This is my first Motivation Monday post because, well… I actually HATE working out.
There, I said it. I got it off my chest. Hopefully you guys are sitting there shaking your heads wondering who really does like working out.
I am just so lazy when it comes to working out. I hate sweating and I really don’t like being sore. People are always like ‘I love being sore because it means I got a good workout in.’ BLEH to that! It is the worst!
I also really dislike healthy food. Any of it. And chicken. Ugh grilled chicken is the absolute worst to me!
Ok, there is actually no point to this rant because whether I like it or not I am heading back to the gym TODAY.
Fun Facts
I actually played volleyball and basketball and I ran track all throughout high school. I loved practicing and loved the games, but when it was time to hit the weigh room I always did the minimum amount. I would literally pretend I was lifting the weights. If the coaches looked over I would actually do a couple measly squats and that was the extent of it. I am so bummed looking back because I could have been such a better athlete! I was just so lazy!
I went on to play volleyball for two years in college before I finally realized I just wanted to enjoy life and college and take a break from sports. More like I was tired of all of the working out- we actually had to take 30 minute jump rope classes.
That is when the freshman 15 hit. While playing sports I would order a large alfredo Cici’s pizza and devour the entire thing in one sitting. I thought I could keep doing that after I stopped playing volleyball and boom. I quickly found that I could, in fact, get love handles. I actually had this Abercrombie shirt that said ‘Freshman 15’ and had 15 guys names on it and some of them were crossed off. I thought it was hilarious. Looking back on it that actually sounds like a pretty skanky shirt…!
Ever since college I go in and out of working out. I will work out if I have a trip coming up I wanted to look good for or if my friends were all doing it and it was something we could go do with the promise of getting drinks after. This would always last three to four weeks at a time and then I would give it up for another year, another trip.
I hate to admit it, but the last time I worked out was exactly a year go. I mean the last time I have played a sport, jogged, went for a walk, or even walked inside of a gym.
Tennis Shoes (on sale) I Zella Leggings (on sale) I Metallic Sports Bra (Slate Metallic) I Mesh Tank
Working Out
Troy is super health conscious. He gets up every morning at 6 am to head to the gym. He also works out with a trainer twice a week after work, so on those days he actually works out twice. He is also always stretching.
He wants me to work out, not because he thinks I am fat, but because he wants me to stay healthy. What I am doing (the things I am putting in my body) is not healthy. I eat everything in sight because I can and because I have a great metabolism, but it is soooo bad for me. I also cannot for the life of me even touch my toes (standing or sitting!!)
I have completely lost all muscle definition. Sure there are some muscles from genetics that I will always have, but most of my muscles have turned to flab.
I am by no means fat and never have thought I was fat. I just know that I can be a lot healthier.. does that make sense?
I really want to tone up, but I really don’t want to bulk up. I want to have more defined muscles but really don’t want to lose a lot of weight in the process.
Free People Sports Bra I Free People Leggings I Tennis Shoes (on sale)
The White Tour
I recently got invited to go on a trip of a lifetime. Lolë, a major activewear brand for women based out of Canada, has asked me to come to their White Tour in Montreal this year and cover the event.
What is the White Tour? You can read all about it here. Basically thousands of people gather together in one location to do yoga together. Since it is Canada’s 150th Anniversary this year, Lolë expects over 14,000 people in attendance.
Lolë stands for Live Out Loud Everyday. There is no way I can go to Montreal and experience thousands of people getting together and living their best lives when I am not living mine.
I want to be in the right place physically and mentally when I get there.
White Lolë Sports Bra I White Mesh Tank I Blue Floral Lolë Leggings (on sale) I Tennis Shoes (on sale)
Motivational Monday
So, I have decided to stop being such a lazy wuss and get to the gym.
I have also decided to start thinking about what I am putting into my body. Granted, you aren’t about to see me go gluten free or sugar free or any of that. I am just going to really work on watching how much of the nonsense I am eating and to eventually (EVENTUALLY) start eating less and less of it.
