Yay for week TWO! How did everyone do!? I am feeling pretty good about my progress this week. And it feels really good to have you guys as my accountability partners… on days where it’s a little harder to get to the gym I think about this blog post and then I get my butt in gear!!! I find I’m really in a groove with the yoga and running… I do a lot of treadmill workouts (on my own time) and in between I get to yoga whenever possible. My goal for 2018 is to get to yoga 3x a week and I did that this week.. I feel SO much better when I manage this goal!
Before we dive in!!! Don’t forget to comment below with how you did for the week. I will pick five commenters and send them each a little treat. Also, I respond to all comments but feel free to cheer each other on in the comments section if you read a comment that inspires or motivates you! We’ve made it so that you can finally subscribe to follow-ups on your comments… just check that box when you comment, and you’ll be sent an email if/when someone replies to your comment!
Workouts:
Friday – Aaptiv workout at Equinox. I did the “Party on the Tread” workout which was awesome and hard. It’s a nice little mix of walking hills and jogging. I really like that it mixes up the intervals so quickly so you don’t get bored. Afterwards, I did a 5 minute stretch and then hit the steam room.
Saturday – Took the day off more or less but did 20 minutes of Yin Yoga (I watched this video). Oh my god you guys – my hips, glutes, and hip flexors were painfully sore after a week of getting back in the game. I highly recommend this video!
Sunday – Alignment Flow Yoga at Equinox. This class was a little different than usual. There wasn’t much hip work (which I need) but we did a lot of side plank work and a lot of triangles + shoulder openers. It was really hard and it felt good to do something that pushed me out of my comfort zone (not that yoga feels comfortable yet, I still really struggle!)
Monday – Power Yoga at Equinox. I can feel myself getting better but this class was HARD. We really worked and I got a great sweat in.
Tuesday – Another Aaptiv workout on the treadmill! I did a 39 minute one called “Down Beat Those Hills.” It was hard. What I realized is that (while I’m still not in the greatest running shape but we’re making progress!) I definitely prefer running/jogging to walking uphill. We cranked the incline all the way up to 10.0 and I thought I was going to die. Afterward, I did a 7 minute stretch.
Wednesday – I logged two workouts! I took a lunchtime Alignment Flow yoga class at Equinox, and then I had a brand event with New Balance that night – at Uplift Studios.
Thursday – I was craving a run so I did an Aaptiv treadmill workout: Just Push It, a mostly running interval workout. It was only 25 minutes but it was HARD. It was my first time taking an intermediate class on the app so it was challenging for me. Afterward, I did their “Lower Body Lengthen” stretch series which felt absolutely amazing and very necessary… my hips and lower back get so tight!
Meditation: I did it every day, sometimes twice a day. One thing that changed this week was doing a bedtime meditation. It’s so amazing. I have a really hard time shutting off at night and the bedtime meditation is so soothing… it lulls me into a nice deep sleep.
Dry January Update: I talked about this on Instagram stories earlier this week but honestly? I don’t really miss booze. It’s the strangest thing. I was all dramatic about it like it would be this big sacrifice, that I couldn’t live without my wine… but I genuinely don’t miss it. I feel SO much better. I thought I relied on it to be charming and interesting (especially with new people, like on dates or networking events) but I think I’m actually okay on my own here! Of course when it’s cold out I think about how nice a glass of red would be, but tea seems to do the job just fine.
Protein-Packed Breakfast: On track! This week I made a little breakfast quesadilla of sorts. I scramble up two eggs, cook them like an omelette, flip, add an almond flour tortilla, cook for a bit til the tortilla is brown, and then sprinkle with cheese and salsa. It’s yummy and super filling. I’m going to work on a post about my favorite breakfasts… would you be into that?
Trying Something New: My something new this week was trying Uplift. I was so excited to try it as I have heard SO many good things about it from friends. The studio is all about female empowerment which I love, and I will say that it was a great workout, mixing up high intensity cardio + weight segments. You never stop moving. The downside was that the studio is just not very nice and the class was super crowded – we were practically stepping on each other! I just don’t know how these studios get away with charging $30+ for ONE class. This is a bigger issue that applies to probably 50% of the boutique fitness studios I have tried. (For the record – some boutique classes I really love from back when I used to do that instead of the gym). That’s why I prefer my Equinox membership (for the record, I have no blog ties to Equinox, I wish I did!) It’s clean, it’s nice, they have great classes and eucalyptus towels and they limit the classes attendance so they’re never too packed!
This week’s Highs:
Yoga!!! I have said this before but my body responds so well to yoga. As a former long distance runner (I ran cross country and track all through high school and part of college and I have run 3 marathons – 10 years ago!!) I love running but yoga helps me so much, especially with my tight hips and shoulders. I feel SO GOOD having gone three times this week, and the at home yin yoga video I did really helped too.
This week’s Lows:
Since it was snowy, I wore my snow boots to the gym on Friday. Not used to having two pairs of footwear, I totally left my sneakers at the gym. Whoops. On Monday I proceeded to tear apart my apartment, convinced I’d accidentally thrown them out. And then I retraced my steps and realized what I’d done. Luckily they were waiting for me at the lost and found.
Chocolate. Sometimes I feel like I am replacing wine with chocolate. I am addicted to the dark chocolate pretzel BarkThins. They are soooo yummy. I try to ration out a bag for the week… just having a little piece if I get a craving.
This week’s healthy links!
- The Yin Yoga class I keep raving about.
- Love this tee: Don’t Hate, Meditate!
- I’m going to upgrade my workout wardrobe this week or next with a few new things and I am very tempted by this metallic Nike tee.
- Along those lines, I did scoop up the cutest little workout set from Sweaty Betty. Obsessed with these leggings and this crop.
- Love these mood boosting tips.
- Healthy recipes for people who hate cooking.
- I really want to become a morning workout person so I love these tips!
photography by Trent Bailey.
Way to go, Grace! The warmer weather (other than ice skating to the gym a few mornings) really helped!
I got in 6 workouts which really has my body reset FINALLY from the holidays.
In terms of something new, this may be weird, but I am trying natural deodorant! I have switched over so many other products and really need to commit to deodorant. SO here’s to hoping I’m not too smelly and scaring people away 🙂
Hah it did feel like ice skating!
AMAZING job – 6 is so great! I feel like my body has finally reset as well.
Love that you are trying a natural deodorant!! That’s my one product that HAS to be natural! Which one are you trying!
I am trying Schmidt’s! It’s a great lavender smell and so far, has held up against spin class!!
I love that one!!!
