN A ROW. I honestly don’t know when I will learn. Guess I’ll just keep trying. When I lived in AZ, I could spend hours in the sun and be fine…..here in Cali? 20 minutes and I’m burnt toast.

On Saturday, I headed to Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey (Marina Del Rehhhh…I took the 4055555 to the 101111…yes we really do that here in SoCal) and did some paddle boarding (and forgot sunscreen). It’s soooooo relaxing and nice to be out on the water. I’m not really sure why I don’t live on a boat and just hang out on the water all day every day. That’s the life, I tell ya. Someday!

Marina Boats

Marina Boats

Since Charlie and I hadn’t really gotten a chance to try out our new TV, we spent the rest of Saturday night watching The Killing marathon style and eating chinese food. Of course, I’m only good for a few episodes of anything before I completely pass out, but I’m loving the show! Have you guys seen it?! It’s suspenseful and unpredictable. Lovin’ it so far.

Sunday morning we had our Iron Member Appreciation BBQ….and once again….I was in a tank top…in direct sunlight. And now, I’m paying for it. Sunburns suck and I need to stop being a dumbass and slather on the sunscreen. Leather skin is never in style.

lizzycharbbq

Marina Boats

Marina Boats

Hope everyone had a safe and fun 4th of July weekend…..here’s my workout plan for the week:

Monday: 20 min. HIIT on Stairmill + Bouldering (done)

Tuesday: Legs

Wednesday: 20 min. HIIT on Stairmill + Upper Body

Thursday: Bouldering + Full Body Circuit (Crossfit Style)

Friday: Legs

Saturday: Rest

Sunday: Full Body Workout

What was the best part of your 4th of July Weekend?

Leg Day Workout + ACU-MASSAGE

First off, thanks for all of your awesome comments on Part 1 of Then & Now: How I’ve Changed! You guys are nothing short of amazing. I’ll be posting Part 2 in the next few days, but I thought I’d keep it a bit lighter today.

Yesterday was a pretty good day. I packed a LOT in. I’m definitely feeling sore today, but in a good way. I have a feeling that throughout the day it’s going to get worse, but for now I’m feeling great!

For the last few weeks, there’s been an area of my back that is knotted like a friggin’ PRETZEL. Seriously guys…..it is ridiculous. I go to an Acu-masseuse who is AMAZING and saw him for it about a month ago. It helped a TON, but one session was not enough for this. I went back to him last night to try to eradicate the problem for good.  He WORKED ME last night and I’m even a bit sore from it. Instead of working on digging into the tissue a ton, he works on re-aligning the spine. There is no cracking or popping, just a lot of movement. It works wonders. I feel like a new person today. I think between boxing, rock climbing, and weight lifting, my back just gets beat up. He also finishes the session with cupping, so I’m rocking some awesome octopus kisses today. 😀

back

Workouts:

On the workout front, yesterday had me sweatin’ bullets. I did legs at the gym:

LEGS

Superset 1:

Romanian Deadlifts – 3 sets of 135# x 12 reps

Medicine Ball Thrusters – 3 sets of 16# x 15 reps

Superset 2:

DB Walking Lunges – 3 sets of 20#DB’s x 10 reps (per leg)

Ninja Jumps – 3 sets of 10  (i’ll have to take a video of these someday….they are intense…and awesome.)

Final Exercise:

BB Wide Stance Squats – 3 sets of 95# x 10 reps

After finishing up some work, I headed to Rockreation and did 10 routes. They re-did some of the routes and one in particular was SO COOL. I ended up doing it a few times to really perfect my technique on it. Low and behold I ended up tearing a callous. 🙁 I haven’t done that in a lonnnnnng time, so it was bound to happen sooner or later. Whomp, whomp.

2014-06-26 11.23.58

Since my back is a bit of a mess and I now have a ripped callous on my pinky, I’m not quite sure what I’ll do for exercise today. I need to let my back rest a little, so boxing is out, but I may do something crazy and take a yoga class or something (as I shudder thinking about it),. We’ll see how I feel later in the day.

What’s on your workout agenda for the day?

Have you ever done Acu-Massage?

Monday Food Diary + Abs Pic

Another Monday in the books. Glad I got that one out of the way! It was a good, but busy one! (aren’t they always?)

