Good morning and happy Tuesday! I am feeling a little more like myself today after a rather sleepy and slow recovery from the weekend. I took the weekend off from working out but did manage to make it to a BodyPump class on Friday which was glorious! Today is the first day since then that I haven’t felt sore. I think that’s a sign that I need more BodyPump in my life!
I’m still not sure what I want to do as far as a gym membership goes right now. I paid for an unlimited membership to my local Pure Barre studio which is quite expensive, so I will be sticking to mostly barre and at-home workouts through the end of the month. After that, we’ll just have to see. I’ve found a pay-as-you-go gym that offers BodyPump classes for $5 a class and Ryan and I have also talked about looking into CrossFit, so who knows! For right now, I’ll ride out my Pure Barre obsession.
After today’s Pure Barre workout, I popped into Starbucks for a cinnamon dolce cappuccino (another obsession) before heading home to make a hot breakfast.
On the menu for today was a bowl of oatmeal made with egg whites, mashed banana, milk, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice.
It wasn’t a bad way to start the day, but it made me miss my egg white and oatmeal protein pancake! I must bring that back!
Question of the Day
- Anyone else in a weird limbo phase with their workouts right now? What are you doing to keep up with your fitness?
I always seem to get into weird limbo phases with my workouts when I finish training for a half marathon or discover a new group exercise class that I LOVE since I tend to go all in and only want to do that class! I know variety is important when it comes to fitness, so sometimes I have to remind myself to spice things up a bit!
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Outfit Details
For those who asked for outfit details from last weekend’s looks, here ya gooo…
Friday Night:
- Skirt: Express Aztec midi skirt (When I was looking for the link to that skirt this morning, I ended up buying this Aztec print sheath dress and this long-sleeve black dress from Express. I think they will be so cute with a denim vest or jacket this winter!)
- Shoes: Nine West Girlsrock Peeptoe Pump (via Nordstrom Rack in Charlotte – If you love the look of booties but feel like most give you “cankles” I totally feel you and highly recommend these shoes as an alternative. They’re much more flattering since they don’t cut in at the ankle and are surprisingly comfortable for pumps! They come in black, too.)
- Cobalt crop top: Mimi Chica (via Nordstrom Rack in Charlotte – I couldn’t find the top online, but here are similar options: $6 Abound cami crop top, $24 Bisou Bisou crop top, $9 SO crop <— not in blue but my favorite shape)
- Gold necklace: Stitch Fix
- Bracelets: White Plum enamel link bracelet and assorted Hautelook bangles
- (Faux) horn watch: Kenneth Jay Lane (via RueLaLa)
I have also texted Cherayne about her lace dress, but she’s out of the country on her honeymoon right now, so I’ll report back when I hear from her!
Saturday Night:
On me:
- Dress: ABS by Allen Schwartz (via RueLaLa – I cannot find it online anymore but it’s the same one I wore to Terry and Janelle’s wedding last year!)
- Nude pumps: Off 5th
On Minda:
- Dress: BCBG
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I needed to change it up workout-wise as well recently, and so I am currently on Day 13 of Insanity! It’s a challenge at times, but I love every second of it. I could totally see you and Ryan doing it. 🙂
Right now I’m doing the Tone It Up girls FriskyFall 8 week program. I love the variety and that I can do all from home or outside. After quitting the gym we have been slowly building our own home gym with treadmill, weights and a bench. I throw in pure barre a 1-2 times a week and it gives the mix up I need.
I’ve heard great things about the TIU programs. I’ve done a few of their YouTube videos but would love to do one of their programs sometime, too! They’re so cute!
I’m doing FriskyFall too and loving it! It’s my first TIU challenge and I love how you can get in the workouts at home or at the gym.
I am in a totally weird phase right now. I’m a morning workout girl and am member of Zuzka’s ZGym…but lately I haven’t felt motivated or inspired by working out. I’m hoping I’ll figure it out soon because it’ll be holiday eating season before I know it!
heck yessss for the holidays!!! 😀
I wanted to join barre so badly but distance and money kept me from seeing it as a viable long term option. I am actually kind of in workout limbo right now because I just realized I can’t run long distances anymore (health thing). I am used to running being my main workout, but now it’s not! I am now using my work gym facilities on my lunch break or before work to get some strength and other types of cardio in.
I love barre classes and hot yoga, but they are $23/$15 drop in rates so I do not do them often. I belong to basic golds gym but its still expensive for what it actually offers. I guess its the price you pay to live in the city!
I’m in such a weird funk with workouts right now! I have been so tired lately and have just wanted to sleep when I’m not doing anything else. I need to snap out of it and break a sweat!