Love this series so much! I did pretty well this week with an Aaptiv treadmill workout and strength every day. I actually did “Just Push It” this morning after you recommended it. You have totally inspired me to start trying more yoga/stretching to balance out all the running as well. Would love to read about your healthy breakfasts. I am an overnight oats lover and have taken to topping mine with PB2. 🙂
xo,
Em
http://www.organicallyemily.com
Awesome job!!!
OMG I loved that one. It’s hard!!! Happy Friday!
omg the barkthins! They really are so good.
I’m doing 30 Days of Yoga with Adriene from YouTube (I’m on 10 straight days of yoga!) and did a Bodypump class this week.
Seriously so good!!!!
I practice yoga every day with Yoga with Adriene. I am currently in the 30 day True Series. I have practiced for years, but YWA is the best.
This week was much better than the last! I didn’t bother to check in last week, because a pretty serious stomach flu hit my family and healthy for me was mostly being able to keep a piece of toast down
Got 4 workouts in and have a 5 day meditation streak going, the longest I’ve had since I started in August. I’m getting a facial tomorrow, and it’s a new treatment I’m hoping my will help with the breakouts I’ve been getting since I had a baby!
Oh no! I hope you are feeling better now – great job with the workouts and meditating.
A facial is the PERFECT something new… you’re inspiring me!
I’m loving these posts! I started doing a couch to 5k last month where I do the workout 3x a week to get in better shape for my wedding in March. I follow up w yoga the next morning for stretching and relaxing.
I love that! I’ve heard really good things about those programs. Good luck!!!
Grace, this is so awesome!! I had big plans to jump into the Wellness Challenge right away to kick off 2018 last week, but as usual, the universe had other plans and I got the flu and a sinus infection on New Year’s Eve. They both lingered until this past Sunday, which was super disappointing. Being so sick was a good reminder that listening to your body is so important and sometimes resting is the only option even though I was so eager to jump into the new year with the rest of the world. This week, I got back to the gym with some treadmill power walking to help my poor respiratory system readjust (although I will count running up four flights of stairs in my building upon seeing a mouse in the basement as a HIIT workout…), but it was actually lovely to just walk and walk while listening to podcasts. I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed walking to decompress since it’s been so cold in New York. I am taking a yoga fusion class tomorrow morning to jump start getting back to my more vigorous exercise routine and I’m so excited!
Also, I know you said you’re hoping to start working out in the morning – I go to the gym before work and in the summer it’s no big deal because it’s bright and warm, but these winter days make it so hard. We recently bought one of the smart light options that allow you to set a timer. Our light simulates sun rising by starting to turn on incrementally 20 minutes before our alarm. Some days I still don’t wake up until the alarm goes off, but having the light already on makes it harder to snooze and skip the gym.
Can’t wait for next week’s challenge! Have a wonderful weekend – and treat yourself to that chocolate!!!
Thank you so much for the encouragement, Christina!!
I’m so sorry you got sick. Based on other comments you are definitely not alone!!! It’s so important to listen to your body! That light sounds amazing!!! Do you happen to have a link? I want! Happy weekend!!!
It’s this guy: https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Ambiance-Starter-Compatible-Assistant/dp/B01F6T4R80
We actually bought a refurbished set (the actual remote portion is refurbished, not the bulbs) to make it a little less expensive and it is such a luxury. You can remove the remote from the wall dock and keep it on your nightstand to dim, etc. as needed, which is awesome. It’s also compatible with your phone so you can even tell Siri to turn the lights on or off if the remote is docked (is adulthood getting excited over light bulbs? I think yes). Highly recommend!
I hope everyone feels better fast!!!
Thank you so much!
Sounds like you are killing it at your workout. My week was tougher, since I have been having lower back pain. I did yoga 3 Times this week which helped tremendously. I did the elliptical twice for 20 mins which is hard since I haven’t worked out in 2 years . Also 15 mins strength training. This week I couldn’t stop craving sweets which is my weakness but hung in there and had a fruit instead. It’s so hard getting back in shape but it’s about time for me. Love that you are doing these posts, it’s so encouraging
Oh no!!! Do you have a foam roller? I get a lot of lower back pain, especially in my siatic nerve (sp?) area and just above my hips. I have to foam roll every day (and do lots of yoga) which really helps. Also check out yin yoga – I link to a video at the bottom of this post and it’s amazing for back pain!!!
It sounds like you’ve made a great start – good job!! Happy Weekend!
I know exactly what you mean with chocolates. They’re so evil, I swear! I tell myself I’ll just have a tiny square… then a moment later the whole bar is gone!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Haha, totally evil! 😉
Since my spin class #1 was cancelled due to icy conditions Monday, I’ve kept to my gym schedule (Su,M,Tu,Th,Fri ( today) & have committed to healthier ( read… home cooked) meals. )
Awesome work! Happy Friday, Lisa!
Way to go, Grace!
I’m embarking on a (slightly delayed) dry January and couldn’t feel more excited about it, especially after hearing your thoughts on it so far 🙂 as far as fitness goes, I got 4 solid days of CrossFit in – love it!
Great job!! CrossFit is TOUGH!
Hi Grace! I totally agree about your thoughts on boutique fitness/Equinox in NYC. I belonged to Equinox for a few years a few years ago (when I had a different job that would contribute to the membership fee…) and it was awesome. I loved that some classes didn’t require a sign up, that I could decide about spin the day of, and the variety of offerings. Also some of the instructors were amazing. To me, those classes + the gym itself + the amenities made the expensive gym actually a great deal compared to the cost of boutique fitness classes.
I had a baby recently and now have a much harder time leaving the apartment to work out so just invested in a Peloton. I am still getting used to it and definitely still getting back in shape, but it is amazing to be able to do hard spin classes at home while my baby (hopefully) sleeps! I did 2 rides this week so far and am planning my third tonight. I also made it to my building’s crappy gym for some weight lifting one night.
Also I just want to say that I think you are doing a great job using your blog to foster community! You and your blog have been long time favorites of mine but I’ve been even more impressed lately! Keep up the great work : )
Way to go, Leah!! Amazing getting back to it post-baby.
I agree with you about Grace fostering an amazing community here. Always been a favorite blog but recently, it has taken the cake, no one else is doing this for their readers!
I have heard AMAZING things about Peloton – several friends of mine have and are obsessed!
And thank you so much for the kind words! x
Downloaded Aaptiv after you had mentioned so much about it on your stories. After just a few tries, I’m hooked. I’m a runner so basically I don’t know how to workout my arms, abs, legs in a regimented way unless someone is telling me what to do! I completely agree with your thoughts on boutique classes. I love them but they’re insanely expensive and not equal ROI like taking multiple classes at the same gym.
I did great this week. Been utilizing my office gym (small but perfectly functional) at lunch hour and I feel so accomplished and so efficient with my day. I can go home and either do another class at the gym or use the time to organize (another resolution!)