At 9:30 this morning I am heading to Treadbarre. I have searched high and low for a class that I think fits what I like to do and also what will give me the results I am looking for. I have tons of friends in Dallas that go to both Treadbarre and Pilatesbarre and I think that is a great place for me to start. I will definitely tell you more about the classes and take you behind the scenes in time.
I actually wanted to ‘ease’ into it. I thought I would have started running a little here and there and got up to around three miles before I tried attending the class. Yeah, I told myself I would do that three months ago.
The time is NOW. I need to stop being so scared and worried about being tired and being sore and wah wah. I need to start living my best life and start working on getting healthy for my family and friends!
Are you in the same place as me? I would love to hear about it and go through this together.
Or are you big into fitness and being healthy? Has it changed your life? Tell me how. Give me hope, encouragement, and advice please!
I need to finally get into a fitness routine and stick to it. I am tired of working out for a month and then taking a week break and never going back. I need your help if I am going to stick with this! Accountability is everything!
Anyway, thanks for hearing me out on this and understanding! I am excited and nervous to get bak to it! Watch on Instagram stories today if you want to see how red I can get in the face after a crazy workout!
PS- there is another fitness look I posted recently from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale featuring my favorite $35 leggings. Head HERE to check it out.
xoxo Amanda
Comments
You go girl!! So proud of you for wanting to be your best self! I went to Pure Barre for about a year and loved it! But then I’ve taken the last few months off and have been needing motivation to get back at it. You would think summer time pool trips would be motivation, but instead I’ve just avoided the pool this summer. Hoping this will be the week I get back at it! Thank you for being vulnerable and open – we can do this! ????????????
You go girl! It’s hard to find the motivation sometimes to get off the couch and get some exercise. I’ve been going to yoga regularly for the last 3 years and I notice such a difference in not only my well-being but also my attitude. I’m more positive and less stressed.
Eating healthy can be so hard! It’s expensive and sometimes the healthier foods don’t always taste as good as something unhealthy!
I am looking forward to following along with your journey!
Thanks so much Shannon! I am feeling the burn today that’s for sure! Just took another bath and did a bunch of stretching and now off to grab more advil.. #beautyispain right? xoxo A
Wow I totally commend you for writing this! I’m sure that was scary to put yourself out there like this but ( as it’s obvious from all the comments ) it is SO appreciated! My story is kind of opposite… I’ve always loved working out! Until last year when I got two herniated discs in my lower spine and had an autoimmune disease show up where when I do any sort of physical activity ( like even walking too long ) my joints get so inflamed I literally can’t move. Everyone’s like “oh my gosh you’re only 24 you are way too young for this to happen!” And I’m like wellll it’s happening sooo haha. But any who, after a few ER visits, lots of physical therapy and finding the exact vitamins to take to help my joints recover quicker, I was cleared to work out about 3 months ago…. and still haven’t. I’ve done little things here or there but nothing like I used to. I think I am terrified of a disc slipping out again or who even knows what but I’ve been feeling so yucky and lazy and KNOW I need to! My bf is the same, he diets like crazy, gets up at 4 am to work out before work and looks like a greek god haha and I know I’m not fat by any means but I just know in my heart that I’m not doing my best for myself. Wow so sorry for writing you a bible haha I just want you to know I hope you keep up with these posts because you are totally not alone and accountability really is everything! All of us girls on the internet can keep each other accountable 🙂
Cheers! Madison
Awh I love this Madison. I think everyone has a fear of something that keeps them from working out. Mine is being sore (and that is so lame!) You definitely got this! Just try walking short distances at first and then make those walks longer until you feel comfortable putting yourself out there again! Love hearing your journey!! I’ll be thinking of you! xoxo A
Yaaaay! You can do it girly! I’m trying the same thing this year. I started off great and have gotten out of routine. I’m trying really hard to get back to it. Hope you can find something that works for you and you love it!! ????
Thanks so much Alyssa! We can do this together!! xoxo A
Hi Amanda!
