BodyPump puns + That song in the VS Holiday 2011 commercial

Since the marathon in October, I've enjoyed getting back to the grind with weight training. My gym offers LesMills BodyPump, which is a group class that focuses on high-repetition exercises. It's one hour long and targets pretty much every muscle group, so it works well with my crazy schedule. 


A fun aspect of the class is that each track is set to an upbeat, modern, top-40 type song. The new release features Sean Kingston, Shinedown, and a bunch of covers. 

Check out this description of this latest release... it's pretty hilarious and pun-ny. A few highlights:
"Be prepared to have the kitchen sink thrown at your triceps." 
"Lunges set off a Grenade in your legs."
"You weren't Born this Way, but you are on the right track, baby!"


I digress. If BodyPump is anything, it's uber-cheesy. 


You do the talking: What new songs are on your workout playlist?  

I'm fairly obsessed with M83's "Midnight City" which is featured in this year's Victoria's Secret Holiday commercials. You know, this one:

The song is slow, but has a steady beat and driving bridge. It's great for a longer distance run.


Random fact: A portion of the VS 2010 Holiday commercials were shot at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Umm... artistic?

source

When I was younger and quite naive, I had an honest-to-goodness goal of becoming a Victoria's Secret model. I have always thought the models exuded such confidence and femininity. MSNBC just ran a story about several of the models who were in the fashion show yesterday, who are still on the catwalk after becoming mothers. It's an interesting read!


Thanks for reading tonight. See ya again soon!

When it's 11 degrees outside

Hi, friends! How was your Hump Day?


I gotta level with you, January is a tricky time to be a Milwaukeean.

*Shudder*

Yep, that's what the next 24 hours are gonna be like in good ol' Milwaukee. Brrrrrrrr.


Anyhow, when it's freezing outside I like to trick myself by doing fun things, inside.


Like BodyPump!

image source

Side note - this is what you might find if you Google 'BodyPump goofy':

Awesome, but not quite what my gym's class is like.

I've been doing BodyPump classes at my gym for about a month now... and absolutely LOVE the program. If you're not familiar, it's a group fitness class where you basically lift weights to choreographed songs. You get a full workout in the hour-long class. 


A little more about the music, since I'm a geek like that: The songs vary by 'track' or program, but are generally modern and upbeat. Think of music pumping, bass thudding and everyone in the class grooving to the songs. It makes for a fun, motivating environment! If they added flashing lights and booze, it'd be like working out in a night club. 


Some of the playlists are older and kinda cheesy... but most of the ones I've heard, I like. There is a new 'track' coming out soon which I've heard features songs from Lady Gaga, Ke$ha and Mike Posner. Can't wait for that one.


The class I took tonight was instructed by Amy (Golds Gym - Milwaukee) - I've gotta say, she's the best. She has a high-energy, cheerleader-like personality and shouts out encouraging sentiments constantly. Even cooler, she created her own mix of BodyPump songs, with a heavy emphasis on Black Eyed Peas. Awesome, no?


Tonight's class was great and helped me temporarily forget the frigid temps outside. When I came home, I was pretty hungry. I was elated to see that Zak had dinner waiting for me:

Toasted up nice and crispy.

A burrito of sorts - vegetarian refried beans, sharp cheddar, roasted brussels sprouts and broccoli, all wrapped up in a spinach tortilla.


This was great and warmed my stomach. After dinner, I was happy to set up some new candles which arrived today: 

'Winter' by Bath + Body Works on the left

A silver-plated pinecone?

On the inside - 'Balsam' scented candle

The photo is from September, taken at the finish line of the Pikes Peak Challenge, aka the top of Pikes Peak. It was pretty chilly at the top, but looking at the photo reminds me of how warm and fuzzy we felt at the finish line :-) My sister gave me the framed photo for Christmas, what a lovely way to remember that moment with her.

Seesters on the left

And to finish out the night - not warm, but tasty. Some vanilla greek yogurt topped with bunnies. 

Fun times. 


Coming tomorrow - a review of Celestial Seasonings' new Fast Lane tea - and a giveaway! G'night!