Inspiration or Procrastination...you take your pick

What do you do when you don't know what to blog...

You send out a little Friday motivational quote!

I saw this on one of my favorite blogs, The Skinny Confidential, and I just loved it.

It's definitely going to motivate me this weekend considering my 6am Solidcore class tomorrow.

I hope you all have an amazing weekend, and that you sweat it out a little to help with your winter blahs (especially if you're on the East Coast).

How are you going to get moving this weekend, I'd love to hear.

XOXO, 

MacKenzie

Solidcore...or how to feel like you've done 1,000 situps in under an hour

I am a sucker for a boutique fitness club.

If you follow my Instagram you know I am hopelessly devoted to SoulCycle.  When I was an MBA Fellow at UCLA I would revel in weeks were I rode coast-to-coast, in NYC at one part of the week and LA during the weekend.  I had an affair with Barre3 in Georgetown for quite some time, and I still longingly try to fit it in my schedule.  I dabble in ZenGo.  I even became a spin instructor at a boutique spin studio in Shaw (OffRoad Indoor Cycling) so I could get someone else hooked to my habit.

Because of my obsession, I love DC Fit Crasher.  I think she has an awesome blog that tells you about all of the different workouts in DC.  But she tells you honestly, like a good girlfriend, what the places are all about.  She doesn't lie if they're awful, and you know she's being honest when she says they're good.  So a little while back when I saw her post about Solidcore, I was curious to check it out.  But I drug my heels about signing up for a class.  However, I would constantly see friends post about classes, and sweat soaked instagram pictures of friends who looked partially in shock.

I come from a super athletic background, so hard workouts are my middle name.  I'm always wishing for something difficult and challenging, because keep in mind I can still deadliest 200 lbs on a bad day...be careful what you wish for...

Holy Mother! Solidcore is no joke.

I have never had a workout challenge me so quickly.  There's no easing in to the pain, you are immersed in it immediately.  And Anne Mahlum, the owner, taught my class, and she did not let a single person in that class go easy on themselves.

I was naive when I first walked in, because Solidcore uses mega-reformers.  I have over a decade of Pilates reformer experience, so I just knew this would be cake.  If you're like me, and you want to try Solidcore, leave your preconceived notions at the door, and be ready to work your buns off.  You will feel muscles burning, and twitching you had forgotten about.  And I'm not exaggerating when I say its a challenge.

Here's a description on the website of Solidcore:
"We're thrilled to introduce DC to Lagree Fitness. started in LA in 2001, there are over 130 studios globally. "The Lagree Fitness Method" uses slow and conrolled full-body movements wtih constant tension to work your muscle fibers to failure, forcing them to rebuild a more sculpted, stronger and solid you. The experience is a high-energy, small-group training class done on the patented MegaFormer, which is described as a cross between a Pilates reformer and Total Body Gym. You will be amazed by this workout and its results - guaranteed."

Solidcore is definitely the best low impact, high intensity workout I've ever done.  And feel free to check out this link to see a video of how they get down.

Solidcore is:
[solidcore] is a 50-minute, intense total-body workout done on the patented MegaFormer that uses slow and controlled movements with constant tension to work your slow-twitch muscle fibers to failure...yes, failure. This workout is unlike anything you've ever done and we speak from first-hand experience when we tell you that the results are amazing. Not only do you burn an average of 600 calories per class, but for the next 20-24 hours after class, your metabolism is increased so your body can repair the muscles.
[solidcore] can accommodate all fitness levels and your certified coach is extremely skilled at managing different fitness levels in class. This is the only workout we have found that gives you all the intesnity you could ask for (and more), without risk for damage to your joints or muscles.
With hundreds of moves and resistance options that varies from 8 to 150 pounds, every class is different so you will never get bored. Additionally, because of the versatility of the exercises and the tension, your body won't plateau, which happens often with other workouts. After class, you will want to slap us, but then you'll want to hug us....with your toned arms and tight abs.

I hope if you are ever in DC, or leave here now, you'll give a class a try, and leave a comment if you do...I'd love to hear what you thought of it.  And for all my b school hopefuls, and potential pageant girls remember...endorphins keep you happy, and happy people win crowns and don't through their GMAT/GRE books across the room.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

P.s. I'm going to a 6am Solidcore class tomorrow...wish me luck!

Keep On Spinning

If you follow my twitter (@MacKenzieAGreen) or my facebook page you know that I'm a spin instructor.