Silent follower on Instagram but was intrigued about this blog post. I played sports throughout school and had a personal trainer in high school but ended up being told I wasn’t good enough at any sport (which can totally make someone NOT want to work out! Lol). I tried for the years in college and after but always gave up. My best friend was my accountability partner for a while but then she moved 2,000 miles away so I stopped working out.
I actually started up again because my mom (who’s way athletic at 57… go mom!!!) wanted to run 5Ks with me. We’ve run three since April 2015 and we’re going to keep running them. With that, I got motivated to push myself to actually run and beat my records each race. When I started running, I mixed it up with rowing. There’s a boutique studio in Oklahoma City, OK that has the indoor rowing machines and the classes are about 45 minutes long. I love them because it builds my endurance and it’s a great non-impactive workout! They play fun music and the instructors push you to do well! There’s a ton of articles that talk about how good rowing is!!
I just started Studiohop a few months ago with a friend (its in Dallas, OKC, and other cities) and really like that. They have a bunch of different studios you can hop to (including the rowing studio) and for $135 a month, I feel like it’s reasonable for unlimited classes. There are class visit limits but with the amount of classes, you could really mix it up. I do rowing, yoga, and Pilates with it (beyond studios is amazing and is also in Dallas). I’m thinking about adding the running club too to help train for future races. I feel like it’s worth it for me who doesn’t want to do the same thing.
I feel better being so much more active these days and I have friends to go with. Sorry for the long post, just feel you on things!!! I also had trouble eating but really stopped to look at what I was eating and make more conscious decisions. 🙂
Brittany, thanks SO MUCH for commenting! We have StudioHop here but I haven’t tried it out yet. I am thinking of mixing these barre classes with personal training sessions (like one a week!) I have always been so interesting in the rowing classes but was afraid it is mostly arms. Is there a good mix of legs and arms in those? Do you feel like you have gotten pretty toned from that? Running long distances was never my strong-suit. I think 800 was the longest race I did in high school. I love the treadbarre class because she always tells you how much time you have on the clock and it makes it go by so much faster! xoxo Amanda
Rowing uses 84% of your muscle mass so you’ll definitely get something toned! The biggest things my instructors stress is legs-core-arms! I always feel it more in my abs and hip flexors to be honest! I never feel like the class is 45 minutes though! It’s my Saturday morning zen session especially when we do endurance pieces. (I can just zone out and then I’ve rowed for 5 minutes unknowingly. ????)I was super nervous at first because I had no experience with rowing but it’s my favorite workout now!!
I like studiohop for the mix but it’s all about what works for you! I still get a run or two in during the week to so I can keep a faster pace but I’m no distance runner. I’m more a walk/run with the goal to increase my distance.
The treadbarre class sounds intense but fun! I hope we get something like that in OKC soon!! 🙂
Oh awesome! Yeah you would love treadbarre too! Sounds like I need to try a rowing class! xox A
I recently decided to start eating better and started working out regularly. My fiancé and I have been together for over 6 years so I’ve gained some love weight as I call it. After my engagement photos came back in march, I realized I did not like how I looked in them and I decided it was time for a change. I realized that it was important to me to look good in our wedding photos as well as be a healthier weight for my height. It hasn’t been easy, but my goal is to have all the weight off by my first fitting in November. I’ve already lost and kept off about 12 pounds. So I’m about halfway to my goal. My motivation is wanting to be the best version of my self inside and out. I’ve been sleeping better and have more energy throughout the day. I haven’t been doing any crazy diets, pills, or cleanses. I’ve slowly transitioned the food I eat to healthier options. I still have pizza, sugar, and salt. I just eat in moderation. I’ve never believed in cutting things out entirely.
Chaundra,
Thanks sooo much for this! This is exactly what I am working out. Getting healthier and more in shape a little by little! I have total faith you can reach your goal! Please send me a photo at your first fitting!!!! xoxo A
Legit had the same exact shirt I took to college back in about 2004. Lost it somewhere along the way. Probably for the best…
Bahhaha definitely for the best! <3 that! A
Thank you for sharing this! I feel the same way, I have been trying to find the motivation to get back to the gym instead of drinking my large caramel macchiatos everyday (but they are so tasty!) What a fun adventure for you to be a part of, I can’t wait to watch your journey!