I’ve been training for a half marathon that is this upcoming weekend, so I’m looking forward to some time off afterwards! I really enjoy running, but I’m getting tired of feeling like I ‘have’ to run & to run a certain distance. This summer got crazy, so I didn’t make it to my gym classes as much as I would have liked to & getting back into the swing of things, I realize I had really missed my group power (body pump) class, but I’m getting tired of my group ride (similar to spin, but more hills & tension) class! Might be time to mix it up.
Good luck this weekend!!
We have a couple Pure Barres here in Boulder, and this makes me really tempted to go try one out!
I’m coming to Boulder in two weeks!! If you want to meet up to go together, I’d love it!! Just let me know. 🙂
Whoah I’m dizzy from that overhead shot!
I recently discovered Zumba very late to the times, and enjoy it. But other than than, I just do the elliptical or stairs and some strength training because it’s the only time I can feel virtuous watching television.
I also just signed up for another month of unlimited Pure Barre (because they happened to have another deal right when my intro package ended), so I’ll be continuing my obsession for at least another month too. I’m really struggling with how often to go after that though. I’m trying to decide if Pure Barre can truly replace weight training, or if I need to schedule at least one weight training session a week, on top of Pure Barre and half-marathon training. Are you still doing free weights? Or are you using Pure Barre as your only way of toning?
I just started the Frisky Fall challenge on the ToneItUp website. Its an 8 week challenge and they give you different workouts to do everyday. You can do them at home or in the gym. Enjoying it so far!
I love pure barre, just a little pricey for me! But yes, I am a little of out my norm workouts too lately, I have been trying to create a new schedule now that were heading into fall and morning workouts are much harder when its dark and chilly outside lol
A long-time CrossFit skeptic, I was convinced to try it out for a month this past winter and wound up joining. I feel like I get variety in my workouts all the time, especially since I still train for and run half marathons. A little yoga here and there helps a lot, but I’ve found that the “constantly varied” aspect of CF keeps it from getting boring. But, OH, does it hurt my bank account. 🙁 No way could I take barre classes and do CrossFit contemporaneously.
Since it’s so hot in the summer (especially in TX), my workouts were more geared towards indoor ones in the AC! I finished the 60 day Insanity Program in July. I took August off for a bit and now I’m back into running. I have a half marathon in Vegas in 2 months so I really need to pick it back up.
I just found out my hot yoga studio added a Sunday morning barre class to their schedule. I’m so excited because none of their other barre class times have worked for me. I definitely go through phases with my workouts too, but it is nice to switch it up!
Hi Julie-
Please tell me you weren’t in this morning’s 6AM class and I was that oblivious and completely missed you !! Anyway – selfishly, I hope you continue the Pure Barre obsession. 🙂 It’s always nice to know others with the same obsession.
Nora
I went to 7:15 today! 🙂 Sad I missed you and your ridiculously impressive flexibility!!! I have a feeling my PB obsession isn’t a fleeting thing, so no worries there… 🙂
CrossFit! <3 Give it a try. Normally gyms will at least give you a free intro class, if not a whole week to try it out to see if you like it. Like Paula said above, it's not the cheapest thing in the world, but the variety keeps me going back again and again (I'm coming up on my 1 year crossfit anniversary and I've gone 4-5 days a week since I started).
I’m totally with you, lady. Right now I am riding out my (re) membership at Life Time, but just purchased a 5-class package at Xtend Barre. It’s pretty similar to Pure Barre! I’m also training for a half, so have a feeling my workouts will be either barre or Fitness Pilates at the gym once or twice a week when I’m not running. Nothing too exciting, lol.
Wish we could work out together!!!
You just moved to Charlotte, right? I’ve been here about 2 years and the Y and Fitness Connection both offer Body Pump classes! I go to fitness connection – it’s only $20 a month (hard to beat!) and they have quite a few locations. The Northlake location is my favorite, just because it’s big and they have a nicer studio. I go to the Uptown location these days, though, and that one isn’t bad! Just a little more crowded 🙂
I am STILL obsessed with your egg white and oatmeal protein pancakes. I just love them so much. They are literally the perfect breakfast and so versatile!! Thanks girl 🙂
So glad to hear this!! I need to make them ASAP!
I love those pancakes too! How do you make the oatmeal you ate this morning??
In the microwave! I just add everything together and microwave it, stirring regularly to avoid overflow.
I’m in a definite funk with workouts. I miss classes SO much, but I’m saving a good little chunk of change by not having a gym membership anymore. I have lots of running buddies, so I’m keeping up with running, but what I need is a workout buddy for strength training and cross training. Soooooo if you’d move to Texas, that’d be super helpful and motivating for me 😉
Also, I LOVE your jacket. Deets please!
I am planning on starting a training program for my next half marathon in the next month or two. That sort of puts me in a limbo because even though I know I should be running I am not quite training yet. I have been doing all sorts of random things and trying to focus on building strength to improve my running.
