Like pretty much everyone, exercise and healthy eating was on my list of things to focus on this year. Iโm pretty good about working out most of the time, itโs the eating part where I throw caution to the wind. My goal this year is to focus on mixing up my workouts. Since I moved to Chicago, I got in a routine of doing the same workouts over and over and kind of hit a plateau. I want to add a few more things to the mix to shake things up a bit, and you know, see results!
I seriously canโt believe February is next weekโฆ January has been kind of a strange month, no? It started off strong with all of these new goals and such, but Iโve been in a funk this month. Getting sick didnโt help, but Iโm majorly blaming Mercury being in retrograde. Iโm normally super up-to-date with my astrology happenings (go ahead, judge me), but I was kind of slacking this month. When I caught up this this past Sunday, suddenly the whole month just made sense. Mercury was in retrograde from January 5th through the 25th, aka: like the whole freaking month. Thank goodness itโs over now! Letโs do this, 2016.
Iโm a fitness class fanatic. Since I work from home, and most usually by myself, I really appreciate the social aspect of fitness classes. I used to be able to hop on the elliptical and zone out listening to music, but I just get kind of bored nowadays. Iโve found that the key for me sticking to a workout routine is classes, so thatโs what I focus on! I get a lot of questions about my fitness routine, so let me break it downโฆ
Spinning / Cycling โ Iโm addicted to SoulCycle classes โ I go almost every day. People often ask me โWhy SoulCycle?โ and what sets it apart from other spinning classes, but for me itโs just a feeling. SoulCycle was the first workout that I ever got excited about and looked forward to going to! Itโs not even about burning calories for meโฆ Itโs such a mental release. Itโs 45 minutes in a dark candle-lit room, rocking out to your favorite music. No phones, no talking, just you and your bike and the rest of the pack. Itโs all about the instructor, as each instructor has their own taste in music. I might be biased, but in Chicago, Hallie W is my favorite. ๐ If youโre in New York, my favorites are Parker, Marvin, Madison, and Lindsay. In LA, Kara is my go-to!
Yoga โ Because I spin so often, my hips and legs are always tight AF. Yoga is essential to stretch outโฆ I need to make it more of a priority! I prefer hot Vinyasa flow yoga, but I also like going to restorative yoga classes once a week to really focus on stretching. You can never do enough yoga and stretching! (If you’re in NYC, I love Lyons Den!)
Sculpt โ My yoga studio also has a class called Sculpt, which is an absolute kick in the butt. I kind of dread going, but itโs such a good workout. Itโs taught in the yoga studio, which is a heated room. Youโre on your mat, but donโt be fooled โ itโs a whole lot more than a yoga class. You incorporate free weights into your yoga sequences and even do a few different cardio bursts, like jumping jacks, burpees, etc. Itโs a whole lot of sweat, a towel on your mat is essential.
Pilates, for lack of a better term โ I was obsessed with SLT in New York. I miss it so, so much! (If anyone from SLT is reading this, please please please come to Chicago!) In Chicago, I found a pilates studio that only works with reformers, Flex Pilates. (I hate pilates mat classes!) I really like going, but itโs pretty pricey so I only go about once a week.
Barre โ I tried my hand at barre classes when I first moved to New York, but it never stuck because I just didnโt love it. I loved the results, but I just couldnโt get motivated to get to class for some reason. Before I moved back to Chicago, I went to a different studio and liked it, but then, you know, I moved. I just recently decided to give it another go in Chicago and I have really enjoyed it so far! The studio I am going to, The Dailey Method, has an awesome 6-week package for first timers, so Iโm going to try it out for the full six weeks. Itโs been one week so far, letโs hope it sticks! I have a feeling it will, but I can keep you posted.
With any fitness studio, itโs all about the studio vibes, am I right? Sometimes Iโve loved classes and instructors that my friends have not, and vice versa. My best advice is to take recommendations from people who share your same tastes in workouts, but also TRY NEW THINGS! Easier said than done, but just give it a go. I was nervous to try this new barre studio, but I grabbed a friend and went during a more empty time slot to feel more comfortable. Itโs never as scary as it seems, promise! Just keep trying until you find what works for you and your body. Itโs worth it!
Since my workouts are all over the board, but usually pretty heavy on the sweat, I need workout clothes that really fit a number of occasions. I donโt like to have tops that are just for yoga, and pants that are just for spinning, etc. I strive to make getting out the door (the hardest part of working out!) as easy as possible. To do this, I focus on clothing that works for every occasion and clothing that I actually want to wear.
Iโve said it before, but investing in new workout clothes is SO worth it. If you donโt feel strong and confident, you probably wonโt have it in you to make it to the class and push yourself to your limit. Ditch the old college t-shirts, and ditch the leggings that you also pair with sweaters and such. Invest in a workout wardrobe to motivate yourself to get your sweat on! If youโre rolling your eyes and thinking that itโs just not in the budget, it doesnโt have to be expensive, I promise!
Old Navy just launched a new line of activewear, and they focused on three main categories to make sure youโre wearing the best gear for the workouts you like to do. Running, Studio, and Training. The Running collection is focused on being fast & light โ all about functionality and innovation. The Studio collection is specifically designed for bending, stretching, and sweating. And then thereโs the Training collection thatโs made for workouts from A-Z, gym and outdoors.
