Another Monday and the start of a new month! Hello, my friends! How are you? How was the weekend? Well, I’m glad to say, I’m finally feeling back to normal after all of my travel last week. Since we caught up last on Friday morning, I’ve worked and I’ve played. Today, I’m sharing a quick weekend recap and a look at my weekly workouts.
Some Friday nights call for pajamas
Due to our collective exhaustion from cross-country travel, Dave and I elected to stay home on Friday night. We got sushi from Whole Foods (super delicious) and watched the final two episodes of “Mad Men” in our pajamas. I’m pretty sure I fell asleep before 10 p.m., because I needed the rest. And the series finale of “Mad Men”? At first I hated it. But then I read a bunch of analysis articles on why the show ended the way it did and decided it was actually okay.
Teaching classes and a workshop at Orangetheory
On Saturday morning, I was up before 6 a.m. to prepare and teach two totally full Orangetheory Fitness classes. After that, I took a class, then I had a little break before returning to help put on a “Rowing and TRX Workshop” for our members. Both of these modalities make an appearance in most Orangetheory Fitness classes, so we wanted to spend some time helping people perfect their technique. (For more information on Orangetheory, check out “Everything you need to know about the Orangetheory Fitness workout.”)
No, your monitor isn’t broken. It’s always orange inside Orangetheory. But that doesn’t stop me from attempting a selfie when the studio is empty!
That indoor water-rower? Man I love it! Those TRX straps? So versatile. During the one-hour workshop, I taught members how to properly engage their core and trunk while using TRX straps, as well as how to perform various moves with the right beginning and ending position. The beauty of the TRX is that it uses your own bodyweight as resistance, so there are a lot of options of making moves more challenging or less challenging depending on the position of your feet as it relates to the TRX anchor point.
A lovely dining experience in Lafayette
On Saturday afternoon, I napped, while Dave washed our cars. (Pretty good deal, right?) Then we got all shined up ourselves and went out to a nice dinner. We had heard great things about an Italian place, called Postino, in Lafayette, which is about 10 minutes from us in the East Bay. And boy was it worth the trip. I absolutely loved the look and feel of this restaurant, and the food was tasty too. It had the ambiance of an Italian village with all the brick and wood decor.
How pretty is the entryway and courtyard outside Postino restaurant? We had a table right under the sky-light atrium, which was just perfect for watching the chefs hard at work in the open kitchen.
I seem to say this all the time, but since moving out of downtown San Francisco, we’ve not really visited too many good restaurants. However, two weeks ago, we enjoyed Sasa in Walnut Creek and this weekend we enjoyed Postino in Lafayette, so things are looking up.
Just a taste of our selections. A bottle of Pinot Noir, warm bread with herb butter, a mango salad, roasted chicken and potatoes with au jus sauce and two desserts — hazelnut truffle pudding with ice cream and a blueberry crisp with ice cream.
As usual, we shared an appetizer, got our own entrees and split two desserts. Every single bite was delicious. I’d say that Dave and I both enjoyed Postino enough to want to make a return visit.
Sunny Sunday in the Bay and Snapchat
On Sunday, we laid around for a while and took care of a few household chores. Then I did some yoga and Dave went for a run. The biggest news of Sunday? I joined Snapchat, people. Check me out: aladygoeswest is my username.
To finish out the weekend, we made dinner at home, watched TV and relaxed, readying ourselves for another busy week. Now let’s switch gears and talk about fitness …
My weekly workout recap
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 – Rest day
- Tuesday – Rest day
- Wednesday – Did a 30-minute CXWORX workout and 10 minutes of yoga at home
- Thursday – Taught a 45-minute BODYPUMP class and a 30-minute core class
- Friday – Taught a one-hour BODYATTACK class, foam rolling
- Saturday –Took a one-hour Orangetheory class, foam rolling
- Sunday – Did 30 minutes of power yoga at home, foam rolling
What was good about my week of workouts?