Also, I had that same shirt from Abercrombie, brought a smile to my face to think about it! Haha
So funny to hear how many of us had that shirt!! Getting back to it is the hardest part. After your first week it all just seems so much easier. I have already tried to get out of working out tomorrow but I am going to do it gosh darn it and I bet I feel so amazing after! I hope I can give you that motivation you need!! xox A
Great post girl ! I deifnitely feel you. It is such a struggle for me to work out and STICK to it !
I start and then stop..and its a never ending cycle.
I’m gonna try soul cycle ..maybe something different will motivate me lol…have you tried soul cycle before?
Also that event in Canada sounds so cool…cnt wait to see when you’re there!
xo
Estephanie
MissEstephanie.com
I have not tried soul cycle. I don’t think cycling is for me because I have the boniest booty ever :/. Seriously it is so hard to get something to stick, but we can do it!! Can’t wait to hear what you think of Soul Cycle though… so many of my friends do it and LOVE IT!! xoxo A
Hi Amanda! Way to go for taking this first step to become more healthy! I have exercised regularly since college (about 20 years) and my workout consistency has ebbed and flowed. I’ve tried so many forms of exercise (swimming, indoor cycling, Zumba, step classes, barre, cardio kickboxing, hiking, hot yoga, HIIT) but have finally settled upon a mix of aerial acrobatic conditioning and yoga which have yielded the best results for me. I have found that the best way for me to work out consistently is to work out in a class or group setting, where an instructor is providing guidance and motivation. It’s SO HARD to run on a treadmill for 45 minutes by yourself, am I right?!? Another thing that works is to pack your gym bag the night before and bring it with you during the day until it’s time to work out. That way, if you get stuck in traffic or don’t have time to go back home, you can’t say, “Oh, I forgot my workout clothes!”
Something I’ve learned is that flexibility is just as important as strength, and that rest/recovery are essential for your body. My aerial conditioning classes incorporate many exercises to help with flexibility (girl, before I started I could not touch my toes, either!) which in turn help you become stronger (if that makes sense). Also, getting regular massages, taking baths, etc. help ease muscle soreness so try to take advantage of that if/when you can.
Wishing you well on your fitness and health journey!
Tiana- aerial acrobatic conditioning? You sound like a total rock star! What is that exactly? Ugh running by yourself on a treadmill is the worst. It will definitely wear you down over time. I agree having a trainer or working out in a group setting is best! My friend literally sleeps in her workout clothes the night before so she has no excuse when she wakes up! Isn’t that great?! I am definitely going to need some massages and my instructor today recommended epsom salt baths. Have you tried those? Not looking forward to being so sore this week but everyone starts somewhere. And yes, definitely need to work on flexibility!!! Thanks so much for commenting love! xoxo A
Oh boy do I feel you!!! I can’t tell you how many gym memberships I signed up for and never actually went to! I much prefer shopping for workout clothes than actually using them!!
I’m actually from Montreal! You’ll have a great time while you’re here for sure! Looking into the Lole event now 🙂
Oh you gotta come!! If you do definitely let me know! xoxo A
This is great! My husband and I actually just started working out this morning and are excited to start making it an every-day thing! I think these Monday blogposts will help keep me motivated! Is there a specific workout you are doing besides the class you mentioned? I would love to know if there is! I Have done the FitBody Guide by Anna Victoria but would love to change it up! I am also about to begin training for a marathon (I ran a half a few years ago) so any kind of workout program or routine would be great to do on cross-training days!
Girl, I felt you every step of the way in this. Even as someone who has lost 180 pounds, it is STILL a major struggle for me to get my workouts in and eat healthy sometimes! My job as a flight attendant- definitely doesn’t help matters haha, but I’ve recently joined ClassPass- which I love because you can try out all different types of gyms/classes to find out what you like and don’t like! Also- pro tip on the pilatesbarre: hopefully you have good balance and core strength because I don’t and went to a class in highland park last week and couldn’t walk for three days afterwards :/ make sure to do LOTS of stretching before and after! (I’m horrible at that!)