This wellness check has really kicked my spirits into gear, along with the Facebook page!
I am so glad to hear that – I am hooked as well… it really helps and makes a BIG difference.
So happy this has kicked your spirits into gear; it’s done the same for me!
I worked out 4xs and did not eat out at all! I got back track on my 100oz of water per day too! Yay!
Great job!!!!
Thanks, Grace! I am really enjoying this series especially as a recent follower of your Blog. I had a good week overall and have been really enjoying the Yoga with Adrienne’s True series. I am a committed to my home workouts because of both financial and practical reasons. I would love to have more ideas of good at home options. I am currently looking at Physique 57’s On Demand and wonder if anyone here has experience with that. Grace-I know on your challenge that you highlight gym workouts but I assume that at home workouts count too!:) In terms of my “new” I am off to a drop-in meditation class tonight which I’m very excited about.
At home workouts absolutely count!!!
If you are looking for good at home workouts, BBG is awesome. My friend Krista did a review of it on her blog this week: http://www.coveringbases.com/2018/01/bbg-q-and-week-4-review.html
I just tried BBG this week (as my something new!) and it is HARD. I am still sore from my workout on Tuesday!
I’ve done the Physique 57 on demand workouts and they’re great. I live in NYC and usually go to the studio – it’s directly across the street from my office so it’s easy for me – but when I travel I like to do on demand classes. You don’t need much equipment and it’s the same instructors teaching as the real classes in NYC.
Thanks, Lauren, that’s good to know about the Physique 57 workouts. I have done the DVDs in the past so know that they offer a very hard (but effective!) workout.
BBG is so hard. It amazes me how body weight stuff can feel so treacherous/impossible!! It’s really kinda crazy when you think about it!!!
Thanks, I’ll definitely check out that blog post.
6 workouts this week! But I ate cookie dough for lunch yesterday. Oops.
One of my goals is to be present (rather than on my phone/multitasking), so I disabled all notifications on my phone that are not texts or phone calls and hid alerts for some of the group texts I’m on. It’s amazing (but not surprising) how much it helps my productivity.
I’m in the process of buying my first place and I’m pretty overwhelmed by it all so that’s my new thing this week. I’ve been doing the nostril breathing when I feel really stressed, and I’m pleasantly surprised that it actually helps!
I love that goal!
I took notifications off of my phone a while back and it really does help! Good luck buying your place – that is SO exciting!!!
So far with my morning workouts — I LOVE how I get it over with. It’s definitely an adjustment to my sleep, but each time I do it, I’m so happy come 4pm when I remember I already worked out!
I really need to start it!!!!!
Starting 2018 with the flu (literally a 102 fever flying back from Charleston on Jan. 1) really set back my wellness goals. I tried working out this week and my fever immediately came back. But your meditation encouragement has really resonated with me and I’m now on Day 7 of Headpsace and loving it! I never understood how just a few minutes a day could affect you throughout the day but it’s really making an incredible difference. I can’t wait to continue the journey and can only imagine how happy and peaceful I’ll be when I can incorporate meditation with running and yoga. No kidding you don’t miss wine!
Soooo many people started the year with the flu!!! Don’t get discouraged!
I’m so happy you are meditating! I love Headspace so much, it’s really incredible how big of a difference it makes.
I hope you feel better soon! I think resting and taking care of yourself counts as part of your wellness routine, esp with the flu!
Wow Grace, you totally have me beat. I only worked out twice this week. I am partial to the workout videos from Fitness Blender. The videos are freely accessible on their site (which I actually haven’t tried) and on Youtube. It’s super easy to access them on the YouTube app on my TV. I did a 37-minute upper body video on Monday, where I slowly incorporated some light weights (I hadn’t worked out since before the holidays). Today I did two videos, which were 17 minutes each. One was an upper body and ab toning workout, the other was pilates-style buns and thighs. Tomorrow I will be hurting. I also have a water safety instruction class that I have to take tomorrow morning…working out even twice this week made me feel a little bit better about getting in a swim suit!
You did great!!! I have never heard of Fitness Blender – I will have to check it out – love a good free workout!!!
Good luck with water safety instruction… it’s true, even working out just once or twice will make you feel better/more confident!
Such a great post. It actually made me stop and think about what I did all week!
Monday – 30 mins on the elliptical and 10 min stretch
Tuesday – 3 miles on the woodway. Have you tried this treadmill??? It is amazing. Feels as if you are runnin outside as the treads mimic the ground and you aren’t pounding your legs on a flat surface! My hips and back really don’t hurt after running on the woodway!
Wednesday – 7am trainer session! Full body craziness complete with a woodway warm up and airdine (self propelled devil bike) HIIT 8min ending.
Thursday I flew down to FL for work and didn’t do anything which was bad!
Friday- interval workout on the hotel treadmill. Not terrible but not great on the Knees, hips, and leggies. Lol getting old is hard! Stretched and did some planks!
I’m feeling really great this week! I’ve been in a slump for a bit since the holidays, so this was a great jumpstart. Thanks Grace!
Amazing job!!!! I am terrified of the woodway, if it is what I think it is! Is that the one that just relies on your weight and looks a little bit like a rickety old bridge? I’ve tried it once and it was TOUGH.
Happy weekend!
I have gotten in three runs outside this week, 6 miles, 3 miles, and 4 miles (I am training for two Halfs), and I am going to Pure Barre tonight. I am doing a 7 miles run tomorrow
Great job!! 7 miles – you are my hero!
I didn’t do as well with my workouts this week thanks to a migraine but on the plus side I did get back into towards the end of the week so managed to not totally fall off the wagon! My goal is to do BBG, plus add in one yoga class starting next week. 3-4x’s a week is the realistic goal for me.
As far as something new I didn’t really do anything but prepped to start making smoothies next week. I ordered some Tone It Up protein powder and found a recipe so that I can get some more filling breakfast ideas!
Oh no I’m so sorry you had a migraine! A lot of people were sick this week!!!
I felt good about this week. I’ve made it to the gym 3 days already and plan to go today after work. I had been really good at one point meal prepping, but that kind of fell by the wayside last November/December, but I actually brought lunch everyday this week! So that felt like that was an accomplishment in itself. I started the week off strong on meditation, and was using the headspace app, but kind of fell off by Wednesday. It’s definitely not something that comes naturally to me, but it sounds like such a great thing, so I’ll try again. I’ve also made an effort to read before bed, and that has been so nice. I was barely reading at all by the end of the year (I blame binge watching capabilities of Netflix) so it’s nice to get that back on track too.
