Summer Health & Fitness

Top | Bra | Leggings | Shoes | Hat | Sunglasses | Water Bottle

I'm so excited to be sharing a different kind of post with you today! Over the last few months, I've been working really hard on my health and fitness routine. I preface this by saying I am not a doctor, dietitian, etc., but what I've been doing the last few months - eating right, working out five or more times a week - has really made me feel better. 

Like many of us, come the new year, I always make a resolution to work out more. To be honest, I usually always fail. Back in my 20's I could eat whatever I wanted, not go to the gym, and I it didn't affect me at all. I remember someone saying to me, "Just wait until you turn 30." Yeah, right I thought (insert eye-roll), but sadly, they were right. I definitely saw a change in my energy, metabolism and the fact that I couldn't have all those carbs I love so much without it being visible. I realized quickly I needed to start working out, and be more aware of what I eat. Even after I turned 30 though, I kept dipping my foot in, but not fully jumping in...until this year. 

I think what gave me the extra push at the beginning of 2019 was that one of my favorite workout classes, The Bar Method, was having a 'New Year New You' (or something like that) challenge. The challenge was to do 20 classes in 30 days. Phew, it's a lot, and if you've ever done a barre class before, you know how hard they are. I thought to myself, I want to do this, I can do this. You know what, I did (!!!), and since then, I've signed up for and completed two more challenges.  

The workout is a mix of yoga, pilates, and ballet. Not only is it great for strengthening and creating long lean muscles, but they focus a lot on stretching too, which is great for my arthritis. If you're new around here, I shared more about my journey with arthritis in a post a few years ago, which you can read here. I've seen my flexibility and mobility increase, and just have felt stronger. This is definitely not a sponsored post, although I'd happily welcome it (pst, Bar Method!). I truly just have found a workout that is perfect for me. I feel more confident, and I'm not talking confident in my appearance (although I definitely can see a difference). I'm more confident in my capabilities, myself, my work ethic, my commitment and my sense of community. When you work from home, it's nice to have that interaction at a gym/studio, and the ladies (and a few men), that go to Bar are great. The instructors at the Montrose studio are amazing, fun, and so encouraging, which is what keeps me coming back. An added bonus, it's perfect for all ages and skill levels! 

I also mix in spinning/biking on our Peloton at home, and when it's not 100 degrees, my favorite form of exercise is walking. I could walk for forever if it was possible!  It's true what they say, you just feel better after working out. 

I found these great monthly exercise calendars (see below) from a fellow blogger, and they've really helped me hold myself accountable to getting in those five days a week. I'd love to hear what your favorite workout is and why. Be sure to stay tuned for health and wellness posts, too!