We’ve been talking a lot about fitness over here and so I thought it would be fun to implement a little fitness column over here to update you on my progress– both to keep me accountable, and maybe inspire you guys on your own journeys – from your comments, it sounds like a lot of us are in the same boat / on a bit of a health kick. I am by no means an expert. This isn’t a healthy living blog, and I’ll be honest – I have no idea what I’m doing. Still it’s always fun to hear what works for a regular person.
This week was a good one, fitness wise. I returned from Ireland motivated and ready to hit the gym. Like I mentioned earlier in the week working out has become something I’ve grown to really look forward to. Getting up early isn’t so bad when you look forward to the class you are taking {and have freshly pressed juice waiting for you when you get back!} I’ve fallen completely in love with my juicer, making juice a few times a week.
I managed to get to yoga once {Candlelit yoga at Yoga Vida - on Sunday night when I got back from Ireland}, Chaise Fitness twice, Core Fusion Barre twice, and to my Pilates trainer once. So 6 workouts in total… not bad! And I made a yummy green juice that I’ve been sipping all week before work (three cucumbers, a hunk of ginger, two bundles of spinach, one lemon, one apple, and some left-over celery – in case you were wondering.)
A little bit about Chaise Fitness – as this is new to me. I took it twice this week, both times for events {one was an event by BurnThis, and one was a private BaubleBar class.} Oh my gosh you guys. It is so, so hard. For the duration of the class you are basically working your whole body. With Core Fusion your legs + arms get a break here and there as you focus on individual muscle groups one by one. With Chaise, you are constantly working multiple muscle groups. And it’s really, really fun. Basically you are set up on this chair which reminds me a bit of the chair we use in my Pilates class. The chair comes with a spiky looking ball and is equipped with two bungee cords that hang from the ceiling. You’re squatting, you’re lunging… all the while working your back + arms with the bungees. And then the chair itself… my body moved in ways I didn’t know were possible. My back + arms are still sore.
In all honesty, sometimes I get really frustrated as I still can’t do all of the exercises {and am doing the very beginner stuff in Pilates.} I have a tendency to be a little self-critical but I have to remember that I’ve really only been working out like this for a couple of months. And it’s a journey – not a sprint. I know that in a year I’ll probably have the defined arms I want and be able to get through an hour of Core Fusion Cardio without wanting to die… it just takes time and a little bit of patience… and remembering that this isn’t a diet or a health kick… it’s my new life!
Next week I’m going to tell you all about my Pilates trainer… she is killing me!
Lastly, I wanted to share a few fitness related resources + links that I’ve found helpful:
This list of apps + websites from Daily Candy — so many of my faves were included… it’s a great resource for some fun apps to make working out a little easier.
My friend Aly just started a fitness-related instagram. I find it really inspiring – she posts her recipes, workouts, and motivational quotes.
I am loving the BurnThis app and am trying desperately to get all of my friends to join so that we can see where eachother are working out and sign up for classes together. It socializes your workouts – synching up with Facebook to let you see where your FB friends are taking classes.
I really think I need to try Restorative Yoga after reading this. Sounds amazing, no?
Felicia rounded up some great workout gear. I think I need the gloves for my next Chaise class!
Speaking of gear, I bought this glittery headband and wear it nearly every day.
image