The Muffin

It was an option to attend a 6:00 a.m. class today, but I went for it with gusto and chose the Cardio Circuit, which was changed to a Core Training class. Who knew those large exercise balls could inflict so much pain? I have to remember that pain is nothing more than weakness leaving the body. Somehow I know I'll be referring back to those words of wisdom over the next two weeks.

After enduring the Core Training today, I moved myself on over to the dining hall. Today's breakfast consisted of mixed fruit and a muffin. I know what you're saying, how could we possibly survive until lunch on a muffin and fruit? Well, I honestly don't know what was in the muffin other than strawberries and bananas, but it must have been packed with some heavy duty complex carbs because I was not hungry until lunchtime. It definitely ranks at the top of my list of favorites from our menu thus far.

After breakfast we were off to our daily hike, with the choice I made today being the intermediate course. It was definitely challenging enough for me, but I will be opting for a flatter surface tomorrow. I have two weeks to build up my hiking skills, so there's no rush to overextend myself and I know I'll be burning plenty of calories on any trail I choose.

Once we made it back from the hike, which was followed by the yoga class, it was off to lunch, which consisted of mushroom soup, a turkey sandwich (yes, a whole sandwich), and a green salad with fruit. This was more food than I normally have at Panera, but it wasn't too filling and was very tasty...definitely two thumbs up.

After the cooking demonstration from Chef Cameron, it was time for the afternoon fun festivities to begin. First on the list was Cardio Intervals, which was the closest I've come thus far to tears. With each person on a cardio machine, we started at a low level and with eight periodic increases to our intensity "climbed the ladder", after which we decreased our intensity with eight reductions, followed by a two minute sprint at max speed, then repeated the process. I do believe this was the longest forty-five minutes of my life.

With the next two classes being a toning class with low weights, followed by a stretch class, it was the perfect way to push myself without major injury. Stretching really is the optimal way to end a day of intense activity.

The day's activities closed with a lecture on how to spend your calories wisely. It was very informative and I know we'll be implementing many of the components at home.

Having finished my first two days here at The Ridge, I decided to take Greg up on his offer to spare no expense and enjoy myself, which I did with a Swedish massage. The soreness is gone for now, but tomorrow looms just over the horizon.

I'm off to bed for now, Yogalates awaits me at 6:00 a.m.