October is perhaps the loveliest of months in New Orleans. The sun is out but the temperature is just right, the heady jasmine is in bloom and there is a wealth of outdoor activities in which to partake. 
It’s a well-earned and much-anticipated reward for those of us who have been reluctantly working out indoors all summer (and into the fall). But what to do?
We asked local personal trainer Tori Dice what her perfect day of fitness would look like. Tori has several certifications under her belt, including group exercise, spinning and TRX (cross-training), but her passion is high-intensity interval training. “I love to meet up with a friend, put on some good music and do an interval workout together,” she said. “You can get in a great full-body workout in a half-hour, no equipment necessary!”
Tori’s Perfect Day of Fitness:
Breakfast: Protein-Packed Smoothie
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Chobani non-fat plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup frozen mango slices
1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
1/2 cup 1% milk
1 Tbsp flaxseed (optional)
Throw ingredients in the blender and enjoy!
Morning Activity: Self-Guided Bike Tour
Start Uptown and end in the French Quarter — the route is up to you! You’ll burn extra calories by adding some short bursts of rapid cycling.
Lunch: Fuel up on an organic, tropical-inspired salad at Carmo (527 Magazine Street).
Try the “Esmeralda” for a healthy serving of quinoa, black beans, corn and peppers dressed with a chili-lime vinaigrette.
Afternoon Activity: Kickball
Sign up for a game on wakakickball.com. Teams play in the evenings in Audubon Park, one of New Orleans’ most beautiful outdoor landscapes. Wind down with your teammates after the game with a beer at one of the many nearby watering holes.
Tori works with clients at the New Orleans Jewish Community Center (5342 St. Charles Avenue), where she also teaches classes open to both members and non-members. To schedule a consultation, call (504) 897-0143.
Did You Know?
High-intensity interval training has been shown to improve your body’s ability to burn fat. Alternate periods of intense exercise with periods of light exercise or rest.