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.
Thanks for these links…I dread to think how unfit I am these days…..touching my toes would be a real struggle!!
http://vodkaandarose.blogspot.co.uk
Great to see this, Grace! Keep up with the good work. Sounds like exercise is becoming somewhat habitual for you now… before you know it – you’ll be a pro in those classes 🙂
http://www.funfitflavor.com
You’re doing awesome! Wish I could say the same of myself, haha. My friend told me about barre classes that she’s taking and they sound amazing. So expensive though! I don’t have the room for it in my budget right now but I should probably start doing something at home anyway. I like hearing what others are doing though, very inspiring!
You should check out the Core Fusion videos… I hear they are awesome!
I barely made it to the gym three times this week. I’m so impressed you went six. And I’m really excited to follow along in this column.
Pilates is hard! I’ve been doing P90x3 (and likewise can’t do all the moves perfectly), and it was doing pilates that actually injured me! It does take time, and healthy eating plays a huger part in it than I like to think! I totally want to get the juicer you have!
I’m definitely needing to get to work on my fitness. 🙂 I just keep coming up with excuses – too cold to go outside, room needs cleaned. Okay, well…there not really excuses because both are true. But I just need to get my room cleaned and suck it up. 😀
its awesome to see people get into fitness. its a way of life!
Xo,
Belen
http://blog.androbel.com
I love that you share workouts and fitness for the “regular person”. I blog more about lifestyle + wellness… and I say something similar. I am definitely not a fitness blogger… more of an enthusiast. 🙂
Yes I am about to go into my second month of Barre and am so excited…love that I am slowly seeing results…..if I don’t stuff my face right after which I often do!
This is great. Love the information and following you. You inspire me! Love you’re blog!!
Congrats girl, keep it up!!! Even sticking with something a few months is a big accomplishment- especially when it’s not easy. Do those headbands you mention actually stay in your hair? I don’t know what it is, but headbands NEVER stay put on my head. It’s so annoying, especially now that I have bangs!
Love this new series- can’t wait to read more.
XOXO, Stella
http://www.theheartsdlite.com
haha yes, they do! And I know what you mean – headbands never stay put on me. The underside is velvet and I think that helps.
This chaise thing sounds like a great class! I’m currently in the midst of a pure barre challenge- 30 classes in 30 days! Glad you’re finding some classes you enjoy, I’ve found that finding something you love doing is so essential to actually being consistent with working out regularly!
Woah! You really are off to a great start! I can barely get myself to yoga like three times a week these days. Great article about restorative yoga. Keep up the great work!
xo Adri
http://www.adrilately.blogspot.com