This past week was a different one, in that I started it out in Florida and was more into hanging out with my family than getting in a sweat session. However, I did complete a core workout and short yoga session while there and was back in business as soon as I returned to the Bay Area on Thursday evening. That left me with one session of cardio (BODYATTACK), two resistance sessions (BODYPUMP and Orangetheory), as well as some short yoga sessions throughout the course of the week. I usually take one rest day, but I took two, for the second week-in-a-row due to travel.
What could have been better about my week of workouts?
This past week was certainly missing some workouts, but I’m not terribly worried about it. I’ll be right back to my six or seven workouts this week, so a little breather won’t do me any harm. In fact, I think it’s good for me. This week I’m going to be sure to include three days of strength training, because I missed it the past two weeks.
That covers it! Today, I’m teaching a couple of classes at Orangetheory in the morning and teaching BODYATTACK tonight. I’ll see you back here tomorrow, party people. Enjoy your Monday and first day of June.
Questions of the day
How was your weekend?
What was your best workout recently?
Did you watch the “Mad Men” series finale?
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says
I am still really unfamiliar with snapchat…but my sister was using it alot when I was with her this weekend and I did find it a bit intriguing. That restaurant looks so nice, and of course the food looks delicious. Glad you had a good weekend! And great job with the workouts, despite being away for a few of the days:)
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine recently posted…Weekly Recap And A Wedding Weekend
Ashley says
Hi Lisa! Yes, I still need to figure Snapchat out, but I will tell you that the images disappear after a while, so you don’t have a “feed” like all the other social channels. More to come on that! Happy Monday! 🙂
Chrissy @Pink Polish and Running Shoes says
I’m right with you on that Mad Men season finale. I didn’t like it all, but I did the same thing you did and read a bunch of analysis articles. Now I’m OK with it, but I still wish it had ended differently.
Have a great Monday!
Chrissy @Pink Polish and Running Shoes recently posted…5 Motivational Quotes to Get You Through Monday
Ashley says
Hahaha, nice Chrissy! Sometimes we just need to read other people’s opinions to make sense of our own I guess? Glad you agree! Hope all is well with you, lady! Happy Monday!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
WHY IS EVERYONE GOING ON SNAPCHAT. I had it three years ago, and I’m over it, lol. And now everyone is all about it! Postino is like my dream. Any place that has red wine and foccacia is, really! Have a great week!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Marathon Coaching + Healthy Snacks On the Go Giveaway!
Ashley says
Hi Susie! We always go to Italian places, and Postino was one of the best. And with Snapchat, I know it’s not NEW or anything, but I’ve just not wanted to get into until now. All of my friends use it, so it should be fun hahha. You were just an early adopter! Happy Monday!
Gretchen | Gretchruns says
Wow, that restaurant looks beautiful! You always pick the coolest places for dinner. I’ll definitely have to hit you up when I come visit San Fransisco!
I’m obsessed with snapchat so of course I added you 🙂 You can add me too if you want – my username is gretchxo and I post lots of dog pictures !
Gretchen | Gretchruns recently posted…It’s….RACE WEEK! MIMM, Playlist, and Goals!
Ashley says
Hi Gretchen! Yes, I will add you!! 🙂 And you know I have all the restaurant suggestions you need, lady! Happy Monday!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
Is snapchat like Instagram? I’ve never been able to understand what it is. You’ll have to let us know how you like it!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Chocolate Lovers Banana Bread {LF, LC, GF}
Ashley says
Hi Megan! There’s no “feed” in Snapchat, since things disappear after a while. I’ll let you know how I like it after trying it for a few weeks hehe. Hope you had a nice weekend! 🙂
Lynda@fitnessmomwinecountry says
We have never seen an episode of Mad Men {I think we missed out though}. I want to wash our cars so badly, but this California drought just has me thinking no way. My workouts are still Pure Barre class {about 4 to 5 days} and my running as I get closer to half marathon date.
