Friday, November 30, 2012

Get Fit For Fridays! #TrainingOpportunity




Thank Goodness It's Friday!

We hope everyone has some fun plans for the upcoming weekend! We know life can get stressful as the holiday festivities begin. Make sure to still find time for yourself during this chaotic time and relax and rest. It will allow you to enjoy the holidays more. Even if it is only 5 minutes, try to find a few moments to close your eyes and take some calm breaths.

Before you settle into the weekend, we offer you a challenge if you choose to accept it ;) #TrainingOpportunity!

This Week's Challenge:

Pyramid Sets!
-Pick two to three exercises that work most of your body and provide some cardio. Do a pyramid set 1 rep then 2 then 3 all the way to 5 and back down to 1. To make the challenge harder do a pyramid set fro m1rep to 10 reps and back down. Suggested exercises are lunge jumps, burpees, push ups, squat jumps, or pull ups.

Remember to be careful and always check your form and make sure you are doing the exercise appropriately.

Have fun and Get Fit For Friday!

Challenge Accepted,
D &K







Thursday, November 29, 2012

Take-In Thursday ~ Butternut Squash Lasagna


Happy Thursday!

Today we are providing you with a recipe we are making this weekend and wanted to share with everyone. It is a nice dish to bring to a party or a potluck. We hope you find it tasty! Think about different vegetables you can add to it to make it even more flavorful!
We would love to hear your feedback as well.



Today's Recipe:
Butternut Squash Lasagna
Serves about 8 people

Ingredients:
1 onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 Tbs olive oil
20 oz. ground turkey
28-oz can of crushed tomatoes with herbs
18 oz of canned tomato paste (3 six-ounce cans)
1 ½ cups water
1 ½ tsp dried basil leaves
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp fennel seeds
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp coarse black pepper
½ cup parsley, finely chopped
3 ½ cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
10-oz fresh spinach
1 egg
15-oz fat free or low fat ricotta cheese
6-oz shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
9 lasagna noodles, whole wheat
2 zucchini, sliced lengthwise

Directions:
1.       Preheat oven oven to 375 degree F.
2.       Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions and set aside.
3.       In a sauce pan, steam the butternut squash cubes until tender or a fork can pierce through without any resistance. This should take about 10 minutes. Then set aside.
4.       Heat large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook onion for 4 minutes, or until fragrant.
5.       Add ground turkey to the skillet and stir breaking it up into small pieces. Cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
6.       Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, dried herbs, black pepper and ¼ cup of parsley to the skillet with the turkey mixture. Reduce heat and let simmer stirring occasionally until the sauce reduces about an hour.
7.       Meanwhile, sauté the spinach in another skillet until wilted, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
8.       In a bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, egg, ¼ cup parsley, spices, ¼ tsp black pepper and 4 oz of mozzarella cheese.
9.       In a 9x13 inch baking dish, pour in 1 ½ cups of the sauce. Arrange 3 of the lasagna noodles over the sauce and then spread 1 cup of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle half the butternut squash on top of the cheese mixture and layer half the spinach on the squash. Place half the zucchini slices over the spinach and then repeat this layering.
10.    Top the lasagna with the last 3 noodles and then spread and cheese left before placing the last of the sauce mixture and cover with aluminum foil.
11.    Bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the aluminum foil and sprinkle remaining 2 ounces of mozzarella. Place dish back in the oven and bake 15 more minutes uncovered.

Enjoy your winter dish :)

Get Fit For It,
D & K

Photos from:
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRh4GzfAVOrhvnXuT-PddkFcAg7Vv1YsEPakFrJSzWF27P4V2y7

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Workout Wednesday ~ Full Body Challenge!

Workout Wednesday! Are you ready to push yourself?

Here is a full body circuit workout we think you will enjoy. It is nice because you can use a variety of equipment to do it. If you have a TRX, try to do the exercises with the TRX. It can also be done on a cable machine, with tubing or dumbbells.

Warm up: 2 rounds of 30 seconds intervals-Squat
-Overhead back extension (w/ wt) 
-Side lunge
-Reverse Lunges

Round #1: 45s/Exercise
-Chest Flies
-Chest Press

-Shoulder Scaption  
- Sprinter starter/ One leg hop jumps (both legs)


Round #2: 45s/Exercise
-Row

-Wide Row 
-Shoulder Frontal Raise 
-Squat Jumps

-Ground jumps

Round #3: 45s/Exercise
Bicep Curl
Bicep Curl wide
Tricep Extension
Tricep kickback
One-Leg Squat (both legs)

Round #4: 45s/Exercise
Shoulder Lateral Raise

Overhead back extension
Push up
Lunges
Lunge jumps


Cool Down & Stretch  

Remember to adjust appropriately for your fitness level and change any exercise you need to replace. Have fun with it but challenge yourself so you don't plateau but you get stronger.

