Archives for January 2013

revolve fitness – a spin studio with a {twist}

Author’s Note: this is one of four in a mini-series of non-running related workouts.  For those that don’t know, or haven’t noticed, I’m not running right now (due to a foot injury).  Instead, I’m experimenting with running alternatives – and I’m letting you in on the scoop.revolve fitness

Revolve Fitness is a boutique indoor spin studio in the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington.  Located next to some of my favorites – Bakeshop, Screwtop, Green Pig Bistro, and Artisan Confections – Revolve is a one room studio with just enough space for 40 bikes.  Designed for fitness enthusiasts seeking a fun and challenging full-body workout, Revolve classes exist for one reason: to make you SWEAT!

I started going to Revolve at the beginning of January – a substitute to my beloved running.  I also happened to be in a “running rut” so I knew spinning would be a motivating alternative.  Because the studio is right across the street from my house (I mean, literally across the street), it’s easy for me to get too, even at the last minute.  Revolve has full schedule of rides – making it convenient for everyone.

Revolve offers three different types of rides: real ride, body ride, and barre ride (see descriptions below).  While I’ve been to all three classes, my favorite is body ride, followed closely by barre ride (I tend to get bored from a 60-minute spin class – I need variety).  Body Ride is exactly what it sounds like – a complete body ride, for the whole body.  During the 60-minute class, we work our legs, arms, endurance, and speed.  I’m a sucker for Angel’s class – she is an awesome instructor.  A personal trainer, fitness consultant, and group fitness instructor, Angel really knows how to turn up the heat; whether it’s motivating words or intense interval sprints, this class is no joke!  Barre Ride was new to me but I love the concept (and class) – a hybrid option meant to sculpt (and burn) legs.  The class starts with 35 minutes of intense spinning, followed by 20 minutes of ballet inspired moves (off the bike).  After my first Barre Ride with Dorothy, I could barely walk the next day (the very good kind of hurt).

Revolve Fitness

The music matches the studio’s vibe (think hipster spinning), the instructors are beyond motivational, and the rides leave me feeling awesome all-day long.  If you’re looking for a spin studio – with a twist – check out Revolve today.  Your first ride is free – call studio for the code at sign-up.  

the {rides}
Riders at Revolve will Rethink the cycling experience, Revive their spirit, and Reshape their bodies.

Real Ride:
Cycling class focused on building cardio endurance for riders seeking the competitive edge.

Body Ride:
Complete body workout incorporating cycling and strength training. An all-inclusive workout designed to create a sleek and strong physique for the multi-tasker who has a demanding lifestyle. 

Barre Ride:
Hybrid class incorporating cycling and barre-based exercises to tone and burn, guaranteeing riders a toned body.

the {deets}
address: 1025 N. Fillmore Street, Suite J (same building as Zosso flats; free parking in garage)
cost:
1 ride – $18
5 rides – $80
10 rides – $140
20 rides – $240
*clipless spin shoes required, $2/class

If you’re a first time rider, try the Intro Month for $59/unlimited rides

{final thoughts}
Revolve is worth it – you’ll feel great all day (and month) long.  The instructors are badass and really (I mean, really) make you sweat.  It’s a workout you won’t forget!    

 

For more sweat & Revolve Fitness, follow here:
twitter: @revolveDC
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Revolve

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Don’t forget to enter my Marathon Must-Haves Giveaway {here}

marathon must-haves {giveaway}

It’s January – and that means hundreds, thousands, of runners are training for a Spring marathon.  Whether it’s your first marathon, or your twenty-first, the thought of racing is exhilarating  {i’m excited just thinking about it}.  And, even though I’m not running a Spring marathon this year, I’m familiar with the hard-work, dedication, commitment, and sacrific it takes to train for one (if you think I’m lying, you can read all about my Boston heartbreak here).

After years of running and racing, I’ve become a smarter runner (think: reflective at night, moisture-wicking shirts, and the importance of really good socks).  There’s been a lot of trail & error to determine what works best for me and the run – but I think I’ve finally cracked the code, and found my favorites.

The best part about all of my favorite things?  One LUCKY winner will win ALL of my Marathon Must-Haves (shown below)

Marathon

infiniti 1/2 zip: not only is this piece stylish, fitted, and technical, it’s cozy! I’m rarely cold during a run, but as soon as I finish (and I really start to sweat), I get the chills – I’ll be wearing my (favorite) 1/2 zip post-race.

KT Tape: ever since the (unfateful) day I stumbled upon Plantar Fasciitus, I’ve been a huge fan of KT Tape. One of my favorite things about it (besides magical powers & healing) – a huge assortment of the fun colors {think pink}

nuun (+ water bottle): i live on nuun (strawberry lemonade, please). It’s the perfect marathon/training run go-to. Since it’s mixed with water (and you can half the tabs), it’s easy on my stomach but gives me the energy boost I need.

Brooks hat: i don’t like the sun in my eyes, or sweat for that matter. I rarely race without a hat – it’s the perfect sun & sweat protector.

honey stinger: I found the ONE thing that works for me and my stomach.  I knew I needed nutrition on my long runs and during a race, but my stomach couldn’t handle anything else… until I tried honey stingers.  made with real honey (a natural form of energy), these organic energy chews are the best thing that could’ve happened to me.

mio: make it yours! add a few drops to your water – post-run- for a quick & easy drink.

pro bar: the whole food meal replacement, these bars are organic, 100% Vegan, and ideal for endurance or recovery.

body glide: i don’t know about you, but I’ve been the victim of sports bra chafe and it is not fun! body glide is multi-purpose and does the trick (apply wherever your heart – or chaffing – desires).

nathan running pak: it’s an easy and lightweight waist pack – with clips for a race number!  This is the perfect addition to any race day endeavour.

feetures! socks: (see reference above – the importance of really good socks) I can’t live without feetures! socks – they just do something right!  No more blisters or discomfort for me.

clif bars mini’s (not pictured): mini clif bars are the perfect post-race snack. They are full of organic ingredients, engery and come in delicious flavors. Yes, I’d like a Coconut Chocolate Chip bar – yum!

