Coffee Talk Tuesday #98

Grab your cup! I’ve had quite the week already, and it’s not over yet. Let’s settle for a Coffee Talk Tuesday, err…Thursday.

If we were having coffee together today, I’d tell you that I had an awesome weekend. Similar to last year, I ran an orientation program for new Washington College students. I called the group “Shore Fit” and my goal was to introduce students to health and wellness opportunities in the community and beyond. I also wanted to add some extra adventure trips.

So, we started with a solid intervals workout (HIIT yoga for those of you who have taken it with me – 3 rounds!), then we had an awesome chat with Tracy of Tracy’s Healthy Living plus some of her delicious smoothies. She shared her top 8 tips for leading a healthy life in college. After her talk, we had lunch in town (with a brief tour of Chestertown in between since we walked) and then ventured to the boathouse for an afternoon of kayaking. We finished our first day with a guided meditation and the healing power of sound via crystal bowls with the fabulous Jennifer Boileau.

The next day, we started with berry and flower picking at Lockbriar Farms and then ventured to Annapolis for Stand Up Paddle board Yoga. I love Capital SUP – I’ve done this event twice with them now and both times were exceptional. There were several new paddlers in the group, and everyone did so great! I love the challenge of balancing on the paddle board in various yoga postures.

On our final day, we went to Lums Pond State Park for a ropes/zip-lining adventure. This was a first for me! The challenge of climbing and obstacles paired with zip-lining through the trees and over the water. I loved this trip so much and am working to get husband to go back with me.

During those crazy days, I managed to host a one-time Zumba class that was super fun, take my first Orange Theory fitness class workout.

If we were having coffee together today, I’d tell you about my first Orange Theory class! A facility just opened in Middletown, DE, and they hosted a free VIP week to come take classes and get acquainted with the workout. It’s a HIIT & science-based workout–you wear a heart-rate monitor and track your zones and heart rate throughout the workout. There are four zones – blue, green, orange, and red. The goal is to spend majority of time in the green (fat-burning) and orange (maximizing afterburn). Enthusiastic coaches lead the class, and depending on the size, the class might be divided by workout stations. There are three stations: treadmills, rowing machines, and free weight/TRX. We had 20+ people in my first class, so half the class started on the treads and the other half started on the rowers, switching with the free weights during the first part of the workout.

I signed up right after class for 4 classes/month. I think that’s realistic to start, but I think you’ll get better results (improved endurance, strength) if you go 2+ times per week. I’m not a treadmill person, but I really liked the intervals we worked through together. And I’m a big fan of group classes, so it was nice to sweat it out (individually) next to others. It’s a 60-minute class, which is honestly a little on the longer side for my interest, but I’m willing to try this for awhile to see what I think!

If we were having coffee together today, I’d tell you that with just one day in between, I also have a work retreat this week, and then this weekend is certification weekend. My week is jam-packed and full of activity and learning.

If we were having coffee together today, I’d tell you that I’m excited for the school year to start and re-connect with my students! I have several events in the next couple of weeks that involve back-to-school activities. Ready!

Have a great rest of the week!