Eventually I will explain how, among the exhaustive amount of plates I'm already juggling, WHY I decided to add spin instructing to the mix.

But for now I will keep this post simple...mainly because I'm slipping on my New Year's intention of posting bi-weekly to my blog.  So I thought I would share a playlist.  I approach my classes the way I would want them taught if I were taking a class, as a (sweaty) party on a bike.

I want to share a short little 30 minute playlist that's fun for spinning on your own, a HIIT workout, or maybe just to keep you moving when the gym or your workout starts to feel old...

Warm-up: No Church in the Wild - Kanye West & Jay-Z
Scream - Usher
Cockiness (Love It) - Rihanna
Let's Go - Travis Barker
Paris (Ooh La La) - Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
Hold It Against Me - Britney Spears
Gangnam Style - PSY
Runaway Baby - Bruno Mars

...you can go with whatever you want to cool down, I like a little Hal and Oates to bring my heart rate down :-)

If you're in the DC area or visiting on vacation come down to Off Road Indoor Cycling and drop in to one of my classes, cause I'd love to party with you.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

Turn The Beat Around...Don't Stop Till You Get Enough...obviously this post is about music

I recently decided among my many accidental roles to happen upon the part time position as spin instructor...you know, because I have copious amounts of free time (HA!)

One thing that is essential to me when I teach, and workout is music.  It can either get me going, help me zone out and not focus on how hard I'm pushing or exhausted I feel.  If a bad song comes on my iPod I have a horrible visceral reaction...believe me it is not pretty, and probably freaks out the people on the treadmill next to me.

So I figured I would share two playlists I have recently used in my classes, and maybe they can get you going too.

Playlist 1
1) Mercy feat. Big Sean, Pusha T, etc. (it really doesn't say that on iTunes but I didn't feel like writing all the names)
2) No Church in the Wild feat. Frank Ocean
3) Scream by Usher
4) Bangarang feat Sirah
5) Let's Go from the Step Up Revolution Soundtrack
6) Paris (Ooh La La) by Grace Porter and the Nocturnals
7) Hot Tottie feat Jay-Z
8) Party Rock Anthem (If I need to tell you who this is by I'm going to assume you live under a rock)
9) Moves Like Jagger/Jumpin' Jack Flash (an awesome Glee mashup, don't judge until you hear it)
10) Runaway Baby by Bruno Mars (loooooove this song)
11) Run This Town/Posthumus Zone (if this doesn't get you going and feel like you can go through a brick wall I don't know what to say)
12) Turandot: "Nessun dorma"
13) Tchaikovsky The Nutcracker, Op. 71 No 14a: Pas de Deux: Intrada

Playlist 2:
1) Out of My Head feat. Trey Songs
2) Hard to Handle by The Black Crowes
3) Bad Girl feat. Missy Elliot
4) I'm So Hood by DJ Khaled
5) Brokenhearted by Karmin
6) Part of Me by Katy Perry
7) E.T. from The Sing Off Season 3
8) E.T. feat. Kanye West
9) Otis feat. Otis Redding (If I don't include Jay-Z at least once in a workout, it feels incomplete)
10) Shake It Out (When times get rough, this song helps me keep my head up)
11) Runaway Baby (Did I mention that I looooooooove this song)
12) Rimsky-Korsakov The Firebird (L'oiseau de feu): 6
13) Rimsky-Korsakov The Firebird (L'oiseau de feu): 7

As you can see I enjoy listening to a wide range of music, and every influence in my life creeps in to my music choices.  I like to cool down with classical music at the end of a workout, and some of the songs I like I know how to play on bassoon (yep I just got a bassoon brag in).  Also, anytime I can listen to Nessun dorma, it's a good day.

I hope as you're on your fitness goal these two playlists can add some variety to your workout.  Or maybe you just need a new update to your commute playlist...either way, enjoy the music.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

The Gym Is My Sanctuary

I live at the gym regardless of whether I'm doing a pageant or not.  I swam at a national level for years, and horseback rode in competitions around the country.  Every fiber of my being is that of an athlete.  Nothing settles my mind or makes me feel more empowered than a good workout.  And when I saw workout I mean full on, Gatorade ad, pouring sweat, feeling like you'll pass out kind of workout.

So today is dedicated to my sanctuary...