{to enter}
tell me: what’s your marathon must-have? (and please indicate your prefered size in the infiniti 1/2 zip hoodie)
*You must follow my blog to win

{additional entries}
(not required – please leave a separate comment for each entry)

{the deets}
1. giveaway runs through February 11, at which point I will close the post and randomly choose a winner. Winner announced on February 11 by 6pm.
2. contest is open to US residents only
3. winner has one week to claim their prize before a back-up winner is chosen

additional questions? contact me at: willrunformargaritas@gmail.com

no bake oatmeal & peanut butter balls

At the beginning of January, I decided to {mostly} eliminate wheat from my diet (you can read about it here).  This initially posed a huge problem – I love all things wheat and salty.  Pretzels, saltine crackers, more pretzels, pizza, pasta – you name it, I love it (and want to eat it).   

So, I had to get creative with my snacks.  Blue corn chips have helped with the salty/crunchy that I crave, but I’ve been eating a lot of carrots, hummus, tatziki, {homemade} plantain chips, and these delicious little oatmeal & peanut butter balls.  I’ve been making a version of this recipe for years (peanut butter, oatmeal, and honey) but decided to add a few extras into the mix.  This recipe is so easy and quick – but the best part is that it’s healthy and satisfies all types of cravings!  

oatmeal balls

Ingredients (I tend to eyeball of my measurements, but for those that like exacts – here you go)
2 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
3/4 cup Peanut Butter (I prefer smooth)
1/4 cup Honey
1/4 cup Coconut Flakes
1/4 Flax Seed
1 Tbsp Chia Seed
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Optional: chocolate chips, raisins, chopped nuts

Directions
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl (you can warm up the PB in the microwave to make it easier to work with).  Mix well with a spoon, and then mix together with your hands.  Put mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to slightly harden and form together.  Remove from refrigerator and use hands to create oatmeal & peanut butter balls.

Enjoy!

 

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wheat belly

Over Christmas break (and by break, I mean PTO), BJ and I ventured to Florida to spend time with my family.  While we were there we met the Sgt. Major – an Army guy who works with my mom.  He also happens to work out with my mom, too.  Sgt. Major is in his late 40’s but has one ripped body – he’s in great shape and lives a very healthy lifestyle (lots of sleep, good food, no caffeine, etc.).  We worked out with Sgt. Major everyday – and over the course of the week, through many conversations about food and fitness, he convinced BJ that modern-day wheat is what causes a {wheat} belly. 

So, we returned to Virginia and BJ immediately went to Barnes&Noble to purchase the book behind it all, Wheat Belly.

Wheat-Belly-New-cover1

First let me disclose that I have not read the book, or even one page for that matter, but after BJ read 100 pages we decided to give it a try.  The book exposes the truth about modern-day wheat – “no longer the sturdy staple our forebears ground into their daily bread, today’s wheat has been genetically altered to provide processed-food manufacturers the greatest yield at the lowest cost” – William Davis, MD and author

The plan: cut out wheat for 3 weeks and see how we feel. 

I’ll start by saying – we aren’t huge wheat eaters to begin with.  I mean, I love pizza and pretzels but I don’t eat pizza and pretzels every day.  Still, I knew that eliminating wheat – pasta, pretzels, cereal, cous cous, pizza, beer, (the occasional) bagel – would be hard, that I’d really have to think about what I was putting in my body before eating it.

I’m 10 days in and I feel really good – but I don’t feel much different than before (no weight loss – but I didn’t do this to lose weight).  I really like the way my stomach looks but I’m not totally convinced that it’s just from eliminating wheat.  Since the New Year, my workout routine is something that I haven’t done before – lots of yoga, kickboxing, and spin – and I know my body is changing from new workouts and cardio.  But, I will give Wheat Belly some credit – I know it’s helping the “belly bulge” and the funny thing is, I’m able to find alternatives when I want something salty and crunchy (corn tortilla chips!).   

We have 5 days left to complete “the plan“.  Moving forward, wheat is something we’ll definitely eat less of – but I can’t wait to have a slice of pizza and beer!

 

Have you read Wheat Belly?  What did you think?

 

Are you Gluten-free?  Share your recipes with me!

 

 

Rave Run: Tampa, FL

Name: Ben Mena

Location: Bayshore in Tampa Bay, FL

Distance: 2 – 20 miles (you can make it as long, or as short, as you want)

Why I love this run: When most people think of Tampa Bay, they think of palm trees, water, sun, and fun!   Along this route you get everything.  I love running Bayshore because no matter what time of the day, there are always other people running or biking !  Once you’re done with the run, there are plenty of places to go afterwards – breakfast joints after a morning run and restaurants & pubs after an evening run.  But one of my favorite parts is that there are so many opportunitues to run with the dolphins – often times they’re swimming right along side of you!  Bonus: Bayshore is a great place to run if you’re in town for the Republican National Committee!