Happy Friday! It’s not quite the happiest of Fridays for me since it’s my last {week} day of maternity leave. I’m pretty bummed that it’s coming to an end but it’s time for me to get back to work. So long to lazy summer days.

Well not so much lazy but days where I can do as I please. That means that the number of daytime work-out classes will be dwindling for me although I’m still planning on trying to sneak away at lunch for Rhythm Ride every now and then.

In the time since my last Fitness Friday post (and because I’ve got to head back to the 9 to 5), I’ve been trying to get to as many classes as I could especially some of the day ones. The bad news about heading back to work is that I won’t get to do these on the regular, the good news is that come fall Milestone is planning on adding a lot more classes that start at 6 or 6:30 p.m.

Nike Work Out Gear: Tank | Pants | Shoes (old, similar here)
Target Neon Sports Bra

Here’s what I’ve tried out:

* Step/Sculpt – Mondays from 8:45 to 10:15 am: Don’t let the name fool you into thinking it’s a room full of ladies in jazzercise clothes. This class is no joke (and there are guys there too).

First off, it’s packed. So get there early. Also, I was given the heads up that people can be a little territorial about their “spot” so when I walked in I immediately admitted it was my first time (as if they didn’t already know) and asked for advice on where to stand. A couple awesome gals let me fold in behind them.

Second, be prepared to sweat and then sweat some more. It’s a mix of high intensity cardio on a step and weights – sometimes both at the same time. Lots of intervals to keep your heart rate up and tons of lunges & squats. Just when you think it’s over, you realize you still have another 30 minutes to go. Hard but totally worth it.

*The regular teacher, Annie, wasn’t there this week so I didn’t get the true experience. I’ll have to try and sneak back sometime.

* Tabata (Tuesdays at 4:30 pm)  & 20/20/20 (Wednesdays at 5:30 pm) with Jeff –  I’ve gone back to both of these because admittedly, I’m a cardio queen and I love how these get your heart rate up. Both incorporate weights though so it’s not all high knees and jumping jacks.

See what I thought of them the first time here.

Of the two, I prefer Tabata but I know I’ll be coming back to both since they really help get you into shape fast.

I’ve also stayed motivated by going with Grace (and occasionally Drew) to classes when I can. I know everyone says it but working out with a friend keeps you accountable. Also working out with a friend in crazy good shape gives you motivation and something to strive for. I highly recommend it.

When I haven’t been hitting up classes, I’ve been logging miles on my treadmill at home. Slowly but surely I’ll get the old body back.

One thing that’s really helped when it comes to fueling up post workout is a delicious smoothie. I’ve been making more at home because I got a NutriBullet (which is awesome) but my recipes have gotten a little boring. To help mix it up  I’m turning to my friend Erin, a registered dietician, who has a great Louisville-based food & nutrition blog called LouieNu. Erin’s blog is full of recipes that are both delicious and nutritious and this smoothie recipe is both. I’m trying to incorporate Chia seeds into more of my smoothies so this one is a new favorite.

Bananaberry Power Smoothie:

Need a quick pick-me-up or a new breakfast idea? This energy filled, protein packed smoothie recipe is one of my favorite go-to’s. Secret ingredient? Chia seeds! Full of fiber, they are great for keeping you…umm…regular.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ice
• 1 medium banana
• 5 strawberries
• 5.3oz container nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt (Oikos used)
• 1 cup raw spinach
• 1 tbsp Chia seeds
• ½ cup fat-free milk

Directions:

• Combine (adding milk last) and blend

Nutrition: (makes 2 servings, per serving)

• 180 Calories
• 3g Fat
• 0g Saturated Fat
• 4mg Cholesterol
• 89mg Sodium
• 27g Carbohydrate
• 5g Fiber
• 11g Protein

Thanks for the recipe Erin! Before I go, here’s a little online weigh in:

Pre-Baby Weight: 140 lbs.

Weight at 40 Weeks: 205 lbs. (Yikes!)

Current Weight: 157 lbs
So I only lost a pound in the last two weeks which is crazy depressing BUT I’m not getting discouraged because despite what the scale says, my closet (or some of it) disagrees.  Clothes I couldn’t get in before now fit (woo hoo for things zipping to the top) and things that were a little tight are fitting much better. I also know things don’t change overnight so I’m sticking with it. I’m also going to try and lay off the cocktails poolside (and couchside and tableside) which will probably help things along.

17 more to go!

More of my work out favorites…

Disclosure: Baptist East Milestone Wellness Center has provided me with a discounted membership in exchange for sharing my opinion, information on classes and the occasional offer. All opinions expressed are my own and as always, I would never write about something I didn’t support or endorse.