Meet Me at the Barre

The other weekend, The Alberta Blog Squad was invited to have a private class at Barre Body Studio at their Ramsey location here in Calgary. I'm no stranger to barre, I've even done Mommy & Baby classes at one of their Edmonton locations, but it's not an activity that I get to go to very often. Plus, a private class with my girlfriends is always a good time. And the youngest honorary member of the Blog Squad, Emmy, even got to tag along! I had planned to wear her, but the little slacker slept through the whole thing in her carseat.

Anyway. Barre class. It's not a new fitness trend and I'm pretty confident it's not going anywhere anytime soon! I'm also pretty sure that if you haven't yet tried a class, you have at least heard all about it. And if you haven't tried a class yet, you should really get on that! (Psst - there's a discount code for you at the bottom of this post!)

Barre Body is a low-impact workout, consisting of a million repetitions (not even joking!) in order to build lean muscles, tighter behinds and stronger cores. The phrase "up an inch/down an inch" will haunt you in your dreams! Little pulses are no laughing matter. Classes often utilize equipment such as light weights (1, 2, 3 or 5 pound weights - I stuck to 2 pound weights and was sore the next day!), resistance bands, a ball, and a balance disk, but a lot of the class focuses on using just body weight as well.

In your one hour class, you are put through a warm-up, strength exercises for your arms, leg exercises which can consist of movements both on and away from the barre, cardio sprints and a core workout, ending with a cool down. If you think you aren't going to sweat just because this class is low-impact, you would be wrong! Our instructor Lanette, put us through a gruelling workout that had us all sweating by the end.

Barre is one of those classes that you go into thinking "this is no big deal, how hard can this actually be!?", only to find yourself swearing under your breath at the burning sensation in your gluten and thighs! This class works muscles you didn't even know existed! Which is why I love it. Plus, the inner ballerina in me loves me some barre work. Plié, first position, second position, etc...it all takes me back to my days of dancing. 

Anyway, the class is tough, but the beautiful exposed brick walls and pretty lighting in the studios at the Ramsey location distract you from the pain a bit. The locker rooms are equally as stunning, and offer guests complimentary hair dryers, deodorant, hand cream, hair elastics, as well as free lockers. There's even a private shower should you wish to use it. The entire ambiance of Barre Body is on point! 

What you should know before taking your first class at Barre Body:

• you must wear grip socks (bring your own, purchase a pair for sale at the studio, or rent a pair for $1 - proceeds go to charity)
• wear comfortable athletic clothing (think yoga/dance wear)
• bring a water bottle, you will need it!
• most importantly, don't be afraid! Even if you don't have a dance background, the moves will be explained and nothing is overly complicated (meaning you will pick it up quickly!)

Prices:

• 1-Month New Client Intro pass: $65
• Drop-in: $25
• 5-Card Class Pass: $112
• 10-Card Class Pass: $195
• 20-Card Class Pass: $390
• Mommy &b Me Class: $225 (I did this in Edmonton with Sully when he was 7 months old and highly recommend it!)

Locations:

• Ramsey: 1202 20 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
• Bow Trail: 4251 Bow Trail SW, Calgary, AB
• Whitemud Crossing: #184, 4211 - 106 Street, Edmonton, AB
• Holland Plaza: 11996 - 109A Avenue, Edmonton, AB

{Ange//Leigh//Jen//Kaella//Me//Alison//Becky//Laura}

And good news for you! Use code BRIE10 to receive $10 off either a 10-Card Class Pass, 

or a 1-Month New Client Intro!

Thanks again to BBS for hosting the Blog Squad, and to Ange for organizing it! 

Have you tried Barre before? Thoughts? Let me know in the comments!

Get Ready to Rumble!

The other weekend, The Alberta Blog Squad had the opportunity to try out another boxing studio. Having just taken my first boxing class shortly before this, I was super excited to have another go at throwing punches and unleashing my inner bad-ass. There is something so cathartic about wrapping your hands, donning boxing gloves and letting loose in a dark, loud boxing studio.

Rumble Boxing Studio invited The Blog Squad to have a private class and I have to say, I was much less intimidated this time around. Both because I sort of knew what to expect, and also because I was surrounded by my girlfriends and I'm not nearly as worried about making a fool of myself in front of them!