Workouts

On the workout front, I got my 20 minutes of HIIT on the stairmill in + a bouldering session at Rockreation. I got WORKED at Rockreation. I didn’t take many breaks and was completely sweaty by the end….and I was only there for about 35 minutes! Such a fun sport. I’m so glad I was introduced to it years ago and re-introduced since I’ve been back here in LA.

 

Food Diary Monday, 6/24/14

On the food front, I journaled what I ate yesterday for you guys. I’ll be honest, my breakfast isn’t anything to be proud of. I forgot to make breakfast and this was my best option with the time I had.

Breakfast:

Americano w/ Nonfat Milk

Nugo Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bar

Snack:

Americano w/ Nonfat Milk

Lunch:

Paleo Beef Burger (Ground beef, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, ketchup)

Side of fresh fruit

Snack:

Quest Cookies n Cream Bar

Dinner:

Salmon, Avocado, & Brown Rice Sushi (the perfect ratio of protein, fat, carbs)

Mango Slices

Grapes

I realize that I’m a really weird eater, by the way. I eat a lot of fruit. And could easily eat a bag of grapes in one sitting (and often do). I need to be better about my breakfast and morning snack options (Coffee really doesn’t count! Just a busy morning). It’s helpful to look back at a day and see what I’m missing. I could definitely use some veggies, hello! I’ll double up today at lunch. 😉 (Maybe I’ll even take photos of my food one of these days! Haha…i’ll try…)

Here’s what my abs looked like after dinner last night. I’m going to try to take a few each week to see the changes. I’ll also try to take one in the morning before I’ve eaten or drank anything. The difference is quite large…

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I’ll be heading down to ABA this evening for a Boxing class. I love boxing and ABA is definitely is the best sweat in Los Angeles. You don’t leave ANYTHING when you take those classes. It’s awesome.

Trying to get a bunch of work done early in the week so that I can jet out early on Friday and head home to hang with my family. I don’t like the 6 hour drive, but I miss them and want to hang with my cute little nephew, sister, brother, dad, and some friends.

Seriously?! Look at him!!!

Seriously?! Look at him!!!

Questions for the Day:

1. What meal is the hardest for you to stay on track with?

(Mine is breakfast just because I’m always rushing out the door. )

2. Have you ever journaled your food? Did it help you?

 

 

Workout Recap and Weekend Getaway HELP!!

This week has been full of some awesome workouts, so let’s get right to it!

Workout Recap

Monday: I did a 15 minute HIIT on the treadmill. It’s amazing how much 15 minutes can make you sweat and curse. I think they go hand in hand. I also did some bouldering at the rock climbing gym.

I alternated between 6.5 and 9.0 mph on the treadmill and shared my MFT upon completion.

Tuesday: I walked on the treadmill while waiting for Charlie, and then I put us both through some hell

Here’s what we did: 

3 sets of: Squat/Sled/KB Swing combo (this video is old, but this is what it is:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTuCIGFL1qE

3 sets of: 5 Burpee Pull Ups (with full push up and on a very high bar that required a lot of pulling up!!!) super set with 10 Medicine Ball Thrusters (18 lbs)

3 sets of: 10 Push Press (45 lbs) superset with 5 Ninja Jumps

This workout looked easier on paper than it was. I tend to do that a lot…..

Wednesday: Bouldering. Instead of what I normally do, which is climb hard and take good long breaks, I set out to be there for an hour with minimal breaks. None of my friends could go, so I decided it would be the best use of my time. Damn it was hard! Climbing gives you a pump like nothing else.

Thursday: Boxing. I’m so glad I got back into this. I almost didn’t go because I’ve got a big work project going on, but knew I would feel much better if I did. I was right and left a sweaty, soaking, hot mess. It was glorious.

My plan for today? Crossfit 14.5! I missed 14.4 because I was out of town, so I figure i’ll try this one out. I may have to scale down the thrusters, but we’ll see what happens.

This weekend: 

Even though I was out of town last weekend, I feel like going out of town again! I love to travel and do little weekend trips, but haven’t been taking them lately. I made it a goal to change that. I’m leaving tonight and still don’t know where I’m going.

Should I go to: 

1. Santa Barbara

2. Solvang

3. Dana Point

Help me decide! Leave me your choice in the comments, por  favor. 🙂

5 February Goals

It’s been a crazy week! (Don’t I say that every week?) It’s been a good, productive week, but I’m tired! Going to be nice to hopefully relax a bit this weekend. This week was full of all kinds of exercise: full body metabolic workouts, heavy lifting, bouldering, and a spontaneous Pound class! I’m super sore and excited to close out the week with a little bouldering tonight. I even have battle wounds from punching a rock this week….oops….

