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’ve been in SUCH a place of workout-limbo lately! I’ve finally learned to just roll with it when that happens and do whatever workouts are getting my mojo going (right now that’s a lot of yoga and calisthenics!), and try new things whenever possible. Life’s too short to do workouts you don’t enjoy, right?!
We’ve new classes added to the timetable including a strong man class and I’m loving it! Prowler pushes, heavier weights, high intensity in short burst!
I def can feel you on the weird workout phase! Since summer is over I’m at school in Los Angeles trying to find my workout regimen! Have you heard of ClassPass? It’s amazing! They only offer it right now in a few cities but I know it’s expanding! Basically its a $99/month unlimited pass to studios all around your city (each month you can choose up to 10 studios and go back to those studios up to 3 times!) So I guess not totally unlimited–but still 30 classes for 99 is an amazing deal! I’m on my first month of it right now & definitely going to renew it! It is helping me narrow down the places I really like! Plus I’m constantly sore because each place has such a different workout so it’s so good to change it up! Hope this helps! Not sure where you live but I hope they offer it in your city!
Sounds amazing!!
I love Pure Barre but the price after the new client special was just insane. Instead I ordered myself the DVD’s and do it from home. It’s a great routine I have going in conjunction with my running and not to pricey either!
I agree! I’ve been looking at ordering the Pure Barre DVDs for myself too. Did you order a single workout or one of the package deals? How are you liking it so far?
I ordered one of the Mile High packages. It is two videos plus the ball and socks. I didn’t need the socks but it was a good deal. I love it so far and plan to fully review on my blog soon. I just want to establish my routine and ensure I have done it enough times to compare it to the classes! It’s pretty similar to the classes but slightly different in that it leaves out certain sections but overall, it’s amazing and much cheaper.
Fellow trainer over here votes for more traditional strength training! Seems like you’ve been doing barre for awhile now, so it might be nice to break it up and play around with a barbell- crossfit has my vote as long as you join a box with solid instructors to look out for you and your form, especially on those power and olympic lifts 🙂
Love your blog, Julie!
you’re so right! thanks for weighing in!
Most of the classes I teach are my workouts right now, so it’s super fun! I’d love to try a barre type class soon though 🙂
Where can you sign up for the $5/class body pump? Is that at the Aquatic Center? Is there a website with class times? I’ve lived in Charlotte for almost 10 years and have never found this. Thanks so much!
The Nomad Aquatic Center: http://www.nomadaquatic.com/
I’m in the same boat fitness wise! My wedding is in 2.5 weeks, then have the honeymoon, then we’re looking to move… So I’m riding out my Pure Barre new member unlimited membership until the wedding and then will probably do some at home work outs until finding a new house! I wish I could just pay one fee and take classes all over the place 🙂
Hi! Where are the $5 dollar body pump classes?!! I live in Ballantyne and am always in the search of inexpensive classes! Have you tried Flybarre classes? Those are amazing and your first class is free too! And Yoga One has $5 yoga classes that I am dying to try as well!
The $5 classes are at the Nomad Aquatic Center! 🙂
I’ve been wanting to do more yoga, rock climbing and surfing here lately. I’ll never NOT go to the gym and workout. I can’t wait to hear if you guys to Crossfit and what you think of it!
OMG in a total limbo workout phase. I just finished a half-marathon this weekend and now really want to experiment with some new classes! Barre, bodypump, zumba… BUT I don’t know if I should bite the bullet and pay for memberships. The struggle is very real.
I get it! I was in a workout rut for a while after moving to a new city and starting a new job. I tried a few things here and there, but nothing makes me feel better than the routine I’m used to — Body Pump, running, and intervals! 🙂 That oatmeal looks good but needs a little peanut butter. 😉
I think you and Ryan would both really love Crossfit! Hope you guys check it out!
Definitely check out CrossFit, you won’t regret it! Cardio & strength all in one and an amazing sense of community.
That’s why I like triathlon training so much, you get to train for three different sports so it keeps it interesting! I have access to an awesome on-site gym at work so I started going 2X/week to lift weights which has been really fun. I like feeling strong and seeing new muscles on my arms! And I’ve been doing these yoga pose a day challenges on Instagram which has really opened me up to new poses to work on! Sidenote, I just looked up the Pure barre classes and holey moley are those expensive! Definitely outside my budget!
I haven’t been in a fitness rut lately. I’ve been enjoying strength training right now and working on getting stronger.
I’m usually passionate about one fitness routine at a time, too. I dive in whole-heatedly, super excited for nearly every workout! The problem is, when I’m training for a race, I don’t practice yoga as often. When I’m super into yoga (or in the middle of a month-long yoga challenge like I am right now), I don’t run enough! My body is happiest when I find the right balance of running, yoga, biking, and hiking.