 Although we do not list stretches for you to do, we expect you will stretch each muscle group holding each stretch for at least 20 seconds.

Hydration Reminder!
 During the duration of the workout, a good rule of thumb is about 10oz every 10-20 minutes. Remember that this will change depending on the temperature and humidity conditions in which you are training.  After working out, the recommendation is 16-24 oz of water per pound of body weight you lost during the workout. To measure your sweat loss, you must weigh yourself before the workout and then again after the workout. It is best to weigh yourself without clothing and shoes in order to have the most accurate measure. It is important not to weigh yourself in your sweat soaked clothes after your workout because it will add to your weight and lead to an inaccurate reading. The difference in weight from your post-workout weight to your pre-workout weight is the number of pounds in water you lost and must replenish. If this is not feasible for you to measure, continue to drink water after you finish your workout and aim for about 16-24 oz.


Get Fit For Workout Wednesday!

Challenge Accepted,
D & K


photos from:
http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&tbo=d&biw=1440&bih=715&tbm=isch&tbnid=HgxsUnXXAZMHGM:&imgrefurl=http://utahcarma.org/tag/trx&docid=hfR7zg26U6ihKM&imgurl=http://utahcarma.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/TRX-Suspension-Trainer.jpg&w=800&h=600&ei=K-C0UNWMPIfF0AGitoDgAQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=171&sig=110087427172794143653&page=1&tbnh=166&tbnw=222&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0,i:93&tx=38&ty=65
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQrobcLAqREqAlGRvkrtjqGaUnE9DXCkpNQjQaHXzXkBilx9R3J

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Monday, November 26, 2012

Motivation Monday ~ We are back :)

Good Morning Everyone,

We are adjusting back to our normal life routines after being away all last week visiting family. Many of you are probably experiencing the same thing - don't worry, you are not alone! We had a lovely holiday enjoying lots of great company and delicious food. With all of the festivities, we found some time to fit in a few workouts but it was nothing like our regular sessions. We imagine many of you are in the same boat and feel a bit bloated after the holiday. We encourage everyone to do something physically challenging today. It doesn't have to be extremely intense or difficult but at least do something to get the ball rolling again. Falling out of routine can make it hard for us to get back into our routine, but don't let that happen to you this year! Make yourself do something and you will be grateful you did! With more holidays to come, it is important to stay on top of our good fitness, eating and sleeping habits.

Finding the motivation may  be easy for some of us after the holidays but others struggle. We ask everyone to take a moment and think about something they said they were grateful for over the holiday. Now, think about someone you said you were grateful for and devote your workouts and drive to that person and the many things you appreciate in your life. Do something for them if you find yourself unable to do it for yourself. Set a schedule for yourself this week and make sure you complete everything on your schedule keeping in mind the person you are grateful for the whole time.

Over the holidays, I know I was particularly grateful for my sister and stepbrother who ran the thanksgiving run with me. The three of us warmed up together and were right next to one another in the beginning as we shuffled through the crowd of runners. We started strong and finished even stronger. Even though we were all at different running levels we supported and encouraged one another and finished our fun run of the day much faster than expected! We all would have finished if we had done it alone but it wouldn't have been nearly as fun or as fast. I can't thank them enough for making it so much fun I didn't even know I was running! And people think fitness, family and holidays don't mix - We think otherwise!!!

Get Fit For It,
D & K
photo sources:

Monday, November 19, 2012

Weekend Warrior ~ Happy Thanksgiving!!!!


 

Hello Weekend!

This weekend we recommend you get in as much activity as possible to get ready for the big holiday coming up. Try to spend as much time in the fresh air as possible. Drew and I have a full weekend ahead of us starting with a 2-hr spin event we are leading for Cornell University. We also are going to our friend's dance performance followed by a Filipino dinner and a fun, autumn bonfire.

We are taking next week off from our blog to spend time with our friends and family for the holiday. We know everyone will miss our daily posts but rest assured, we will be back the following week. Over the holiday, we ask you to take some time to think about everything you are thankful and pick 3 to share with the loved ones you surround yourself with on Thanksgiving. We are thankful for the great people we have the opportunity to work with everyday, our ability to travel home for the holidays and the love & support we have from our family, friends and clients. We wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving!

If you are looking for some articles, here are some you may like:

Women should weight lift:
http://www.active.com/running/Articles/Why-Female-Runners-Should-Strength-Train-Like-Men.htm

Swimming drills to improve performance:
http://www.active.com/triathlon/Articles/6-Workouts-to-Build-Swimming-Endurance.htm

Eating healthfully over the holiday
http://globegazette.com/features/even-a-traditional-thanksgiving-can-be-healthy/article_234fe834-2d3c-11e2-beb0-0019bb2963f4.html

Do you think 5-hour Energy is dangerous? Here is news about the death of 13 people
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/15/business/5-hour-energy-is-cited-in-13-death-reports.html?_r=1

Let us know what your thoughts are about any or all of the articles above! We love to hear the opinions of others!

