Have you met Christen?
Christen, one of our vibrant young members is getting married this autumn. She’s been delightful in letting us blog about her workouts at the Y- aiming to be in the best shape of her life for her wedding. I recently sat down with Christen to ask her how the BUFF BRIDE program is working for her.
The Y- Hi Christen. Thanks for speaking with us today
Buff Bride- Sure!
Y-So first let me ask you how you’re feeling so far?
BB- I’d say I’m feeling good about it.
Y- I’m glad to hear that. How many times are you working out per week. Is it twice?
BB-Twice a week, yes. Right now it’s Wednesday and Friday mornings.
Y- You know, one of the things I was most impressed with was the assessment. I really- it’s been a long time since I’ve done personal training myself. But I was so impressed with Jordan‘s attention to what your body can do, that he wanted first to find out about it. Where he could most help you be more balanced and fluid. Had you experienced that before?
BB- I have had personal training before, yes.
Y-was it as much focused on balance and alignment before?
BB-Jordan is really good about really making sure I’m aligned and balanced and stable. It’s great.
Y-What changes have you noticed so far from the workouts? Anything different?
BB- I mostly feel better. My general mood is better. Making a point to work out 3 or 4 times a week makes me feel, I don’t know, just better. I don’t know how else to describe it, but I feel I’m in a groove and happier.
Y- Do you find that in your life it helps to have a discipline about something?
BB-Yes! I work best when I’m in a routine. This forces me to go to the gym at least twice per week, and then make a plan to go at least two more times a week on my own. This really fits my life.
Y-Excellent. Would you say that having the appointment, knowing that someone is waiting for you help your routine at all? I keep thinking that if I had a buddy at Yoga I’d show up more.
BB-Yes, definately…working out with my friends for Yoga at the Y helps a lot. We’ve actually been doing that for almost two years. I find that I’m not nearly as motivated if my friends can’t go.
Y-which yoga classes do you go to now?
BB-We love the Monday and Wednesday night yoga classes with Laura.
Y- What do you like best about Laura’s classes?
BB-Monday is definitely easier. I like that it eases you into the week and is an hour. It’s good on a Monday because you can relax and unwind after a busy start of the week. Wednesday is more intense and a challenge on a day when you’re ready for that….and of course it’s longer too.
Y–Yeah, sure…I’d actually forgotten that! But wait, aren’t you working out Monday morning and then doing yoga at night?
BB- (laughs) I haven’t actually done that yet. Ideally I’d like to but it hasn’t worked out yet.
Y-I don’t know…that seems pretty intense to me, to do both. It would be for me.
BB- yeah…I’m figuring how to get that 3rd strength training in per week and still make it to yoga. Last week I did the 3rd strength routine at night and skipped a yoga.
Y-It’s always a work in progress to figure how these things fit into a busy life.
BB-yeah, true.
Y- Are you reading the blog at all?
BB-I do! And my friends always let me know when there’s a new one. They love it.
Y-Good. I actually tried your workout myself. The circuits, the yoga warm up. By the time I got to the elliptical my muscles were so wiped. I was tired! How did you do that?
BB- We’ve been starting with the elliptical lately. It helps wake you up. It also helps having Jordan there. He pays attention to what’s happening so I don’t have to switch the levels myself.
Y-Hmm. Maybe that was my problem. I was NOT smooth. But even two days after I was sore. I work out fairly regularly and this was a challenge. So one other thing, what’s the most challenging thing about this? Is there something particularly difficult about the experience?
BB-The biggest challenge is waking up and getting into the routine of this. It’s a change, the timing. But I like the morning, once I’m up and on my way I really enjoy it. I don’t have any excuses.
Y- would you say the best part is actually having that routine, having the lifestyle?
BB-Yes, I am a very disciplined person. once I get comfortable with a routine I can function well within it.
Y- I think maybe that’s the best part about a sustainability, you know, not just for the earth but for your body and life. It’s really about getting into a system that works for you.
BB- right
Y-I’m so glad it’s working for you, Christen. I could have called and found out that you hated this.
BB- (laughs) No, it’s definitely good for me, I need someone there. Having him there makes a big difference. So glad I have the opportunity!
Y-We’re glad you’re doing it. You know, there are times when I’m working out myself and I really want to get into shape, and the thing that trips me up is the eating part. The nutrition part.
BB-yeah.
Y-I was reading a blog from a fitness queen with amazing abs, and she was saying that it’s so easy to eat well, just eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible, eat 6 small means, low fat when you can, and the rest falls into place! I thought, is it really that simple? Are you finding that to be so?
BB-(laughs) Again, it’s about routines that I find work for me. I get used to my go to meals, my banana and oatmeal in the morning, things like that. Um, I don’t know. I was on Jenny Craig for awhile and now I’m finding how it works on my own. I’m doing ‘my fitness pal’, which has helped track what I’m eating. But once I’m in a routine of bringing the right snacks from home, I find I’m in a pretty good place. At least for the weekdays.
Y-What trips you up? Is it weekends?
BB-Yes! weekends and going out to dinner with my friends.
Y-Christen, I think that everyone who reads this will agree with you. It’s the social aspect, the few drinks, the dinners with friends.
BB-Yes, even minimal social drinking. I try to make it a point to only drink one day per week. If I’m strict with that I can allow myself a splurge on the weekend. I can afford the calories.
Y- So overall, do you think that this plan is sustainable? Is it a marathon and not a sprint?
BB-It is. Morning is the time I workout now. I am making the time to do it, and it feels like something I can go forward with.
Y-I’m really glad to hear that. One of the things we wanted to do with this was provide inspiration for our members by seeing someone make a plan and stick to it. So on that note, can I come by and take pictures of your workouts sometime soon, and share them on the blog?
BB-Sure! We workout at 6AM.
Y-6AM? Okay! I’ll take the early shift and be there, and I promise not to hover!
Thoughts + Happenings 