Workout Changes

So I know I've talked about this a lot (maybe a little too much?) but I am trying to be healthier this year. For the first time I have actually stuck with healthy (or at least healthier) eating and working out consistently... and it feels great! But after 6 months I started to feel like I needed a little change in my workouts.

Some of my co-workers talked to me into trying Hot Yoga. I really liked it and debated about signing up for a membership (despite how ridiculously expensive it seems...) but ultimately decided I needed not only a change, but more variety. I'm glad I went to Yoga though, because it made me realize how much I love working out in a class setting.

So I did some research and decided to join LA Fitness. I will probably at some point use more of the weight machines and cardio equipment... but the main reason I signed up is for the classes. I joined last Monday and then have spent the last week checking into different classes. Here is a rundown of my week:

My First Class: Step Aerobics was Last Thursday. I felt like this was a good start because a lot of my workouts with The Firm are step based. So it helped ease me into the long classes.
Friday Night I went to Cycling Class It may have been one of the hardest hours of my life... and I definitely was sore in some strange places. I felt like it was a great cardio workout and I burned a lot of calories. But I'm not sure how often I will go back. I'm not sure it was quite my thing?

Saturday Morning I got up and went to Body Works. My sister-in-law, Aja, has been going to the Body Works Class at her LA Fitness for the last year and it has really helped her tone and lose weight. She raves about how great this class is and I would definitely agree. It is a full hour of light weights, total body toning, and ab work. I felt as though this was also similar to the workouts I have been doing, just longer and with lots of modifications so I can continue to challenge myself. I will definitely be going back (in fact... I took advantage of my day off on Monday and went again!)
Tuesday Night was Kickboxing Cardio which is the other class that Aja recommended. Definitely a high calorie burning workout and SO MUCH FUN! I am sad because this class is only offered 1 time a week at my gym, but I will definitely try to go every week!

And tonight I tried out the Latin Heat class. This is similar to a Zumba class. And let me just tell you, while it may not have been the most challenging workout... I definitely felt like it was my worst. I do not have good rhythm and I definitely look ridiculous when I dance. But it was fun!

Overall, I have loved getting to be a part of these classes. I love the accountability and encouragement from the instructors. I love that they are quick to tell you to listen to your body and not try to do everything at once... but they give LOTS of modifications for all skill levels to continually increase the challenge.

And I am loving the variety and the change. I definitely hope this will help me continue to lose weight instead of reaching a plateau now that I've hit my first official weight loss goal!

Summer Simple Pleasures

So even though summertime in the grown-up world is a little different, summer is still definitely in the air! There are so many things I love about this time of the year (which is probably good... because it is so hot you just want to die, so there better be some redeeming qualities!)

Here are a few of my favorite things about this summer so far:

1. Flip Flops & Pedicures

Flip Flops are without a doubt one of my favorite things ever. I don't know if it goes back to the fact that my feet are messed up, so they are most comfortable in less-structured shoes. Or if it's the ease with which flip flops go on. But I love being able to wear sandals. And I love keeping bright, fun colors on my toenails all season long... it just makes me feel a little prettier!

2. A Different Pace

Even though my schedule doesn't technically change due to summer... it does in a subtle way. All of the families I work with are on summer break, so there is just a more laid-back nature to all of our visits. I love getting to visit at home with my mom's who are teachers that I don't usually get to see. I love the craziness of having all of the siblings home for our visits. I just love the change summer brings to my job.

3. Summer Nights & Long Walks

So I know I talk a lot about walking Allie... but that's because it's one of the most consistent things in my life! And now that it stays light so late, we can go for walks every day, regardless of how late I have to work. We typically leave for our walks around 7:45 and get home right around 9:00. We miss the heat of the day, but are both worn out just in time for bed.

4. Pool Parties

Another fun change that comes with summer now, is the change with the youth I work with. Because they are all on summer break, our schedule changes quite a bit for Sunday School and Youth. We have a more laid-back curriculum and discussion Sunday mornings. And we are spending pretty much every Sunday Night swimming at one of the kids' houses! We have dinner, they swim and then we do a short devotional. It is a great time of fun and fellowship!

5. Ice Cream

Although I am trying to stay away from Ice Cream this summer on my quest to healthier living... I still indulge every once in a while. My sweet friend, Erin, came over this past week and we had dinner and just hung out for the evening. It was so nice catching up, and when she suggested going to Dairy Queen for a Blizzard, I just couldn't pass up that opportunity!! There is nothing better than cold ice cream on a warm summer night!

6. Reading

I love having a more flexible schedule this summer and have been able to spend quite a bit of time reading. I have spent more time devoted to various Bible Studies that I have found. And I also renewed my love for the library and have enjoyed quite a bit of pleasure reading as well!

Oh sweet summertime...