A great weekend and my weekly workouts
Happy Monday, my friends! I hope you had a great weekend! Mine was excellent, and wow, it went by fast. Today, I’m going to fill you in on the goings-ons from the past couple of days and then share a recap of my most recent weekly workouts …
A low-key Friday evening
On Friday evening, Dave and I went over to a friend’s house to watch the Warriors NBA playoff game. I only stayed for about an hour, before heading home to eat dinner, hydrate, pack up all my food and get organized for the Les Mills Super Quarterly event the next day. The best part of coming home early even though I had to leave the get-together? I finally watched “Pitch Perfect.” Having seen previews for “Pitch Perfect 2,” which is in the theatres now, I realized I would probably enjoy a movie all about a girl’s signing group. And yes I did! I never go to the movies, so likely won’t see the sequel until it’s on Netflix, but you never know. (Oh, and the Warriors won their game that night too!)
A super Saturday for the books
On Saturday morning, I was up before 5 a.m., to eat a big breakfast, get ready and hit the road for the all-day Les Mills Super Quarterly event in Livermore. I was there for nearly 12 hours and had one amazing experience. Here’s just a preview …
That’s me, the schedule of events, a basketball-court full of BODYPUMP stations before class and all of my wrist-bands, which served as entry to each class.
I plan to write a full recap of the event tomorrow. So we’ll leave it at this — it was a sweaty good time.
Saturday night on the town
On Saturday evening, Dave and I had reservations at Sasa in downtown Walnut Creek, a Japanese-inspired restaurant, which came highly recommended to us. We arrived at 8 p.m. and were immediately seated at a high-top table toward the back of the restaurant. Right off the bat, I noticed that the scene was much better than many of the other restaurants we’ve visited in Walnut Creek. It was darker, there was good music, and it didn’t seem quite so “suburby.” (To say we were spoiled with all the cool restaurants just outside our door in San Francisco would be an understatement.)
The door to Sasa, a shot of us inside the restaurant and an Uber selfie on the way.
We liked the atmosphere so much that we were there for almost two hours. During that time, we shared a couple of small plates and then got sushi. We were told by friends ahead of time that the portions at Sasa were incredibly small, which was true, but I found that the good flavors and freshness of the food made up for what it lacked in size. Overall, I’d say I was pleasantly surprised by Sasa and think we’ll add it to our list of East Bay favorites.
Just a few tasty things, including a dirty martini, some delicious edamame hummus with veggies and warm flat-bread, assorted sushi and a tuna and avocado parfait on a rice cake.
Oh and you know what made the experience even better? We had a gift card to use, given to Dave by one of his super-thoughtful friends from Orlando. And you know that gift-card dining is way better than regular dining. After dinner, we went home, had a little dessert while watching TV, and that was that.
Sundays are rest days
On Sunday, Dave and I both did work on the computer in front of the TV in our pajamas, then we rode our bikes to downtown Walnut Creek for lunch at Veggie Grill. We went there last week for the first time and returned for more, but our meals last week were definitely a bit better. There was also a little art festival going on in the area, so we walked through that, stopped at a bike store to pick up a bell for Dave’s bike (mine already has one) and then rode home. After we got home, I laid on the couch and ended up taking a long nap. It must have been my body’s way of telling me that I needed some extra rest after my marathon day of group fitness on Saturday, because I fell into a deep sleep in no time. I never left the house again, and in the evening, Dave grilled up a delicious dinner for us. Steak for him and salmon for me, followed up by some carrot cake for dessert. And that was our weekend! Now, let’s get to the fitness.
My weekly workout recap
As usual, because it’s Monday, it’s time to go through my last week of workouts …
(Photo credit to Leah Bentley Photography, 2015.)