You might be the only other person I know who eats CiCi’s Alfredo pizza ????. When I was pregnant I CRAVED them so much that the girl who worked the counter knew my name when I would call to order my pizza. All I would say is Large Alfredo and she would say “for Libby?” ????
Alfredo pizza is the best! Troy and I still get it from there all the time!!! love it! xoxo A
Thank you so much for sharing! I honestly feel the same way! I usually blame not having enough time because I’m in school and work but I’ve come to realize that’s no excuse! Thank you for inspiring so many! I look forward to hearing more about your journey!
Nicole, yeah making excuses for not working out is what I am best at, but unfortunately studies show that even walking 30 min a day is significantly better than nothing :/ and we definitely have 30 min! We can do this together!! xoxo A
I remember that shirt…. I had a similar Abercrombie shirt that said, “this shirt would look great on your floor” ahhhh!! What were we thinking!? Hahaha so snarky! Good luck in the gym and know that I’m rooting for your skinny self!
haha you and I were never the type of friends to talk each other out of bad decisions!! love you! A
Oh I am in the same boat! I am not a fan of working out at all. I played sports in high school and was constantly working out. When I went to college I never worked out but I guess I was still young and active enough to not see a change. Well at 26 I am starting to see and feel my lack of health. I started taking classes at The Bar Method and I am finally really enjoying working out again! I am so excited that you are going through this journey and sharing it with us. I feel like seeing your posts are going to help me stay motivated!
Ashley, Love hearing that this may help in some way! I tried Bar Method once but I feel like I am just not flexible enough for that class-yet! I think I need to keep taking these Treadbarre classes and maybe sprinkle in some yoga to get there! A
I feel ya girl on everything! Literally felt like I could have written that post with everything you wrote! I was like yeap, yeap, and yeap! I too have a good metabolism and am naturally skinny, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve noticed the “flab” and am not as toned as I want to be. I started doing Shred415 this summer, which sounds very similar to TreadBarre with floor work as well as treadmill time, and I love it! What has definitely helped me is going with my cousin and my sister. They hold me accountable and we encourage each other to go! Still working on the whole eating healthy thing, but hey baby steps right?! Thank you for writing this. It’s nice to know that someone has the same struggles as me. If you happen to have any healthy food recipes that you end up liking would love it if you shared! Good luck with your workout! You can do it! ????????
Xo Ashley
My friend goes with me to Treadbarre but she likes to go at 7am and there is JUST NO WAY so I definitely need to find someone else to help keep me accountable! And yes, I will definitely continue talking about the journey and anything else I try! And thank you so much for commenting! Love knowing there are others just like me having the same thoughts!!! I am sure with that comment that you have also inspired others as well! xoxo Amanda
This is me to a T!! I recently started doing LEKFit on demand and love it!
Oh so you are doing the workouts from your home? Do you need any equipment? I love working out from home haha but then again I usually take a lot of breaks and don’t push myself as hard :/ A
In the same boat! I can’t put down the Dr. Pepper to go workout! Jk but I am looking for a class or something that will keep me accountable at an affordable cost. I want results! I have started watching portions but not necessarily changing what I eat because I too do not like healthy food. I am more of a teenager when it comes to eatin habits!
Please keep us updated on your Fitness journey! I definitely need inspiration!
Girl I had a cream soda at 11pm last night and thought that was a good idea. I don’t even think I slept!! I will definitely keep you updated! Hopefully I can try out more classes and help everyone find a perfect fit!! xox A
As someone who has experienced the same things, I think the best way to stick to working out is to find a workout studio you live that gives you what you need (cardio and muscle toning), buy an unlimited membership that renews itself and stick to it. Doing an unlimited membership inspires you to go more often to get your money’s worth (I aim for 4-5 times a week), and having it renew itself means you won’t take a week off where you can get into a slump again. Good luck!!