Next week I think I want to try and make it to a Yoga class. I used to do it fairly often, but life got in the way and I haven’t really done it in forever. I remember how good I felt afterwards, so hopefully I can make it happen! Can’t wait to follow along next week 🙂
Awesome work!!!
I am so bad at meal prepping. Luckily I work from home so have a little more flexibility but I always try to make soup!
Meditation doesn’t come naturally to me AT ALL but I think that’s totally normal… it definitely is a struggle and takes time!
Great work this week!
Okay, not to toot my own horn, but TOOT TOOT! Crushed my goals this week and so very proud of myself.
1. Started BBG this week and have worked out every day. Definitely a little out of shape after the holidays because I took some time off of working out, but I’m back on the horse.
2. As for new things, this one is tough for me (don’t know why – creature of habit??). I used the breathing “app” on my Apple Watch 3x on Wednesday day to try to center myself and keep my stress level low. This is something I would love to commit to everyday, but I will take some getting used to… Also started taking magnesium before bed (red a lot about the benefits in your post from 2/9/17!). Don’t know if it helps me fall asleep, but it really does help me stay asleep, which has been a big problem for me recently. So YAY!
3. On top of the healthy breakfasts! My go to is Trader Joe’s Multigrain Triple Berry oatmeal topped with a tablespoon of organic peanut butter, blackberries/blueberries/strawberries and 1/3 cup of my new favorite granola: 18 Rabbits – pecan, almond & coconut. YUM YUM YUM.
4. I bought the Headspace app a while back but had troubles committing to using it everyday. I used to meditate right before bed, which was great and relaxing, but I would make the excuse that I was too tired to do it ALL THE TIME. So, this week, I have been meditating as a part of my morning routine. I do the little 5 minute wake up meditation after my deep breathing exercises and I literally feel like a new person. It has made such a difference. I look forward to doing it every morning. Next step is to wake up earlier so I can do a 10 or 15 minute morning meditation!!
SO happy I found this wellness challenge and can’t wait to keep going. Thanks for being such an inspiration Grace!
YAY good for you! AND good for you for tooting your own horn… you should!!!So happy you are enjoying the challenge!
Got my 4 workouts in! One Tone It Up youtube video, 2 early morning runs, and a yoga session. This is HUGE progress for me as I’ve been really struggling to stay consistent with my exercise over the past year. I didn’t do so hot on the meditation side. I really need to schedule time to do this, because I just kept thinking I would get to it when things calmed down in the evenings, but if I’m not carving out time intentionally, it’s not gonna happen. A face scrub was my something new to try. Not sure if I loved it. Trying to navigate the whole physical vs. chemical exfoliation stuff. Thank you again for facilitating this challenge! You really are making a dreary January more inspiring for me and based on the comments, many others.
Awesome awesome job!!!! So impressed. You can work on meditation next week.
And so happy this is brightening your month – it’s doing the same with me!!!
You did SO well this week! Woo 🙂 I’m loving this challenge. I took it easy on Saturday and Sunday because my muscles were screaming. Did a lot of sleeping and reading which felt so nice! Monday I took an arms & core HIIT class and then took a hot yoga class. Tuesday I took my first power yoga class at Yoga Six here in Chicago and safe to say…I’m hooked! Wednesday I took a butt & legs HIIT class, Thursday was total body, and today was cardio & core! The classes I take are slotted at an hour, but we take time to go over the moves and do a warm-up so the amount of work is usually around 42-45 minutes. I have a confession. That date I went on….definitely had two glasses of wine. The convo was great, but when the check came, he didn’t even give me a chance to do my typical, “I’m happy to split” spiel…he just straight up asked if I wanted to split it. I was so thrown off! Maybe I’m old school, but if a man asks me on a date, picks the spot, and insists on dessert, I expect him to pay the first time. Sigh. I still have a lot to learn and would love to hear your thoughts! As for trying something new, I got a facial at a new spot and my skin feels so good! Protein-packed breakfasts looked the same. Lots of scrambled eggs and RXBARS (on days when I was on the go).
Oh my gosh I don’t even know. I have had better luck in dating lately where the guys are a little more old fashioned (I prefer that – I like when a man initiates the first date, makes a plan, and so on and so forth). That being said, I have definitely been asked to split the bill before and it didn’t really bother me (though I agree with you!) If I were you, if you had a great time, I would just go with the flow and see what happens (though every friend of mine says I am too nice and that is why I am single at 36 years old haha so I don’t know if I have any business giving advice!)
I will say that overall, I hate splitting the bill. My rather crass friend says “there’s no better way to dry up my (you know what) than by splitting the bill.” I won’t go that far but it makes it so transactional. I am all for being equals and prefer when we take turns treating each other. Otherwise it just feels like you’re going out with a friend!!
Anyway I DIGRESS. I think you should just go with your gut, but if you had a great time I’d give it another chance. If you find yourself constantly splitting the bill with him, maybe offer to pick up the whole thing and then that will set a precedent, he will take your cue and treat you the next time. 😉 I am going to post your question over in the reader community page and see what people say as I’m curious!!!
You did GREAT with the wellness challenge! You are in great shape to begin with though – you inspire me!
I’ve been on dates where the guys insisted on paying but turns out wasn’t interested in seeing me again and I have plenty of guy friends who pick up my tab when we’re out and about and it’s just a “get me next time” type of thing, so it just threw me for a loop. That’s just it! It feels so awkward splitting as it is. The server looked at me like, “bad date?” haha. I have always loved taking turns on who picks up the bill. It’s fun to treat someone and allows you to show that you aren’t just in it for the dinners and drinks! Thank you SO much for your advice here and for reminding me to join the group! I’m so excited to hear what others think.
And thank you for saying that! If only I could stop eating alll the bad for me things!
Love to read the progress! I am doing the SELF magazine challenge and noticed this week that I am able to add in another cycle through the exercise circuit. My boyfriend is with me on tweaking our diet, and we are eating more servings of produce and eating more meals at home. I hope this all translates into good decisions when we go to San Francisco later this month!
Awesome job! Travel is always so tricky!!! I think you just have to plan in advance (stay in a hotel with a gym, pick healthy restaurants, etc etc!) Good luck!!!
I just discovered the wellness challenge this week, and I love it!
I did a long distance trail race last weekend, and experimented with my nutrition. The race went better than I expected, but my nutrition experiment was a bust, resulting in a bad electrolyte imbalance that caused horrible cramping and a spiked heart rate. As a result, my only other workouts this week were a couple of walks with my dogs and one bootcamp class. Today is actually the first day I feel really recovered, so I’m looking forward to getting back to my training routine next week. Sometimes though, the best thing you can do for your body is let it rest.
I’m doing dry January as well, and after nearly two weeks, I am feeling amazing! I won’t be giving up wine permanently, but it’s good to have a break.
