How to Exercise at 5 AM

6/8/2011

Can you believe that I woke up at 5 am to exercise? I'm going to try to stick to this morning routine for the next 7.5 weeks. It's so much better to have the evening to focus on my studies. To make the whole process easier, I started by sleeping in my exercise clothes. It sounds strange, but it was one less thing to worry about when my alarm went off (plus I have great chest support just in case there is an earthquake). I only had to put on socks and shoes, brush my teeth, put in my contacts and go to the basement.

I also picked out my outfit the night before (although I still ended up changing my clothes at least two times before I left the house) and packed my backpack. I even made my breakfast. If you frequently read healthy living blogs, then you may understand what I mean when I say that I made overnight oats.

I took one cup of uncooked rolled oats (I made way too much) and combined it with vanilla soy milk as well as a handful of golden raisins and pistachios. I then put it in the fridge to chill overnight. When I took it out this morning, the oats absorbed all of the milk and had a fantastic vanilla flavor. I added some Kashi Autumn Wheat cereal and blueberries. I ate it while I was getting ready (the bowl in the photo is on the office chair in my bedroom).

Workout

I had to be out of the house by 6:45 at the absolute latest to make it to my class on time, so I knew that I had to be finishing my workout by 6. I realize that I won't be able to do super long workouts in the morning, so I have to try to make the best of my time. Today was all about strength. Here is what I did:

1 min jumping jacks (warm up)

Chest Presses (3 sets/15 reps/12 pounds)
Chest Flies (3 sets/15 reps/12 pounds)
Triceps Extensions (3 sets/15 reps/12 pounds)
Standing military shoulder press (3 sets/15 reps/10 pounds)
Alternating front/side raises (2 sets/5 reps each side/5 pounds)
Standing row (3 sets/15 reps/10 pounds)
bicep curls (3 sets/15 reps/8 pounds)
Circuit of three sets of 15 of: squats/side leg raises (both sides)/back leg raises (both sides)/sumo squats
Finished with 3-5 minutes of assorted ab work

I also went on the elliptical for five minutes since I had some extra time.

I then drove to my Chicago school, which took me a good hour and ten minutes (it took me a lot less time to get home). In Chicago, the traffic begins early. I had trouble pulling out of my subdivision at 6:45 am!

The good news is that I love biology. It is so easy for me to understand, and I actually enjoy it! I can't say the same thing about chemistry. I know for a fact that I'm going to struggle with it. I just have to work hard and make good use of my teacher's office hours. For my harder chem classes in the future (organic chem...), I will probably need a tutor. Well, we'll just have to see. I have a few doctors in my family, so I may get tutoring for free!

After my bio class, I drove home and made lunch. I made a mug of much-needed vanilla caramel tea (I had two during lunchtime) and assembled a fun lunch plate.

I ate grapes, mini peppers, some sliced turkey breast, hummus and chipotle jack cheese!

I certainly would have been happy eating just cheese for lunch.

Chemistry came and went, and then it was time for dinner. I had more leftover ravioli (I think the portion is bottomless, because there is still more in the fridge) topped with asiago cheese and baby spinach on the side. I devoured the whole thing in a matter of minutes. I guess chemistry makes me hungry.

The Pupperz Got Their Fur Did

The above sentence makes me think that I should go back to school to relearn grammar. Anyway, the pups went to the groomers today. They came back smelling like flowers and wearing cute bandanas. Of course, I have to share them with you.

The only issue is that they weren't in the mood to pose for the camera. There is Buffy. She is wearing the Spring Florals collection.