I’m currently in a workout limbo and I’m struggling to find the motivation to get back in to it. I just got over a moderately severe calf strain/tear so getting back on track it super tough for me right now. I’ve debated crossfit (but the price is keeping me away at the moment) and I’ve kind of written off a half at the moment until I know my calf is 100%. So I’m in a huge limbo and hating it!
I train for marathons basically year-round, and haven’t taken more than a 2-3 week break since 2007. Every so often I start to get a case of burn-out, so I sometimes just take a couple weeks and do what I feel like, even if I am in a training cycle. That may mean I rest completely, sometimes I do the elliptical or yoga or long walks. Just go by feel. Pure Barre looks fun! I wish there was a studio near me!
I find I get into a funk after race training as well. After my marathon this spring, I just hopped around from classes to at home workouts for the summer. Now I am training for a half marathon and supplementing with the Tone It Up series. I adore PB but can’t justify the cost.
I’ve been loving CrossFit, but I sort of fell out of my schedule over the past few weeks, so I’ve only been going sporadically. I need to get back on track!
I was in a workout rut for about 2-3 weeks, but for some reason that all ended this week. Maybe because Fall is slowly trying to come around, and that makes me very happy haha. I honestly just go through the motions with my workouts, I figure it’s just my body’s way of saying it needs a break, and going through the motions really helps me to just keep my body moving :).
Your breakfast actually sounds really good. Perfect for fall!
I’m just finding my new norm after being out of sorts. I bit the bullet for unlimited classes at Bar Method and go about 3 times a week, using my condo’s gym for heavier weights, cardio, etc. I totally get being obsessed with barre; I crave it if I don’t go!
Me too!!! I really do feel like my body craves it as well!
I usually change up my workouts a lot… not so much because I get bored, more because I get obsessed! 🙂 About 3 years ago I was obsessed with BodyPump and went every chance I could get (my gym at the time offered it for freee!) – but soon I discovered a Boxing for Fitness class (also for free at the same gym) and was instantly hooked! Then… my gym closed down. In the interim between joining a new gym, I did a month unlimited of boot camp classes but it didn’t entice me to stay. Then, I joined LA Fitness – where I was NOT thrilled with any of their class offerings.. so, I’ve been mostly doing my own workouts (and of course using your workouts for inspiration!! Because they rock). In July… I discovered Pure Barre and seriously… OBSESSED! I just finished my second month and just bought a 6 month autopay contract… (half way to 100!!). I still have my gym membership too because I’m too lazy to run outside and I do still like to strength train.
My boyfriend wanted to start doing Cross Fit – if you and Ryan do, let me know how you like it! 🙂 🙂
My workout rut has unfortunately come in the form of any injury. A herniated disc in my lumbar has limited me to only walking for exercise. So to keep motivated, challenged and also keep track of my daily progress, I bought a Fitbit Zip! It’s amazing how something so small can keep me challenged. It took me awhile to accept that I had to track my progress in steps taken and not miles run, but slowly and surely I’m getting better!
Hope you continue to feel better, Katie!
I’m in a weird limbo because I’m 4.5 month post partum with twins and still nursing (technically, I’m pumping). I would love to get back into running and train for a half marathon, but things are a little too crazy at home to commit to a training program, plus my boobs totally hurt when I run. I go once in a while but nothing consistent.
I debated rejoining a mom’s fitness group (Body Back by Fit4Mom), but it was super expensive ($90 a month) and with daycare costing me about a college tuition’s worth per year, I decided to join our community center gym on Sunday. It’s got a pool, nice equipment, babysitting, and I take Tuesday/Thursday 6am classes called “Tone and Tighten.” Otherwise I do an at-home workout video. For $35 a month this is much better for the budget!
I’m doing the absolute best I can, and trying not to guilt myself about not being able to work out as much. It’s OK, and I’m proud I’m able to get out and still commit to fitness even though it’s a bit less than I used to do. Thank god for supportive husbands, amiright?? 🙂
TWINS!!! Good for you for getting out there, Suzanne! I’m so glad you’re loving your Tues/Thurs night classes!
