Yesterday was one of the coldest days in Boston that I can remember in a long time. The past couple years, for some reason, I’ve been out of town when the temperatures felt below zero. This called for wearing my ski jacket to work! I was sent a pair of Jaybird earbuds which are Bluetooth headphones and worked perfect for listening to my nutrition class as I walked to work. I was too lazy to tuck them in behind my hood. I commuted in my Nike Free running sneakers and literally had numb and painful toes by the time I arrived.
The “bluebuds” just stick in your ears and while I haven’t worn them running yet, they have worked great so far on the bike at Equinox. It’s nice to be able to sit up tall for a quick break and not worry about my iPhone falling on the floor. High five if this has happened to you many times, including on the treadmill.
During lunch, I went to the Bar Method for a 60 minute burn. When I got out, I was starving and decided that since I did not pack a lunch I would attempt to order off of Panera Bread’s hidden menu! After announcing this on Twitter, it occurred to me how hidden the menu really is. Everyone was curious what the heck it was. The options are available online and can not be found in stores. All of them are healthy and under 350 calories. I got the Power Chicken and Hummus plate. It was really good, filling and a little too onion-ey for me but next time I’ll just take some off. For 330 calories and 20 g of protein, this might become my new go to at my favorite fast food lunch spot in Boston (Pret A Manger’s Vegan Salad is now second).
After work, I felt super tight and decided to try out Kristin McGee’s YogaFlow series from her Strong Sexy Svelte DVD. It was like she was speaking directly to me! The 25 minute video was exactly what I needed for my tight hips. I have been watching Kristin’s videos since 2007, when I discovered On Demand ExerciseTV. Her cues, as always, are perfect. Every time she gently suggests a form correcting tip, it’s like she can see me through the TV. Seriously, she was that dead on. I think she had a barre junkie come in and tell her just what to stretch. The 25-minutes went by quick and by the end, I could tell I was sufficiently stretched out. It was exactly what I needed.
I checked out the first part of the video which is a YogaTone 25-min workout featuring fast paced yoga moves with weights. It looked great and I’m excited to try it soon. When the weather get’s cold, I’ve always gravitated to doing more workout videos in my home than outdoors or even at the gym.
I gave out a copy of this DVD back in December and am giving out another today! To enter, leave a comment below.
Question of the Day: What is your favorite winter workout?
While mine used to be running outside in the cold (not sub zero cold, like 30’s cold), it has now changed to spinning indoors because it gets your body so warm and sweaty that even if it’s just for 60 minutes, it might be the only time of the day you wish you were not freezing! Skiing is a close second. Giveaway will close on Monday at 8 am!
My favorite winter work out is getting on my treadmill and catching up with shows I haven’t had time to watch. Makes the time fly by.
I am honestly so grateful for a warm gym right now! There’s a cold front in NJ. My favorite workouts this time of year are of the bodyweight variety -- squats, abs, planks, jumps or jump rope, etc.
High five for me because I’ve totally lost the iPod to the floor more than a few times while on the treadmill or bike.
My favorite winter workout is this circuit class I’ve been taking. It’s almost like P90X meets CrossFit meats circuit training. Incredibly challenging but totally motivating. I think I did 80+ tuck jumps last night. I have incredibly tight hips so I’d love to stretch them out.
lol. I knew there was no way I was the only one!
Anything Inside! JK but not really; I can’t get myself to run outside in this weather! It’s too damn cold!
My favorite indoor workout is tabata with weights afterwards.
My favorite winter workout is bundling up for the 2 block walk to the gym, and then running on the treadmill or hitting the weight room! š
Woah -- I hadn’t heard about the hidden menus. The Power Mediterranean Chicken Salad looks great! I may head over and get one for lunch today.
My favorite winter workout is anything that warms me up & gets a good sweat in a hurry… spinning, HIIT, a few different cardio dvds, but I’m really interested in trying Bikram Yoga. I hope it can curb my heat wave cravings until summertime.
