Dumbbell Circuit + Protein Spinach Smoothie

I channeled my inner Popeye today—I lifted some weights and drank a bunch of spinach.

For a new workout routine, I created a circuit revolving around dumbbell exercises. Since I only have 2 sets of dumbbells: 5lb and 8lb weights were what I used. You can adjust the weights to better suit your level. Sometimes I enjoy doing workouts that are solely weight-based. They’re difficult yet calm. Seeing as how I include cardio in every workout during the week, I figured a day of straight-up weights would be just fine.

Don’t feel bad if you don’t know what some of the exercises are! This is why I have an Exercise Guide page. To make your life even easier, here are links to the exercises that may be new to you: Plank Row, Russian Twists, Deltoid Press, Woodchops, Shoulder Rotations, Side Bends.

Doing the circuit twice took me about 30 minutes. My legs were Jell-O afterwards. It didn’t help that they were already a little sore from my 10-mile run on Tuesday. Overall, it’s a good full body weight circuit.

Second order of business: spinach.

I’ve been drinking this smoothie pretty much every day this week for lunch. The crazy amount of spinach I have in the fridge has been the main motivation. I hate watching produce go to waste—such a waste of money.

When I drink smoothies for lunch, I always have at least one snack in the afternoon. They’re filling, but I usually need a bit more.

Here’s a look at my Popeye-friendly smoothie:

I recommend using frozen bananas for smoothies because it keeps it colder and makes it thicker. If you’re at all curious, I freeze bananas by first slicing them and then storing them in a plastic bag in the freezer.

When they’re in smaller pieces, you can easily break them apart, choosing the amount you want to use. I only had half a banana’s worth of frozen chunks left so that’s what I used in the smoothie.

Which do you prefer: weightlifting or cardio?

Running is my favorite, but I enjoy the occasional weightlifting workout. Since it makes you a better runner, I’m down. I’m quite slow and could use the extra help. 🙂

Have you ever tried a spinach smoothie? What did you think?