I have been eating out way too much lately.
Don’t even get me started on my alcohol consumption over Halloweekend. However, life is short, and I refuse to not enjoy every moment of it! So what if I sipped a little too much this weekend? Instead of complaining about it, I balance it out with new workouts and clean eating during the remainder of the week. And then all is right in Xtina land.
Inspired by this Equinox workout that was featured on FitSugar, Mariah and I busted out a circuit workout in roughly 45 minutes.
Complete Circuit 1 three times. Repeat with Circuits 2 and 3, with a 1-2 minute break between each circuit.
Circuit 1:
| Exercise | Reps | Equipment | Notes |
| Jump Squat | 15 | Body weight | |
| Squat Thrust Deadlift | 15 | 15 lb. dumbbells | |
| Single-arm swings | 15 | 15 lb. dumbbells | |
| Plank with Reverse Row | 15 each arm | 10-15 lb. dumbbells |
Circuit 2:
| Exercise | Reps | Equipment | Notes |
| Lunge with Bicep Curl | 15 alternating legs | 10-15 lb. dumbbells | |
| Mountain Climbers | 45 seconds | Body weight | |
| Bridge with Exercise Ball | 20 | Exercise Ball | Place soles of feet on the top of exercise ball, then lift pelvis up and control it down. |
| Plank | 45 seconds | Body weight |
Circuit 3:
| Exercise | Reps | Equipment | Notes |
| Romanian Deadlifts | 15 | 10-15 lb. dumbbells | |
| Push-ups | 15 | Body weight | |
| Overhead Press | 15 | 10-15 lb. dumbbells | |
| Jump Rope | 60 seconds | Jump rope | Can substitute with jumping jacks |
By the third set of each circuit, we were miserable. Once we completed all 9 circuits, we were groaning, but both agreed that it was an excellent workout, for cardio and strength.
We then rushed back to my apartment for some fresh fall veggies. CHECK THIS OUT. Have yall ever seen Brussels sprouts still on the stalk? I nearly did cartwheels in Trader Joe’s when I saw this. 
Thank goodness I had just worked on my biceps – this branch was beastly! (So was my hair after the gym, but hey…)
Brussels sprouts are incredibly easy to make. Just 5 simple ingredients will make delicious roasted sprouts: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Of course you can add more, but why mess with nature too much? We used this recipe, but roasted them a bit longer so they’d have a nice crispy outer layer.
We also made spaghetti squash and topped it with tomato basil sauce and goat cheese. The sprouts were the highlight of the meal, for sure. I could not stop eating them.
At the gym, do you prefer cardio or strength training? I love running outdoors but definitely prefer strength training. It does wonders for my metabolism and I get to hang out near the boys at the gym. Any talk about “bulking up” drives me absolutely crazy– 10 to 20 lb. weights a couple times a week are not going to make a woman bigger. We do not have enough testosterone for this. And on that note, STRONG OVER SKINNY!!!
What’s your favorite fall vegetable? BEETS!!!