Lynda@fitnessmomwinecountry recently posted…Top 10 Timeouts I Wish I Could Give
Ashley says
Hi Lynda! Yes, I know the drought is quite the concern, but luckily being in a townhome community, we don’t have to water anything at all — so a little car wash once a month is probably not too bad. Nice work on sticking to Pure Barre and your runs! I hope you had a nice weekend! And here’s to a great June! 🙂
Marielle says
So I joined snapchat as well, but I don’t understand it lol! I feel so old and out of touch 🙂 And I thought Mad Men ended a little strangely too, I’m sad that it’s completly overwith!
Marielle recently posted…All About Personal Training Certs
Ashley says
Hi Marielle! I thought Mad Men was losing steam in the last season anyways, especially after they split it up into two. And Snapchat is different, it should take me a while to get used to. Hope you had a nice weekend, lady! 🙂 Happy Monday!
Jill @ Champagne for Everyday says
I totally feel you on the whole getting home and getting back to normal. I have two days of Euro vacation left, and cannot wait to get home to crush the gym with renewed vigor! Haha.
I’d love to see a post on what you think of Snapchat! I’ve been thinking about it (apparently it’s not a huge time suck as photos dont need to be as edited as Instagram) but it just seems like one more social media thing to manage!
Jill @ Champagne for Everyday recently posted…Young Professionals: Why We Deserve a Break
Ashley says
Hi Jill, You soak up those final two days!!! And as far as Snapchat goes, right now I’m not sure. I’ll try it out for a few weeks and get back to you! I do know that a lot of my friends are on it, so that’s the pull for me! 🙂
Lauren Wallin says
My weekend was filled with way way too much food… How do you reset from extreme indulgence?
Ashley says
Hi Lauren! Oh that happens. I tend to eat a lot worse on the weekends than I do during the week, but for me, Monday is always a return to health meals and regular workouts — and LOTS of water. Don’t beat yourself up at all for eating too much, just know that today is a new day. No big deal! I hope you have a wonderful Monday! Hydrate and move! 🙂
Jamie says
Favorite workout from this past week was my run with my running group on Tuesdays. I really like the extra push they give me during tempo runs. Postino looks amazing ! I hope you have a great Monday!
Jamie recently posted…Marvelous Monday 6/1
Ashley says
Hi Jamie! It’s so nice to have other people around to push you through a workout, isn’t it? That’s why I love group fitness so much! Hope you have a wonderful week, lady! Thanks for stopping by to say hi! 🙂
Ashley recently posted…Work, play, eats and my weekly fitness recap
Heather@hungryforbalance says
I love your relaxed attitude about extra rest days due to something like traveling.
It is such a good reminder that being flexible is key to a healthy life.
I was traveling last week as well, so my workouts mainly consisted of walks and some body weight circuits.
Heather@hungryforbalance recently posted…Friday Favorites: Travel Edition
Ashley says
Hi Heather! Flexibility is so very important, so yes, I do enjoy some of that during travel. That’s great that you fit in some bodyweight circuits while traveling last week, as well as walking. Hope you have a fabulous week, lady! 🙂
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
Mmm…Postino looks so good! I’ll have to try that one.
And I just found out that Orangetheory is opening a studio in Dublin! I’m so excited! Now if only you could teach there too. 🙂 I know it’s far for you to travel though. I feel the same way about Walnut Creek which is why you still haven’t seen me there yet. But I am starting a new job in 2 weeks that’s only 3 days a week (and 15 mins from my house!) so I will definitely have more time on my hands in the near future. I’ll make it to one of your classes soon, I promise!
Oh, and I’m on Snapchat too but I have no clue what I am doing. Is it just me or is it really confusing? Probably just me, lol.