Rumble is located in the heart of 17th Ave in Calgary. When we arrived, we checked in at the front desk which also doubles as an acai/juice bar (perfect for refuelling after class!), were given boxing gloves (which are always complimentary), and got to work wrapping our hands (you must purchase wraps if you don't already own them). There's also free lockers to stash your stuff in, full change rooms complete with showers, a water fountain and complimentary towels. Make sure you take a towel into class with you - you will need it!

The studio is set up in such a way that the instructor is smack dab in the centre of the room, with the participants boxing bags surrounding them. This allowed all of us to grab a bag facing the instructor. Because of this, I found this class much easier to follow along with and it also made it easier for our awesome instructor, Kealen, to come around to each of us to check our form or encourage us to punch harder. Just like last time, each punch is given a number (1=jab; 2=cross; etc), and I felt much more in control with my punches this time. I found if I over thought the combinations, I got flustered and lost track of which punches to throw, but if you can learn to let your mind relax and zone out, it just flows. Boxing is a really cool sport that way! You get to punch sh*t and meditate, haha!

Kealen led us through a tough and sweaty workout for an hour, that combined punches and squats. We were spared an ab workout at the end which I appreciated. I feel like boxing is already an ab workout as you need to engage your core the whole time. I'd rather box for an extra ten minutes than get down on the floor and do crunches!

After class, we were treated to the best part: Ewan MacGregor! He was in the studio boxing it out in the boxing ring that's in the foyer of Rumble when you first walk in!

Anyway, here's what you need to know before taking a class at Rumble:

-You have to purchase your own wraps ($15) or bring your own
-Boxing gloves are complimentary
-Prior boxing experience is not necessary
-Arrive early to fill out your waiver and wrap your hands
-Wear running shoes and bring a water bottle
-Most importantly: don't be afraid! The staff at Rumble are so friendly and welcoming!
-Parking tips HERE

Prices:

• Drop-in: $20
• 10-Class Pass: $180
• 20-Class Pass: $320
• 1, 3, 6 & 12 Month Passes also available 

If you can't tell yet, I have a newfound love for boxing! I tried really hard (both during this class and while writing this post), not to compare the two studios I've been to. Based on my experiences, I liked the style of the class at Rumble more, but that could be because I wasn't as intimated this time and had a better idea of what I was doing. Of course, I need to go take more classes to really pick a favourite though!

Have I encouraged you to take a boxing class yet?! 

Have you ever had a random celebrity encounter? I want to hear about it!

Box it Out at UNDRCARD

Last week, I made my official return to the world of fitness since having a baby, by hitting up a boxing class with the Blog Squad. Go hard or stay home, right? Last Thursday night, we found ourselves at the coolest studio I've ever been to, wrapping our hands in anticipation for what promises to be a kick-ass workout, in a "fight club meets night club" atmosphere.

UNDRCARD Boxing Studio is Calgary's premier boxing studio which combines actual boxing technique with a night club atmosphere. From the moment you step inside their doors, you feel pretty bad-ass. The check-in counter is bright and boasts a monochrome wall of boxing gloves. Head in and around the corner is a full-fledged boxing ring. Further on down, there are complimentary lockers and fully stocked change rooms. There's also a coffee, juice and food bar, plus a little corner store where you can purchase all the latest boxing culture gear.

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect and to say I was intimated beforehand is an understatement. Thankfully, the boxing class truly is like a nightclub: lights are kept low and the music is pumping and LOUD. I mean, I haven't been to a nightclub in ages, but I'm pretty sure this is still what they're like, right?

Our instructor was awesome, more than welcoming and never made us feel out of place. While I found it difficult at times to see her from where I was standing, she did move around to show us the combos and made the rounds to help us out a bit. I've taken my share of aerobic style kick-boxing classes, but I've never truly "boxed".

We started the class with just our hand wraps on, moving through a warm-up and practicing our jabs and undercuts. Then the gloves go on and you get to work on your bag. Each punch is given a number so that as the class progresses, the instructor calls out numerical combos. This was tough and takes some brain power. All that memorization from dance classes from my youth definitely helped, but I still got lost a few times. The first class of anything new is always the hardest though! I can only imagine that after another class or two, the moves and combos would come to you much more quickly. UNDRCARD also offers a 30 minute Boxing 101 class for anyone new to boxing or wanting to focus on the basics.

But hitting and punching your bag? Even if you make up your own combo routine? What a release. There's no denying that exercise makes you feel better, but there's something to be said for letting it all out on your punching bag. And boxing is one of those sports where you get out of it what you put into it. The harder you throw those punches, the more you are going to feel it. And let me tell you, punching that bag and pretending you know what you're doing, that feels pretty darn bad-ass. 