I live in Boston also, and as long as it is not quite so windy, I love running outside in the winter! But this week is WAY too cold š
My favorite winter workout is hot vinyasa classes, I am so warm and sweaty and I feel like I got a great workout and the heat carries over into the car ride home and shower. And it makes my skin glow!
I had no ideathere was a hidden menu even though my brother used to work there! I can’t wait to try that out for work lunches, that is AWESOME that they have even healthier options with a good source of protein. Thanks for always keeping us in the loop Sarah!
Spinning totally or Hot Yoga! Love your website Sarah
Since I can’t go running, biking, or do out door yoga I will attend a crossfit training class or power yoga with weights. I do a lot of dancing where I incorporate my own pilates/yoga moves within in. However I am still a junky for running on the treadmill and reading a good chick-flick book.
I love dvds to avoid the cold!!
This is my first post, I’ve been reading this great blog for a few months now. I love it!!! I’m from the cape and I love that you’re in MA!!! Thank you for a great and informative blog. I have a collection of DVD’s that I do when it’s cold outside, Jillian Michaels, Zumba DVDs, Jackie Warner. Sometimes it’s harder to get around and doing the videos because I’m home. I do try to get to a class or two at the gym during the week, getting out of the house is good.
Love strength workouts at the gym!
Would love this DVD
I like cycling outdoors as long as it’s not icy or slushy. There are fewer cyclists out, which is a nice change.
I’ve got to say hands down it’s the Bodyworks/Abs classes that I’m either teaching or taking as a student. You may come in cold, but I guarantee you within 10 minutes you’ll be warm and it won’t be long before you’re grabbing that water bottle. Plus I tell the gals just think of what great shape you’ll be in for summer. So for me and my gals it’s Bodyworks/Abs because you work everything and you’re also using free weights, too. Great workout to warm up that body!!
I love Barre workouts, or physique 57. I like that I can stay out of the cold and do them at home!
Thanks for the heads up on the Panera menu!
I love running outside in the winter as long as it’s not bitter cold like this. It’s not so bad if you wear the right clothes. Fresh air and vitamin D!! Love your site Sarah!
My favorite winter workouts are definitely group exercise classes!
I love running outside when it’s between 35 and 50 degrees (which unfortunately hasn’t been the case lately). It’s always cold starting out, but once I get going I warm up and feel incredible! I think I actually run better in slightly colder conditions.
I love indoor cycling too. It’s my new favorite cardio workout. But since I live in Houston I can pretty much run outside year round. I freak out if it goes below 50 -- such a cold weather baby. I do barre inspired workouts 3 times a week (Define Body) and need that DVD to stretch me out!
As long as it’s above 15-ish degrees, I love running outside!
My favorite winter workout is going to hot yoga. I work at a hot vinyasa yoga studio here in Chicago. It’s so nice coming out of the freezing Chicago cold into a nice steamy yoga room.
absolutely the best!
downhill skiing! or skating, if i’m feeling nostalgic.
Glad to hear it! I just ordered those DVDs on Monday! For those days I can’t make it to the studio or my new obsession, Hot Yoga. I so miss ExerciseTV and the OnDemand workouts!
Me Too!! I don’t know why Comcast ended that contract, I loved the OnDemand workouts they had such a good variety.
I love going to a Bikram yoga class in the winter! I normally hate working out in the heat, but in the winter, it’s a nice break from the cold.
My favorite winter workout is getting on the treadmill or a Mari Windsor Pilates DVD.
I have been trying to mix it up with adding Barre classes to my routine! Love it!
My favorite winter workout is downhill skiing…followed by a hot yoga session.
I had no idea about the hidden menu!!
My favorite workout is a treadmill interval workout, or a long easy elliptical session with my kindle. Depends how intense I feel like getting.
i absolutely love running outdoors when it’s cold, although another decent activity in my books would be hitting the local skating loop. it’s a few kilometers long and is basically a nature trail, but man can you feel your quads after a good game of tag on skates!