I also have taken a midday break at work several times this week to go meditate. I have been using Insight Timer, which has lots of free guided meditations. I started it one day because my legs hurt, so I did legs-up-the-wall pose and meditated. I loved it so much it’s been my daily afternoon work break and really energizes me for the remaining work hours.
I also appreciate your comments about Aaptiv. I downloaded the app a while ago but have yet to sign up. I am pretty active already so I wasn’t sure if I’d use it or not, but I’ve already decided that will be my new thing for next week!
I am so happy to hear that!!!
I agree – I feel amazing not drinking. I am not giving it up permanently either but I am definitely planning to drink less/save it for weekends when the month is over. I think you will really love Aaptiv – it’s been a gamechanger for me.
Uneven week here. Worked out three time, (one in the morning – 6am yoga ftw), going strong on the Whole30, meditated four days. The problem I’m running into with the meditation apps is 1) I really, really dislike being told what to do and turning that instinctive response off is super hard, 2) the topics/themes don’t always speak to me, and 3) I end up focusing on the voices – accents, pronunciation, etc – and it brings me out of the moment. So I’m researching self-guided meditation instead. If anyone has any good resources I’d love your advice!
My new thing this week was plugging my phone into my charging station after getting home from work and not picking it up all evening. So. Hard. But I’m really loving it – even if I have background tv on, I’ve organized a bunch of stuff, actually read my Economist magazines instead of let them judge me from the corner, and even gone to bed earlier because I’m not mindlessly spending time on my phone. Going to try to stick wth it.
You still did a great job.
That’s really hilarious about meditation apps (not liking to be told what to do!!!) Have you tried Insight Timer? A lot of people recommended that, maybe it has a different voice.
LOVE the idea of not looking at your phone all night – good for you!!! (I often feel like my magazines are judging me, too by the way… ha!)
I’ve done BBG three days this week, the goal I set for myself. I am also LOVING the alarm clock, and keeping my phone in another room. I thought an obstacle to this would be that I listen to a podcast or an audiobook as I fall asleep (sleep timer mode is the best!) on my phone. Now I just use a bluetooth speaker with my phone in the bathroom, so I can still listen without the phone on my bedside table! I am now alarm clocks’ number one fan!
Nice job!!!! And that’s so smart – I love the bedtime meditations so maybe I will just stream them onto my alarm clock with bluetooth!
I am loving these posts as well, and thinking about them has motivated me to work out when I’m tempted to skip! So far I’ve gotten in 5 workouts this week – Saturday I did BBG (my new thing for the week, was sore until Wednesday!) and a Yoga with Adriene video, Sunday an Aaptiv spin class and a little strength training, Monday hot yoga, Wednesday OrangeTheory, Thursday Aaptiv’s Best of 2017 run, Post-Cardio Strength, and a hips and hamstrings stretch. I’m planning to go to hot yoga tonight and rest tomorrow since I’m traveling.
I’ve also meditated each day this week and have tried at different times of day – before bed is definitely my favorite. I’ve used the Aaptiv meditations and an app called Insight Timer. And I’ve kept up with my personal challenge to take better care of my skin/body by doing a skincare routine each morning and evening and dry brushing pre-shower. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to keep up with all of this but it’s nice to focus on during this time of year at least.
YAY I am so glad that they have that effect on you too!!! Great job this week! Agreed… I hope I can keep all of this up, but it really does feel great to focus on myself.
Have a great weekend. 🙂 xx
Would absolutely love to hear about your healthy & protein-packed breakfasts! I feel that’s where I struggle the most when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet [I cave in the eyes of a good SEC sandwich].
On Saturday, I did two moderate workouts on the NTC app. Unfortunately, I was so busy that I took Sunday-Tuesday off, but pushed it back into high gear on Wednesday with some yoga. Followed by a run and floor-to-core exercise yesterday. I’m not really sure if yoga is for me, though. I have trouble with the breathing, while also maintaining my form and concentration.
I tried a new recipe from Julia over at Lemon Stripes and made her turkey bolognese over top some spaghetti squash [so good]. I’m definitely a bit of a meditation skeptic at the moment, but your guest post definitely opened my eyes to it, and I will be downloading the Headspace app!
Great job Erika!
Funny – I bookmarked Julia’s recipe too -it looks so so good!! I can’t wait to make it.
Awesome job this week, Grace! I had no idea that you were a thee-time marathoner!
This week I felt really balanced in my workouts. I completed my workouts six days this week, mixing between spinning or running for cardio, weight training, and some yoga and stretching, both of which were two new classes for me. Next week, I want to maintain this rhythm while also working on some meditation.
Haha yes but it was a LONNNG TIME AGO!! Haha!
Great job this week!!! xx
You had an awesome week! I also love following along on Instagram to hear your daily synopses – keeps the challenge top of mind!
I got in four workouts this week – spin on Saturday, barre on Monday/Thursday, and a lunchtime core/stretch gym session on Wednesday. My barre classes wrap up 20 min before my train home, so I also have to run out of there to catch it – which counts as an additional workout to me! lol
I’m also still staying on track with Whole30, and the 2nd week is always when I start getting into the groove. I’m finally rid of the lethargic, bloated feelings from the holidays and my clothes are fitting better!
My new thing was journaling or reading before bed a couple nights this week. I get home from work late, so sometimes it’s hard to wind down to get to bed at a reasonable hour. Staying off the phone and reading definitely helps.
Have a great weekend! -Alex
Thank you so much Alexandra!!! I am finally starting to feel better after the holidays too and it feels so good. So much energy!!!
I’ve been meaning to jump on board the Wellness Challenge, but my body (sickness) and work deadlines got in the way! I’m hoping to start strong next week by riding my Peloton bike at least 3 times and taking at least 2 barre classes (I just signed up for Bar Method online). LA traffic is an absolute nightmare so I’m hoping working out at home will give me zero excuses!
Oh no! A lot of people were sick this month. You can always start next week. 🙂 xx
Just wanted to put out there that when you can’t exercise a great way to stop yourself from eating something bad is to read. I have found that since I can’t do anything but ride an indoor bike due to upcoming surgery next week for a knee replacement that reading has been a great exercise not only for my brain but for my body as well…when the junk craving starts I grab my book and a water. I know you love to read and I just finished Beach Music by Pat Conroy which was great and The Mermaids Singing also great and very moving.
hat a smart idea! Thanks for sharing!!!
Hi Grace!
Here’s my update:
Workouts: Saturday – long run (marathon training is in full swing, eep), Monday – early morning spin class (going in the morning was my new thing for the week, and I LOVED it), Tuesday – tempo run, Wednesday – early morning spin class, Thursday – spin class.
