When you go from running 50 out of 52 weeks for four years straight to absolutely no work outs, your body is going to change. That’s why in 2018, I need to do something for myself and set some fitness goals.
I’ve talked about this before a bit, but I used to competitively run in high school for an amazing team. I was an All American, and was in great shape. Once I got to college, I knew I wanted to continue to run competitively but was struck by a knee injury and my college career came to a halt quickly. Since then, I’ve run quite a few half marathons, fell in love with SoulCycle and tried to go to a ton of classes at Equinox.
But I still haven’t found myself in a consistent work out routine since 2014.
I’ve been insanely lazy the last 3+ years, which has caused me to gain some weight, and make poor decisions when it comes to eating. I don’t have great eating habits, so I should at least be working out to help balance that out. I’m really bad with self control and motivation. But in 2018, I want to change that.
Yes, I know it’s super cliche to vow to change your ways in 2018, but something needs to be done.
Fitness Goals: Choose to be healthy
I need to be smarter when it comes to what I’m putting in my body. Instead of going straight of the chocolate, I should be adding more fruits and vegetables into my diet. I also want to limit my sodium intakes (ugh, Chipotle, you kill me) and processed sugar…I’m a sucker for sweets.
Get into a routine
This is probably going to be the toughest, yet most important thing I can do for myself in 2018. I used to go to Soulcycle 4-5 times a week. Aside from my time as a runner, this was probably the strongest I’ve felt. When I got my Equinox membership, I would wake up at 5AM and go to a class with my sister. But I didn’t see the results I wanted, so I didn’t get into the routine. I cancelled my Equinox membership because I didn’t see the purpose of paying a lot more money than I should for a place I barely went to.
So 2018 is the year of routines.
Think about the end goal
For me, I don’t want to lose a ton of weight. Maybe 5-10 pounds at most. But I really want to tone my body. I just want to feel and look stronger. That’s why I’m very into Pilates and Barre classes! But I still need to remember how important cardio is when it comes to leaning and toning muscles.
Find what you like
I recently signed up for ClassPass (I know people have a love/hate relationship with it), and I’m really liking it. I like that it’s allowing me to try many different classes. I’ve been really into Pilates lately, so I tried out two new studios: Flex Studios and BK Pilates – loved them both. I like that you can switch plans every month, this way you can try as many or as little studios as you’d like. And of course, I’m going to get back into SoulCycle. Every time I go, I’m reminded why I love it so much. So I’m hoping to go 3 times a week + 1 additional class (Pilates, Barre, TRX, something).
Fitness goals can be as easy or as hard as you make them. But no matter what, they’re always challenging to get into a good frame of mind and JUST DO IT. What are some of your favorite workouts (bonus points if you’re in NYC and can recommend awesome places for me to try), and how to do you motivate yourself to workout and reach your fitness goals?
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Those are great and def. realistic fitness goals! Wishing you luck!
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Thank you so much, Natali! I’ll have to do a 6 month check in!
We can do it together!
Yes, we must! #theskinnyproject
I have very similar fitness goals! I don’t necessarily want to lose weight but definitely want to be more toned. I have been doing the BBG and I think it’s a great way to start your fitness journey! I’m someone who literally needs to be told what to do and I feel that once I’m finished with that I can explore more machines, etc. We can do this!
Kendal // Life With Kendal
I’ve heard so many things about BBG, I’m just so nervous I won’t be able to motivate myself to do it. That’s why I love booking classes because I usually forget to cancel them and have to go 😉 But I agree, WE CAN DO IT! xx
Pilates is amazing, you’ll see such a change in your body by doing it! Keep it up, you’ll completely fall in love, I am sure. I’m starting BBG today and I’m both beyond excited and completely terrified. We’ll see how it goes!!! Like you, I’m really into chocolate and reach for it way more than I should. Trying to work on that too! We can be anti-chocolate buddies haha.
xo Laura Leigh
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I really enjoy it! I can tell my muscles are not as strong as they once were, yet there’s still some muscle memory there – which is cool! And yay, you HAVE to let me know how it is!!! The anti-chocolate buddy system seems like a great idea too 😉 xx
Yess, get it! I loved ClassPass when I had it, and it was such an awesome way to try out new studios in the area. I also had no idea you had a knee injury too back in the day, why are these so rough to get over? As soon as this knee heals, I’m following your lead and getting back in the gym for sure!
Yes! Such a great purpose of ClassPass, and I can still go to SoulCycle – and not break the bank! UGH, I do. I have patella femoral syndrome (which I still don’t fully understand), so both my knees and hips are affected — SO ANNOYING! I hope you’re feeling better! xx
Pilates is one of my favorite workouts! I took a class and saw such a difference. I really don’t know how I motivate myself but I tell myself I look good but I want to look better. I’m definitely working on getting a routine, too! I’m all about sweets so I”m trying to do better.
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I feel like it’s a lot of people’s favorite, which was a great sign! I’ve been loving it too. I’ve been trying to opt for fruit instead of chocolate to feel a liiiiittle bit better about myself.
I’ve been meaning to try class pass! I can’t wait to hear what you think as you’ve spent more time with it! Finding a consistent routine is truly the hardest thing especially when it comes to finding one that balances with the rest of your life ?
xx Caroline
http://www.whenwear.com
You should! They have some good trials to see if you like it. And yes! It’s so hard for me to work out after I leave the office…but also annoying to get up so early! UGH!
I got an orange theory gift card for Xmas so hoping to try that. I used to go to sc like a few times a month but got bored of it- plus it’s not that close to my house!
Nicole’s husband goes sometimes and I think he really likes it!
I only go to SoulCycle because I’m OBSESSED with one instructor. I literally only go to him, and it’s so worth it, lol!