For the most part, I gave it my all in that class. It feels good to hit things! Since I'm 8 weeks postpartum and had a c-section, I did sit the ab portion out, except for the planks and v-sits. I was so sure I was going to wake up the next day incredibly sore and unable to move my arms, but surprisingly, I felt really good! I was comfortably sore, but not in any pain.

Here's some things you should know before you go to a class at UNDRCARD: You have to buy your own wraps ($8) for sanitary reasons, but you can reuse them over and over. Boxing gloves are provided though. You can leave your wedding rings on because there's enough space between your knuckles and the gloves to protect them. Bring a water bottle and wear running shoes (although you can go barefoot, but I wouldn't recommend it). Arrive 30 minutes early. This gives you time to lock up your stuff, fill out your waiver and wrap your hands. Don't be scared! I know I was, but honestly, everyone was super friendly and inviting. When you're signing in, pick a bag (they're all numbered) closer to the middle of the room, right in front of the instructor. Here's some more tips to ease your mind.

Prices:

Drop-in: $24

10-Class Pass: $199

20-Class Pass: $379

Monthly Membership: $209

{Blog Squad: Jen//Me//Ange//Laura//Jen}

If you've never taken a boxing class before, I cannot recommend it enough. You owe it to yourself to go beat up on a punching bag at least once. Your body and mind will thank you for it. I promise, it's the most bad-ass you will feel in a long time!

*Photos c/o Ange & Laura

A big thank you to UNDRCARD for inviting the Blog Squad to try out a class in exchange for an honest review.

Have you ever boxed? Would you?

What's the most intimidating fitness class you've ever taken?

AntiGravity® Fitness: What to Expect

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to try out an AntiGravity® Fitness class with the Blog Squad at InFlight Fitness here in Calgary. Ange already happened to know the owner and our instructor, Alison, and kindly set the class up for us. In exchange for an honest review and social media shares, we got to try out the class for free.

I'll be honest, I had never heard of AntiGravity® Fitness before and I didn't know too much about it beforehand. I did email Alison a few weeks before our class though, to make sure that I wouldn't show up 6 months pregnant and look like a fool for not being able to participate. Alison assured me that while I wouldn't be able to participate in the inversions (which are contraindicated in pregnancy), I would enjoy just chilling in the hammock (and she was right!).

WHAT IS ANTIGRAVITY® FITNESS?

AntiGravity® Fitness was created over 20 years ago by Christopher Harrison. It's a unique blend of aerial and yoga and it utilizes a Harrison AntiGravity® Hammock, which hangs from the ceiling at two points, creating a swing or soft trapeze.

The workout is low-impact, and it simultaneously works to decompress and strengthen your musculoskeletal system.

WHAT TO WEAR

We were told in advance, that tank tops were not allowed, and that all participants must wear a t-shirt or long sleeve shirt. Lots of the movements require the hammock to be underneath your armpits, and since the hammock is made of silk, for hygiene reasons, no one wants other people's sweat and deodorant all over the fabric. Also, I couldn't imagine having the sling rub on my bare underarms - ouch!

You must wear grip socks. While lots of the movements are done while you are suspended in the hammock, there is still ground work that occurs (like jumping off your swing, downward dog, and even just hopping up to sit in your sling) and you definitely don't want your feet to slip.

All jewelry (including wedding bands/rings) must be removed prior to class. This is to prevent any damage to the fabric of the hammocks.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Everyone at InFlight Fitness must take 4 Fundamentals classes before moving on to the more advanced classes, such as Suspension Fitness, Aerial Yoga, and AIRbarre (and even some of those have prerequisites of other classes). They even have classes for kids!

Alison took our group through a Fundamentals class, which starts off with measuring the hammocks at the correct position (hip crease), and then she went over the basics of how to get into our hammocks properly. Also, as the class progressed, Alison made sure to go over every new position and instruct us on how to get in and out of the hammocks. It takes a bit of trust at first, but you will quickly learn that the hammock is incredibly strong (they are tested to hold up to 1000 pounds!) and the movements and poses are all designed to keep you safely in your hammock.

We started the class with just sitting in the hammocks, getting used to how if felt to be suspended, and moved through saddle pose and modified child's pose.

