Getting back into your routine after a vacation can be hard… Like, really hard. Especially when you were gone for 10 days in Europe eating every single croissant and crepe in sight on the streets of Paris. Yikes!
I’m not one to practice that much self-control when I’m on vacation. One of the reasons I’ve learned to love working out is because I love eating. And especially when I’m on vacation, I’m not going to deprive myself of trying new things because of the calorie count. Sure, I probably didn’t need to have a crepe-a-day while in Paris, but whatever — everything in moderation, including moderation. Right?! Right.
For me, though, getting back on track once I’m back home is a challenge. I spent last week battling my cravings for carbs and it was tough! It’s easy to fall into that “regular eating habits resume tomorrow” mindset, but you just have to do it. Same with workouts! I got back on Sunday night, gave myself Monday to ease back into real life, went to a yoga class on Monday night, and hopped right back into my workout routine on Tuesday morning with a killer spin class.
Yoga is one of the best ways to ease back into your workout groove when you get home from a trip. After shlepping around your luggage, sleeping in new places, sitting on planes for hours on end, and just general travel-related anxiety, a good yoga class to stretch out and relax does wonders! Plus, you’re getting in a workout, too — two birds with one stone.
I’ve talked about my Soul Cycle obsession again and again, but today I’m going to share some light on the yoga studio that finally got me back into practicing yoga again! When I lived in Chicago, I randomly bought a Groupon for a power yoga studio and fell in love with it. I loved the mind and body aspect! Even after my trial period was complete, I kept coming back for more. I was going about 4 times a week before I moved to NYC and totally fell off the wagon. (I went to Power Yoga Chicago at Lincoln and Diversey in Lincoln Park!)
For me, no matter where I find myself working out, it’s not just the physical workout. It’s the community, it’s the instructors, it’s the whole atmosphere. I tried a few yoga studios when I moved here three years ago and none of them really clicked with me for whatever reason. And because there are SO MANY STUDIOS in New York, I kind of gave up searching for a new one to call home.
Through the Soul Cycle community, I found out about Lyons Den Power Yoga. Bethany Lyons is a Soul Cycle instructor (whom I’ve actually never taken a class with) that started Lyons Den with her husband. I had heard a lot about the studio from a few of my “Soul Cycle friends,” but it was a few months before I finally gave it a go to see for myself. Lyons Den has a new student special — 30 days unlimited for $89 — so it was an easy way to get to know the studio, but I knew it was my kind of place after my very first class last spring!
Currently, my favorite class of the week is Sara’s Power Beats class with LIVE music on Friday nights. It’s such a fun way to start the weekend! Sara is one of my favorite instructors and the musician, Charlene, is absolutely incredible. I wasn’t sure if I would like the live music aspect or not, but it’s so, so amazing. A few other classes you can usually find me at — 4pm on Sundays, 8pm on Mondays, and sometimes a random morning throughout the week. If you see me in class, say hi! 🙂
And just in case you were wondering — this post is in no way sponsored by Lyons Den. I just genuinely love the studio and they were gracious enough to let Lydia and me snap a few photos in their space!
A major trend that I’ve been loving in workout gear lately is mesh! Sections of mesh detailing not only add a little bit of flair, but help to keep you cool, too. Win, win!
I have been obsessed with this wrap cardigan from Nordstrom the past few weeks! It’s a must-have to wear to-and-from workouts. (Great for traveling, too!) No matter if you’re headed to yoga, spin, or to lift weights, it’s the perfect piece to toss on as you head out the door this spring. I love that you can wear it three different ways — wear it open over your tank (or sports bra if you have better abs than I do!), wear it with just one side wrapped over for an asymmetrical look, or wear it with both sides wrapped up. Here’s what it looks like each way…
Get the Look…
#1: Scoop Back Tank, Blurred Printed Leggings, Sports Bra, Jawbone
#2: Split Back Tank, Sports Bra, Bright Blue Leggings, Jawbone
#3: Wrap Cardigan, Sports Bra, Navy Leggings
A special Thank You to Nordstrom for partnering on this post!
Love this post! That split back tank is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
The Style Storm
<3, Christina
What cute looks! Getting back into the day to day routine after a vacation is so hard. Why do carbs have to taste so good?
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
these tops are all killer!
xoxo, Preeti
http://www.ninesto5.com
I started working out years ago for the same exact reason. I love cheese…and carbs…and sweets way too much, but luckily, I found that it did wonders for my mind, too 🙂 After a heavy running schedule the past few months, I’m looking forward to switching things up and I’m hoping to get back to yoga!
I always enjoy reading your wellness posts! They keep me motivated to take better care of myself.
Happy Monday Jess 🙂
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud/2015/4/13/41315
That wrap cardigan would of been perfect for travelling! Wish I had known about it before I left!
I can totally relate to the dread of heading back home after vacation, the cafés in Europe make it almost impossible to avoid pastries, and they’re on every corner!
http://www.wanderbeforewhat.com
That wrap cardigan is everything right now. Love your workout style! 🙂
-alex
skyscrapers & palm trees
I love that cardigan! So cozy! And those leggings are so pretty, too! You look awesome – and I give you so much credit for getting on track with your workout!
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com
Love this post! All the workout clothes are gorgeous!
Madison Martine
http://www.madisonmartine.com
Such a cute cardi! I’m trying not to shop for things I don’t NEED need (saving money and space is the goal of 2015, oof) but if I wasn’t trying to say on that wagon, I would swoop up that wrap cardigan in a minute!
I’m trying to get back into a regular routine too (not just after vacay – unless several months counts as a vacay?) and it’s SO DIFFICULT. I’m trying to remind myself of this the next time I want to STOP my routine. Like, hey, remember how much more work it was to start? Yeah. Just DO IT (as you and Nike say!)
xo
I love this post! I totally agree with enjoying yourself while you’re on vacation. I strongly believe in enjoying everything – in moderation. Your workout gear is so adorable – I especially love the first sports bra. I’ll have to try the yoga studio, thanks for the recommendation!
I am definitely adding that cardigan to my travel wishlist!
I love that you don’t deprive yourself on vacation. I try to do the same, because quite frankly, life is too short. I need to kick my butt back into gear this week, though. Ate and drank way too much! Have a great week!
Ellen | A Pop of Pink
Such a great post!! As someone who travels A LOT (I even have a ‘travel & fashion’ series on my blog every Thursday) I completely agree with everything you said about getting back into your workout routine!! Seems like you’ve found a great way to do it though! (…and I am in love with that Nordstrom wrap cardigan you have… definitely need to grab one!)
Xo
Lee | LegalLee Blonde
These are some great tips! And super cute outfits 🙂 My favorite part of traveling is trying new food, so I’m right there with ya! It’s sooo hard to start up a routine again.
Jamie
http://www.treatsandtrendsblog.com
I need to try soul cycle. Love following you on Instagram, I find you quite hilarious!!
http://www.blondeincashmere.com
Love the cardigan!
Not loosing my routine when I go out of town is one of the reasons I love running. It’s such a great way to see a new city too!
Loving the cute gear Jess!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Love the printed leggings!!
pinkandnavystripes.com