Battle Wounds

Battle Wounds

 

As we close out January, it’s time to start figuring out goals for February. It’s a really easy time for people to fall off the wagon as the excitement of the new year subsides, so it’s important to keep on truckin’ along!

 

My 5 Goals for February:

1. Drink more water! Somewhere along the way, I’ve been drinking less water than normal. I’m still drinking enough, but should definitely be drinking more. That is definitely my number one goal!

2. More whole meals. I’ve found myself running out of the house in the morning and grabbing a protein bar and coffee to start my day. I know I could be doing better by giving myself an extra 15 minutes to throw together a wholesome breakfast.

3. Try something new. While I definitely spread myself out with activities (crossfit, bouldering, gym, outdoor activities, etc.) it’s never too late to try something new (or even something old that you haven’t done in a while)! I’m thinking that getting back into boxing or the occasional hip hop dance class will be in my near future.

4. Be more present. (And read a book!) We are all trying to do this more. Technology has really messed us up in this way, and staying off of my phone sometimes would be healthy. While it’s tough because of the nature of my job, I am going to try to at least take one evening a night where the computer and cell phone are nowhere in sight until the next morning. {anxiety ensues…}

5. Take a trip. While I have some small trips planned to take care of some things, I want to plan at least one little weekend getaway with the boyfriend so that we can spend some good quality time together away from our normal, daily lives. I truly believe in doing this every month or other month to keep my mind clear and fresh!

 

So what are your goals for February?

They can be fitness/health related, or not at all! They’re YOUR goals, so make them something that YOU want to achieve.

HAPPY FEBRUARY!

HAPPY FEBRUARY!

Running Hurts and I Hate Yoga

It is a BEAUTIFUL Wednesday here in L.A. It’s definitely really strange that we’re having temperatures in the 80’s when the rest of the country is freezing their asses off, but this warm-weather girl is NOT complaining one bit!

Fitness

Yesterday I was exhausted ALL day. I just couldn’t really wake up. I had a run and bouldering planned and while I wanted nothing more than to just go home and relax, I knew that a run would wake me right up!

Pretending to be excited for my run....

Pretending to be excited for my run….

I ran for 30 minutes at a very easy pace (about 9:20). I’ve been easing back into running and not really trying to push myself. I know that sounds strange since I’m usually a balls-to-the-wall kind of person, but my body really doesn’t like running. I am considering going to a running coach, because running is painful for me now. It never used to be until about a year ago. My hips get jacked up, and along with my traps being super tight after a run, my right side just seems to crumble whenever I run. I know there must be something mechanical that I am doing very wrong, but I do enjoy running, so I think I need to bite the bullet and get it figured out.

Underhang Hell

Underhang Hell

After my run, I headed into Rockreation for some bouldering action. My friend met me there and I finally accomplished a route I had been working on for a while. It’s such a great feeling to do that! I love what climbing has done for me in so many ways.

-I love the problem-solving aspect. Literally a puzzle on a wall.

-The strength I’ve gained in my core and upper body is amazing

-I love the zen of climbing.

 

Why I Hate Yoga

For years, people have told me that “if I just found the right teacher and class…” I would love yoga. I’ve tried people. I’VE TRIEDDDDDD!!! I have gone to all different TYPES of yoga, with different teachers. It just isn’t my thing. I actually hate it. I want nothing more than for the class to end while I’m doing it. Do I feel good afterwards? Yes, physically I do. But mentally, I feel annoyed and relieved. Annoyed that it took so long, relieved that it’s over. The thing is, I have always wished I could have the mental benefits that so many get from yoga. Their mind calms, they feel happier, etc. I’ve always wanted to feel that from yoga too!! But I just don’t. I’m sure there are many people that feel the same way about weight lifting and plyometrics (which I happen to loooveeeee), so don’t hate me for it! With that said, climbing has sort of become my yoga. I think because I’m so focused on solving the problem on the wall, I let go of the stress of life (work especially). Working through the moves and finding the right technique to get through the route is a very calming feeling for me. I always feel so relaxed and happy when I’m climbing and I leave feeling refreshed and….zen. Between all of the benefits I’ve gotten from climbing, it has quickly become one of my favorite things to do, both physically and mentally.