I loved these Nike ads, and they are forever my mantra and dedication to my own body...I'm proud of every inch of muscle...there's nothing to hide

 I urge you today to take pride in your own body, to be proud enough to stand tall with your strong powerful shoulders, or to take pride in the gift of the one body you have and take care of it.  Push yourself and don't be afraid to go past your limits.

XOXO,

MacKenzie

Welcome to Miami!

I wanted to share with you all the NBC Miami article that was done about me.  I got to talk about school, breaking through the glass ceiling, and veganism...just to name a few topics we touched on :-)  I even threw up "the U" in public on a website that people saw (don't tell my friends of any University of Miami student athletes haha)!

...and if you want to go to the site, click here.

Hope you like it.

XOXO,

MacKenzie

Miami Senior Trying to Put the "U" in Miss USA

World peace? Sure, but there's one Miss USA hopeful who cares about Randy Shannon's contract extension.

By JANIE CAMPBELL

Updated 4:24 PM EDT, Sun, May 16, 2010

BUZZ UP!

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Technically, she's Miss District of Columbia USA and left the state of Florida to an Orlando Magic dancer.

But University of Miami student MacKenzie Green is still a 305'er these days, so we're totally claiming her as she competes in the Miss USA pageant tonight on -- oh, look at us! -- NBC.

The 21-year-old beauty has to be one of the most accomplished Hurricanes around. She's earned a double major in sports administration and broadcast journalism, all while holding down Miss DC USA and UM Alumni Ambassador duties, running UMTV,  working as the station's sports anchor, and a whole glut of volunteer work.

Kinda tops our beer pong title and "D means diploma" mantra.

Even in Las Vegas, it's all about The U for...

Donald Trump On Racy Miss USA Photos: "They're Artsy"

We caught up with Green between rehearsals in Las Vegas, and might just be the only media outlet willing to forego that whole world peace question to get a pageant contestant's thoughts on Randy Shannon. 

We're in Vegas, which isn't all that bad. How's the Miss USA experience been for you so far?
It's been pretty incredible. This is basically my second pageant ever; my first was when I won my state title. It's an incredible feeling to see and watch things that I used to watch as a little girl and dream about.

You're an aspiring sports reporter from The U. So even while busy at Miss USA, you've no doubt heard the news about Randy Shannon's contract extension. All in favor?
I'm for Coach Shannon coming back. I think he adds a level of discipline and maturity to the team that was kind of lacking for a little bit. With such a young team, you need a father figure, because so many of those players don't have a father figure or don't have a strong male around. He's somebody who can really encourage them and that I hope that they look up to, that they're willing to respect and keep moving forward.

There's a history of barrier-breaking in your family. Your father is one of the Little Rock Nine, and you're the first African-American and first woman to become station manager in UMTV's 29-year history. What barrier would you like to see go down next?
I'd like to see the glass ceiling finally break;. I want a woman in the White House! I love President Obama and I'm so proud, as a minority, to see another black person standing in that place.

But I'd love to see a woman there, in particular I'd love to see a black woman there one day. It's such a hard thing in America being a woman; when you look at the class system throughout American history it was men first, then women, then minority men, then minority women. To see a black woman, a Hispanic woman, an Asian woman -- just to see any woman up there -- would be amazing.

You're a strict vegan, so let's talk food. Miami's known for its cuisine, but it must be a bit harder for you. Do you have any secret spots?
I love, love, love, love, love, love Lifefood Gourmet. It is an amazing place. It's all raw vegan, and it's right off of Calle Ocho. I love the raw vegan pizza. You never feel bad when all you're eating is nuts, grains, avocado and diced tomatoes.

It's my primo go-to place.

Miami's obviously pretty different from D.C. What do you appreciate about it after having lived here four years?
Miami has the same feeling as D.C., it feels like a small big city. It's not L.A., where you feel like you're driving 80 miles to get anywhere, it's not New York where you feel like you're crammed with people and it's loud. It's clean, and it's nice, and it's got its own flavor. It's this multicultural mix where you feel like you're in a different universe that not everybody can come in to.

I just love the Latin rhythm and the flavor. You know, I'm all D.C., but I got a little of that Miami rhythm in me.

What was the hardest thing about juggling your double major, your senior year, and your duties as Miss D.C. USA?
A lot of my teachers didn't really seem to understand what I was doing and how big of a deal it is. It wasn't until recently that it hit one of my professors that 12.5 million people watch the show, that I hadn't left to become Miss Corn Cob County -- that I was actually leaving to compete in a really huge beauty pageant. The hardest thing was just getting everybody to respect that each job was important: being a student, being a pageant girl, being a reporter. Each deserves its own time and focus.

