Personal Training

What I am Loving 3/9/12

Posted on by Naomi
Happy Friday! Here are some things I have been loving lately!

Avocado Egg Boats: Okay, so I haven’t actually made this yet but how cool does it look? I love the combination of eggs and creamy avocado so when I came across this picture, It was total inspiration for a new dish I would love to try!
Coconut Water: The other day, I certainly did not drink enough water in the first half of the day (having a medium sized coffee didn’t help as well) I was feeling quite dehydrated so I picked up a plain coconut water by O.N.E I am in no way a coconut water oficiando, but I do know that it packed with potassium and electrolyes, great for aiding in dehydration and muscle cramping. It was delicious and refreshing! I have tried coconut water years ago and was huge fan of it, but I really really enjoyed it when I had it the other day. They also make coconut water with flavors like mango and pomegranite which I hope to try soon!
Fresh grind almond butter! I always am used to getting the fresh grind PB from Whole foods, which in my opinion is the closest tasting to real peanuts as it gets! (When I don’t get the fresh grind PB, I go for the Whole Foods brand oranic crunchy kind. The other day I was preparing to get some PB like I normally do, but decided to try the almond butter instead. WOW. How did I wait so long to try it?! It is AMAZING. It is made with plain roasted almonds. At home I added a little sea salt into the container for some extra flavor. I am in love. This also got me thinking and wanting to make my own almond butter at home!
Farmers Walks: lately, I have noticed that my grip strength has been hindering my bigger lifts (deadlifts, cable row, pull ups. I have thought about getting grips (and still think about it all of the time!) however, I wanted to try some grip and forearm strengthening exercises first before I turn to the grips. The Farmers walk is something I have never tried before. 

What is it? A farmers walk is basically when you grab 1 or 2 dumbbells or kettlebells and walk forward with them until the weight falls out of your hand.  Seems easy right? The trick is to stay upright the entire time, not letting yourself lean to one side or the other. If you begin to lean….drop the weight, take a rest and pick it back up to continue. 

This not only works your grip and forearm but you will feel immediately that every major muscle group is involved in farmers walks. The  key is to choose weight that when you pick it up, feels super heavy to hold. If you walk while holding the DB or KB, you should not be able to walk more than 60 seconds

The farmers walk works both the anterior AND posterior chain of the body.  It challenges your core stability, cardiovascular system and of course back, trap and foremarm strength.

I prefer using a single arm kettlebell walk. (walk with a HEAVY kettlebell until I lose it and then switch, repeat on the other side) The single arm KB farmers walk also  challenges your obliques like no other! You want to ensure that you are standing upright the whole time, and of course be sure to switch hands, paying equal attention to both side. 

Where did I feel the farmers walk the most after I did my very first set ever? Obliques, lats, low back and forearm. I am incorporating farmers walks into my upper body days (2x a week) and looking to increase my time of holding the KB’s right now!  
My Current Workout Playlist: Can we chat about the fact that music becomes a whole new experience when you use it to help power you through your workouts? I have been loving (well always loving) house, dance music but I have taken on a NEW favorire genre; “Dubstep”  I cannot get enough of Skrillex!! The beats are powerful and always fires me up! 
Wunder Under Crops from Lululemon: Yes i’ts bad I have an addiction to this store. It doesn’t help that they bring out new merchandise every few weeks. The new colors, patterns, items never cease to keep me from going back in the store! Most recently I purchased a pair of their Wunder Under crops. I am obsessed. I usually only wear black capri’s both while working out AND working, so I know that the somewhat hefty price tag is worth it because I literally wear these pants (or similar) every.single.day.
Tri-Color Qunioa: I picked this up at Trader Joes last week and it is SO delicious! I was intrigued by the ‘tri-color’ addition to the somewhat ‘usual’ ole’ quinoa that I get.  This contains red, black and the traditional golden quinoa.  It cooks in the same exact way; and comes out nice and fluffy!
Brooks Pureconnect: Okay, I can’t really review these yet because I just ordered them and they are on their way; however I have heard amazing things about these sneakers. I have been on the market for a new pair and after much research, I landed on these due to some others owning and loving them. I love Brooks and when I used to run, I only wore Brooks. I can imagine they will be perfect and comfortable, but I will be sure to update when I recieve them!

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What are you loving lately?

Naomi
Naomi