May 2014 Challenges

If you follow my blog at all, you would know that I like to set goals and challenge myself to do a variety of things. As April ends and May begins, I find myself completing my first 5k (May 3rd) as well as closing out my "Lose 30 in 90" challenge (May 12th).

On Facebook, I follow a handful of awesome pages that help motivate me and help keep my workouts interested so I don't get bored and fall off the wagon. May's big challenge, MELT YOUR MUFFIN TOP comes from The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans. I am very excited for this one! You can find out more information about that challenge here.

Since May is National Bike Month, I will be getting off of the treadmill and onto the stationery bike.I will be BIKING MY ASS OFF! I've challenged myself to bike 200 miles in the month and this breaks down to 50 miles per week and 10 miles per day in the gym.

Since I have been focused on lifting weights and building/toning my muscles, I have also been dealing with the tightness and soreness that comes the day after. I will be focusing on stretching and rolling to find the best way to relieve the aches and pains.

April has been a blast, but I am definitely looking forward to what May has to offer while on this road from Fat 2 Fit!

10 items in my gym bag

Many of us have incredibly busy schedules that leave us dashing from the office to the gym, with little to no time in between. If you're like me, my gym bag and other essentials are in my car every day ready to hit it hard.

WHAT'S IN MY GYM BAG?

1. Workout clothes and sneakers (and socks!!) - Most days I am able to change at home before I go to the gym. On days that I know it's not possible, I make sure to have everything packed the night before or first thing in the morning.
2. Bottle of water - Water is the most important part of working out. Gotta stay hydrated!
3. Heart rate monitor - I use my heart rate monitor to determine how many calories I've burned during a particular class or workout session. It makes it easier to log on MyFitnessPal. 
4. Weight lifting gloves - I don't actually lift weights. I use my gloves at the gym for my turbo tone class. We move so fast and I want to make sure a) I don't lose grip on my weights and b) to avoid blisters and calluses.
5. Yoga mat - Now for a giggle. I haven't taken a yoga or pilates class yet. Turbo Tone is a crazy class where we end up on the floor doing ab exercises. 
6. Extra hair elastics - I have such good luck that my hair elastics break when I need them the most so I try to have at least one extra on hand.
7. Headband/bandana - The one thing I hate the most is getting sweat in my eyes. 
8. Small towel - Again, I hate getting sweat in my eyes. 
9. MP3 player/music streaming app - I rarely use it, but my iPod is charged and in my bag for when I need it. I usually take classes and don't need music.
10. Deodorant - Deodorant is a no brainer. 

Some other items may make their way into my bag from time to time: bathing suit (for sauna and/or hot tub), a bath towel, shower items (shampoo/bodywash in one). I hate getting to the gym and then realize I forgot something. I try to keep it all together. I'd lose my head if it wasn't attached. Haha!