Even though I have a half marathon in 6 weeks, I’ve been really burnt out with running. So, I’ve been biking more at the gym and outside of the gym to keep my cardio up, and then just really focusing on good quality long runs. I’m also strength training more to keep my legs plenty strong!
Crossfit can be really expensive too, which is a drag.
Are you not looking for a fitness job in Charlotte?
I’d love to teach Pure Barre but want to build up my skill before pursuing it. Plus, my studio requires that you take 100 classes before you can teach, so I’m working my way up!
Oh awesome! I’m a trainer too but have been pursuing more Pilates training lately. Specialties are fun! Good luck!
I am on an OrangeTheory kick right now. I love it when a class kicks my butt so I don’t have it do it for myself! Are you going to start teaching/training again? That could be a good way to find a gym.
I’m dying to try Orange Theory!!! I’ve heard the best things about it! And yes, I think I’d like to teach/train again, but right now I’m leaning toward teaching barre classes and want to build up my skills a bit before pursuing it.
I went through a yoga phase but now that both my groupon and living social are used up (ha!) I haven’t been quite as often … Like Barre, it’s not cheap! I’ve taken a lot away from it though and practice it often on my mat at home 🙂
I’m doing the Tone it up Frisky fall challenge! I like their challenges because they re-motivate me to keep working out. And lots of walks- it’s so beautiful out now that all I want to do is be outside walking around the neighborhood! 🙂
Totally agree!! I’ve been all about long walks lately.
You HAVE to try CrossFit! I love love love it and think you and Ryan will too!
You should definitely try CrossFit! It’s such a great mix of strength training, HIIT, and skill work. There is never a lack of variety and I’m always sore for a few days after so I know it’s always a great workout!
I joined the local YMCA. They are typically less expensive than gyms and have a more community feel to them. Mine also has a pool and classes that everyone can take for free. I admit though, I’m into barbell lifting so a YMCA with a good free weight area is all I need.
I LOVE the Y! That’s actually where I used to work and I was a member of the Y in Orlando when we used to live there as well. Such a great organization. 🙂
I’ve been doing short but intense circuit workouts, or tabata workouts paired with a short warm up job and a walk afterwards (if I don’t get enough steps in during the day.) The shorter workouts helped me get out of my workout funk, but now I’m seriously in love with them! I’ve been seeing some great progress too, even using mostly body weight.
please try cross fit! i would love to hear what it is like as a beginner (I have never tried it..but would love to start). Also..where did you get your sweater that you’re wearing in your coffee pic? it looks super cute!
Do you find that your Pure Barre classes are pretty much the same every time? I’ve only been to about 5 classes, but noticed that, and the girls around me tend to have the order memorized. I guess this isn’t a bad thing if you don’t go daily, but I’d still like some variation for what you pay!
Also, random, but do you know the part where you sit up against the bar with your arms up and just kind tuck your hips. It seems useless to me! Need to talk to my instructors to see what I’m doing wrong, but just curious of your thoughts!
Have you heard of MADabolic (formerly “Fight Gone MAD”)? I did their 10 day challenge after I got injured in my first month of CrossFit and LOVED it. It has the same circuit-type format without the crazy olympic-style lifting.
http://madabolic.com/
I absolutely recommend CrossFit! I used to be a member of a box but when I moved to Chicago it was just to expensive, I miss it so much.
I have been doing crossfit for a year now, and I really do love it! It’s quite expensive, so I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to stick with it, but I enjoy the workouts of the day (WODs) and have noticed my strength improve. I also just transitioned to a new job, so getting my schedule for crossfit and school has been my issue. I’ll get there eventually!
I think you might love CrossFit! Can’t wait to hear about it after you try it out!
I am a Pilates instructor and a fan of Pure Barre and Pop Physique! My advice is look at the body type you aspire for. Barre/Yoga/Pilates give long lean muscles where a Crossfit body type is more muscular. If you love barre here is a great oblique,butt, and hamstring exercise called. “The Pretzel.” – do it from home http://www.inallofhersplendor.com/2014/03/07/the-pretzel-barre-exercise-bikini-booty-ready/
I’m definitely all in at pure barre for now but I find myself having the desire to run again too. I have such a love/hate with running! What makes it so hard is waiting for the perfect weather to do it! That’s awesome you found a pay as you go class! Those are hard to come by!
Sadie is the cutest! Love her!!