Protein breakfast: I alternated between the smoothie you described here: https://thestripe.com/2017/02/favorite-post-workout-smoothie/ and the blueberry smoothie Julia described here: https://lemonstripes.com/recipes/three-protein-packed-smoothies/ – both were new recipes for me!
Meditation: I actually took some group therapy classes that had a large meditation component a few years ago. I didn’t download the apps this week but I did make it a point to go back to some of the mindfulness activities I learned when I was getting stressed (one of them was ‘m breathing in to quiet my mind, breathing out to calm my body’ over and over – works great when I’m anxious)
Awesome job!!! Have a great weekend!!! (And good luck with marathon training – so impressed!!) Love that you read Julia’s blog too – she is one of my good friends!
I did one elliptical workout, one treadmill, and a Pilates workout video. Also threw in a few shorter strength training workouts when I got the chance. And I got 10,000 steps most days (or close to it) every day. The office life is so sedentary!!
No meditation for me… yet. For now I’m just focusing on not even grabbing my phone in the morning and mindlessly scrolling through it. Some days have been more successful than others.
For my something new, I did 2 workouts in the morning BEFORE work. It’s painful but it was nice to have it already done and relax when I get home.
My favorite breakfast has been good culture cottage cheese (19g protein, no added sugar 150 calories!!) and a banana.
I did weigh myself this morning and no change to weight or fat percentage yet but it’s about building habits first right???
Fantastic job!!! I don’t think I have lost any weight yet (I’m scared of scales) but I think it’s all about building good habits that first month and then (hopefully) seeing your clothes fit better in the next couple months!
This was a great week! I got in a spin class, a couple of Barre3 classes, a City Surf class and am going to City Surf again after work today! (City Surf is this awesome local workout here in New Orleans – you’re on “surfboards” that are balancing on bosu balls so everything is automatically more of a core workout!)
As far as trying something new this week, I made a shrimp green curry that was amazing! I use red curry paste a bit in cooking but never green so this was nice. AND it was a Paleo recipe! I’m definitely not Paleo but it was fun to branch out with my cooking.
Awesome job on week 2, Grace! Looking forward to next week already.
Elizabeth, I’d love to know what the shrimp and green curry recipe was! I have an open bottle in my fridge that I need to use up.
Grace, I would love to know your protein breakfast ideas but wondering if you have tried some non-egg options. I have to limit my egg intake so I almost never make them at home, I save them for once a month at brunch. My biggest problem with so many specialty diets or resets is they always seem to include a lot of eggs. I’m a big fan of overnight oats or chia pudding and I also make smoothies from time to time. I’m currently working my way through the protein powder options at my Whole Foods trying to find ones that don’t taste nasty!
Stephanie – here’s the link! http://paleomg.com/shrimp-thai-green-curry/
I added some broccoli and it was a great!
How about Greek Yogurt? I LOVE greek yogurt with a little honey and raspberries. Or you could do toast (maybe try for a high fiber/grain toast) with peanut butter?? xx
Great job!!! (And thanks for linking to that curry recipe, it sounds so good!!!) x
This was such a great week! The amount of energy I have from working out and eating better is such a great motivation to keep going. This week I did 2 Soul Cycle classes and 2 pilates classes. You are motivating me to try a yoga class for the first time next week! I’ve never done one because of my lack of flexibility, but I know flexibility is so important for overall health. My something new this week was leaving my phone in the kitchen overnight to charge. It allowed me to read in bed and I definitely fell asleep faster!
Also-I’m going to tour an Equinox this weekend! I am so into Soul Cycle, but hoping to cut back on my exercise expenses this year. Has anyone done a spin class through Equinox? Are they good?
YAY! I am so glad to hear that!!!! Think you’ll love yoga. I was always a big runner and because of that, not very flexible at all… yoga has helped me immensely with that especially tight hips and hamstrings!
I haven’t tried spin at Equinox but a lot of my friends go and they love it! One of my something news is going to be taking a class!
Loving your updates Grace! I started a new online food/training programme this week… I’m have to eat 140g protein (or more!) per day and it is HARD. I feel like I have meat coming out of my ears!! The positive is that I haven’t felt hungry once! However Saturday night will be the real test…don’t know if I will be able to resist my usual pizza and wine?! Answers on a postcard!! xx
Thanks so much Louise! That is a LOT of protein, haha!!! Hope tonight goes well for you 😉 xo
I’m always amazed when people are able to fit in so many workouts during the week! I feel like I’m so exhausted at the end of the workday that it’s a struggle to do anything else. The last several months my only activity has been from walking around the city— I hit 10,000 steps most days, but don’t make it to the gym. This wellness challenge has inspired me to hold myself to a higher standard. To that end, I’m going to join a gym! I used to belong to a nicer gym (the locker rooms were heavenly) but quit because I moved and knew it wouldn’t be convenient to go anymore. I think I’m going to bite the bullet and join the Equinox in downtown Chicago.. hopefully they have some of the same classes you’ve tried!
I hear you. When I was working a 9 to 5 (more like 9 to 7/8pm) I felt the same way. The only thing that helped me was finding a class I really loved (back then it was Soul Cycle) and forcing myself to get up a few days before work. It’s hard though!!!! I think that joining a nice gym will help if you are able to… the amenities at Equinox are really nice and you will look forward to getting ready for work there!!! GOOD LUCK and yes, we all need to hold ourselves to a higher standard! Have a great weekend!
I usually eat a pretty sugary, carb-y breakfast (think pancakes and waffles) but this week I made an effort to have a breakfast high in protein! I had scrambled eggs a couple mornings, and toast with peanut butter on the other days. I also bought a high-protein cereal that I’m excited to try. As far as trying something new, I discovered a few new machines at the gym that I love! I always get really intimidated by all the machines at my gym, but I really want to focus on learning how to use a couple new ones every week.
xo, brooke
http://www.livethepreplife.com
Ugh I love a carb-y breakfast!!! Eggs are my go to, and greek yogurt now that I’m trying to load up on protein!
Great job this week! xo
I’m loving this series! I’m just starting my wellness challenge this week due to continued travel and celebrations well into the new year.
This week I went on a long hike, walked my dog twice a day, started 30 days of yoga and got LOTS of sleep. It feels great! Next week I hope to incorporate some more vigorous cardio with a spin class or two.
I would love to see a post with healthy, filling breakfasts! I’m always looking for new ideas for breakfast and healthy snacks.