Weekly Workouts
- Monday –Taught a one-hour BODYATTACK class, foam rolling
- Tuesday – Taught a one-hour BODYPUMP class, foam rolling
- Wednesday – Taught a one-hour BODYATTACK class, foam rolling
- Thursday –Taught a 45-minute BODYPUMP class and a 30-minute core class, did a 10-minute yoga session at home, foam rolling
- Friday – Taught a one-hour BODYATTACK class, foam rolling
- Saturday – Attended the Les Mills Super Q event and took BODYPUMP, BODYSTEP, BODYJAM, BODYFLOW, BODYATTACK and CXWORX classes!!
- Sunday – Rest day
What was good about my week of workouts?
Holy group fitness classes! This past week was full of nothing but Les Mills classes. I moved in a lot of ways that I usually don’t, while being a participant in BODYSTEP and BODYJAM at the all-day Les Mills Super Q event, and wow it felt good. I enjoyed a full rest day, lifted weights three times, did a lot of cardio and plenty of stretching with BODYFLOW and my short at-home yoga session. That’s great variety!
What could have been better about my week of workouts?
Because I taught every single day and attended an all-day Les Mills event on Saturday, I didn’t have the time for any other workouts, not even an Orangetheory workout. However, events like the Super Quarterly don’t come around often, so I took full advantage of the line-up of classes. This past week was pretty intense, and I’m going to take some extra rest days to make up for it.
That about covers it! Today, I’m teaching some classes at Orangetheory Fitness, writing and then teaching BODYATTACK tonight. Enjoy your day! And make sure you come back tomorrow for some fun pictures and a recap of my amazing day at the Les Mills Super Quarterly event.
Questions of the day
What was the highlight of your weekend?
Have you ever been to an all-day fitness event?
What’s the best movie you’ve seen lately?
Agh I love reading your workouts and weekend, you look like the most adorable person ever! You look so beautiful on your weekends out (and those eats look fantastic), and I bet your clients LOVE working out with you! Thanks for sharing your ups and downs of the week, its always good to see 🙂
Ohhhh thank you, Tina! You are too sweet. I appreciate the compliments. And I hope you had a lovely weekend!! Happy Monday! 🙂
Looks like such a wonderful weekend!!
Thanks, Brittany! It was, I hope yours was great too. Here’s to a happy Monday too!
What an awesome weekend! I would love the opportunity to attend a Les Mills event. I would definitely sign up for your class if given the chance!
Hi Jill! ahah! Thanks! Well if you ever visit the Bay Area … !! Hope you had a great weekend! 🙂
What a perfect weekend! I’m sure you were exhausted after Sautrday. I can’t wait to hear about it.
Hi Megan, Yes, it was a very demanding day, but sooo worth it! Happy Monday to you!
I Wish we had an event like that. I would LOVE to take all those classes!! Highlight of my weekend was finding out we’re having a baby girl! Pitch Perfect was so fun, I want to see Pitch Perfect 2, but I’m with you. I don’t go to the theaters ever!
Yay for a baby girl!! Congrats, Heather! 🙂
Looks like you had a great weekend! Hope the rest of your week is great too!
Right back at ya, Carissa! 🙂
I only just watched Pitch Perfect for the first time too, and I’m already looking forward to seeing the sequel (but I will also probably wait for it to come out on Netflix!). That sushi looks divine!
I think pretty much anyone would enjoy something about Pitch Perfect heheh. Hope you had a nice weekend, Tara! Happy Monday!
Where are your fun leggings from in your workout recap picture? I have seen Pitch Perfect but the 2nd one is on my list of things to-do next weekend. Hoping it isn’t a sequel fail like some tend to be!
Hi Carrie! Those leggings are from Actio926. I did a giveaway for them a few months ago. Check out more here: https://aladygoeswest.com/2015/02/17/inspiring-story-and-an-activewear-giveaway/
And yay for Pitch Perfect! Hope you had a great weekend!
Wow, that all day event sounds like a lot of fun, but Im sure it was exhausting! Not sure how you managed to go out that night! I used to love Body Step a few years back…They stopped offering it in the mornings at my gym and now that I haven’t gone in about 5 years I think I would be nervous to try it again, but its a great (and different) workout for sure!