The Miss USA Pageant will get underway live from Las Vegas tonight at 7 on NBC. You can check out the rest of the contestants at MissUSA.com.

First Published: May 16, 2010 4:18 AM EDT

...he could...go...all...the way

I absolutely love my job as on air talent for UMTV. I'm also the President/Station Manager for UMTV. Its such an amazing job to have, and my climb to these positions is no less astonishing. Recently I filmed a special edition episode of UMTV: Sports Desk. It was a panel discussion titled Miami: A Sports Media Haven. The panelists included: Emmanuel Munoz, Miami Marlins Director of Broadcasting, Joe Pujala, Spanish voice of the Hurricanes and Miami Heat, Jason Jenkins Miami Dolphins Director of Media Relations, and Sarah Talalay, Sports Business Writer for the Sun Sentinel.

The topics ranged from career advice to current events in sports. But I don't want to give to much else away because I want everyone to tune in when it airs online at www.umtv.miami.edu

These are some photos that were taken before we began taping.

I'll be sure to post the link to the blog and my twitter page when the episode will air, so stay tuned. Its great to feel like I've come such a long way...and I can't wait to see how much further I go.

XOXO,

MacKenzie

Pass the Rock...cause I got hops

I've probably said it thousands of times before...but I'm an aspiring sports reporter. I fell in love with basketball at an early age. I can't play it for the life of me but I love to watch it. When I got old enough in my parents' eyes to do things by myself I begged for tickets to the Washington Wizards.

So since I was 15 I have sat courtside at as many games as possible. I have cheered them through playoffs, good games...and even pathetic ones. So it was a pleasure to go to a game with my beloved sash (haha!).

And the woman photographed with me is my assistant Tiasha...who originally was my nanny when I was little.

I did interviews on the jumbo-tron, an interview with Florida Sports Net (which broadcast through the state of Florida...a lot of my friends back at school saw it), and tons of pictures. So many people that have seen me since I was little, coming with my parents, were almost more excited than me.

When I saw Big Tigger he was shocked. When I interned at 17 at BET he was the host of 106 & Park. He kept reminding me of how much I'd grown up since then :-)

...among all the chaos I did get a chance to watch the game...which is why I came in the first place lol!

Fashion Update: black LnA leggings, Top Shop Grey booties, Haute Hippie vest, LnA white t-shirt, and assorted jewlery

XOXO,

MacKenzie

Yea, I said it...again!

Before anyone every thought of me as a beauty queen...they thought of me as a sports reporter, well kind of.

I am an aspiring sports reporter (I'm on NewsVision and SportsDesk at the University of Miami, along with being the station manager of UMTV). Last spring semester I took Michelle Kaufman's sports journalism class. As a class we kept a blog.

As many Washingtonians may remember Gilbert Arenas was hurt last year, and promising to come back every 5 seconds. He was the boy that cried basketball constantly. So now in the wake of his gun "incident" and general bat $h!t attitude I'd like to reprise my favorite blog post from March 13th 2009.

Ladies and Gents, I bring you...Gilbert Arenas is a terrorist :-)

Wtf?

Yea I said it Gilbert Arenas is a terrorist who has the Wizards by the gonads.

I'm a born and raised Washingtonian and I have always loved the Wizards (I actually just got back from a game a few minutes ago). I remember when Arenas first came, he rode his bike through Rock Creek Park and took orphans into his home. And then something happened and he lost his cotton-picking-mind...he had a huge birthday blowout. Ever since then he's been putting his baby momma out, and acting like he's to good for DC.

Ok, granted he may be injured, but why toy with our emotions and tell us Washingtonians you're coming back, and then disappear on us. Its sad enough we don't have Haywood, Thomas, Stephenson, and as of tonight Butler...but seriously, just tell Pollin straight up, "I'm just not that into you anymore." We can take it, we got through 8 years of living in the same city as George Bush, we can get through anything. Its sad no one in the arena knows who the heck is on the court because we have so many throw away players.

Just tell it to us straight Gilbert...its not you its DC.

I hope you all enjoyed that as much as I did...and I know with his behavior he'll give me plenty of material.

XOXO,

MacKenzie