So so happy you are loving it!!! Great job this week. 🙂 xo
Grace, thanks for keeping us all accountable! I’m fairly new to your blog, but I love the direction it’s taken with the January fitness challenges. I’m about to sign up for Aaptiv, so I look forward to the tips, and currently I’m in Barre3, which I did five times this week–including this morning! It’s a wonderful supplement to distance running, and sometimes I find myself playing with the squishy barre ball at home, even when I’m not exercising. 🙂
I am so glad you are enjoying it! Great job this week!! xx
I was able to get back on track this week which is awesome! I have worked out three times this week and am so proud! I went to a spin class and did two Tone It Up workouts. I am planning to do a class tomorrow morning as my 4th workout but I think I might put on that Yin Yoga video tonight to stretch out! Working out still feels like a chore and I do not want it to! I like to do it and feel so good afterwards. But I still want to just sit on the couch and play on Instagram instead of working out!
I have meditated every day and will do it again before I go to bed tonight. I am not totally loving it (doing the Headspace beginner series). I have done it before and am trying to give it a chance.
I tried a lot of new recipes this week! Merritt Beck has a lot of great ones on her blog The Style Scribe. I made a chia pudding that I had for breakfast each morning, some Whole 30 recipe tacos and made these yummy wraps for lunch! I also ordered this 5-day juice challenge from LUMI Juice. She is a female entrepreneur who started a juice company. She sells these 5 day challenge packs that have you drink juice each day in addition to your normal meals. Today was day one. I am excited to see how I like it!
I am nervous for next week and to see how committed I am able to be. I am in grad school and my real classes start next week. I am nervous that when stress starts hitting, this will be the first to go! I don’t want it to be!
You are doing an awesome job and are SO disciplined with your workouts. I am envious! Thanks again for leading this – I love reading everyone’s comments each week.
I would also love it if anyone has any recommendations for how to stop being so addicted to your cell phone!
Nice job Emily!!!!
I love The Style Scribe! Merritt is a good friend and such an inspiration with her BBG, healthy recipes, etc!
I’ve actually written two posts about unplugging here. I hope they are helpful! xo
https://thestripe.com/2016/02/the-importance-of-unplugging/
https://thestripe.com/2017/10/staying-sane-overly-digital-world/
You are doing awesome Grace! I wish I could say the same for myself.
I did mediate 3 times this week which was good for me. I do have to get into the habit of doing it every night right before bed through. I tried a sleeping story from Calm and it was great!
New things I have tried: added flax seed to my morning smoothy and added zinc to my daily supplements.
I did well with the protein packed breakfast and added protein to my lunches as well.
I really fell short on the work outs though. I did nothing.
I work full time and have a teen and a tween who are heavy involved in sports which means that weeknights are shot. I really need to get up at 5:30 or earlier and do it in the am.
Great job with meditating!!! I love the sleep stories with Calm. Have a great weekend, Sharon! x
Oh boy, I’m not even sure I’m qualified to comment given my rough start, but here goes. First week of 2018, totally blown: due to massive work issues and boy trouble which resulted in an IV bag ‘s worth of Pinot Noir admistered practically by funnel, despite my best intentions for a dry January. Sunday, back on track and managed to squeeze in 2 JEFIT (app) workouts at home (6am!) and a RowHouse class. However, I’m STRUGGLING with meditating, but it’s probably due to work and life issues (January comes in with a bang if you work in Finance). I just can’t focus and my mind keeps wandering. I’m still trying because I know this will help, but I still can’t get there. It hasn’t clicked, but I’m inspired by everyone’s comments and I’m plugging away!
Also, I did Dry January last year and I remember totally feeling amazing after 2 weeks. The first 2 weeks I was soooo sleepy and after googling about it a bit, learned your hormones (progesterone in particular, which makes you sleepy) do a bit of readjusting without alcohol. Also, your liver is in cleansing phase, even if you only usually have a drink a day, which also makes you tired. Apparently, alcohol is cumulative on your liver so having a glass a day is just as bad as 7 drinks in one night. Your liver needs a break. On another note, I can’t wait to see your posts on your apartment and your keratin treatment review! Eagerly anticipating both!
You are totally qualified to comment – and you made me laugh!!! I’m sorry that the first week was so bad!!!
I have been so sleepy too! As I write this, I’m just up from a mid day nap. All of the exercise and not drinking are making me tired! So it’s interesting to hear all of this. Thank you. 🙂
Set progressive and outcome goals for the remainder of challenge. Logged 4 intense workouts this week. Stayed dry 5 out of 7 days (baby steps)! Used stairs whenever possible. Ate clean. Went meatless. Planned ahead for a day of traveling on Wednesday and packed healthy meal options to avoid convenience eating. Improved breathing based on a readers suggestion from last week to use a 1-2-3 count approach (thanks Allie!). Went to bed earlier. Didn’t start meditation yet, but did journal each day for reflection. Started using my fitness pal app to better manage and understand my nutrition and activity. Feel so great and strong!
Awesome job! Have a great weekend!!!
This week for something new I visited the Morgan Library & Museum near Grand Central! Would recommend it and it’s free on Fridays 7-9pm. It is the former library of JP Morgan and houses his collection of art. I also have been trying to Uber less and walk more so I walked from 47 and 8th to 36 and Madison, and back!
I went with my mom a few years ago! It’s so cool!!!
And good for you with all that walking!
Ah feel like you’re doing so well! I’m really trying too. Made it to the gym 4x this week which is an improvement and downloaded Headspace per your recommendation 🙂 really liking it so far! Just trying to be a better version of myself this year. glad we’re all in it together!
YAY great job – and that’s exactly my goal this year – being a better version of me! xx
Worked out four times. Fell off the Dry January wagon once (date night). Making my own kombucha (So healthy! So hippie!)
More highs than lows!
That’s amazing!!! I’ve never tried making my own – good for you!
Reading you post just excited me. I just saw this so I cannot comment on how I did but will def start. Cannot wait to get going!
Than you Grace for this much useful post !!
http://niccimarquart.com/
YAY! Good luck this week! x
This week was a doozy! It was a frustrating one, work-wise, which made me really start to crave that glass of red wine in the evenings (this week was MUCH harder for me than last week in terms of Dry January-but I haven’t caved!) Last night, I realized that what I was feeling was the frustration, and that a glass of wine was not going to be able to take that away. It just is what it is…. So, now I feel like I need a go-to comfort ritual that IS NOT WINE. maybe I need to try these barkthins things? I wonder if i can get those here in Bermuda?
I was able to get outside and use my jump rope every day, and I’m happy to say that my daily walking eventually turned back into running mid-week. I, too, am starting to feel like my body is back to it’s pre-holiday mode, and I’m excited to feel it go from “re-set” to “improving” .
I meditated 3 times, and I really should try to do it every day.
Something new? Ughh I was so looking forward to joining a friend for a new yoga class on Friday morning, but then had to go in and cover for a sick colleague instead.