Hi Lisa! BODYSTEP has changed SO much over the years. They incorporate weights now and do “athletic moves” rather than all the dance moves of the past. It’s such a good workout. Maybe you’ll get back to it one day if your gym brings it back. Hope you had a nice weekend!
Looks like a super fun week of workouts and that Saturday Les Mills session looks amazing. I’m a huge fan of the classes and think it’s awesome you go to try new ones. Glad you got a nap in, sometimes we just need extra rest :)!
Hi Pinky! Yup! I’ve actually taken all the classes before, but not in YEARS for some of them, since they aren’t offered at any gyms around me right now — so a couple seemed pretty new hehehe. So glad you’re a Les Mills fan too! Hope you had a nice weekend!!
All that sushi looks AMAZING, I think it’s definitely one type of cuisine that Cali takes the advantage over NYC in (that and all the year-round fresh produce!)
Hi Alyssa, Yes, we’ve definitely got a lot of good fresh food here in California. Hope you had a nice weekend, lady! 🙂 Happy Monday!
You look SO gorgeous on Saturday! Well, you do all the time…
Edamame hummus sounds so delicious.
I’m not a huge fan of edamame, but for some reason, I really liked the edamame hummus!! Thanks for the sweet compliments, Jess. Hope you had a great weekend too! 🙂
I’ve done a few all day fitness trainings and they are exhausting! Fun, but exhausting haha. Glad you had a great weekend and happy Monday girl : )
Exhausting but fun is right, Stacie! Hope you had a nice weekend as well! 🙂
Ahhhhh that LM event looks so so fun. I love those type of events–and the Mega Madness in Vegas proved to be so perfect. I’m so glad you had a blast–can’t wait to read more about it! 🙂
Thanks, Annette! It sure was a great time and full recap coming tomorrow. Hope you had a nice weekend too!
I finally got to try out Bodyattack on Sunday afternoon. It was a blast and the time passed so quickly. I will definitely throw it into the mix more often 🙂
My highlight was going to the greek festival on Saturday night. I love me some Baklava!
Hi Amanda! Yay for baklava! I love Greek food and festivals, but not so much the Ouzo hehehe. SOO glad you tried BODYATTACK! I hope you make it a regular thing. What was your favorite part of the class??
Hmm. First off, my instructor had some contagious energy, so that was definitely a highlight. But I guess for me, most of the moves were familiar, so I wasn’t super confused the entire time. I picked everything up pretty easily (thank you line dancing! haha). I like that it repeated a bit, but also built upon a base so it wasn’t boring but also let you get into a groove, if that makes sense.
Hi Amanda! ahahha line dancing skills? Awesome! hahha So glad that you enjoyed BODYATTACK and of course, sounds like you had a great instructor. 🙂 YES, it’s repetitive in a good way and NOT boring!
Holy group fitness is right! Dang girl that was a lot. Hopefully this week your schedule will lighten up a little bit! I’m so glad you went to the Super Q and can’t wait to hear about it. I didn’t go to the one near us but I heard it was amazing. We had a great weekend that was super relaxed. Highlight was date night on Saturday night at Bonefish. Good food and great company! Hope you have a great day!
Hi Jenna! Date night is always good! And yes, I’ll have a full recap up tomorrow, so make sure you check it out! Happy Monday to you! 🙂
Ohhhh man, all those Les Mills classes sound like such a blast! So glad you got to attend and take full advantage! Can’t wait to hear more about it. 🙂
It was AWESOME!! More to come on that tomorrow. Happy Monday, Ash!
I love the recap. Your such an inspiration. What brand of shoes are in your photo. Have a great day.
