My weekly workouts and trying new things
Fitness, my friends. It’s my job, and it’s a huge part of my life. However, I get it. Not everyone is in love with working out, getting sweaty or even moving around all that much. A lot of times it can be hard to fit in a workout and sometimes you just don’t feel like exercising or you don’t have any idea of what to do.
Maybe you have too many after-work commitments or responsibilities keeping you from being active. Or maybe you just don’t even know where to begin. That’s okay. You don’t have to devote all of your energy to fitness to be healthy, you just have to commit to moving around a little a few-times-a-week at your own level. It’s so worth it.
That being said, I spend a lot of time helping people be active, and I’ve seen the way it benefits multiple areas of their lives. Not just their bodies, but also their minds and energy levels. But it’s not easy for everybody. They don’t always love it, but they show up and work. I can understand what they feel more than ever now, because I’ve been trying new things in the fitness realm, both by attending new classes and changing my workout routine. It’s been great for me to be a participant, but it’s also reminded me that it’s hard to be a beginner at something.
I’d rather know what to expect in my workout and be able to perform everything at the highest level, but that’s not always the case, and it shouldn’t be. So if you’re in the early stages of something in your life right now and you’re struggling a bit, don’t get discouraged. Keep at it.
Enough of the preachy — as usual, this week I’m recapping all of the ways I’ve been active, both to serve as an activity log, but also to give me a chance to dissect the good and the not-quite-as-good.
Let’s take a look …
Weekly Workouts
- Monday – Attended one-hour Power Yoga class; Taught one-hour BODYATTACK class
- Tuesday – WORKOUT A, including a dynamic warm-up, mobility exercises, one-hour of total-body weight training, foam rolling
- Wednesday – WORKOUT B, including a dynamic warm-up, mobility exercises, one-hour of total-body weight training, foam rolling
- Thursday – Attended one-hour Pure Barre class
- Friday – Attended one-hour Cardio Barre class; Dynamic warm-up, taught one-hour BODYPUMP class, foam rolling
- Saturday – Dynamic warm-up, taught one-hour BODYATTACK class, foam rolling
- Sunday – Participated in 45-minute Equinox boot camp class during an afternoon instructor training workshop
What was good?
I tried not two, but three entirely new workouts this week between barre classes and participating in an Equinox boot camp training for instructors. That meant there were three times in which I didn’t quite know what was coming my way and I had to react and perform. When it comes to fitness, learning new moves and skills like that is always a benefit. It’s good to be in the position of a participant in classes, because it helps me understand what people feel when they come to my classes for the first time or train with me for the first time.
The highlights of this week included the diversity of my workouts, as well as the time I spent stretching, warming up, foam rolling and attending a yoga class. These elements are crucial in a heavy workout schedule, and I’m glad I made them happen. I will talk more about the new classes I attended in some class reviews this week, so stay tuned for that.
What could have been better?
Rest day, rest day, where are thou? This week was another one in which I didn’t get a day off from the gym. With the classes I teach, my new workout program, a Sunday instructor training and trying to experience new private gyms and studios before my complimentary membership to ClassPass expires, somehow I ended up working out every single day. I missed a third heavy-weight training day, but there was just nowhere to fit it in this week. Working out everyday is not something I like to do, and I’m committed to having an official rest day this upcoming week. Last week, I had two days off, this week, none. So you win some and you lose some.
Nonetheless, I moved a lot, and I learned a lot. Now, it’s time for us all to go off and start another week and maybe try some new things. Hope you have a great Monday!
Questions of the day
What’s one way you’ve been active lately? When was the last time you tried something out of your comfort zone?
I haven’t tried something new in terms of fitness in a while! I was just thinking how I need to get on that! I’ve been seeing a lot of talk about Barre classes and I wish it wasn’t so expensive to have both a gym membership AND be able to take other classes outside of the gym..if only my gym could have it all ! lol….I’ve been feeling like a change might be good, so thanks for the continued push to think ‘outside’ the box for different ways to be active! 🙂
Hi Fiona! It’s soooo good to make your body and mind try something new. Which gym do you go to? If I were you, I’d reach out to the barre classes in your area, because oftentimes they will let you take your first class for free. You could also look for barre class tutorials online, just for a little change of tempo. I’d have a membership at every studio and gym in the world if it wasn’t so expensive. Hope you have an awesome week!
I’m curious to hear more of your thoughts on your experience with barre classes for the first time. I’ve only done a traditional barre class (done just last week for the first time), and I’m also wondering what the differences were between the traditional barre class and a cardio barre class? I enjoyed it, but to be honest, I couldn’t see myself shelling out the money to attend regularly.
I will have reviews of both for you this week, detailing the differences. Stay tuned! 🙂
The heat in Texas has been crazy so I stay active by going to the gym and yoga classes. Sometimes they are hot yoga classes which I guess is a bit ironic. It’s not fitness related – but I tried a flotation tank at a local spot called Zero Gravity this weekend. It was definitely interesting!
Hi Lauren, Floating sounds like a unique experience! I haven’t taken hot yoga in a while. And no, it doesn’t seem like it would be ideal to take hot yoga when the weather is stifling, but as long as you’re getting active — go for it!
I love Power Yoga! Definitely my favorite kind of yoga. I’m bad about trying new things-I tend to stick with what I know and what is comfortable/easy, but I’m trying to branch out!
Hi Aurora, Thanks for stopping by. Yes, most people like to stick to what they’re comfortable with. And yes, I’m with you on power yoga. Branching is good! Go for it:)
I tried an xtend barre class today. It was my first time in a studio setting, although I’ve done an xtend barre dvd at home a few times. It was nice to be in the studio with a barre instead of chair, all the mirrors and teacher there to correct your technique. I just find in new workouts or gym classes, the cues from instructors can be a bit quick sometimes when your new, but easier to follow once your a bit more experienced. Was the cardio barre class and pure barre class you took close to the Ferry building in San Francisco, I’m visiting next month and keen fit in a barre class while I’m there. Also I’ve really enjoyed reading all your bodypump posts, it’s my favourite workout.
Hi Carina. No neither of the barre studios are near the Embarcadero/Ferry Building, but Cardio Barre is a short cab ride away. Yes, the classes move fast. So glad you are visiting soon! You should come check out my Les Mills classes at 24 Hour Fitness when you are in town!