I tried an unlimited membership at my last place and ended up paying $50 a month for 8 months for no reason :(! I think I would rather do month to month just for travel purposes and everything but those are hard to find! I do hear you though. That gym/class probably just wasn’t for me! xox A
Hi Amanda,
Working out and eating healthy seems to be a lifelong process. I have spent most of my 20’s dieting and have tried most fad diets. All liquid, paleo, keto, counting macronutrients… you name it. If I have learned anything in the process it is that you have to find what works for you and create a balance.
Majority of people do not enjoy working out. But if you are able to find something that is fun for you it is a little less of a chore. My boyfriend is a personal trainer so working out together is something I have come to enjoy.
We all have those times in our lives where we just need a break. Don’t feel bad for taking a week, a month or a year off. I think it’s important to celebrate that you are starting up again and taking the necessary steps to live a more active lifestyle.
Like I said it’s a process. Good luck!
Thanks so much Brittany. I definitely think having a personal trainer really helps! I am looking for something I actually think is fun to do. I think today was actually pretty fun and I can see myself trying to run faster and faster on the treadmill and trying to break my own records. I think being competitive with yourself (if you are a competitive person is super important too!) Thanks so much for your comment! PS- which diet did you end up sticking with? A
It all depends on what your goals are. Personally, I have to have balance. I am a firm believe in “life is too short and you should just eat the dang cookie.” I don’t like feeling like I am on a diet or that I am restricted. So I count my macronutrients. I don’t have a naturally slender frame so it helps me to maintain. By counting my macros I can still eat the things that I love if I want to. This method isn’t ideal for everyone because counting can become so tedious. I get it… and I am not always the most strict with it but it has allowed me to become much more aware of portions and has also taught me about balance. If I want to eat something high in fat or carbs I can. I’ll just have to eat a little healthier with my next meal. And now that I have been doing it for awhile I can pretty much eyeball what I am eating without really having to count.
If I have a trip coming up or something I need to prepare for I will be more strict with it. It is the only method that has truly given me the results I want when I need them. It takes discipline if you are trying to achieve a certain body type but it is a science and it really works for me. And if you aren’t into counting and weighing your food and alllll of that, there are plenty of companies who make awesome food and do all of the work for you.
Like I said, it is not for everyone….and I know it is the type of diet that most bodybuilders follow so it seems intimidating. But believe me when I am say that I am by no means a bodybuilder or anywhere near that category. And I can’t tell you how much I annoy my trainer when I say “I don’t want to be bulky.” I have definitely learned that lean results are still total achievable too.
-Brittany
Ah love that! I haven’t heard of counting macronutrients. I need to look into it and get a little more educated on it!xoxo A
You should try Vital Fitness downtown! I work downtown (Fountain Place) and go there often after work and sometimes in the mornings (which is more difficult because I live in North Dallas). The workouts are incredible…my favorite is V3, which is a HIIT-based class 🙂
I have never heard of Vital! Where is it located? I used to work downtown so that would have been really easy but not it is such a pain getting in and out of there and parking in a garage and getting validation etc :/ xoxo Amanda
It’s associated with the Joule and is right next door. I valet park at the Joule – they are 100% cool with letting you valet your car just while you are at the gym. No need to validate and quick and easy. They have an amazing locker room with a rain / steam shower (which is probably my favorite part). I discovered it a couple of weeks ago and am obsessed!!!
Oh I think I got invited to try that out but never did. Love the valet option as well. Do you feel like you need to tip them each time? A
I do if I have cash but I have definitely been guilty of not tipping when I have zero cash…they’ve never said anything to me and don’t seem too mad
You just have to find a workout class you love, but sometimes it takes time. I kind of hated barre when I first started but now I’m obsessed! Once you start noticing a difference in any workout you will be hooked!