Hi Lexie! Well, thanks! I’m wearing Nike sneakers in the photo on here. I got them over a year ago and they are the Free. Hope you had a great weekend!! 🙂
Sounds like a great weekend! What kind of bicycle do you have? I remember reading about it a few weeks ago. We have a road bike and mountain bike, but I want a cruiser for some leisure! My husband and I love watching new movies together. We recently saw The Age of Adeline and Mad Max.
Hi Kim! I have a Huffy bike we bought at Target. It was reasonably priced and I love it. It has gears and a basket and a bell! Hope you had a lovely weekend, lady! Happy Monday! 🙂
So funny I was going to recommend Sasa to you since you were saying you hadn’t had good East Bay dining experiences!! I actually haven’t been yet but have heard great things, thinking Danny and I will go soon too! Also, we walked around the festival downtown this weekend. That would’ve been crazy if we ran into each other!
We’re bound to cross paths one day soon, Hayley!! 🙂 And YES to Sasa!
that lineup of classes on Saturday looks so, so fun. Glad you got to do them! I can’t wait to read the recap. Happy Monday!
Thanks, Heather! It was a good time. Hope you had a nice weekend! 🙂
I would love to do a fitness day like that! Looks like a lot of fun and high energy! My highlight this weekend was going on a tough hike at Smith Rock State Park on Saturday. The views were just incredible and it was nice to get in a tough workout (uphill hike) in the fresh air. We also saw Pitch Perfect 2 this weekend! I liked it a lot! Glad you got a chance to watch Pitch Perfect!
Hi Lindsey! A tough hike is a great way to spend a weekend. I never did much hiking until moving to California and I can see why people love it. Hope you have a wonderful week! 🙂
Wow, 12 hours of working out? That’s intense! And I had no idea that it was taking place in Livermore until I saw the IG pic of you and the Australian instructor. I took his class a few weeks ago and I love listening to his accent! I’m excited to hear more about the event.
And I’ve never seen Pitch Perfect but the previews from the second one look really funny so I need to catch up too!
Hi Sarah! He’s from New Zealand, I believe. That’s where Les Mills is headquartered actually! 🙂 Hope you had a nice weekend! I’ll have my recap up tomorrow. And boy that Livermore gym is huge!
What an awesome weekend and what looks like the best week ever of workout classes! I wish I had the opportunity to try some of those group classes- they sound so great 🙂 My regimen has mostly consisted of bootcamp, kickboxing, and TRX. Hope you have a good week!
Hi Tori! Well sounds like you have a pretty good regimen going, but of course, I’m a big Les Mills fan!! Hope you had a nice weekend, lady! Happy Monday! 🙂
Wow that all day fitness event seems intense, but totally right up my alley. I love back to back workouts. This weekend I took soul cycle and then went right to flywheel. I am trying to cross train to the level of leg exhaustion, similar to running. I am backing off running for the time being so when I amp it up in June I welcome the long runs not scold them 🙂
Wow, Sara! Back to back cycling classes? That’s crazy hahah! I’m not much of a cycler actually — I prefer to bike for leisure outside!! Hope you had a nice weekend!! 🙂
I knew there would be sushi somewhere in your weekend recap 🙂 I have never seen Pitch Perfect either, but I agree, after seeing previews for Pitch Perfect 2, it makes me want to watch it!
Sure does, Katie! And of course I got sushi!! Hope you had a nice weekend! 🙂
Your Saturday sounded like a blast! I am not in the fitness industry but am really considering getting my spinning instructor certificate and looking into Body Pump. What do you suggest for getting started? Talking to gyms first? Doing the training first?
Thanks!
Hi Sheena, You can go to the training without a job lined up, but you’d need to be close enough to work at a gym with a BODYPUMP license and know that they would consider hiring you after you audition. You’ll want to take the classes and practice a lot before the training, so it’s best to be a member of a Les Mills gym. I’m not familiar with spinning certificates, but with Les Mills, it’s much better to have a gym job lined up so you can team teach with more experienced instructors while you’re learning! Good luck to you!!! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