Here’s to next week! (and hoping it’s a better one!)
Oh man I hear that!!! That’s a great realization – that while the wine tastes good at the moment, it won’t take away the frustration!!!!
The Barkthins are so so good. They sell on Amazon?
Cheers to a better week next week but it doesn’t sound like you did all that bad!
I love the day by day updates with these check-ins! I’ve gotta be honest, I only went to pilates once this week, I use my period as my excuse, the first two days are literally unbearable with cramps (tmi, sorry). But excited to get back into my normal routine next week and try and get 4 days of pilates in. I used to do Yoga when I had Classpass but never really got into it, maybe I need to give it another go though, seeing how much you love it.
Hope you have a good weekend!
xoxo Logan
http://www.habitsandhues.com
I love this, Grace!! It is so awesome to be motivated by you and other followers of yours. I would loooove to see more breakfast ideas like you mentioned! Also, we totally did a breakfast wrap type/huevos rancheros this morning, and I thought about how delish it would be as a quesadilla. This week, I stuck to my goal of 3 Pure Barre classes a week! I did my 421st class yesterday, and my goal is to get to 450 before our baby arrives April 6. I just need to keep up with 3 classes a week to meet this goal! Your blog is totally helping me stay motivated. I love seeing what you are doing! And, eucalyptus towels?! I would die! Amazing!
xxoo
Mary
http://www.BelleOnTrend.com
Aw, thanks Mary!!!
I will work on a breakfast ideas post. 🙂
Great job hitting your goals!!! You can definitely get to 450 classes. Keep us posted!!!
This week was my first week back at work after the holidays (took the first week of Jan off) and I’m pretty proud of how much sleep I got, how calm I was heading back to work/transitioning from vacation time, and that each day I made time for my workouts and meal prepped. Sometimes it feels hard or tedious (wish I had the ability to work from home for some more flexibility on this) but it’s always worth it.
My new thing this week was a Nike+ Run Club treadmill workout. I normally just do my own thing on the treadmill, either a long run or sprint intervals, but this time I decided I wanted something guided. I did the Run With Mo and it was amazing. I can’t wait to try more of these. I had been doing a lot of weights and HIIT recently, especially in December, so incorporating a long hard run in there felt wonderful for both my body and my brain.
I was also pretty proud of doing a short yoga flow 6 out of 7 mornings. Doing a quick flow to clear my head and wake up my body slowly before I start the day is one of my favorite parts of my routine and I was happy that I kept it up despite waking up being MUCH harder this week (post-vacay).
I made the first step with meditation by downloading headspace but didn’t actually use it yet. I am going to try a nighttime meditation this week!
Great job!!! I feel really lucky that I work from home, it is definitely a lot easier (and a lot less planning + prep!)
I’ve heard great things about Nike Run Club! I think it’s a lot like the Aaptiv workouts, which I am obsessed with. 🙂
Hope you love nighttime meditation – I have been doing it every night, it’s really wonderful!
Late check-in!
Active week last week – three Couch to 10K runs (week 6) and four Lauren Gleisberg workouts. I have started using Headspace regularly and got every day in – I listened to one in the car which sort of felt like I wasn’t “all in” but still glad to get that quiet time.
Dry January had one intentional cheat – a glass of sparkling rose with friends before dinner, but stuck to club soda all of my other nights out.
Awesome job! (And I’m all for the intentional cheat!!)
Hi Grace!
This challenge has been SO inspiring for me as someone who has completely fallen off the fitness and healthy eating wagon. Every January, I make the mistake of trying to change every part of my lifestyle all at once, and I typically lose focus quickly. This year I decided to make one change at a time and give myself time to get used to it. For the past two weeks I have been focusing on my diet – I’m proud to say I haven’t eaten out once and have totally cut out alcohol! I actually just made Gwyneth’s soup that you posted about, and it was killer! I have had that cookbook for years, and I’ve honestly never made anything because I was always intimidated. I would love to hear of any other faves you have from it!
This week, I’m going to start getting back into exercise. I downloaded Aaptiv a couple of months ago and haven’t used it much, so this week I’m going to try to try a variety of workouts on it to see what kinds I like best. Honestly, having this community online makes this entire process so much more fun and inspiring. I am so impressed by what you’ve created here – seriously don’t know any other bloggers who have made this kind of community. Happy Sunday!
I am so so happy to hear that!!!! I do the same. I really think that taking things step by step is the best way to do it… otherwise you just get overwhelmed and give up!
XO
Sounds like you are doing so well – really jealous of your week! Running and yoga are my favorites. I really wanted to join in, but it turns out that work has been absolutely insane and I have no idea how to bill 80 hours a week and still work out ha (any tips would be much appreciated!). Can’t wait until I can get on track and use these posts as a guide!
Gosh I hear you – that was me in November and most of December. It’s SO hard. The only thing that has made it bearable for me is getting up earlier although I am not a morning person, which is why I was so bad last year!!! Good luck getting out of the weeds, and getting back on track. In the meantime I’d just try to be kind to yourself and eat healthily. xx
These comments are so inspiring! This week, I got in 3 yoga sessions and 3 swims. I’m feeling a little lazy about going out in the cold this morning, so I’m thinking of doing a Pilates video online (I really like the Winsor Pilates videos!). I’ve also continued to do a better job of eating nuts/fruit as a snack instead of making poor choices.
This week, my goal is to try out a meditation app. I’ve got to start putting my phone away before bed and getting to sleep earlier. Hopefully this will be the week it sticks!!
Amazing job!!! 🙂
I love your post encouraging yoga! I also am a long distance runner, I have 4 half marathons under my belt and am signed up for more. I just find that doing yoga this past week has really helped stretch out my back and focus on my breathing. The focus on breathing has improved my running!
Fitness challenge update: I did Vinyasa Flow Yoga twice last week. Such a good stretch and feeling better with my neck and back already! I want to run, but unfortunately it’s way too cold here.
Dry month: I think I might do a dry month with you. I realized how much I have been spending on alcohol lately. It is definitely somewhere I can save money and don’t necessarily need to have a good time! Thank you for the encouragement with that!
One of my other goals has been to spend more time reading this year as opposed to watching tv. I went for 4 days this week without turning on my tv (weekend included)! Meaning I got outside more, spent more quality time with friends, and spent downtime at home reading 🙂 I’m reading “The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo” that you recommended, and have been picking it up every opportunity I get! I feel like I’m reading the social/ political progression of women and gay rights through this narrative. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come and I definitely have more appreciation for our current society of more acceptance!
That’s amazing – great job!!! I definitely recommend the dry month, it’s been so wonderful!
Great goals and LOVED the 7 husbands of evelyn hugo! Such an amazing book!!