Hi, my friends! How was your week? Ours was good, made even better by seeing the first woman vice president ever to be sworn in in America. It was and is momentous, and I am HERE for it!
Today, I’ve got some news, a fun fitness giveaway, some faves and more. And here are the two big things I have to report: We found a house. And my Momma arrived here last night.
To be extra safe, we haven’t been around any other people since we landed in Charlotte two-and-a-half weeks ago (outside of our realtor, who we always wore masks with), so we’re comfortable with my mom visiting us. I haven’t seen her in a year, so it’s long overdue. And we’re so excited to hang out together for a week or so. Fun fact: My mom went to Queens College (now Queens University) in Charlotte, so she’s spent a lot of time in the area many years ago, even going to Freedom Park, pictured below.
(Here’s my warm sherpa jacket, my leggings and the comfiest shoes.)
A few other things about this week: Dave started his job (virtually), and I got back to teaching my twice weekly live classes on Motus, which was good for my soul. We had inspections on our new home, and we plan to move in on February 12 if everything works out. Yay for these great developments, because after a stream of rough events in the end of 2020, 2021 is starting to look good. Now, let’s get to the faves …
Current faves
A FITNESS GIVEAWAY
Win a 6-month subscription to Fit Revolution
My friends, I’m so pumped to offer this giveaway to you! As you know, I’m one of the instructors on Fit Revolution, a new fitness and wellness app/platform where you can find on-demand workouts with influencers (and much more). I’ve filmed 14 workouts for Fit Revolution already, with more on the way. And you can read all about Fit Revolution in this post, or head over to check out the site today.
Today, I’m giving away ONE 6-month subscription to the Fit Revolution app. In order to enter, you need to leave a comment on this blog post telling me your favorite way to work out at home. This giveaway is open to those in the U.S. and Canada and will close Wednesday, January 27.
And if you’re ready to get into some amazing on demand workouts from me and others right away, you can get a FREE 14-day trial and 33 percent off your first month, using the code ASHLEYPITT3PC1 at sign-up. Head here to get moving with me.
Food
Lots of delicious take-out lunches
You guys know I primarily like to make and eat all of my meals at home, except for a couple take-out meals a week. However, we’ve been eating a lot of take-out the last few weeks with packing, moving, traveling and living in an AirBnB, and I’m not complaining about it. I’ve really enjoyed trying new-to-me restaurants in Charlotte for healthy and tasty lunches, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the offerings. We’ve found a few worth sharing and repeating, some of which are chains that reach outside of Charlotte.
I loved this warm harvest bowl from Chopt Salad with sweet potato, kale, Brussels, falafel, pumpkin seeds and avocado. I also had a “make your own” salad from Chopt on a separate occasion that was delightfully chopped. Why are chopped salads so much more fun to eat than non-chopped? …
And this warm bowl from Mahana Fresh was something I could easily recreate at home and should with well-flavored sweet potatoes, Brussels, sticky coconut rice and tofu with ginger sauce. So good …
This roasted white sweet potato and kale salad from Cava had a major kick, but I really enjoyed it, especially because of the crispy pita strips on top …
This local restaurant, Yafo Kitchen, was recommended to me, and it is definitely one we’ll return to. This falafel, avocado, sweet potato, chickpeas, cucumber, beets, hummus and greens bowl was so filling too …
I’m back to making most of my meals at home during the week, but I look forward to trying more restaurants soon. By the way, we’re still doing take-out for the time being, even though you can technically eat in restaurants in Charlotte right now — such a change from California, where you couldn’t even eat outdoors at restaurants at the time we left.
Workouts
Weekly workouts
Here’s a look at my workouts from last week …
- Monday: 20-minute run, 11 a.m.
- Tuesday: 30-minute lower-body weights workout, 6 p.m.
- Wednesday: 20-minute run, 11 a.m.
- Thursday: Taught 45-minute barre class, 3 p.m.
- Friday: 30-minute BODYPUMP, 3 p.m.
- Saturday: 30-minute cycle, 6 p.m.