Then we started to get ready for the first inversion pose, by getting into downward dog with the sling supported against our hip creases. Unfortunately, this was as far as I got to go before getting back up and hanging out in the hammock.

We also got to literally just swing in our hammocks which was a lot of fun! And then practiced dismounting by jumping while in flight. It was like being a kid again!

There were a few more inversions the rest of the girls went through, while I got to relax in my hammock. I did get to participate in vampire pose since the inversion part of it is really quick, and while it is not easy to flip over with a 6-month pregnant belly, I was proud of myself for accomplishing this one! It did make me feel a bit nauseated, which is common for most people's first class, but is supposed to get better the more classes you do.

The last few minutes of class were spent laying completely hidden in the hammocks, as if you were in a cocoon. During this time all I could think about was how amazing it would be for my achy, pregnant body to be able to sleep in a hammock like this one at night! No pressure points! The slight swaying of the hammocks is also very calming and relaxing.

AFTER THE CLASS

Alison told us during the class, that we should expect to walk out of there felling happier, lighter and physically taller. I can without a doubt say that I left that class in a great mood! I might not have gained the benefit of completely lengthening my spine since I had to sit out the inversions, but I still really enjoyed myself. I told her I will 100% be back to do another class once I'm no longer pregnant. I think seeing what I can accomplish not pregnant, in comparison to this time, will be really neat! In the meantime, I've put a Harrison AntiGravity® Fitness Hammock on my Christmas list ;)

If you're in the Calgary area, you can try out AntiGravity® Fitness at InFlight Fitness for one month unlimited for only $79! This includes ALL the classes too! Of course, punch passes can also be purchased. One time drop in is $20, or the larger the punch pass you purchase, the cheaper the classes get. I highly recommend at least trying this class out once. I can honestly say I have never done anything quite like it and it was so much fun.

{The Blog Squad: Jen//Ange//Me & Baby//Leigh//Alison//Nicole//Leslie}

Have you ever tried an AntiGravity® Fitness class? 

Does this post make you want to now?! :) 

Fitness & Pregnancy the Second Time Around

I've talked about it before, but I will mention it again: working out on a consistent basis does not come naturally for me. I so wish it did though. Instead, it's something I really have to work at and force myself to do. Don't get me wrong, I love a good work out, and I love group fitness classes, but the struggle to get from my place of comfort to doing said workout is a constant battle.

Prior to getting pregnant with Sully (more than 3 years ago now), I was in pretty good shape and happy with my physical self. I was going to GoodLife Fitness regularly and surprisingly, workouts were easily a part of my routine at that point in my life. I remember always saying to myself, "when I get pregnant, I'm going to be one of those super fit pregnant mama's and I'm going to stay really active throughout my pregnancy".

Then I got pregnant in May of 2013, but I didn't find out I was pregnant until almost the end of June, at 6 weeks pregnant. During that time, I was still going to the gym, and the last class I remember taking at GoodLife Fitness was a BodyStep Class. I was probably around 5 weeks pregnant at the time. The class was in the morning, I had eaten my usual pre-workout breakfast and I felt no different than usual going into it.

The class was tough. I had never done a BodyStep class before (although I'm no stranger to regular step classes), and it was intense. About 3/4 of the way through, I felt terrible. I was weak, getting dizzy and seeing stars. All I wanted to do was lay down or leave, but there were only 5 of us in the class and my pride forced me to stay. Thankfully, I was able to finish the class without passing out.

During this time, my in-laws were in town visiting and we were all getting ready to fly back to Nova Scotia together for a wedding, so I didn't make it back to the gym before leaving. I found out the day before we left that I was pregnant. In hindsight, I knew that was probably why I felt so different during that class. But I'm not going to lie...at the time, I was nervous to go back to a group fitness class. It was a hot and humid June/July in Nova Scotia (I was there for three weeks), and the exhaustion that comes with your first trimester hit me hard. It was a miracle if I could get through showering and blow drying my hair without passing out.

Anyway, eventually I returned back home, returned to work, but what I didn't return to was working out. I was tired, the debilitating SI joint pain I experienced from early on in my pregnancy was horrible, and I really just had no motivation. I spent the rest of that pregnancy in-active except for daily walks with Saigon and Jim, but even those grew less and less as winter approached and my hip-pain grew worse.

Luckily, I didn't gain very much weight during my first pregnancy, and while I lost it all initially very quickly, over the next two years, it crept back on and then some. I knew I wanted to be in better shape physically before getting pregnant a second time, but I just couldn't get to that place in time.