I just ran my first half marathon last weekend and now that it is over I feel a little lost. I want to run another one, but life may be changing soon and I dont want to commit to one if I am not going to be able to run it. I liked having a goal to work towards, so Im going to have to look for something.
When I injured myself running, I started going to Bikram yoga and did that obsessively for like 2 months. I will say that all your talk about Pure Barre has me wanting to do it so badly! The closest one to me here isn’t very convenient, but theres a chance I may be moving to Chicago in which case there’s a studio every way I turn!
I’ve needed a Stbx drink so I’ve added CD Cap to my line up (half the amount of pumps they usually us). Yummy!
I am currently obsessed with bar method!! but my package is up in a couple weeks and I am torn with what to do, I can’t imagine giving it up but like you said its pretty expensive!
I’m currently obsessed with spin class and am having a hard time deviating from that. I try to mix in strength training and some ab work a could times a week, but I’m lacking the motivation to do it most of the time.
I’m currently obsessed with spin class and am having a hard time deviating from that. I try to mix in strength training and some ab work a could times a week, but I’m lacking the motivation to do it most of the time.
Hey Julie!
I’m so so so excited that you love PB so much! I’m a PB instructor in Chapel Hill and Durham NC and a huge fan of your blog. You have to let me know if you ever come into the area and I’ll have to have you at one of my classes!
xo Kat
Hi~ I live in Charlotte and would love to try a body pump class. Where have you been going? If you are not quite ready for Crossfit, there is a great class called Madabolic in Charlotte. It is interval training. I think you would really like it. They have a website. I go all the time and the workouts are different every time. There are 2 weighted elements, one boxing (just hitting the bag) and 2 cardio/primal movements. It is awesome. The owners are 2 ice hockey players from Canada. If you have any questions, let me know…alli
Wondering if you have noticed any changes body wise with doing Barre classes vs. your old workouts? I am stuck in my same ruts and would love to try a class. I heard they are awesome!
Thx, heather
I have definitely noticed an increase in my core strength! I truly do not think my core has ever been stronger. Aesthetically speaking, I have noticed my stomach is flatter but I haven’t weighed myself for months, so I cannot speak to any weight changes.
Pure Barre is on my list of workouts to try! I just signed up for the Celebration Run half marathon in San Diego so I’m really into running right now but I’m hoping to try hot yoga next week since I just bought a Groupon for a month of unlimited classes. I definitely go through workout phases too 🙂
Join a CrossFit box with a great strength program. The two things I can say about it besides the fitness aspect-it really shifts how you think as a woman. It made me look at my body in a completely different light. I started focusing on what my body can do versus what it looks like. It’s really amazing what it does for your body image and confidence! Secondly, I have met some of the nicest friends ever at CrossFit! They are very friendly and encouraging!
My husband and I are living in Houston for just one year, and I’m paying for graduate school which sort of overtook the gym budget. Our apartment complex has a decent gym, but it doesn’t have any barbells or kettle-bells! I miss power cleans and kettle bell swings! I also really miss group classes. We move again in a year, and I have my eye on Iron Tribe, a gym really similar to Cross Fit!
This is the first time I have ever read your blog, but I am also a fitness fanatic and health food cooker/lover/obsesser! Anyway I taught at the gym years ago but now have 2,4 and 6 year old that makes that hard. I also dive into new things 100% and recently have fallen for a new cycle studio that opened up here in richmond va. My favorite is a class where you ride hard for 30 mins (not straight) throughout the class and also get off and do weight training for 30 as well as things like burpees, etc. I have loved the great sweating and overall feel of it!! I weight train three days a week too on my own and try to squeeze yoga in twice (can tell I’m getting old! I need it!) I really want to try barre- have heard great things! Love the idea of that pass to multiple gyms!!! Wish we had that!
I agree you should definitely try crossfit! I’ve been doing it almost two years now and absolutely LOVE it. Before starting crossfit I did lots of running (training for half-marathons) and at home circuit-type workouts, but found I was getting really bored working out by myself and it was hard to stay motivated. Crossfit keeps me motivated and the community is amazing! 🙂
That jacket you’re wearing in the photo of your pumpkin spice cappuccino looks really cute & cozy! Where did you get it? 🙂
It was a Christmas present yeeeears ago from lululemon. 🙂
That oatmeal looks fantastic!
I’m in such a terrible work-out limbo right now! I recently moved too and left behind a fantastic group of ladies who I did weekly runs with AND another fantastic group of ladies that I strength-trained with. I miss both terribly and am finding it hard to get out the door or finish a work-out on my own. I’ve found a few gyms in the area but don’t want to settle in one spot until I nail down a job. Until then I’m making it up as I go…but definitely losing some strength. Bummer!