- Sunday: Rest day
This past week of workouts was still lighter than my normal week, but I was happy to be reunited with some equipment after our stuff arrived across the country. I picked up weights two times, did three cardio sessions and taught a class. I hope to get back to more frequent resistance training sessions during the upcoming week, but all good here — I’m just doing what I can with a less-than-ideal workout space currently in the AirBnB.
Discounts
A Lady Goes West recommended favorite products
I only share what I use and love in my own life, and here are some of the brands I swear by. And when you use my discount codes and links, you support me, so thanks for that …
- Fit Revolution. Get a 14-day trial and 33 percent off your first month of this amazing workout platform (where you can take my classes on demand) with the code ASHLEYPITT3PC1.
- Carbon38. The coolest activewear around. Get 15 percent off your first two orders of $100 or more using the code ASHLEYPITT.
- G2G protein bars. I love these tasty and minimal-ingredient protein bars. You can get 15 percent off your order on the G2G Bar site with the code ALADYGOESWEST.
- Organifi superfood supplements. I’m all about the Organifi Complete Plant-Based protein powder. You can get 15 percent off your order on the Organifi site with the code ALADYGOESWEST.
- Four Sigmatic. These superfood coffees and teas are so good — I especially love the Cacao Chill and Lion’s Mane Latte. Get 15 percent off your order on the site using the code ALADYGOESWEST.
- Beautycounter. The best safe skincare and makeup. Send me a message, and I’ll share a 20 percent off code for your very first order.
- Les Mills On Demand streaming workouts. My favorite fitness brand. You can do a whole month of workouts during a free 30-day trial by using my special referral link here.
- Les Mills Coach program. You can get 15 percent off a 4-, 8- or 12-week guided coaching and accountability program with the code ASHLEY15.
Best reads
A few things from around the web
- Vitamins and minerals master list. This is an amazing master list on what vitamins and minerals are, why we need them, how to get them and the symptoms of deficiency in each.
- Brain health. These super-quick tips for brain health are essential to us all. Are you doing them?
And here’s the quote of the week from the Calm app, which I use to do my daily morning meditations …
A Lady Goes West favorite archives
- Activewear. I get so many questions about the pieces I’m wearing, so this post seemed to be a good one to write … “The best pieces from Carbon38 and a Carbon38 discount code.”
- Fertility. Because it’s always important to revisit this topic … “How I protect my fertility and hormones (life after recovering from hypothalamic amenorrhea part 2).”
Thank you for clicking over to read A Lady Goes West today. I appreciate you. And don’t forget to enter the giveaway! 🙂 xoxo
Questions of the day
How was your week?
What are you up to this weekend?
GIVEAWAY question!
In order to be entered to win the 6-month subscription to Fit Revolution, please answer this question: What is your FAVORITE type of workout to do at home?
Shelby says
So glad you managed to find a house! I can’t wait to follow along your journey this year, and I’m happy your 2021 is off to a good start too <3
Ashley says
Thank you so much, Shelby! I hope your year is off to a great start too! Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
Whitney says
Mostly the Peloton and Peloton app, but I would love to try something new!
Ashley says
Hi Whitney! It’s always good to try something new! 🙂 Happy Friday to you!
Wendy says
So glad you are settling into your new life. Moving is a challenge in and of itself but you make it your own and stay positive and the best is yet to come. My favorite at home workout is barre and pilates. Always a cardio queen I shyed away from these type of workouts (no time/don’t really need) but rediscovered both and love feeling so flexible and lengthened. Cardio is much less these days!!
Ashley says
Hi Wendy! I’m so happy you’re a barre and Pilates fan — those workouts are so good for mobility, flexibility and strength — and they are kind on the body. Happy Friday to you!
Julie says
I’m currently all about Les Mills on Demand workouts at home. Currently each week consists of BodyPump, BodyCombat, and Grit Strength. My favorite is definitely Grit!
Ashley says
Hi Julie! That’s great you’re a Les Mills On Demand fan! I haven’t done GRIT in quite some time, but it’s definitely an effective workout! Have a great weekend!
