My recent workouts, good reads and more
Well hi there, my friends. How’s everything with you? Let’s catch up about the weekend, as well as talk a little bit about fitness. But first, here’s some other stuff worth sharing …
Two good articles about social media
Last week, I came across a couple of great reads both related to Instagram and social media. Whether you’re a blogger or a regular ol’ user, these articles both have their merits for very different reasons …
- This one is beneficial for selecting the hashtags that you use on Instagram or Twitter to increase your following — “Best Hashtags for Fitness Bloggers” written by Amanda of the Run To The Finish blog.
- And this one is totally hilarious, and I highly recommend you read it. I’m guilty of a few of these things, but definitely not overusing the hashtag “blessed.” HA! — “The Instagram Rules, the Good, the Bad and the Very Boring” published on Vogue.
Sadly, I posted this little gem before reading either article …
At least I got that #GymSelfie right. Now, let’s talk about the weekend thus far …
A few happenings from my weekend
Even though Dave and I were so sad to leave Maui, our weekend at home wasn’t too bad at all. On Friday night, we gave Rudy a bath, hit up the grocery store to stock up for a party and had a grilled meal and some wine at home while watching TV (“Million Dollar Listing,” of course!). A much-needed evening in.
On Saturday morning, I subbed a packed BODYPUMP class with more than 50 people, did some chores at home, laid around and took a little nap, and then Dave and I went over to a new friend’s place for an evening barbecue. The dinner setting was beautiful with outdoor lights, a cheese plate, steaks, wine and dessert all enjoyed al fresco. Of course, they were new friends, so I decided to leave my phone/camera in my purse. No pictures of that lovely display.
And on Sunday afternoon, we had a few friends over to our place for a Labor Day get-together. Dave grilled burgers and hot dogs, and I made some corn-on-the-cob in the crock-pot. Quite the success. That pretty much concludes the report!
It wouldn’t be a party without guac and little Rudy, of course. We all had a fabulous time playing games pool-side and hanging out.
My recent weekly fitness and workouts recaps
For more than a year, every single Monday I’ve been sharing my most recent week of workouts. Well last week, I was away in Maui and instead posted a review of the latest BODYPUMP release. Being that I’m a creature of habit, have received a few questions about my routine and always like to give you what you expect, today I’ve covering my latest two weeks of workouts in one update …
(Photo credit to Leah Bentley Photography, 2015.)
Weekly Workouts for the week of August 24-August 30
- Monday: Taught a one-hour BODYATTACK class, did a 10-minute strength workout
- Tuesday: Taught a one-hour BODYPUMP class, foam rolling
- Wednesday: Took a one-hour BODYPUMP class, foam rolling
- Thursday: Rest day
- Friday: Did a one-hour gentle beach-side yoga session
- Saturday: Rest day
- Sunday: Rest day
Weekly Workouts for the week of August 31-September 6
- Monday: Rest day
- Tuesday: Rest day
- Wednesday: Did a 30-minute CXWORX workout at home
- Thursday: Taught a 45-minute BODYPUMP and a 30-minute core class, foam rolling
- Friday: Taught a one-hour BODYATTACK class, took a one-hour light yoga class
- Saturday: Taught a one-hour BODYPUMP class
- Sunday: Did a 20-minute dumbbell workout at home
What was good about my latest two weeks of workouts?
The past two weeks of workouts each included a little bit of resistance training, cardio training, as well as a yoga session. So really, outside of the fact that I took more rest days than normal, I still had some variety. I really enjoyed taking a BODYPUMP class as a participant as well, which was a good chance for me to increase my weights and watch my form in the mirror.
What could have been better about my latest two weeks of workouts?
My most recent two weeks of workouts were not the usual around here, as I fell short of my typical six days of activity and a few days were less intense. However, I am totally okay with this. I was not about to take away a single minute of time that I could have been relaxing in Maui by hitting the gym, and my body appreciated the rest. No complaints!
Today, I’m relaxing, cleaning and teaching an Orangetheory class. Happy Monday, folks! I’ll see you back here tomorrow for the beginning of my Maui recaps.
Questions of the day
What have your workouts looked like lately?
How is your weekend going?
What are your favorite hashtags?
And your first week back! You always have so much fun, and I love it. And Sometimes, you just gotta take a selfie 😀
Hi Susie! Happy Monday! And yes, sometimes you DO have to take a selfie heheh! Hope you had a nice weekend, lady!
