This week I logged eight workouts. Eight. Wow. I remember when I thought I was pretty amazing for getting to the gym three times. Eight sounds excessive until you factor in the yoga challenge. So there were six yoga classes, one Core Fusion class last Sunday, and my first every Soul Cycle class on Friday morning. And yes, I cheated on my yoga challenge. I spent the better part of yesterday feeling guilty and then I just felt silly. {On Friday morning I went to Soul Cycle and by the time I got home from work I was so tired that I just kinda collapsed on the couch.} Oh well -onwards and upwards! Next Sunday I’m doing a double class workshop, so I’ll still log my 30 classes within 30 days.
And yes, I know how crazy I sound… lamenting that I missed a yoga class when I worked out eight times this week. But still – I am many things but I am not a quitter. So there was some guilt about missing Friday’s class. But you have to move on. Feel guilty, that’s fine. But then move on to the next thing.
Okay, so let’s talk about this yoga challenge. It is kind of awesome. There have been a few days where I’m really, really sore. And days where it feels like all of the work I’ve been putting in is for nothing because suddenly I can’t touch my toes again {cold mornings are the worst!} But I love it – and I feel like I am getting good at yoga. I still can’t do the really challenging poses {got into crow for about a millisecond yesterday which was huge, for me} But I can feel myself improving, which feels awesome. My favorite class is on Thursday morning with Hilaria. The class fills up completely but she keeps us moving – and has a really awesome abs series at the end. Also, I have been taking Yoga Vida’s 8:30pm Restorative Class on Tuesday nights. After a long, workout pack week, it is the best thing ever. 5 poses in one hour. Like nap time, for adults.
And Soul Cycle. I never, ever thought I would love it as much as I did but that is awesome too. You sweat and you work so, so hard… but it’s just fun. Great music, dim lights… I think I might be hooked. Does anyone else feel emotional during class? At one point, my endorphins were running so high and a good song was on… I found myself almost crying. Please tell me I’m not the only one!
Lastly, this was the week where I finally noticed my body starting to change. Little, subtle changes that only I can see, but I can see them. I’m getting strong. My arms are slowly getting cut. My legs are leaner. And that feels really good. This was week six of really taking exercise seriously… I can’t wait to see what weeks twelve, eighteen, and twenty four bring!
This week’s fitness resources:
- I’ve been making a modified version of this smoothie for a treat. It is so delicious – and chocolatey!!
- Bookmarking this for when I get stuck at the office… a quick ten minute work out!
- Have you tried Oil Pulling? I’ve been doing it all week. It sounds disgusting but the benefits are incredible – and my mouth has never felt cleaner!
- Oh my god you guys. Three words: Healthy. Shamrock. Shake. If you are like me and look forward to March for its minty, creamy, concoctions, you must try this recipe. It is my favorite thing ever.
- Feeling strong is so awesome. So I loved this little post by Felicia.
photo by Lydia Hudgens
I get emotional sometimes too during SoulCycle. There’s just something very releasing about the ride. I tried Core Fusion Barre for the first time on Friday based on your recommendation. Definitely felt myself standing up straighter like you said.
I’ve been working out for about 8-9 weeks now, and I’ve seen some pretty incredible changes in my body as well. Just keep going! The way your body changes over time is amazing. Just by looking at my body I’ve noticed that my waist is getting smaller, my stomach is tone, my arms are tone, everything is getting tone! I feel so much better about myself, and come tank top season our arms are going to look HAWT 😉
How you describe SoulCycle is how I feel about Flywheel. I desperately need to get back to my ClassPass classes – have been STRUGGLING to start working out again. You and Felicia are my inspirations to just DO IT.
Eight is really impressive, Grace! You’re inspiring me to push myself a bit more with my workouts. By the way, if you’re looking for some pre/post beauty fitness tips: http://beautyandsass.com/2014/02/03/8-beauty-hacks-for-the-fitness-junkie/
Ahh I am so glad you loved SoulCycle! Jess & Hallie got me hooked (of course), you should come to Parker’s 7:30 at U Square with us sometime! It’s a really great way to kick off your week and helps me feel focused for a Monday instead of annoyed or exhausted already. His music is amazing, too. I feel like it’s one of those things that gets easier the more you go, too, because you learn what works for you and it’s easier to really push when you need to. I definitely need to get back into yoga more often, it’s been ages since I’ve done it regularly and it really helps me move easier…good for you on keeping up with your challenge, Grace!!!
I’m a Soul Cycle/Spin workout devotee! I love it. I love the music, I love that it’s dark, I love that I can stay so focused and most importantly, I love how I feel during and after the class. I’ve been known to shed a tear here and there too… it happens to the best of us! It’s the only hour of my day completely devoted to ME. Aside from getting my body in the best shape of my life, it’s also improved my overall well-being. There is nothing like a good workout to prepare you for the hour/day/week ahead!
Keep up that challenge, lady… you’re doing awesome!
I’ve recently been reading up on oil-pulling. It’s an interesting concept, but I’m nervous to give it a go!
You’re definitely not the only one who gets emotional while working out! I’m usually triggered by a great song, but I almost always feel it when I spin. I think it’s the dark room and those endorphins don’t hurt, either. That’s how you should feel in a workout – so overwhelmed and proud that you can’t hold it in anymore. Keep it up!
You and Felicia are such inspirations to me. I have to tell you, I think this “journey to buff” or “look good naked” lifestyle change is just incredible. I realize we have never met but when I think of going to yoga twice in one day or working out 2 days in a row, I am reminded of you and think “If Grace can do it, so can I!”
Barre3 online has saved me when I’m short on time or traveling and away from the studio. Happy to see you include it in your post!
Tonie
http://www.toniegirl.com
You’re so good Grace! 8 workouts is amazing! I feel so impressed with myself when I do my regular 3 workouts a week. Can’t even imagine adding 5 more. I’ve been wanting to add a few mini at home workouts in between my 3 though… so you’d definitely inspired me. xo Kristina
I have cried during many a SoulCycle class. I love this new Sunday series of yours – so inspiring. Hope to run into you there sometime soon. 🙂
you are doing great!! i need to be better about working out on the weekends but this past one was so packed! (not the worst thing i guess!) xo jillian – cornflake dreams
I haven’t done SoulCycle… but I have spun before and it can definitely bring you to tears. I also tried oil pulling, and it’s true! My mouth always seemed so clean too.
How can you be so motivated, I cant belive it 🙂
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Congrats, eight is AWESOME!
I went to my first SoulCycle class when I visited NYC last week, and I loved it so much. I wish there was one in London, I’d be there all the time. Amazing!
i have been so inspired by your fit files! it’s a weekly reminder to take care of my body even during weeks (like this one) where i haven’t been very active.
Grace, whatever you are doing is working! You look fantastic and like a better version of yourself!
aw that is so nice of you to say – thanks!
Catching up on my blog reading and I am BLOWN away. Eight workouts in one week?! You are a rockstar. You look amazing and healthy from the inside out — mega inspiration. xx
Your fitness journey is really inspiring and when I need a boast to get my bum to yoga your posts certainly help. I had no idea about oil pulling and am totally going to try it!
xo Adri
http://www.adrilately.blogspot.com