In the rings with Epke

Many friends were quite a bit jealous when I told them I got to hang in the rings with Epke. I put on my gym outfit and rode my bike to Vondelgym for a food clinic and then a workout with The Flying Dutchman.

A good foundation

I joined food, sporty, and mommy bloggers. In other words, all nice people who are not afraid of a little dairy in their diet. The packs of Campina milk and yogurt with a big picture of Epke on them were already on the table, so that was a warm welcome. He himself was nowhere to be seen. “No, he is actually a bit shy,” was whispered in my ear. We started with a lecture on food and sports by sports dietitian Esther van Etten, and in the meantime, we were allowed to attack a lunch before the training began.

Tips for a super workout

“What do we eat for a long run?” I proudly said that I had eaten a really thick spelt sandwich with egg and salmon before I ran the 10K We Run the Night. Well, I was quickly corrected. Way too fatty and a good chance that it could bubble up during the race. A sandwich is fine, but better one with cheese, cottage cheese, or peanut butter. After a workout, it is essential to replenish your proteins, and we do that, of course, with yogurt or a glass of milk.   Now I am not necessarily a milk drinker (preferably buttermilk), but I love a cup of yogurt with fresh fruit, so I dutifully eat that. Esther also told us that it is not necessary to work with protein shakes, yes okay, only for the real die-hard top athletes, but you can also easily get your proteins from your food.

Time to sweat

Epke had just arrived, and at Vondelgym, there is Arie, so together they gave us the warm-up. You can bet that you will do your best then. Epke showed us the splits while stretching. Seriously impressive. Then the crossfit circuit was explained, and I am always a bit afraid of crossfit because I always think it involves a lot of climbing ropes, doing burpees, and push-ups. Phew, I would rather just go for a run or box a bit. Alright, off I went. Tricep exercises (which are quite necessary, as seen on Epke's arms), pull-ups on the rings, and jump squats. For twenty minutes, it was sweating, but with the fun factor, you can't help but give it your all. 

After workout meal

The table in the gym was nicely set again with different types of thick yogurt with fruit. The perfect food after a heavy workout. The only thing left for me to do was take a selfie with Epke. Then I could go home incredibly satisfied.

See the video below: Warning! I had just finished training, so it may contain shocking images.