I’m sure we’re all guilty of hashtag and Instagram fails, yes? I know I am! Looks like you had a fun and relaxing weekend! Now I want to hang out poolside but it’s still a bit warm to do it here.
Hi Megan! Yes, it’s pretty hot here, but it was nice when we were in the pool. Happy Monday, lady! I hope you had a nice weekend!
Ashley, I’m loving perfectly balanced weeks of workouts and it feels amazing! Body Pump, HIIT and yoga makes for a very happy body.
Hi Jill! That’s a GREAT combination right there. I’m always looking to get a bit more yoga into my week of course, but struggle to fit it in. Hope you had a great weekend, lady! 🙂
Instagram is my favorite, so those articles were fun to read. While I don’t entirely agree with everything the second one says, it definitely has some hilarious points.
Sounds like you guys are settling back into normalcy after your vacation! While I’m sure you miss Hawaii, I’m sure it feels good to get back into your regular routines. 🙂 Happy Monday!
Hi Ash! I know, it was a hilarious article, while of course, going a bit overboard with rules. And yes, it’s good to be back to normal — but now I want to travel again!! Happy Monday to you!
I’m probably really guilty when it comes to hashtag fails. It looks like your vacation was amazing! I <3 rest days. And I can not get over how cute Rudy is.
Hi Emily! Thanks! Yes, Rudy seems to be getting cuter as he gets older. How? I don’t know! Happy Monday to you! I hope you had a wonderful weekend, lady!
Ugh I hate when people use #blessed…#soblessed is even worse! There’s a podcast I listen to that makes fun of all those types of hashtags and it’s hilarious. Your party looks so great! You two are quite the little hosts! Hopefully this week will be completely back to normal for you and you can relax!
Hi Gretchen! Making fun of hashtags is quite fun, even if you’ve been guilty of a fail once or twice hehehe. I hope you had a nice weekend, lady! And yes, we love to host parties, and yesterday’s was fun!
Thanks for sharing these social media articles Ashley! I rarely make time to refresh my understanding of that side of things, so I need them “pushed” to me haha. Time to hire an intern??!!
Glad you’re having a fun weekend so far!
Hi Jill! Apparently getting a “VA” is the new thing (virtual assistant). I’m not cool enough for that though. Happy Monday!
Oh the hashtags. I slack on using them bc, at first, I didn’t even know what the heck they were and felt like I wasn’t witty enough for them lol! Ill check out those articles and see if I get some inspiration! 🙂
Hi Marielle! Hashtags can be confusing, so just do what feels right. 🙂 Happy Monday to you, lady!
I loved Amanda’s post on hashtags! Definitely bookmarked that one for later. Glad you had a great week, Ashley! I’m still on a big barre class kick, although as soon as it cools down I’m sure I’ll be running more again. Can’t wait for fall running weather!
Hi Beth! I need to get back to the barre! I love your workout schedule. Happy Monday, lady! 🙂
A BodyPump Class with 50 people! That’s awesome! And so not a party without chips and guac. Have a great week.
Hi Patricia! Yes, a few of my regular classes top out at 50, which is always nice to have a big crowd! Hope you’ve had a great weekend! Happy Monday! 🙂
Off to read those instagram articles!! 🙂
Happy Monday, Annette! Enjoy! Hope you had a nice weekend:)
I’m just getting back into the swing of workouts post baby. This week starts my first official week of teaching! I’m a spin/ Tabata gal 🙂
Hi Sabrina! Awesome! I hope you enjoy your classes, lady! Go get ’em!
That awkward moment where you are in a gym/bathroom trying to take a mirror selfie and someone walks in and you try to pretend you were only looking at something on your phone while posing strangely… happens to me ALL THE TIME :P!
ahahah Niki! Oh funny! I’ve never taken a picture in the gym bathroom for that reason. I love it when people casually pretend they weren’t doing anything on their camera too!!
I loved the hashtag post! Looks like you had a great, and yummy, weekend!
Thanks, Sarah! I sure did! Hope you did too! 🙂
I think everyone has come to the conclusion that gym selfies are just a thing now! Haha but loved your gym outfit!
They are totally a thing, Hilary. Sure are hahah! 🙂 Hope you had a nice weekend, lady! Happy Tuesday!
This is so motivating! What great routines to get you through the week!
Hi Jessie! Thanks for saying hi! I do love my workouts!! 🙂