My life is different going into this pregnancy though. My lifestyle, for one, has changed since moving to Calgary. I have a great group of friends here who keep me active, something I didn't have in Edmonton (back then it was just me and the gym). I have ran 3 races this pregnancy, have attended a two hour Yogathon, and continue to go to BodyFlow classes and GoodLife Fitness. Not to mention, I have an active toddler that keeps me on my feet and out and about.

I'm not going to pretend to be someone I'm not. I don't work out everyday and for the rest of this pregnancy, I won't. I still wish I were one of those super fit pregnant mommas, but I'm not, and I'm okay with that. My first pregnancy taught me that the body is a miraculous thing, and while I might not have entered this pregnancy at a comfortable place physically speaking, I can accept that because pregnancy and getting pregnant is something I consider a miracle and I am just grateful that my body has allowed this to happen again.

So going forward, I hope to continue with the activity that I have been keeping up with and I hope every day that the hip-pain I had with Sully doesn't rear its ugly head this time around. I don't think I will be running anymore until after this baby comes, but I plan to continue with classes at the gym, attend group fitness events with my friends if the occasion arises, and continue to get out for walks and bike rides with Sully while the weather still permits. Basically, organized activities outside of the house I am much more inclined to want to do!

I know remaining active during your pregnancy is so important, so while I may not be busting out my 21 Day Fix workout videos anytime soon, I will strive to just keep on moving.

*This post was written as part of the GoodLife Fitness Blogger Ambassador program, 

however all opinions expressed are my own.

Surf Set Fitness: What to Expect

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to try out a private Surf Set class at Illume Hot Yoga here in Calgary. My friend, and fellow "Blog Squad" member, Alison, organized the class for ten of us. I remember seeing the episode about Surf Set on Shark Tank a few years ago and ever since then, I've always wanted to try it out! I've never surfed or done stand-up paddle boarding, but I'm always up for trying out new things.

In case you aren't familiar with Surf Set, it was founded back in 2011 by professional hockey player, Mike Hartwick, after he spent his summers during off-season, surfing in California. He quickly realized that surfing resulted in his most toned and lean body ever, and he was unable to achieve these same results with any other type of workout. Hating to leave the ocean behind, he designed a way to mimic the workout he got while surfing. Surf Set Fitness was born.

Illume Hot Yoga where we took the class, offers Surf Set classes, as well as hot and warm yoga classes. The owner of the studio is Telara, and she also taught our class. We all arrived at the studio 15 minutes prior to our class to sign forms, give us a tour of the studio, and to go over the basics of our class.

The studio is stunning. The moment you walk in the door, you enter a peaceful oasis. There is a spot to take off your shoes, along with a little sitting area. Down the hall, you find two studios - one for Surf Set and one for Yoga. Further down, there is a change room. All of the wood used in the woodwork and decoration in the studio was commissioned from local artists utilizing reclaimed wood.

The Surf Set class caps out at ten participants, and the boards are arranged in staggering order facing the front of the studio, and not in a circle like I envisioned! I was so nervous that we'd all be staring at each other for the whole class. There also weren't any mirrors which I really liked as it meant you could just focus on you and the board, nothing else. At the front of the room, a compilation of surf related videos was projected on the wall which I really enjoyed and just added to the overall ambiance of the experience. Telara taught on a board from the front corner of the room.

I really wasn't sure what to expect from the class. Our class was a "blend" class, consisting of a warm-up, a lower-body strength set, cardio, an upper-body strength set, more cardio, core and balance work, and then a cool-down. We did exercises such as burpees (way more fun on a surf board, let me tell you!), planks, pushups, lunges, squats, tricep dips, downward dog, swimming & paddling, and balancing on one foot! My heart rate was up from the get-go and I was dripping sweat early on. It was hard, but not in an "in your face way". It was so different, and so fun, that you almost didn't notice you were working out.

The class is only 45 minutes long, and it's great to achieve such an efficient, total-body workout in less than an hour. We all agreed that class just flew by, and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who wished it couldn't have gone on a bit longer. That's just how much fun we were having!

The surf boards mimic the movement it would make in the water, and there are bungee cords that determine the level of difficulty your board is set at. All of our boards were set to "easy", but to increase the intensity of the board workout, you can release the bungee cords. Laughing is encouraged in class, which is good because there was a lot of that going on. You can't help but lose your balance at times or even fall off the board completely. It's tough, and even humbling at times, but honestly, it was the most fun I've ever had in a fitness class!

