When it comes to cardio I have the attention span of a preschooler on a sugar high: short and sweet. So when my trainer added even more cardio to my plan I threw a fit I knew I had to do two things:

1. Download new music to my iPod. Inthegym.net has a ton of great workout music ideas. The playlists are well thought out and are perfect for helping you rock your toughest workouts. Inthgym tunes have gotten me through a lot of heart pumping, sweat-induced cardio sessions…and they are so easy to download that even a preschooler could do it!

A word of caution, some (but not all) of the songs may or may not be “kid approved” if you know what I mean, so if you like your music rated “G” you might want to find another station.

2. Bake in a lot of variety. In addition to my lifting plan each week I’m scheduling in:

• 2 spinning workouts (ideally 1 outdoor ride and 1 indoor class depending on the weather)
• 2 track workouts (running stairs and sprints)
• 2 machine workouts (20 minutes treadmill, 20 minutes revolving stairs, 20 minutes elliptical)

What do you do when you need to shake up your workouts? Do you change your tune(s)?

Now I really must go I need to hit the gym and take a nap, I am beat!

From the home office of Fitness & Spice, here are 10 ways to go lean and green for St. Patrick’s Day….

1. Get fresh. Buy local produce.

2. Remember to skip the paper or plastic and bring your canvas bags to the grocery store.

3. Journal in a fitbook, printed on recycled paper.

4. Recycle old iPods. (I have a drawer full. Don’t judge.)

5. Shop for environmentally-friendly gym clothes! How cute is this organic cross-back tank from Gaiam?

6. Bring your own mug to Starbucks. Not only will you save paper, you’ll save some coin, too. Starbucks will knock off $.10 every time you bring your own cup, you do-gooder, you!

7. Make a trip to Goodwill to hand over some clothes that no longer fit, skinny.

8. Toss your fitness and cooking magazines into the recycle bin.

9. Snack on Sabra Hummus which, according to the label, now comes in Earth Friendlier Packaging.

10. Drink a lot of water from your favorite reusable water bottle like my personal favorite, a KOR ONE Water Vessel.

Speaking of KOR ONE, this could be your lucky day!

Want to WIN a green KOR ONE Water Vessel? Then tell us one GREEN THING you are going to do this St. Patrick’s Day!

The contest will close on Thursday, March 18th and the winner will be announced on Friday.

Now I really must go try Dublin my water intake and subtractin’ my carbon footprint.

Congratulations to Brett for winning the Safe Side Towel drawing!

Brett won a set of 3 gym towels. Lucky guy! Be sure to check back again and again as we’ll be having more Safe Side Towel drawings over the next few months.

It was fun to hear what you all take with you when you workout. We have so much in common!

Here’s a glimpse into my gym bag…

• I pack a Safe Side Towel, of course!
• I’d be lost without my fitbook
• I always have a water bottle, lotion, and deodorant
• I rarely start my workouts without my stretch bands
• And, I’m never, never without my iPod

Now, it’s time for me to pack my luggage, I mean gym bag, and take a trip to the gym!