I love Kristin! Well, I used to always do her On Demand workouts until they recently switched it up, but i have yet to try any of her DVDs. I’m in Boston too so I feel ya about this cold, it’s unbearable! My favorite workout on these cold days is probably a 60 minute boot camp with my trainer & best friend. I feel the accountability that i HAVE to show up & once im there it’s the perfect combo of cardio & weights to really warm you up!
My favorite winter workout is HIIT intervals mixed with pilates reformer machine moves.
I’d have to say Spin is my favorite winter workout!
Me! Me! Me! I just signed up for our weight-loss challenge where I work and could really use some motivation as I embark on this challenge. I know just showing up is half the battle and right now I’m already struggling! Not to mention, a little yoga could really help loosen me up, I’ve been doing nothing but shrugging and clenching with all this cold Boston weather!
I tend to take more classes like zumba in the winter. The group atmosphere tends to replace enjoying the outside as my motivation when it is cold and icy in the winter (I also live in MA).
I like doing classes or a workout video in the winter, either stay inside or do a high energy class to warm me up! Also, I had no idea of the hidden menu, that’s crazy. Did you hear about the not-for-profit Panera that just opened near Government center, you pay what you want for the food you get (you could pay nothing) but any money you do pay goes to charity.
Anyway, I would love the DVD!
Warming up by playing ice hockey, quite a good workout !
Favorite workout when it’s cold out is indoor spin / cycling class. You leave so sweaty and heated up that you can barely tell it’s could outside after class š
My favorite winter workout is more time spent on the treadmill. Too cold outside to run..
what a great giveaway! perfect timing because this winter yoga is my favorite workout. This would be great because my studio is about a 30min commute and some days i just can’t get there.
I hear ya! We had a record temp of -42 degrees celsius with the windchill Tuesday, here in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, and I have been digging out the old workout videos, as well as checking out new routines online and youtube! This sounds like a great wind-down at the end of the day.
My favorite winter workout is cardio kickboxing, I’m so hooked. And it gets me super sweaty so I almost don’t mind the cold. Almost. š
My favourite winter workout is hot yoga! I always leave the studio feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the cold.
I love running outside in the winter! Maybe not today but 30s are good!
Also never knew about this secret menu, interesting! Pret is awesome.
We have a Flywheel here in Dallas and it has been great for winter workouts! I also love hot yoga in the winter since its nice to feel that warm, as opposed to trying to go when it’s more than 100 degrees outside in Texas!
Lilly
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I love going to spin class in the winter
I love running outside as long as I’m not dodging snowbanks š and always love Dvds year round!
Because of the freezing temps lately, I have Dreaded leaving the house come workout time!! I have been resorting to the few DVDs I have! I love a great workout DVD! Sp convenient!
The dvd sounds great! I’ve been looking for some variety in my activity that includes weights, thank you so much for the giveaway!!
I cannot wait to go to Panera now to try that salad! Looks yummy š also, love the yogatone idea… always wanted to try it!
I LOVE running outdoors in the winter…my limit is usually 15F though and this week we’ve been hit by a cold blast and it’s -15F! Ahh! So it’s nice to jump in some Total Body Conditioning classes!
I did not know that there was a hidden menu. I will try it next time I go with friends. My favorite indoor workout is spinning because I know that after that hour is done I will feel amazing. š
I’m a Jillian Michael’s dvd follower although I would LOVE to check out this dvd. Yoga is awesome but I feel like I can’t do it without an instructor correcting me- sounds like this might do the trick.
Yoga and Squats!!
whoa, that hidden menu looks awesome! I’m in Texas, so winter runs are the best--the weather is finally cool enough to make it enjoyable!
If it’s above 30, then running to and taking a barre class. If it’s below 30, then taking the T and barre class.
