I believe the saying goes a little something like, “New year, new you.โ We’ve all seen it (and done it)… gyms and workout studios turn into absolute zoos come January. People try to eat healthier, workout every day, stick to these elaborate resolutions, etc. While Iโm all for self-improvement, I donโt think anyone should wait to start on their new goals. Why wait a few months/weeks/days until January 1st? Why not start RIGHT NOW? Ya know? If you know you want to do something, what’s the point of waiting? Life is short, get a head start!ย (Plus, find your way around the gym or yoga studio and find your favorite group fitness instructors before the mad rush hits in January! It’s kind of a no-brainer.)
I think this goes for pretty much anything in life, not just fitness. If you want to take up a new hobby, why wait a few weeks? You’re setting your resolution to keep in touch with college friends more often? Just pick up the phone right now! If you want to become a better cook, stick around the kitchen during the holidays. You want to be a better spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, etc.? Just start today. If you catch yourself saying or thinking that you’re going to start doing something in the future, here’s a little kick in the ass nudge to just start now. Not to get super deep, but you never know what tomorrow will bring. While I’m not encouraging you toย make rash decisions, I do think we should all try to better ourselves on the regular and not wait for a new day to do so. I knowย that the timing may not always be right to make a life change, but you can start taking small stepsย to achieve your goals. It’s all about making progress! You can always start doing things to live the life you want to be living. Just do it!
Stop planning, start DOING!
After a month of traveling in October and a crazy busy schedule in early November, I admittedly kind of slipped out of my workout routine. When I’m not training or working out for anything in particular, I aim to work mostย days that I am able to. With my schedule, it generally ends up being 3-4 times per week. But for a mix of reasons and excuses this fall, I was working out, like, once in a two-week span. Not okay! However, I ended up stayingย in NYC over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and committed to spending majority of my free time getting back into my workout routine. And, oh my gosh, it sure feels good!
98% of the time, I actually love working out. (I haven’t always been this way.. It took years and years of trial and error to see what workouts fit my fancy.) Does that mean that I’m always rearing and ready to go to the gym? Absolutely not. It still takes a little bit of motivation and coaxing some days! But I’ve come to realize that working out is my biggest stress release from the daily grind. Like, even moreso than a bottle of wine after work. ๐ I’m incredibly more grouchy if it’s been a few days without a workout, so for my friends, family, and coworkers’ benefit, I have even more of a reason to hold myself accountable for getting in a sweat sesh. . And let’s be serious, has anyone ever regretted a workout? Didn’t think so.
Over the last few months, I’ve really been trying to get back into yoga. Back when I lived in Chicago, I had a yoga studio that I loved, an instructor that I loved even more, and I was actually starting to improve my practice. Then I moved to New York and it all fell to the wayside. But over the last few months, I’ve finally found a yoga studio in New York that’s starting to feel like home. (It only took me 2.5 years to get back into it..) I’ve learned that yoga is one of the few things that actually zens me out and I’ve really seen a difference in my mood and thoughts since I started practicing again.
I’m know I’m kind of all over the place today, but I hope you get the drift. I wrote this all outย get ahold of my own thoughts and hold myself accountable for these things, too. So let’s work together over the next few weeks, before the new year even begins, to start putting our wants andย future plans into action!
What are you working towards right now? Personally, I’m working on my patience. I’ve never been a patient person, but I’m truly trying to work on keeping my cool in even the most hectic of situations.ย Whether is a tough pose at yoga and my quads are literally about to catch fire or a reallyย stressfulย time at work when I feel like I want to throw in the towel, I know that I just have to take a few deep breaths and get through it.
Your turn — What are you working towards right now? Or what were you planning to have as your ‘New Years Resolution’ that you are actually going to get a head start on now, over the next few weeks, before January even gets here? ๐
ย Oh, and while we’re on the topic of yoga, workouts, and resolutions, I can’t forgetย to tellย you guys a little bit about my new favorite workout gear website, Carbon 38.ย They haveย some great brands (a lot of which were new to me!)ย and some of the most funย workout pieces! From printed tights to unique tops, they’ve got aย fabulousย selection of gear that’s bound to get you to the gym. This Spiritual Gangster tank? I am obsessed. And these mesh cut-out workout tights? I want them in every single style. You know I’m all about dressing the part, no matter the occasion! Look good, feel good. Namaste!