Allison says
I’ve been doing a lot of yoga at home–one of the few workouts I can manage inside my small apartment.
Ashley says
Yoga usually works well for a small space, so that’s a good choice, Allison. Happy Friday!
Courtney Koch says
I have so much to say! Yay for finding a house!! Your move-in day is my birthday so that must be a good sign, right?
And super triple quadruple Yay for Momma P being there! I can imagine that was a tearful reunion on both ends. How nice to have her there with you right now.
Sending you lots of love and hugs.
xoox
Ashley says
Thank you, Courtney! You are right with all these things — and what a good day February 12th will be! 🙂
Sheila says
Congrats on the house and seeing your mom. It’s must feel so great. I’m doing at home yoga and started a zoom personal trainer twice a week. I’m feeling really great.
I’m curious, does it feel weird being outside of the Bay Area during the pandemic, since Bay Area and California tend to take the masking more seriously?
Ashley says
Hi Sheila! So cool you’re doing Zoom training! So, it feels very normal to NOT being wearing a mask at parks and out on trails. But people are still wearing masks indoors everywhere here — which I’m happy about. We’re still being very cautious and masking unless away from people outside. But overall, more things are open here and people are not wearing masks as much out and about.
Martha says
I love boot camp style classes and follow along with my gyms workout of the day. I would love to try Fit Revolution.
Ashley says
Hi Martha! That’s great you are keeping up with the workouts from your gym! 🙂
Amy D says
I really love my peloton for working out at home-but oh man do I miss gym daycare!!!! I will never take it for granted again!
Ashley says
Hi Amy! I’m with you on mourning the loss of gym daycare … 🙂
Tania says
I love to do yoga, lift weights, and run. I’ve enjoyed doing all of them at home so I can’t really pick one!
Tania says
Oh and also those a 3 of my favorite “local” chain restaurants !!
Ashley says
Yay! So glad!
Ashley says
Tania — that’s a great combination of workouts! 🙂
Nicole says
Hi Ashley! I love doing any workout at home that doesn’t need a lot of equipment. Kickboxing, cardio, barre, and yoga come to mind. I like lifting weights but it’s a pain to drag them out of their storage spot to where I workout (I’ve been known to do BodyPump in my bedroom!).
So anything easy is my favorite!
So happy for you in your new city! Can’t wait to see pics of the new house!
Ashley says
Nicole, I totally hate dragging out the weights too. Like it seems like SUCH a hurdle. ahahhaa
Krista says
I do dance cardio and HIIT workouts at home!
Ashley says
So fun, Krista! I love that you’re dancing at home!
Angela says
Favorite home workout…How do I pick?! 😉 For me, it depends where I am in my menstrual cycle. Before I ovulate, I like to do HIIT workouts or lifting in my little office corner. After ovulation, I like lower intensity bodyweight workouts and even yoga next to the fireplace.
Ashley says
You are SOOO smart to change your workouts with your cycle. I love that you do that, Angela! 🙂
N Evans says
Going to look at the Fit Revolution site now. At home, I like to do my own Pilates mat workouts (based on everything I can remember from studio classes!) – sometimes following Move with Nicole or Body Barre videos.
Ashley says
Hi! Pilates is such a great workout to do at home. Love it!
Nicole M Watson says
My favorite way to workout at home is videos on YouTube which would making winning this giveaway awesome!
Ashley says
Hi Nicole! I love that you like to follow videos — always good to have someone else make up the workout for you. And yes, that’s what you’d get on Fit Revolution.
Maria says
We are on full lockdown here in Ontario, Canada so all the gyms are closed. I’ve been working out with a few dumbells in my freezing cold garage 😆 and using any workouts/inspiration I come across online. I feel so much better if I can start my day with a workout!
Ashley says
Hi Maria! Way to get it done, even when circumstances don’t make it easy!
Mi-an says
Those bowls look delicious especially during travels and moving!! I have been doing lots of yoga and Pilates at home, but also doing strength, sometimes HIIT, and sometimes I walk or run on the treadmill!!