This evening I’m going back to Rockreation for some more bouldering. Since they will be doing  a bit of construction to improve the bouldering area in February, I’m soaking up as much as I can before I have resort to top-roping. Womp Womp. (Top-roping is still fun, but it’s nothing like bouldering!).

 

1. Do you like yoga?

2. Are there any fitness trends/classes that others seem to love and you just can’t get on board with?

3. Most importantly, do you all hate me now because I don’t like yoga?! 😉

 

Recipe + BoulderCrossfitRun

Good morning friends! It’s actually more like mid-afternoon, but it feels like morning to me, so I’m going with it!

Yesterday was a really good day! I was extremely productive (even dyed my hair, woot woot!) and got in a LOT of fitness. I actually didn’t feel like I was overdoing it at all either, which was nice!

Workout

To start my workout, I did a little over 3 miles running around the Crossfit gym. I got there about 40 minutes earlier and figured I should use my time wisely! I took it nice and easy and ran about a 9:30 pace as sort of a warm-up for the Crossfit workout.

Sweaty Lizzio

Sweaty Lizzio

(Side note: These bluetooth wireless headphones my lovely boyfriend got me for Christmas are AWESOME!!! They don’t move AT ALL. I’ve run in them, done plyometrics (including burpees), weightlifted, etc. and they don’t move! They are wonderful!)

Afterwards, I headed into the gym for the WOD. We actually warmed up with a version of tag that was KILLER on the legs. You see, it was your typical game of tag, except you were in a squat position the ENTIRE time and holding a medicine ball over your head. My legs were burning so much! We then did a 1,000 kilometer row for time and then went into the WOD. Good little cardio bursts to start the workout!

Full Tabata – Lowest Score

(this means that whatever the lowest amount of reps you get in any given round is your score)

(20 seconds on, 10 seconds off x 8 for each exercise)

-Pull-Ups

-Hand Release Push Ups

-Sit Ups

-Squats

The workout was tough (especially the pull-ups and HR Push ups). I ended up with 2/2/8/12 for my score. Definitely want to work on this one and get better at it!

As if I hadn’t done enough exercise, I then headed to the rock climbing gym for some bouldering. I had some fruit and a Think Thin bar on the way for some needed fuel. I just LOVE bouldering so much and I needed it in my life last night. It didn’t disappoint whatsoever. I got stuck on a move on a V2 route that I just couldn’t seem to get through. I think it took me about 15 tries to get. I swore I wasn’t going to leave until I got it. Finally….I GOT IT!! It felt really great. I left right after that. It had been a good 1.5 hours at the gym and I just wanted to end on a good note!

Needless to say, I was dead by the end of that. It was late too, so I didn’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I whipped up a quick, delicious, and healthy pasta with meat sauce. You’ll love the nutritional facts and it is a LOT of food!!!

Food

Low Carb Pasta w/ Meat Sauce

Serves 4 -5

gfpasta copy

Ingredients: 
-16 oz. extra lean (or lean) ground turkey

-2 cups Mezetta Napa Valley Tomato Basil Sauce

-4 packages Shirataki Noodles (fettucine or spaghetti kind, whatever you prefer)

-4 wedge Laughing Cow Garlic & Herb Cheese

-Fresh Parmesan Cheese (to taste)

-Spices: Oregano, Sea Salt (or Garlic Salt), Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

Directions: 

1. Cook ground turkey in a frying pan until browned.

2. Meanwhile, let the sauce simmer in a pan (or if you’re lazy, heat it up in the microwave).

3. When the meat is cooked and the sauce is simmering, add meat to sauce for about 1 minute while stirring.

Noodles: 

1. Pour packages of noodles in a strainer and rinse well with water.

2. Dry off with a paper towel and then microwave for 1-2 minutes.

3. Add spices, and laughing cow cheese and heat for another 1-2 minutes.

4. Mix thoroughly and add sauce and meat.

Here is a horrible, disgusting photo of what you will get, but I PROMISE it is tasty!!!

pasta

Dinner is served!! Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top if you’d like!! This recipe is SUPER simple and I’m not even kidding, you will not know the difference between the shirataki noodles and the real thing once it’s all cooked and mixed together. This is also a LOT of food for this serving size. I’m always completely stuffed afterwards as if I’d eaten a 1,000 calorie pasta dinner! This is easily one of my favorite dishes.

1. What is your favorite quick recipe?

2. If you could pick any food to become ZERO calories, what would you choose? Probably cookies or cheesecake for me! 🙂 

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