The #1 New Years Resolution every year is to lose weight. Here in NYC, I have noticed my favorite workout classes are much more populated this month- which I actually love. I find I work out so much harder when I have other people around me to keep me motivated. Any step towards a healthier lifestyle is something to be proud of- even if the progress is slow and steady. Don't underestimate the power of even small changes, like going for a walk after dinner or making a doing some squats during your favorite TV show. I feel like over time, the small changes can snowball in to real results- at least, that's how it's gone in my own life. Once I start seeing an improvement in my endurance and body, that in turn motivates me to keep at it.
{A Barry's Bootcamp studio - I love the moodier red lighting over typical gym harsh bright light}
In 2019, I discovered Barry's Bootcamp and have been addicted for the last 7 months. I never considered myself a "runner", or someone who could even stay on a treadmill and jog for more than a mile. Barry's combines treadmill work with strength work on the floor in 2 or 3 rounds each class- aka high-intensity interval training ("HIIT"). The instructors guide you throughout the entire workout, and it's impossible to leave the class without breaking an intense sweat. While on the treadmill, you are either jogging, at a running pace, a sprint, or recovering with a walk. My goal for the end of 2019 was to get to a consistent 10.0 mph sprint pace at Barry's. For 2020, my goal is to increase my sprint to 11.0 mph, but ALSO to remain at the higher end of the speed ranges for the other parts of the class (jogging, running, pushing). Seeing myself improve and get stronger in Barry's is very satisfying, because I have always just assumed I'd never be "a runner." I highly recommend anyone try a Barry's class.
My other goal for 2020 is to incorporate a more regular yoga practice. I naturally gravitate towards intense cardio or weight-lifting workouts, but this year I want to make sure I also take care of my body by adequetly stretching and increasing flexibility. I have tried Lyon's Den yoga and Y7 yoga here in the city, and adore both. If you're a New Yorker, let me know if there's a yoga studio you absolutely love so I can check it out.
In 2019, I discovered Barry's Bootcamp and have been addicted for the last 7 months. I never considered myself a "runner", or someone who could even stay on a treadmill and jog for more than a mile. Barry's combines treadmill work with strength work on the floor in 2 or 3 rounds each class- aka high-intensity interval training ("HIIT"). The instructors guide you throughout the entire workout, and it's impossible to leave the class without breaking an intense sweat. While on the treadmill, you are either jogging, at a running pace, a sprint, or recovering with a walk. My goal for the end of 2019 was to get to a consistent 10.0 mph sprint pace at Barry's. For 2020, my goal is to increase my sprint to 11.0 mph, but ALSO to remain at the higher end of the speed ranges for the other parts of the class (jogging, running, pushing). Seeing myself improve and get stronger in Barry's is very satisfying, because I have always just assumed I'd never be "a runner." I highly recommend anyone try a Barry's class.
{Barry's UES locker rooms selfie, since the taking of this photo I have started carrying my S'well bottle}
Today I also thought I would share some of the workout gear I love. Obviously, it never hurts to have cute althleisure when you hit the gym. My favorite buy of 2019 was this leopard set I purchased from Carbon 38- Beach Riot Piper leggings + Piper Twisted Top:
{this leopard sports bra option is a bit less expensive}
Shop My Work Out Favorites:
1.) S'well 25-oz Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle, $45 (these designs are cute, too!)
I don't know what took me so long to finally invest in one of these insulated water bottles- but honestly, it's probably my favorite gym-related purchase of all. It really does keep your water extremely cold for up to 24 hours (and hot liquids up to 12 hours) and produces zero condensation. Plus, carrying a plastic water bottle is so demode.
2.) FitBit Inspire HR Fitness Tracker, $79.95 (normally $99.95, currently $20 off at Best Buy)
3.) Carbon 38 Ribbed Cami Tank Top in Powder Blue, $78/ matching leggings, $98
4.) The Laundress Sport Detergent, $19
I swear by this stuff. With nice gym clothes, also remember to hang dry. If I get home and can't immediately wash my sweaty gym stuff (there's a washer/dryer in my building's basement but sometimes another resident has it occupied), I actually throw it in the freezer for a few hours. Sounds bizarre, I know, but it temporarily takes away the disgusting smell until you can get to laundry...
5.) Cable Long Sleeved Long Crop Top, $69
6.) Melany Sherpa Cropped Hoodie, $178/
7.) MZ Wallace Quilted Large Metro Tote, $235/
My absolute favorite bag of all time- I actually carry this as both my work tote and my workout bag. It fits SO much, and the shoulder strap is soft enough that it doesn't chafe your shoulder. I've had the same one for over 2 years now, so it's also highly durable.
8.)Nike Pegasus Running Shoes, $120
I'm a Nike girl through and through, and I love the pegasus running shoe. PS- if you haven't read the Nike founder's autobiography "Shoe Dog", it's worth a read.
FYI, these are my absolute favorite socks for spin + running.
9.) Free People FP Movement Tie Dye Leggings, $88
10.) The LuluLemon 5 mm Reversible Yoga Mat, $78
Top 3 Favorite Group Fitness Classes (in NYC and other cities):
I do all three of these workouts regularly. Typically, Soul Cycle 1-2 times a week and Barry's 3-4 times a week. Then, I'll sprinkle in a Pure Barre once every few weeks. This year, I'd like to try and incorporate more yoga classes as I mentioned above.
Soul Cycle (favorite instructors: Conor, Karyn, Stacey)
Other Studios I Love (in NYC):
ShadowBox Boxing
Want to Try this Year in 2020:
Tracy Anderson Method (heard the moves are so wack-o, but I'm very curious)
Rumble Boxing
Am I missing anything good? Have you tried any of the workouts above? Have any fitness-related goals for 2020?
Let me know!
XOXO,
Sam
Am I missing anything good? Have you tried any of the workouts above? Have any fitness-related goals for 2020?
Let me know!
XOXO,
Sam
No comments:
Post a Comment
What say you? I'm all ears.