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Totally agree. I am just afraid Barre will be one of those workouts that will be so hard to get back to if you have to miss a couple of weeks. With my travel schedule it is always so hard to get back in the swing of things once I get back. I just need a way to stay motivated!! xoxo A
If there is a 9Round where you live, check that out. It is basically kickboxing, but there are no “classes” you just show up, get your 9 rounds in and you are done so you can go when it is best for you and thus you don’t run into the excuse of “that class time doesn’t work for me.” And each “round” lasts around 3 minutes, so you are in and out in about 30 minutes. Pus, it is actually fun so you don’t feel like you are exercising. I will say, it is a work out and it is challenging because you are doing something in between “rounds” such as squats, push ups,etc. but it is constantly changing so you won’t get bored by the same routine and you can have a good mental work out as well by getting out some aggression on the punching bags. You will see results right away and I have to admit, my biceps are pretty developed now, but overall I don’t feel like my body has undergone this crazy change to being too bulked up, but just look quite toned.
OMG that sounds sooo fun! I actually did kickboxing classes when I lived in Tyler and I loved going. It definitely kicks your butt (especially when they made us run outside in the dead heat of summer) but it was always such an amazing workout! I am definitely going to look into this!! Thank you!! xoxo Amanda
I have the same exact struggle! I grew as a sporty-gal as well, so working out has always been centered around prepping for games. I cannot tell you how much I do NOT enjoy working out, most notably running will NEVER be my thing.
I have been doing BodyPump at 24 hour fitness, and I love it. I stopped for about a year and a half because I got into yoga, but truthfully my yoga obsession lasted about 9 months (at best) and dwindled, leaving me with minimal activity for a long time! It’s a high intensity workout for 60 minutes where you use low weights (tone, not build!) at a rapid pace to keep your heart rate up. The music is curated to the movements in the class to help you keep on pace and also signal to you the completion of a set. I also prefer when teachers do the workout with you because they are physically sympathizing with you in real time. The membership prices at 24 hour fitness also make me not feel guilty if I can’t talk myself into going to a class that day, and with a busy schedule I can go to a lot of different 24 hour gyms in my area. (If you are interested in 24 hour gym make sure you are looking at the gym’s amenity/status level because you can always go to lower level 24 hour gyms, but you can’t go above your ‘home gym’s’ status level, without paying a drop-in fee). It’s a one stop shop, full body workout for me!
Anna, this definitely sounds like a class I would love! I did something similar to this at Trophy fitness but you would kind of build and add on more and more weight as you went though so if you stopped for a couple of weeks you were so discouraged because you didn’t want to have to go back down weight again!! Your class sounds like a great mix of cardio and toning! And 24 hour fitness definitely has reasonable membership fees and they are everywhere! Thanks so much for sharing! PS- we need to get in another volleyball league!! xox Amanda
Thank you so much for sharing your struggles! As women, we each struggle in our own way, whether it be in losing weight, maintaining, or getting into shape. My struggle is in losing weight, even though I eat healthy and workout. We can be our own worst critics! You aren’t alone in this, and you can do this! This has motivated me to get to the gym today after work!
Yay I love this! Thanks so much for commenting Emily. So weird that no matter how rough the workout is, we always manage to feel so good about ourselves after. I feel energized and so productive now!! xoxo Amanda
Good luck to you!! I’m pretty much the same as you with consistency. I go through phases where I’ll work out faithfully. But, as soon as I miss a wk or 2, I lose all my motivation. I’m just getting back into working out again after a yr break (which started because of an injury). I’m going to a couple barre classes also. It is KILLER. But, they say the results are sooooo worth it. We shall see! Good luck!!
Ah yes we shall see. I haven’t tried Pilatesbarre yet.. that is tomorrow eek! xoxo Amanda
Hi Amanda,
Great post! I’m naturally thin and tall like you. I have been healthy for years but ONlY to be healthy. I can & would pizza for every meal!
Advice: moderation =success
Eat reasonably healthy Most of the time
I eat what I want but am conscious about it. It’s not rocket science that we don’t need to eat a donut when there is delicious oatmeal, etc
Workout 3 times a week but I don’t always. Also, sometimes a meditations.
Good luck & it seems like you’re beautiful inside too!!