{Thanks to Ange and Chase This Skirt for providing the Blog Squad with these awesome custom tanks! }

There are lots of fitness studios that offer this class now, which I think is great because everyone needs to try this at least once! Illume Hot Yoga even has a fantastic introductory rate to try out Surf Set for one month unlimited for just $40! Unfortunately, I live far, far south from the studio and wouldn't be able to make use of this offer, but I'm on the look out for a studio closer to me to get in a few more surf sessions!

Thanks again to Illume Hot Yoga for the private class and working our butts off!

Check out the links below to see what the other girls thought of the class!



Have you ever done a Surf Set class?

7 Reasons To Love Group Fitness Classes

I know there are a lot of people out there who love to workout at home or don't have the means or time to get to a gym. I get that, I really do. I struggle too with fitting in my beloved BodyPump classes at GoodLife Fitness. I workout at home when I have to, but I definitely don't enjoy it nearly as much as getting out to the gym.

I rarely never go to the gym to use the cardio machines or weight area. I used to, but my time is limited and right now, I prefer the atmosphere of a group fitness class. And while it can feel great to knock out a workout at home, especially early in the day, I love the feeling of walking out of a fitness class knowing I worked my butt off with no distractions (have you ever tried working out with a  toddler crawling all over you?!). It's "me" time. For that one hour, it's just me and my workout and nothing can interrupt that. No cell phone, no whiny toddler, no husband asking where the ketchup in the fridge is (same spot it always is!).

A gym with a great group fitness class schedule is a must, and I'm lucky my gym has one. I can't ever imagine not being a fan of group classes as there is so much I love about them.

7 REASONS TO LOVE GROUP FITNESS CLASSES

1. THE PUSH 

I push myself harder in a fitness class than I ever do at home. I know no one is paying attention to what I'm doing in a class, but the presence of others is enough to make me work my hardest and not give up. For example, I despise lunges. If they pop up in an at home workout, I immediately start to half-ass them. At the gym, I push myself to complete the lunge track no matter how much I want to walk out and take a "water break".

2. THEY'RE EFFICIENT

My time, (as is anyone's), is precious. I don't have 2 hours a day or at a time to spend at the gym anymore. Those days are long behind me, and to be honest, I have so many hobbies I enjoy partaking in, that I don't want to spend hours at the gym if I don't have to. Group fitness classes allow me to knock out a killer workout in a set amount of time. Other than driving time, I know exactly how long my workout is going to take. Obviously not every fitness class is created equal, but if you find the one's you love, than you learn to know what intensity level to expect.

3. THE UNEXPECTED

I like not knowing what to expect when I show up for a fitness class. Yes, the class is predictable in the sense of style of workout and sometimes the sequence of exercises, but prior to walking into the class, I have no idea which music will be playing or which releases the instructor will be incorporating. I like being surprised so that I don't mentally talk myself out of the exercise.

4. THE CAMARADERIE

Even if I don't know anyone in the class, I love knowing that we are all there to work on ourselves. We've all committed to showing up, setting up for the class, and getting our sweat on. We may be all different shapes and sizes, age and gender, but we have one thing in common: we're there to change our selves. When eye contact is made, smiles are exchanged, and I know I'm not in this fitness journey alone.

5. THE SILENT COMPETITION

This relates to #1. I'm not going to give up if so and so next to me can keep going. I'm not going to walk out of a class half way through because I'm tired or don't particularly like a certain exercise.

6. YOU'RE TOLD WHAT TO DO

Sometimes I can't decide what workout I want to do at home. Do I feel like running?, do I want to do a workout DVD?, or do I want to make up my own workout? Sometimes it's nice to just be told what to do! No thinking, just doing.

7. THE INSTRUCTOR

The instructor of a group fitness class can really make or break the experience, but I have to say, all of the instructors I've encountered at my gym, GoodLife Fitness, have been awesome. They are upbeat, they know their stuff, and they motivate me to work hard for that hour. I appreciate when they engage a class and make the experience, and the time spent to get to the gym and workout, worthwhile.


Do you love group fitness classes?

Do you prefer to workout at a gym or at home?

Favourite group fitness class? Right now, mine are BodyPump and BodyFlow, but RPM (spin) is a good one too!


