Hi, my friends! How was your week? What’s new? So here we are into fall!

This week was definitely not as busy as the last one was for us. However, it was still full of activity: I got a flu shot, taught my usual virtual classes (news on those coming soon, I hope), worked, took Rudy to the groomer and that’s about it. We’re in for another super-hot weekend, so not sure what we’ll be up to, but probably not much at all. Ick. Where’s the sweater weather when you need it? 

Anywho, let’s do the faves …

Current faves

Books

“The Joy of Movement” by Kelly McGonigal

I finished another book the other day, and so it’s time to share about it. 

I actually mentioned this one in my coffee chat blog post earlier this week. Because this book, “The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection and Courage” by Kelly McGonigal took me a long time to get through.

I only read a few pages a night before falling asleep, so it was maybe two months before I finished it. It’s not super long, I just moved through it very slowly. That being said, clearly, this isn’t a thrilling page-turner that pulls you into every word of the story. But, it’s a worthwhile book for many reasons. There are many beautiful things about human nature in this book, which is something we all need to hear more of right now. I love that.

(“The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection and Courage.”)

And just as I expected, even though it was a slow read, toward the end, I was super moved by some of the stories in it and even ended up tearing up a couple times based on the true accounts of how movement has worked in the lives of others. Once I read the last page, I truly appreciated what the book stood for. I’m a believer in the power of movement, and this book confirmed why: Movement heals. 

Also, we’re born to move, and we have to stay in motion to stay alive.

I probably wouldn’t recommend this book as a fun read if you want to laugh and to be entertained. But I would recommend this book if you are in the fitness industry; if you are interested in changing your life with movement; if you are a lover of research and anecdotes on exercise; or you want to read some nonfiction that feels good.

The author, McGonigal, is a Bay Area fitness instructor who wanted to see how and why movement is so linked with joy and fulfillment. She did a lot of research and spoke to tons of people to get insight.

In the book, she shared true stories of athletes and regular people, alongside history, case studies and much more. Her first-hand accounts from people who overcame injuries, trauma and terrible accidents — by pushing themselves with movement — were absolutely amazing. People go through hard stuff. And people are tough.

Some of my takeaways from the book that we should all know:

• The power of exercise brings people together. It heals people. It’s a support system. I already knew this, but McGonigal backed it up with so many awesome true stories and research. Love that.
• Physical activity can be mind altering. It can affect the same neurotransmitter systems as drugs. It really can. Who needs drugs when you can get a runner’s high or post-exercise endorphins?
• Synchronized movement creates group unity. And this makes people feel connected, less alone and part of something greater than themselves. Three cheers for group fitness. This is why I miss the in-person element of teaching right now so very much.

Overall, the book was solid with a great writing style. Lots of valuable information and quite a few heart-warming stories. And here’s the big moral of the story: Movement directly relates to happiness for humans. So just move!

Entertainment

Two awesome shows on Apple+ TV

I know I told you that I got a new laptop about a month ago, and with the new laptop came a year access to Apple+ TV. Well … so far so good!

Dave and I immediately checked the Apple+ TV options out and have absolutely DEVOURED two series so far (well, to us, devouring is watching one episode a night, for several days in a row and finishing a 10-episode series in about two weeks — so not exactly a binge situation). I had to tell you about them both …

“The Morning Show”

This 10-episode series is so incredibly good. It features a ton of big-name celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Steve Carell and Reese Witherspoon. It’s all about the shake-up at a big national morning news show after allegations of sexual misconduct come out about the main male anchor. (Sound familiar?) The production quality is like a movie. There are many twists and turns. It was absolutely captivating. Loved it. Not a single dull moment. I can’t wait to see when another season is going to come out.

(Image source: Apple+ TV)

“For All Mankind”

This is not the typical show that I would be excited about. However, it’s not just about space travel, but it’s also about what could have happened to space travel in the past, if the U.S. had set up a lunar base on the moon. I am absolutely not into any sci-fi, out there, technical or suspenseful stuff. But I loved this 10-episode series, because it was also a lot more about humans, societal rules and what-ifs. There were a few slow moments (and some of the episodes are well over an hour long), but it’s totally worth it. We finished the first season this week, and I was a bundle of emotions. Highly recommend this one. And also, I can’t wait to see when another season releases.

(Image source: Apple+ TV)

Overall, there are a ton of great shows on Apple+ TV, and I love that the production is top notch and the stories are different than what we’d been watching on Netflix for so long. There is a 7-day free trial, by the way, so you should totally check it out if you’re in need of some entertainment. Escapism is a real need right now!

Workouts

Weekly workouts 

Here are my workouts from last week …

• Monday: 30-minute BODYPUMP, 10 a.m., 15-minute cycle, 6 p.m.
• Tuesday: Taught 45-minute barre, 12 p.m., 15-minute cycle, 6 p.m.
• Wednesday: 20-minute upper-body weights and 15-minute cycle, 6 p.m.
• Thursday: Taught 45-minute barre, 12 p.m.
• Friday: 45-minute weights circuit, 10:15 a.m.
• Saturday: 30-minute cycle and 10-minute arms, 10 a.m.
• Sunday: 10-minute yoga, 12 p.m.

The best thing about this past week was that I was able to do my workout during the first part of the day, every single day. I definitely prefer to work out around mid-morning, and I made that happen each day, outside of the two days I teach at noon. I picked up weights four times, did some cardio, barre and even yoga, so it was a complete week.

Discounts 

A few A Lady Goes West recommended products

You guys know I only share what I love, so here are some of the brands I recommend …

• 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 clean 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, the RED powder and the GOLD powder. You can get 15 percent off your order on the Organifi site with the code ALADYGOESWEST.
• Beautycounter. The best safe skincare and makeup. Send me a message, and I’ll share a 10 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.
• 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 Four Sigmatic site using the code ALADYGOESWEST.

Best reads

A few things from around the web 

• Stretches to counteract sitting. Are you sitting down a lot more now? Many people are, and this can be very bad for your body and your overall health. I love the idea of the “30-by-30” rule and more in this article. It goes like this: For every 30 minutes you sit, stand up for 30 seconds and move. Check out this one for stretches and exercises you can do to counteract sitting.
• Indoor cycling tips. Are you an indoor-cycling lover? I never was until getting the Peloton bike, and now I do it a few times a week quite happily. Here’s a great list of things to check for when you’re setting up your bike to make sure you’re riding safely.
• Pumpkin whipped coffee. I never ended up trying whipped coffee after it made its way around social media this summer. However, this pumpkin whipped coffee recipe with collagen is calling to me. Too bad I don’t have a hand mixer. Can I borrow one from you guys?

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 

• Coffee chat. The first day of fall called for a little catching up with you … “Join me for a fall 2020 coffee chat.”

• Food. In case you want to see some food … “Here’s a look at everything I ate in a day.”

Thank you for visiting A Lady Goes West today, my friends! Have a wonderful and safe weekend. And stay moving and hydrated. 🙂 xoxo

Questions of the day

How was your week?

Have you read any good books lately?

Do you have any plans for the weekend?

By the way, I’ll be working on a Brady update for the blog soon, so let me know if you have any questions or topics you’d like covered in that one!