Carbon 38 Hoodie c/o
Alo Yoga Bra c/o Carbon 38
Spiritual Gangster Tank c/o Carbon 38
Michi Leggings c/o Carbon 38
Nike Blazer Sneakers
Jawbone Up24
Lululemon Hot Yoga Mat
I love doing yoga and don’t do it enough. The other week I took a really difficult class wanted to quit half way through, but I’m glad I stuck with it to the end. Great post! I love the idea of starting your resolutions now.
Ellen | A Pop of Pink
Love this post and your yoga looks! I’m always looking for great studios in the city, what is the yoga studio you mention and love?
I go to Lyons Den in Tribeca!
I’m like you, I like to work on my goals all year round!! But the New Year is always a nice refresh that allows us to step back and reevaluate if necessary. I’m working on a new site design right now and formulating plans for an apartment upgrade!
After a busy year I definitely let my workouts slip in 2014…though after a glutenous Thanksgiving weekend I’ve been pushing myself to get back into my normal routine this week. I always do better when I’m training for something, so my goal is to complete the Nike Women’s Half in SF next October in under 2 hrs…so it’s back to the gym and back to a running schedule for me!
xoxo,
Andrea
http://www.andreaeveryday.com
LOVE your workout gear!!
I just started going to yoga this year, and I love it! I can’t even describe how awesome I feel after each class. I look forward to going every week, and the only positive of my favorite spin classes at my gym being cancelled, as of next week, is that I can start going to the yoga classes that are offered the same time the spin classes were held. This year, I’ve made friends with some of the people who go to my gym, as well as some instructors, who are all very motivating, and great at holding me accountable and checking in if they don’t see me in class after a few days. This is the time of year when in past years, I would get lazy and give up on the gym until spring, when I’d have to spend the spring and summer undoing the damage from the winter months… I’m not planning on doing that this year! Love your workout gear and your outlook in this post!
perfect workout gear! love it! i started going to the gym and i love it!
Irene
http://www.thedailylace.com
Um, these photos are amazing. I’m OBSESSED WITH THIS!
And as they say, #DecemberisthenewJanuary ๐ <3
Hallie is right- these photos are gorgeous! Love the top!
Patience is always my number one intention when I’m at a yoga class- definitely have to work hard at it outside of yoga too! ๐
I totally agree with you, if you want to change something why wait! Start today!
http://touchofcollege.blogspot.com/
That shirt is dope!
Love that shirt and yoga is the best! Especially hot yoga…sweat it out girl!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Love your fun and chic sportswear especially the cute tank top and sexy bra top! Great style!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com
Nice sportswear outfit !
http://fruityandpassion.blogspot.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/Fruityandpassion
Ha! That shirt is funny!! Love that hoodie and pants, too. Sounds like a great brand.
Back in April I found a strength training routine I did for 6 or 8 weeks with slow progressions throughout, then switched to another and another… I am so much stronger and love being so powerful and knowing my way around a weight room! For me it was all about having the routine and structure–knowing what to do once I got to the gym.
I love this !! So cool and inspirational!
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Jeanne
http://fashionmusingsdiary.com
Awesome post! Getting back into my yoga practice is one of my goals for myself. I also want to start working on my overall balance; keeping organized and balanced in my every day life and work.
Great post! I never actually make any NY resolutions but I’ve started capoeira and my goal is to get really really good and have that chiselled body that comes with it!
Ana
http://www.champagnegirlsabouttown.co.uk
Very inspiring blogpost! I have started doing Pilates every morning and absolutely love it – I think it’s important to start something when the motivation strikes and not to wait for a specific time of the year…
The Carbon hoodie is absolutely great!!
http://www.iliascupoftea.wordpress.com