Everything Iโm wearing here is from the Training collection, simply because I like to keep it streamlined. Most of the studio collection would work with the classes I take, but I want workout wear that will allow me to take it outside, too. One stop shop, you know?
Also, if you do a lot of sweaty workouts and donโt have Tide Sport, youโre doing it wrong. ๐ Itโs THE BEST!
Get the Look…
Old Navy Zip-Up Hoodie
Old Navy ‘Do Work’ Leggings
Nike Sneakersย (also available here!)
Valentino Sunglasses
Nordstrom Beanie
Black Gloves
Created in partnership with Old Navy
I love this post! Your fitness overview was very thorough and informative. I loved your insights! For me, I’ve stuck with yoga for the past 10+ years whether at home or in a studio (although i prefer studio practice). I’m going to try Pure Barre next week. It seems like a well-rounded workout. I usually spend one of my weekend days at the gym with my husband working on cardio and weight training. It’s so refreshing to get your perspective!
xo
Beth
http://www.TheStyleBouquet.com
Built-in personal trainer, I love it! The couple that works out together stays together. ๐ I rarely ever do any yoga poses at home, I need to start doing that even if I can’t make it to the studio.. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks for the overview and I really like your fitness look!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Super cute outfit, I’d wear this even if I wasn’t working out!
emmastyleguide.blogspot.com
I tried a barre studio for about a month last year but really wasn’t crazy about it. I danced most of my life, so I was super-surprised I didn’t love it more. I really need to try a new studio!
Fizz and Frosting
It’s all about the studio! I’d try a few more before you write off barre, especially if you were a dancer!
Those leggings !
http://www.bluelabelsboutique.com
http://www.fashionnotfear.wordpress.com
Do you see a difference with using the Tide Sport laundry detergent? I have a lot of sweaty workouts multiple times a week but I haven’t tried that detergent. I’ve read workout clothes should be washed on the delicate cycle using cold water. I’ve also heard soaking them in some white vinegar first is a good method too?
Oh my gosh, yes!! I highly recommend you try it. I wash all of my clothing on delicate in cold water, including workout clothes. I’ve recommended it to lots of family and friends, it’s the only thing that gets the sweaty smell out! Not sure I have it in me to try the white vinegar trick… Sounds even more smelly! haha
I HIGHLY recommend The Barre Code in Chicago. I’ve tried other barre places, but nothing compares. It has totally changed my life!
Such a cute outfit, Jess! And LOVE the fitness class roundup… I never know what to sign up for so this is perfect! ๐
Kelly | Kelly in the City
Soul Cycle hasn’t made its way to San Antonio yet, so I have never been to a class, but does the instructor not talk? It is only music?
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Hi! Have been reading for awhile now, loved this post! I had been looking for some new sneakers and pulled the trigger on these in black. I am curious, I read that they can be worn sockless, do you ever wear them that way? Do they get gross (my biggest fear)?? Thanks! Love that you support Old Navy!
Give an Orange Theory Fitness class a try. If you like sweat, you’ll love it. You wear a HR monitor so you can always tell how hard you are working and an accurate idea of the total calories burned.
I love switching up my workouts as well. Currently Orangetheory is my favorite. You will definitely sweat a lot in the class ๐
Super cute workout outfit! And I love your fitness class ideas! I usually just run on the treadmill but I love Scenic Cycle in Sydney where you watch huge screens and “travel” as you cycle.
http://www.lucylovestosparkle.com
Hey Jessica,
It has been fun following you on IG and ready your blogs! Especially your most recent one about fitness ruts.
I have a fully equipped Pilates studio in the amazing West Loop on Madison. Like you, I am new to Chi-town! I sold my Pilates studio outside Charlotte & moved here a little over a year ago after meeting my now hubby!
You should come on in & I’ll take you through a workout on all the equipment (with minimal mat work )
Check out my site & let me know what you think…
http://Www.thepilatsroomchicago.com
My IG is
Thepilatesroom_chi
Chat soon!
I second The Barre Code and Orange Theory recommendations! The Barre Code is more than just barre, and although, I’ve never been to Soul Cycle (there is not a studio in Michigan), I’ve been told that The Barre Code is the Soul Cycle of barre ๐
I’ve heard good things about Orange Theory, but I don’t run because of chronic shin splint issues. (I never did Barry’s Bootcamp in New York because of the treadmill aspect, either!) I wonder if it’s possible to just stick to the rowing machines and weight stations? Sounds like I definitely have to try Barre Code, thanks for the recommendation!
You should try out the Barre Code as well!! I know they have Chi locations and also a pretty good beginners package. They have so many different Barre classes (traditional, dance, kick boxing, HIIT, etc) – it is the best studio that I’ve tried for sure!
Definitely going to look into it! Thank you for the recommendation!
Love the workout gear! I do yoga on and off, but I’ve been dying to try spinning! Thanks for all the insight into classes! — SC at http://www.samanthachic.com
Oh Iโm so glad you posted this. I am sure they will really helpful! Thanks for sharing these tips!