Social Workout

Workout Wear

It's Seasonal Gear Shift Time

Happy first day of Fall. Now that summer is over and done with it's time to go shopping. Well, for me to go shopping. Truth be told up until recently all of my exercise happened within the confines of the gym. I like it there, everything is organized and climate controlled...and I can wear the same black yoga capris and t-shirts to workout all year round. I've never had to amp up my fitness wardrobe for a change in climate before. But thanks to a newfound love of the outdoors I'm left with a dilemma...what the f@#k do I wear now? Lucky for me, and you, I did some research.

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Workout

oof.

so we got snow.  again.  i think everyone was hoping winter was over.  when i hit a patch of ice while walking to the gym i know i was thinking it when my ass hit the pavement.  so i hobbled the rest of the way to the y because well.  i already fell once getting there - better make the bruise worth it.  then i got there.

SW-e-AT

Food-Ex Pairing: Brussel Triceps

Throw, slash, chop, hit, volley, extend.... These are the verbs of your triceps, arguably sexiest of arm muscles (nevermind what the tabloids say about biceps). Today we pair your Triceps brachii, with that most autumnal and beloved of homely mini-cabbages, the Brussel Sprout. If you need a theme, think baseball: It's the time when sluggers and pitchers pit their triceps against each other for all the marbles, and then gather in the evening in midtown restaurants and gorge themselves on Brussels. It's true.

The triceps is the "antagonist" of the biceps, and you might be inclined to think that the biceps is the bigger of the two. Not so: Your triceps actually account for 60% of the muscle mass in your upper arm, so, at least on mass, they win hands down. Ahem. The "tri" comes from the fact that there are actually three muscles wrapped up in there, connecting your elbow to shoulder. In addition to all things extension, these three stabilize the arm, holding it steady even to do fine motor skill things like, say, painting or writing. There are, of course, many satisifying ways to exercise your triceps. The fatigue-wearing, buff dudes at MuscleandStrength.com have actually documented themselves doing 81 triceps exercises, many with fine names like EZ Bar Incline Skullcrusher. Myself, I've always associated triceps with tennis, and so recommend a few brisk rallies, ideally with Rafa. Given the weather, though, you might make that paddle tennis.

On to the Brussels, which, if you believe Wiki, took off in Belgium in the 1200s. Hence, the name. By the 16th Century, they were booming in the Netherlands. Which is relevant, because 400 years later a bunch of Dutch researchers discovered that a diet of Brussels can actually reduce the wear and tear on your DNA. To be honest, that study is a little sketchy, but yet another group of Dutchies have shown that a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables reduces your risk of colorectral cancer by nearly 50%. Either way, the point is, Brussels are good for you. Plus, if made properly, they taste fantastic. BUT, making them properly is not obvious. Nothing worse than a soggy, lukewarm cafeteria-style Brussel. There are tricks to this trade, friends, and once again I'll turn you over to thekitchn.com which has gathered five ways to eat them, including roasted with golden beets.

Triceps and Brussels and Fall: Yum....

Workout

First 10K Success!

What's the best way to stick it to dead old European explorers on their namesake day? Run the Tufts 10K for Women and bring in a personal best time!

Workout

Governor's Island Bike Ride

Took my bike to Governor's Island yesterday. The ferry schedule changed in the early afternoon, when they decided that there weren't enough people to run half hour ferries. So I biked around downtown for an hour after just missing a ferry.

Wake Up Call

Make a Splash

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.

~Albert Camus

flog 10/3

breakfast: 1/2 banana
water
2 ww pumpkin spice pancakes (made @ home)
chopped walnuts
real maple syrup
hot water w/ fresh lemon juice

late lunch at Jason's Deli:

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Eat.Sweat.Blog.

Stand Up And Be Counted

Eat.Sweat.Blog. midday report: New signups momentarily crashed our server. Note to us: Must muscle up the machinery in October. We're genuinely excited by all the new arrivals and the Fall challenge: Bring out the sweaters, and your harder-working, more dedicated selves! Kick leaves, kick habits, feel crisp and fresh and new and awesome. Or something like that. Here's what we've learned so far....

• brookiemck intends to run a faster mile, drink more tea, and add pumpkin to everything. Not to mention forgo soda and fast food.
• Mr. Mohawk plans to kick ass and wants you to know that SocialWorkout already transformed him into a better fighter and lover, and he's psyched you're on board to "blog and sweat and bleed and cry and eat and triumph with us." Couldn't agree more!
• meggip is considering Lo-Gloo and maybe even flirting with Caffeine Free. 
• caroline is all over Rocktober. She's already pounding out walking lunges and side planks. 
• msh258 in On the Wagon.
• geppetto is kicking off a whole new way of healthy living. 
• Marisa VH ate her last late-night-snack last night.
• Last but not least, give it up for Matty_G_Fresh, our first challenger from Nashville, Tennessee. We're now officially taking submissions for best country-western workout tune....

And you?  If you haven't made yourself publicly accountable yet, what are you waiting for?