#34 - Stretch everyday for one month (49/101).

I used to be a gymnast. I was used to a daily routine that included a whole lot of stretching, could do all of my splits (those were the days) and always won the class sit and reach challenge in high school. While my flexibility is still above average, I added the "stretch everyday for one month" to my list to remind myself to (1) stay physically flexible and (2) to find activities, people and things that stretch me mentally as well. Within the last couple months I have moved into a new role at work that has given me a lot of opportunity to stretch -- to learn new work styles, to think big and to stretch myself in a new environment. I have sought out conversations with folks that stretch my mind and horizons and have pushed me to think differently. 

I have also physically stretched myself in terms of working out and have tried out a few new fun classes - I wrote briefly about trying out Crossfit for the first time, went to a Vixen dance workout class (picture to the left) and tried out a few Define Mind classes in which you do inversions in silks - hanging upside down and doing inversions stretches your body to new places and adds valuable new perspective. Over the last month, I have also made a conscious effort to stretch everyday and to improve my flexibility, my splits are looking (pretty) good! I have enjoyed challenging myself to stretch each and every day, whether physically or mentally, and hope I have created a habit that will stay with me. 

#22 - Try Crossfit (48/101).

I am a fan of trying out new types of workouts but for some reason, I have had no interest in trying out Crossfit. My boyfriend is an avid Crossfit goer and attends classes at least five times a week, usually the 6am classes. I decided to go try with him one morning while I was in Richmond and was pleasantly surprised with my time at CrossfitRVA. Although I do not think I will begin to go on a weekly basis, I enjoyed trying out a new type of workout and was very impressed by the strength and focus of many of the class attendees. The WOD (workout of the day) was a mix of strength and cardio. We first had to do as many pull ups as we could do in a certain amount of minutes and then did a workout on a rowing machine. It was a great workout and not quite as scary as I thought; I might even go again :)

Back in Atlanta, I have found a gym I enjoy going to every so often called The Training Room that is Crossfit style but in my opinion, a little less intense. I did my first deadlifts and box jumps this week, all at a weight and speed in which I was comfortable. It has been fun mixing up my normal routine of barre, yoga and cardio with strength training - I am happy to use ClassPass so I can explore lots of different workouts and keep my routine varied. 

#9 - Learn to cook a meal from the Philippines (47/101).

This weekend I ventured up to the Buford Highways Farmers Market to get ingredients to cook Pancit, a traditional Philippine noodle dish. First off, the market was incredible. Organized by region and then by country, you could literally find anything you wanted. I learned that there was a difference in soy sauce from the Phillipines and from China/Japan/etc., tasted delicious samples from tacos to potstickers to mango juice and salivated over the abundant produce section (who knew there were multiple types of ginger?). I was excited to see an entire Phillipine's aisle and found the Pancit noodles and soy sauce I was searching for. We went home and made the Pancit and it was delicious! I was excited to tell my dad about making it as it brought back memories for him of my grandfather cooking Pancit for their family every so often (I am a quarter Filipino). While the food was delicious, I am even more excited to know that I can go back and explore the market more and cook cuisines from around the world.