Ashley says
Hi Mi-an – I love that you have some variety in your routine. And Fit Revolution has great options for all of these.
Mi-An says
Oh! That’s good to know!! Hopefully I win so I can try it out! ❤️
Mi-An says
Where do I check it out ?
Leah H. says
I love a good beat-based cycling + strength training combo! I have been leaning towards more strength training recently – it has just been feeling good to lift weights and I love the cycle endorphin rush!
Ashley says
Hi Leah! Yesss, I know the feeling you mean. Weights always feel good for me too. Fit Revolution has a LOT of strength workouts!
Linda says
So fabulous that your momma is visiting with you! Also finding a new home and moving in on February 12th is great news.
My favorite workout right now is strength training. Oh! And learning new Body Pump releases! Trying to find time for yoga and Pilates has been a bit challenging. Lots of my free time is spent on learning Body Pump and Step choreography!
Ashley says
Hi Linda! I know learning choreography can be overwhelming and time consuming, but make sure you fit in those recovery days and easier mobility/flexibility sessions some time! 🙂
Maeve says
I’ve been loving switching it up and finding new (free) workouts online. I just bought a house as well so in an effort to save money, cancelled my membership to my gym’s virtual training platform. I miss seeing my community on Zoom but am enjoying Sydney Cummings workouts and pulling inspiration from various blogs (like yours and Jen’s [peanutbutterrunner]!).
Congratulations on the house!!! Enjoy the time with your mama, Ashley.
Ashley says
Thank you, Maeve! Congrats on buying a house and for staying moving! 🙂
Liz says
Congrats on finding a new house – so exciting! And it’s so great you get to see your mom; I haven’t seen my parents since dec 2019 being on opposite coasts so I can imagine how awesome it’ll be for you to see her in person again!
Currently, my fav ways to workout at home are dancing (emkfit on YouTube is a fav) and strength using a dumbbell or bands. I used to crossfit so I miss the high intensity and heavy lifting, but apartment living means limiting anything involving jumping. So for now, I’m all about low impact workouts and keep telling myself to start yoga up again (maybe 2021 is the year?!).
Ashley says
Oh man, Liz! I hope you get to see your parents soon — I totally get it. As far as movement goes, truthfully, I bet your body doesn’t mind a break from jumping in your routine right now — always good to switch things up. There’s a LOT of yoga on Fit Revolution that may be great for you. 🙂
Meg says
Congrats on the move!! My favorite way to workout during this crazy year has basically been prisoner style- lots of push-ups, pull-ups, and running. Those simple moves keep me in shape without gym access!
Ashley says
Hi Meg! Those are the basics of fundamental fitness, so glad you are doing them. 🙂
Ellen says
I like doing Cassey Ho blogilates and running to a local park to do pullups! That has increased my upper body strength more than the gym ever did!
Ashley says
Pull-ups are no joke, Ellen! Props to you! 🙂
India says
A house already? Yay! Can’t wait to hear more. And I am so glad your mom is there too. Favorite way to workout is with MommaStrong! It’s 15 minutes every day & feels manageable in this season. I miss my classes outside of our home though.
Ashley says
Thanks, India! Good work keeping up with your workouts! Short and sweet is always good. 🙂
Erin says
Welcome to Charlotte! I am so glad to hear that you are settled here. Its a wonderful place to raise a family!
I have been exclusively working out from home for years, so 2020 wasn’t a big change for me in that regard which was nice. I try and balance the week out with yoga sculpt, cardio/strength, barre and cardio kickboxing. I used to be a runner and now can’t even imagine going back to it after I have been able to do these wonderful classes and balance it out with walks with my daughter.
Ashley says
Hi Erin! Thank you so much, lady!! 🙂 Sounds like you have a nice routine going!
mary says
I like to watch youtube barre videos. I have found some great classes and subscribe to many fitness channels
Ashley says
That’s great, Mary! Keep up the good movement! 🙂