Michelle

My friend Michelle. Gone too soon but will forever be in my heart. Michelle was my client and friend for 7 years. She started in my 5:15 am class before I had my kids and then moved into my 6am class up until she was diagnosed with cancer in January. It was a shock to everyone. Michelle can't get cancer! She's too healthy and fit! Once the shock of her diagnosis set in for me, the sad realization came to light. No one is exempt from this disease. It doesn't discriminate or have favorites. I was rudely awaken, for the first time in my 37 years, that any one person can get cancer. Sure you can do things to help your odds of not getting it. You can exercise routinely, you can eat a healthy, non processed food diet, you can live a fulfilled, fun, low stress life, a meaningful life that you are passionate about and have a purpose for. But here's the catch-Michelle did all those things. Every one. 

So here is what I've learned from Michelle and her life ending at 49. Wake up every morning with a purpose. Do what you love, love what you do. Be passionate about things. Get excited, take charge, challenge people, make people think. Love hard, laugh loud and be authentic. Don't take life too seriously, drink wine, spend time with friends, listen to music, challenge yourself. 

If I only have 49 years on this earth I would want to live like Michelle. She is a true inspiration to me and I have learned so much from my friend. I will miss her in class greatly but mostly, I will miss her friendship. She made the world a better place. 

Suns out! Beach workouts have begun!

Hands down one of the best things about my job is when the sun comes out...we take our workouts to the beach. Beach workouts are popular! I love them, my clients love them and we work hard! Friday we met down at the beach and sweated it out with a great view for an hour. Not a bad way to start the day! 

Summer "Just your Body" Round II

I am so excited I can hardly contain myself! In just a little over a month from today I'll be starting my 2nd annual Summer Fitness Boot Camp held in the Olympic View Middle School gym 3 mornings a week from 7:30-8:30. Last summer it was a huge success! Many came out and sweated it out with me and it was a blast. People of all ages and all fitness levels signed up and I hope I get a big turn out again this summer. Here are the details. Spread the word, the more the better! 

“Just Your Body”

Summer Conditioning Class

“Just Your Body” is an hour-long fitness class that uses no weights, just your body to get fit.  The only equipment needed is your own exercise mat.  The class is suited for any body, age 13 and older who is looking to have fun staying active and fit through the summer. The fitness class is led by certified personal trainer and physical education specialist, Reenie Brooking.  She is a former PE teacher at Columbia Elementary, the owner of “Sweat Check with Reenie”, and has worked with many kids, teen-agers and adults to help them reach their fitness goals within the Mukilteo area.

The class is held at the Olympic View Middle School gym on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 7:30-8:30. You can sign up for 1, 2 or 3 day a week packages. Class will be an hour of Power, a true “make me sweat” style of workout. You’ll feel great leaving the gym after an intense, hour-long total body workout that will focus on cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength, while always targeting the core and increasing flexibility.  

Cost: 1^st summer series: June 15th-July 31st

(you can pay in 2 equal monthly payments)

§  1 day/week (7 classes): $105

§  2 day/week (14 classes): $210

§  3 day/week (20 classes): $300

*no class Friday July 3^rd

       2^nd summer series: Aug. 10^th – Aug. 28th

§  1 day/week (3 classes): $45

§  2 day/week (6 classes): $90

§  3 day/week (9 classes): $135

Interested? Contact Reenie Brooking at

425 879 4428 or her email at: sweatcheckwithreenie@hotmail.com

Cream of Tomato Soup

Well, it's been almost a year since I've last written a post. I guess email and quick facebook posts to my Sweat Check page has done the job. But it's time to get this thing re-booted!!!

Today. Is. National. Grilled. Cheese. Day. What??? Did you even know? So on behalf of such a spectacular holiday I made the most bad ass healthy, easy cream of tomato soup tonight without the saturated fat of the cream. No milk at all actually. Vegan and wouldn't even know it! If the hubs and the kids like it, it passes the "we will make this again test." So if you like Tomato soup with your grilled cheese, give this recipe a shot. 

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 small to medium sweet onion chopped up

2 large garlic cloves minced

1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours. (just put cashews in a bowl, cover with water and then drain when ready to use)

2 cups low sodium veggie broth

6-8 medium sized tomatoes chopped up

1/4 cup oil-packed sun dried tomatoes, drained

3 to 4 Tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. fine grain sea salt

1/2 tsp or more of freshly ground pepper

1/2 tsp dried thyme

*In a large saucepan heat the olive oil over medium and saute onion and garlic for 5 or so minutes or until onion is soft and translucent. 

*In a blender combine the soaked cashews and the broth and blend on high speed until creamy and smooth. Add garlic/onion mixture, tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes, tomato paste and blend on high until smooth. 

*Pour tomato mixture into the saucepan in which you cooked the onions and garlic and set the pan over  medium-high heat. Bring mixture to simmer and then stir in oregano, salt, pepper, thyme, all to taste. I love oregano and thyme so I added more. 

*Let simmer at least 20-30 minutes until flavors really develop 

** And lastly dip your grilled cheese into this goodness and celebrate a very special holiday any day of the week! :)