Spinning! I hate being cold! I need indoor warmth š
Bikram yoga! Except stepping out into the cold after is notttt pleasant.
My fav winter workout is a Yoga Sculpt class at Core Power Yoga. It combines a heated room with yoga, weights, and a little stretching, and it makes me feel great!
My winter go to activity is my treadmill. I enjoy doing that along with Pilates! š
I live in a temperate climate so my new winter workout is running…outside….by the beach š
My fave winter work out would have to be any DVD or even VHS work out video I like to keep it old school sometimes & even work out to my main man Richard Simmons lol š
Right now I’m training for an Ironman 70.3 (half of a full Ironman), so I’m doing everything inside. Alternating swimming/running days with spin classes and elliptical workouts. I’ve been quite sore lately though and wanting to add yoga to my routine a few days a week. I would LOVE a copy of this DVD!!!
My winter go to is basically anything indoors but it does help to have a running buddy to hold you accountable so I’ve been able to sneak in a few outdoor running sessions so far this winter and I feel so great afterwards.
My favorite winter workout is definitely yoga -- It feels so good to walk into a hot room when it is FREEZING outside!!
That hidden menu looks really cool!! I read on the Panera website that if you’re ordering from the hidden menu, you can just tell the person at the register.
I’m in Boston too and I’m freezing my butt off while walking on the streets… But my apartment is so HOT that I have to sleep with the window open. Craziness I tell you..
My favorite winter workout is heated yoga and I also like swimming and going to the jacuzzi after, but I need to make sure to dry my wet hair!!
My favorite winter workout is a combination of 30 day shred and tone it up’s beach babe dvd. It’s been way too frigid to trek to the gym this past week.
I’m really glad to hear about Panera’s Hidden Menu. I’m going to have to keep that in mind.
My favorite winter workout is indoor cardio, stepmill to be specific. That thing gets me sweaty and warm in no time flat!
My favorite winter workout is intervals. I like splitting up my running too, 1/2 mile on the treadmill and 1/2 mile on the track.
My favourite winter workout is Zumba at the gym or a yoga DVD at home!
My favorite winter workout is yoga! I love yoga all year round, but in the winter time it is so much more inviting….maybe because it is laid back…..
Walking my dog along the Merrimac River in Newburyport this morning was probably the coldest I have ever been and I grew up in New England! Sigh….dreaming of Spring tonight. Would love to win one of Kristin’s DVD’s. A nice yoga workout inside with the wood stove heating up the house sounds a lot better than a run outside this week! š
I never about Panera’s secret menu. Thank you! And I would love to try the DVD. It looks like an amazing workout
I love going to a hot yoga studio this time of year. When it’s in the teens outside, an 82* room feels AMAZING.
Thanks for sharing your hummus salad from the hidden Panera menu. I got the turkey salad last night. It was good, just seemed a bit smaller than their normal salad portions.
My fav winter workout is hot yoga!
Running outside! Even in the cold, with snow, it’s so satisfying when you finish.
I have two little ones -- which I love running outdoors with…..but in the winter months, it’s just too cold for that = so it’s me & my treadmill and/or a great DVD!
A brisk walk with the dog followed by some stick throwing and then home for a steaming cup of tea
I love taking my dog for long walks outside (when it’s not this frigid!), spinning, yoga and lifting weights -- great giveaway!
My favorite winter workout is HIIT on the treadmill in exchange for my usual long runs in the warmer months.
I love dancing. Or yoga. Both give me bounds of energy for the day!
Ooooo The DVD looks cool. It’ll be great to try a new technique!
My favorite winter workout is dancing. You’re indoors + working up a sweat!
Hey, so I LOVING your website and was wondering about your oakley coat…I am in desperate need of a new winter coat (mine is still from college and I have a husband, house, 3 kids….) could you be so kind as to let me know what style kind of coat yours is, I’m in love with it!!
Thanks!