I moved from a bigger city to a small lakeshore town that does not offer many fitness options nor good trainers. I used to rely on boxing and spin classes, and I was in the best shape of my life with those classes. Now, my gym doesn’t even offer a spin class 🙁 Right now I’m 4 weeks into a 6 week strength program I found on bodybuilder.com and have added a 30 day crossfit challenge as well as a month long squat challenge (to get ready for ski season)! I’m feeling myself getting stronger, but missing my standby classes. (Boxing & Spin are my version of Body Pump obsession) I am never motivated to do at home workouts, so I’m really struggling. Once I drop my extra weight I put on when I left my big city benefits, I’m seriously thinking of becoming a certified spin instructor! (I print off and create my own spin classes to do by myself on the spin bikes that are rarely used!) 🙂
I do barre 2-3 times per week at a local studio in Northern Virginia, and LOVE it. I mix it up with Body Pump about twice a week since I’m lucky to have a lot of Les Mills / Golds Gym locations near me. I’d be so sad without Body Pump! 🙂
I am loving on the barre right now too 🙂 my location had a great 3 month unlimited deal for back-to-school. All I am doing in Pure Barre right now but I know I need to add some cardio back into my life 🙂
CRAZY that you mention your fitness limbo phase, I am IN that. I’ve Crossfitted for the last year and a half and am taking my first real break right now. So I am filling my soul with running when I feel like it, yoga if it calls, I’ll be popping in on Crossfit when the WOD calls me as well. I am in that phase of needing to just do what my body calls for but it’s also just a time to rest, recover and rejuvenate my fitness love.
I am in a limbo phase too! I just finished training for a triathlon. I have signed up for Crossfit, and have always loved those workouts. Pure Barre is also a favorite, definitely my top two workout obsessions 🙂
I’m in the midst of marathon training, so I dropped my gym membership to save money since I wouldn’t be there as often. Still, it’s been hard to fill in the off-running days with workouts without my gym. I definitely miss my Bodypump and zumba classes!
Hi! I know this doesn’t exactly relate 100% to your blog post, but what do you recommend for stretching/avoiding soreness after a Pure Barre class? I went to my first one last Tuesday, and it took until this morning for me to not feel sore any more. I swam and did yoga the next day to try and stretch out more, but it did not help at all. I loved the class, but I hated taking a few days off for severe soreness!
I am currently doing a month of unlimited Bar Method. I really like it, but am struggling to use it. I might stick to running and volleyball and home workouts for October.
I totally know what you mean about workout limbo phases. I was obsessed with this cross training place in Philly this summer, called Unite Fitness, which was a combination of cardio, strength, and finished with yoga. It was the perfect workout, and now I’m in serious withdrawal now that I’m back at university! Although I have lift beginning soon for squash, along with practice, I am really going to miss Unite’s intense workouts. They were awesome!
I know, I know, you don’t need another person trying to suck you into the Crossfit cult, but I swear I LOVE IT! I was a very loyal Body Pump goer for about a year, and when that got too repetitive for me I finally made my way to Crossfit and I’m so glad I did. Body Pump is fun for an occasional group class, but it isn’t a ton of variety. My favorite part of Crossfit is how constantly varied it is. I also think it’s WAAAAY easier to make friends than in traditional fitness classes.
I feel like I am evolving my workout plans all the time. I remember at one point my old gym closed and I was so upset! I had an emotional attachment Anytime you discover new goals or experience life changes it’s bound to affect gym plans. I just moved too and that is a huge life change for sure!
I feel like I am evolving my workout plans all the time. I remember at one point my old gym closed and I was so upset! I had an emotional attachment Anytime you discover new goals or experience life changes it’s bound to affect gym plans. I just moved too and that is a huge life change for sure!
I always get a cinnamon dolce skinny latte. What is the difference between the cappuccino and the latte? I wonder if I am missing on something spectacular. haha.
Cappuccinos have more foam! 🙂
I am TOTALLY obsessed with Pure Barre right now! I’m still running and training for another half marathon, but I’m attending PB classes about 6 days away. It’s such a great way to start the day (I go at 5:30 am!), and it’s a great low impact counterbalance to my running schedule. Maybe I’ll get tired of it someday…
I definitely fell into a limbo period when I finished my first marathon. I know some people get the “marathon bug”, but I think all of the training actually burned me out a little. My husband encouraged me to start lifting weights shortly after, and I fell in love with it! I feel like strength training keeps me on my toes, because there are always new exercises to try out, or improvements to be made. I also love throwing in a full body circuit if I feel like my routines are becoming monotonous!
I’m totally in the same boat as you! I’m about to finish a one month unlimited at bar method, but don’t want to pay for the classes after that on a regular basis because they are so pricey….I’m just going to wait for a deal. But for now I’m thinking at home barre videos and maybe the TIU workouts like others have mentioned!
I finally put my Life Time Fitness membership on hold. I just wasn’t using it enough to justify the price. As much as I loved the classes (including Barre!!), I tend to stick to a fitness routine if I can work out at home. My husband and I just dusted off our Insanity DVDs – now I just have to commit to 60 days of pain, ha!
The town I currently live in litterally has NO gyms (downside of living in a very small town). To keep my workouts consistent and keep motivation, I have been following a marathon training plan. It gets me out the door and I see improvement all the time… unfortunatly I was injured earlier in the summer so no actual marathon for me this time, maybe in the spring