Get Fit For Holidays,

Drew and Kacie

Photos From:

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Get Fit For Friday!

             TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone knows what Friday means for all of us at GFFI - A challenge! Are you ready to accept this #TrainingOpportunity? We invite you all to accept today's challenge and accomplish it before the day is over. Once you have completed it, your weekend will be ready to begin!

Today's Challenge ~ Perfect Posture

3 sets of 2-5 minutes where you sit with perfect posture and focus only on maintaining that posture for that time period. This means, no multi-tasking, no computer typing, just 2-5 minutes of sitting nice and tall with a strong, activated core. You can do all three sets at once with a minute break between sets or break the sets up throughout the day. We challenge you to see how good your posture is and whether or not if is difficult for you to sit upright. Once you are finished with your sets, think about how much stronger you would be if your posture was perfect all the time!

Challenge Accepted!


Get Fit For Friday,

D & K

Take-In Thursday - Roasted Brussel Sprouts


We hope everyone is excited Thursday is finally here! How did the workout go yesterday? We hope you had some fun with it!

Today we are sharing with you a recipe for one of our favorite foods ~ Brussel Sprouts!!!!! This recipe was tried and loved by my sister! Of course we had to check it out and we think it is great as well! You may even want to make this as one of your Thanksgiving sides next Thursday. 

We hope you enjoy it! 

Today's Recipe:
Roasted Maple Brussel Sprouts
Makes about 6 (3/4cup) servings

Ingredients:2 sprays cooking spray
2 pounds brussel sprouts, trimmed& cut in half lengthwise
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 1/2 tsp of kosher salt, divided
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp maple syrup
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425F
2. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray
3. Place sliced brussel sprouts, 2 tsp salt, pepper and olive oil in a bowl. Toss well until brussel sprouts are coated.
4. Place on baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15 minutes. then stir brussel sprouts and return to oven until crisp and fully cooked (about 10 more minutes) Make sure to continue to check on them so they do not over cook.
5. Meanwhile, combine the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup into a saucepan and set over meddium-high heat.
6. Boil, stirring frequently, until thick and syrupy (about 3 min).
7. Place sprouts into a serving dish and drizzle syrup mixture over them just before serving.


Happy Cooking :)

Get Fit For It,
D & K

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Workout Wednesday ~ Simple exercises, great workout!


Hi Everyone!

We hope your week is going well so far. We have for you a simple but challenging workout for you today that can be done almost anywhere and with little to no equipment. we hope you take this opportunity to challenge yourself and try to push yourself  through this workout.

Today's Workout:
1. Push ups
2. Dips
3. Squats
4. Pull ups or handstand hold against wall
5. Russian Twists

*Take a 30-60 second break every 2 or 3 rounds and then continue your sets or a 10-15 second break after every round.

5 exercises in the set. You choose the number of reps and the number of sets you do based on your level of fitness and how hard you are wanting to go today! If you need to substitute an exercise for something, please modify accordingly but make sure you are still challenged!

Our suggested workout: 6-10 rounds of 15-20 reps (5-10 reps for pull ups) sets

Have Fun and Get Fit!

Challenge Accepted,
D & K

photos from:

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Tuesday Tunes ~ Drew's Picks of the week



Tuesday Tunes is Today!

Drew has selected some great songs for everyone to add to their play lists today and enjoy during their workouts!

Drew's Picks of the Week:

1. Oath - Cher Lloyd
 
2. Allstar - Smashmouth
 
3. Hello! - Karmin
 
4. She's So Mean - Matchbox Twenty
 
5. It's Time - Imagine Dragons
 
 
Get Fit For It,
D & K

Monday, November 12, 2012

Motivational Monday


Happy Monday Everyone!

We hope you all had a wonderful weekend! We experienced wonderful weather that allowed us to spend time outside in short sleeves without being cold - it was wonderful!

Today we are providing you with inspirational quotes to help you stay motivated all week long.

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. 
Buddha 

More Buddha Quotes 

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/buddha101052.html#eOxqQt3bhxI6337X.99 


A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing. 
George Bernard Shaw

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/g/georgebern102967.html#TP5olXXwFXW4RJck.99 


I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see. 
John Burroughs 

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/johnburrou101053.html#50q7dpCXDpATA63P.99 


You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life. 
Albert Camus 

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/albertcamu105605.html#CO8KHAQWpx3bszwZ.99 


A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life. 
Charles Darwin 

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/charlesdar163116.html#qqq5v1wIJtr44CUm.99 


Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you're living? 
Bob Marley
 

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/bobmarley384466.html#SbRoCLgTlPwaJci3.99 


Get Fit For It,
D & K