*Linking up with Kris from Canadian Girl Runs for Fitness Friday!

*Linking up with Jill for Living a Life of Fitness, Health & Happiness!

*This post was written as part of the GoodLife Fitness Blogger Ambassador program, however all opinions expressed are my own.

How I'm Slowly Changing My Mindset on Working Out

I'm trying to create new habits in my life, and one of them is to make working out part of daily life. I'm slowly working on changing my mindset surrounding workouts. For a long, long time, I've always been one of those people who enjoys the after-effects of working out, but loathes the process of accomplishing the workout (the getting dressed, the actual workout, showering/changing out of workout clothes, etc). Sometimes the effort just wasn't worth it. Which is why it was so easy for me to skip a workout. I talked myself out of it. It was too big of a task and I always had a million excuses for why I didn't have time to workout.

So, needless to say, my workouts have always been pretty sporadic, and it's normal for me to take not just days off in between workouts, but weeks. Sometimes even months. I'm notorious for going on streaks - working out "regularly" (2-3+ times per week) for weeks and even months, and then stopping abruptly and not working out at all for weeks and even months. It's a vicious cycle. And I'm my own worst enemy.

I don't know if I'm just hard-wired differently than other people, or the will isn't there, or maybe I just don't want it enough. I don't know. But what I do know is, I need to change if I want there to be a change. So with that, I've been working on changing my mindset when it comes to working out everyday.

As of today, I have worked out 16 days in a row. That sounds intense when I write it out like that, but I promise you it's not. All it means is that every single day, I make sure I do something above and beyond my regular activities of daily living. Running around after my toddler, going to the park, cleaning...all those things that technically get my heart rate up a bit and burn a few extra calories, while also getting in my goal of 10,000 steps per day, do not count as "working out". Those are just things I do in my day to day life, but they definitely do not count as a workout (as much as I would like them to!).

So what counts as a workout? Some days I run or walk on the treadmill. Some days I will pack up my toddler in the chariot and walk at a brisk pace for an hour or so without stopping. Some days I pop in my 21 Day Fix DVD and do one of the workouts on it. Or somedays I actually make it to the gym for BodyPump or another fitness class. But then there are other days, where I'm sore, or really tired and I just want to crawl into bed and read. On those days, I opt to do a short yoga video online. Because it's not something that I consider part of my regular day, even a 10 or 15 minute yoga video counts as "working out" because I'm actively doing something instead of doing nothing at all.

Right now, my goal isn't to lose weight, although fitting into my clothes better would be a nice bonus. My goal that I'm striving for is a lifestyle change. I want working out to become second nature to me. A given in my day to day life. I've noticed over the past 2+ weeks that my mindset is starting to change from "do I HAVE to work out today?" to "WHAT am I going to do for a workout today?". I don't wake up and think "nope, not working out today". Instead, I think about our day and what kind of exercise I feel like accomplishing. If I know I will have time to get to the gym in the evening, I will leave it for then. If not, I take my workout to the basement during the day, or I make a point of getting outside if the weather permits. Some days get away from me and I do my workout after Sully is in bed, or while Jim puts him to bed. Miraculously, it hasn't been hard to fit it in though.

It's not the perfect system yet - I know a lot of people physically schedule their daily workouts into their daytimer's, and while I'd love to get to that point one day, I'm not there yet. But maybe one day! For now though, this is working for me and I'm digging this new outlook at working out.

*****

A peak at my workouts from the past week:

Friday: 30 minute Yoga Flow online video

Saturday: 21 Day Fix Total Body Cardio Fix (forgot how hard this is!)

Sunday: Active "rest" day - played soccer and baseball with Jim and Sully

Monday: 21 Day Fix Dirty 30 workout (one of my favourite's from the DVD!)

Tuesday: 60 minute walk pushing the chariot. My fitbit wouldn't sync so I have no idea how far we actually walked, but my legs were pretty sore the next day.

Wednesday: Feeling achy and sore, I opted for a 10 minute Bedtime Yoga video. While this was completely relaxing and just stretching, it was exactly what my tired body needed before going to sleep.

Thursday: 21 Day Fix Upper Body workout (I love this one so much!)

*Linking up with Kris from Canadian Girl Runs for Fitness Friday 

*Linking up with Jill for Living a Life of Fitness, Health & Happiness




Do you struggle with working out regularly? 

How do you make regular workouts a part of your everyday life?