Awh thank you so much Candice. Yes, three times a week is perfect! Definitely in moderation. I think eating better is also going to be such a struggle for me but you have to start somewhere!! Thanks SO MUCH for commenting on this today and providing other women hope and reassurance <3. xoxo Amanda
Love this post! I have always had a great metabolism and everyone would always say how lucky I am because I could eat whatever I want. Now, I started noticing that the muscles I used to have is now flab and that I actually have to work out! I played soccer all my life so I never had to worry about working out outside of sports and now I can see how much that helped to keep toned and not get fat. Especially when I would eat a bag of hot cheetos and cheese almost every day throughout high school. (BTW, if you’ve never tried that, you totally should!) Okay I’ll stop being a bad influence, but I have friends that will still tell me to this day that I don’t need to work out. I always tell them that I no longer have muscles and I want to tone up. No one believes that “skinny” people have fat on them too if they don’t eat right. I’m excited to see your journey through this because I have also started running a lot more ( I can finally run 3 miles without falling over and dying!) and eating better! So good luck, girl! We got this!!
Much Love,
Stevie
Stevie, My sister and I would get two trays in the cafeteria for lunch and each tray would always have double the amount of rolls on them haha! Oh, to be that young again!! 3 miles?! That is amazing girl! And yes I totally get the thing about our friends. They don’t understand that we know we can do and be in better shape because we were once there! Thanks so much for your comment! xoxo A
Looking forward to what your journey brings! Good luck!!
Thanks so much Sheetal!!! xox Amanda
I love working out just not for fitness but mental health…i feel more balanced…good luck!
Hi Amanda,
I just laughed reading your post. I was just like you! I played volleyball through high school and college. I loved playing the sport, but I hated working out. Never did it on a regular basis. I could have been an amazing athlete if I followed a work out routine. While I have always been a health-oriented person (I eat based on the vitamins found in the food and I still try to keep an active lifestyle), I have struggled my entire life with sticking to a workout routine. Especially after having kids. I don’t know what it is!
Anyway, I wanted to share that I fell in love with Barre. Somehow it is the only workout I enjoy going through the pain. Yes, pain! Because you are going to burn! But there is something about it that makes it fun! I hope your instructor uses fun music in classes, so you pulse to the beat.
I use an online subscription called Physique 57, which I found the best.
My piece of advice, get The Stick. It is a stick to massage muscles. I found that massaging before and after class helps with to not getting so sored, and you want to be able to make it to the next class!
Sara, so funny that we were the same way! Coulda woulda shoulda right? Yes, my husband has the stick. He calls it a tiger tail I think? I definitely liked this first Barre class I took… trying Pilates tomorrow eek!! I just need to get better at the eating part. I don’t think I have ever even looked at what is in the food I am eating!! xox A
I really think that we only have to find like ‘our thing’ in fitness
I’ve been told a lot of times that if I don’t do cardio it’s like doesn’t matter what else I can do…
(I have sinus problems so it’s difficult for me to breathe at the middle of it)
and I’ve discovered that every body it’s different and what can be functional to me is not to you.
I love light weight routines and walking (or hiking when I have the chance) and that’s what works for me, I feel a lot better when I do it even when I am lazy to start!
Good luck in your day!
xo. Kari
http://www.acolorfulstyle.com
So true. If you hate the workout it would definitely make it so much harder to get back to it. I hear so many mixed things but Time Magazine just came out to say that walking is JUST AS GOOD as running and actually better on your body!! xoxo Amanda
Thank you Amanda!
I really loved this post! It’s great because every woman has her own struggle with fitness!
Please share your progress! I would love most posts like this one 🙂
Kari
Kari-definitely! I will make sure I keep doing fitness posts on here so we can all stay motivated together! xox A
Amanda, this is so motivating! Thank you for sharing and inspiring others around you 🙂 excited to follow your journey!!
I’ll also be attending the LOLE White Tour and covering it which I’m SO excited about! XOX
@toreystreasures
toreystreasures.com
Omg Torey I am soooo excited you are going to be there! Looking forward to getting the chance to get to know each other better!!! xoxo Amanda