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health recently posted…Superfruit Acaà Bowls
Ashley says
Hi Sarah! Yay for a new job? That’s awesome! Will you be doing the same thing? You must be ecstatic to have it down to three days! And yes, Dublin will have an OTF, and they are going in other places too. And yes, Snapchat will take some getting used to, which I haven’t done yet hahah. Happy Monday! Congrats on the new gig!! 🙂
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
Yes, I will be doing the same thing! But I’ll have the other 2 days a week to work on the blog now instead of sacrificing all of my weekend. I can’t wait! 🙂
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health recently posted…Spinach Salad with Fresh Cherry Vinaigrette
Ashley says
SOOO awesome, Sarah! I’m excited for your and your additional time to blog!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
I am behind and have not seen this season of Mad Men yet at all. I followed it from the very beginning too. I have been adding in some short yoga sessions at home lately too. They’re great when I can’t do a full class. Have a great Monday!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment recently posted…Navigating the Farmers’ Market
Ashley says
Hi Lauren, I didn’t particularly care for the last season of Mad Men, to tell you the truth. You’re not missing much eheh! Happy Monday to you too! 🙂
Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola says
Is it bad that I wished something dramatic and horrible would have happened to Don in the Mad Men series finale?
Ashley says
Hahah Sam, Me too — so no, it’s not bad! Hope you have a great week, lady! 🙂
Fiona says
Oh that weekend sounds pretty darn good to me! I meant to mention earlier this week after you were talking about starting up at OrangeTheory, our city is getting one! Not so helpful now being all preggos but I’m soo tempted to try to get in on the early deals they have to try it out!!! It’s actually not even too far from my house so post baby you better believe I’m gonna see what the hype is all about!
My weekend was great, a mix of workouts, chores, downtime and some family time! Hope you have a fab week!
Ashley says
Hi Fiona! Totally cool! Yes, Orangetheory will be a great way to get back in shape post-baby. So glad you had a nice weekend! 🙂
Sara @ Lake Shore Runner says
Yayyyy we now can take our blogger friendship to the next level – just added you on snapchat!!
Sara @ Lake Shore Runner recently posted…Weekend Recap – Rain Rain Go Away
Ashley says
SWEET!!! Thanks, Sara! Looking forward to Snapchatting with you! 🙂
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
I’m so jealous of you guys who are fitness instructors. I’d love for my job to be at a gym!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Back to Reality
Ashley says
Hi Laura! Working at gyms has its ups and downs, but overall I love being in the fitness industry. Sure beats my old desk job I had before this hahah! 🙂 Have a great night, Laura!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
Whoa that Italian place sounds amazing! Every time I read your posts I really want to take a fitness class- I have ZERO motivation.
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Skinny Blue Cheese Burgers
Ashley says
Hi Arman, Well just another thing you could do if you visit the Bay Area. Take my class. Cook for me. Good plan, right? 🙂
Dorcas@feelgoodfoodblog says
Wow, you had a busy week and love the pics. Haven’t gotten into Mad Men yet but I hear it’s awesome. May start watching based on your feedback. Thanks!
Dorcas@feelgoodfoodblog recently posted…Easy Vegan Banana Split Ice Cream
Ashley says
Hi there! Thanks for stopping by to say hello! And yes, the first few seasons of Mad Men were INCREDIBLE, but it lost some of that luster toward the end. Nonetheless, a great show. Hope you’re having a good week so far! 🙂
Krissy @ pretty wee things says
Your workouts are always so inspirational! I have been trying to incorporate yoga at least 3 days a week and have been loving it! And also a plank each day for as long as physically possible (which really isn’t that long at all). I don’t know how Miranda Kerr holds hers for 10 minutes! Xx
Krissy @ pretty wee things recently posted…Tomato zoodle salad with 2 minute tomato sauce
Ashley says
Hi Krissy! Miranda Kerr holds a 10-minute plank? Wow. I didn’t know that. I’ve held a 5.5 minute plank before, but don’t exactly do it that often ahhaha. Anyways, nice work on the yoga classes each week. I need more yoga, but am doing the best I can with a few short sessions. Have a lovely day!! 🙂