Working Out in 2020

The #1 New Years Resolution every year is to lose weight.  Here in NYC, I have noticed my favorite workout classes are much more populated this month- which I actually love.   I find I work out so much harder when I have other people around me to keep me motivated.   Any step towards a healthier lifestyle is something to be proud of- even if the progress is slow and steady.   Don't underestimate the power of even small changes, like going for a walk after dinner or making a doing some squats during your favorite TV show.  I feel like over time, the small changes can snowball in to real results- at least, that's how it's gone in my own life.  Once I start seeing an improvement in my endurance and body, that in turn motivates me to keep at it.

{A Barry's Bootcamp studio - I love the moodier red lighting over typical gym harsh bright light}

In 2019, I discovered Barry's Bootcamp and have been addicted for the last 7 months.  I never considered myself a "runner", or someone who could even stay on a treadmill and jog for more than a mile.  Barry's combines treadmill work with strength work on the floor in 2 or 3 rounds each class- aka high-intensity interval training ("HIIT").  The instructors guide you throughout the entire workout, and it's impossible to leave the class without breaking an intense sweat.  While on the treadmill, you are either jogging, at a running pace, a sprint, or recovering with a walk.  My goal for the end of 2019 was to get to a consistent 10.0 mph sprint pace at Barry's.  For 2020, my goal is to increase my sprint to 11.0 mph, but ALSO to remain at the higher end of the speed ranges for the other parts of the class (jogging, running, pushing).  Seeing myself improve and get stronger in Barry's is very satisfying, because I have always just assumed I'd never be "a runner."  I highly recommend anyone try a Barry's class.  

{Barry's UES locker rooms selfie, since the taking of this photo I have started carrying my S'well bottle}

My other goal for 2020 is to incorporate a more regular yoga practice.  I naturally gravitate towards intense cardio or weight-lifting workouts, but this year I want to make sure I also take care of my body by adequetly stretching and increasing flexibility.  I have tried Lyon's Den yoga and Y7 yoga here in the city, and adore both.  If you're a New Yorker, let me know if there's a yoga studio you absolutely love so I can check it out.

Today I also thought I would share some of the workout gear I love.  Obviously, it never hurts to have cute althleisure when you hit the gym.  My favorite buy of 2019 was this leopard set I purchased from Carbon 38- Beach Riot Piper leggings + Piper Twisted Top:

{this leopard sports bra option is a bit less expensive}

Shop My Work Out Favorites:

1.) S'well 25-oz Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle, $45 (these designs are cute, too!)


I don't know what took me so long to finally invest in one of these insulated water bottles- but honestly, it's probably my favorite gym-related purchase of all.  It really does keep your water extremely cold for up to 24 hours (and hot liquids up to 12 hours) and produces zero condensation.  Plus, carrying a plastic water bottle is so demode.

2.) FitBit Inspire HR Fitness Tracker, $79.95 (normally $99.95, currently $20 off at Best Buy) 

3.) Carbon 38 Ribbed Cami Tank Top in Powder Blue, $78/ matching leggings, $98

4.) The Laundress Sport Detergent, $19

I swear by this stuff.  With nice gym clothes, also remember to hang dry.  If I get home and can't immediately wash my sweaty gym stuff (there's a washer/dryer in my building's basement but sometimes another resident has it occupied), I actually throw it in the freezer for a few hours.  Sounds bizarre, I know, but it temporarily takes away the disgusting smell until you can get to laundry...

5.) Cable Long Sleeved Long Crop Top, $69


6.) Melany Sherpa Cropped Hoodie, $178/


7.) MZ Wallace Quilted Large Metro Tote, $235/

My absolute favorite bag of all time- I actually carry this as both my work tote and my workout bag.  It fits SO much, and the shoulder strap is soft enough that it doesn't chafe your shoulder.  I've had the same one for over 2 years now, so it's also highly durable.


8.)Nike Pegasus Running Shoes, $120

I'm a Nike girl through and through, and I love the pegasus running shoe. PS- if you haven't read the Nike founder's autobiography "Shoe Dog", it's worth a read.

FYI, these are my absolute favorite socks for spin + running.

9.) Free People FP Movement Tie Dye Leggings, $88


10.) The LuluLemon 5 mm Reversible Yoga Mat, $78

Top 3 Favorite Group Fitness Classes (in NYC and other cities):

I do all three of these workouts regularly.  Typically, Soul Cycle 1-2 times a week and Barry's 3-4 times a week.  Then, I'll sprinkle in a Pure Barre once every few weeks.  This year, I'd like to try and incorporate more yoga classes as I mentioned above.

Soul Cycle (favorite instructors:  Conor, Karyn, Stacey)

Barry's Bootcamp 

Pure Barre

Other Studios I Love (in NYC):

305 Fitness

Y7 Yoga Studio & Lyon's Den Power Yoga

ShadowBox Boxing

Want to Try this Year in 2020:

Tracy Anderson Method (heard the moves are so wack-o, but I'm very curious)

SLT

Rumble Boxing

Am I missing anything good?  Have you tried any of the workouts above?  Have any fitness-related goals for 2020?

Let me know!

XOXO,

Sam

One Month of Fithouse

Dark, neon-lit rooms, lots of sweaty, toned midriffs showing, EDM blasting out of the speakers.... no, this is not a Brooklyn warehouse party.  This is FitHouse, a new-ish fitness studio in NYC that offers a multitude of classes including HIIT, yoga, barre, dance, and sculpt.  Last month I partnered with Liquor Lab and FitHouse for weekly workout sessions at their new Union Square location.  FitHouse originally opened last spring in Tribeca, and has another location in Union Square.

What makes FitHouse different than other group fitness companies in Manhattan?

Gym Attire

The truth of the matter is that cute workout clothes are more likely to get me to the gym than the idea of maintaining a healthy body.  Sad, but true.  And since I almost always feel 10x's better and happier after getting a good workout in, I figure it's worth investing in cute activewear.  My go-to workout when I was in Houston was Define - both their body toning classes and rev spin classes.  Now that I'm in NY, the obvious workout choice for me (since I love to spin) is Soul Cycle.  I've heard great things about the cult-ish spin studio and I'm ready to drink the kool-aid.  In terms of my go-to gym clothes, I'm a big believer in scouring  TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, and Target for cute, inexpensive options.  Although I love Lululemon, the only workout items I swear by from them are their 4-way stretch shorts and their infamous yoga pants.  I found both this sports bra and tank at Target, and they are so comfy:

Here are some of my other go-to's when it comes to workout clothes.  I recently found the Nike Air Pegasus shoe and I love wearing them when jogging outdoors.  They're one of the most comfortable pairs of running shoes I've found. 

Shop This Board:

1.)  Adidas by Stella McCartney Sports Bra $50/2.)  Theory Cotton Jersey Top $55/3.) Forever 21 Cutout-Back Athletic Top $15.90/ 4.) Lulu Lemon 4-Way Stretch Shorts $60/5.) Forever 21 Ankle Socks $3.90/6.) Air Pegasus 31 Running Shoe $100

What are your favorite workout pieces?  Any great items I missed?

My Workout Picks

I recently mentioned that I have become addicted to Cross fit for the last month.  Before beginning Cross fit, I occasionally took a yoga class or a Zumba class, but never really had a set workout schedule.  Now, I try to make it to a Cross fit workout 5 times a week.  

You have to understand how much of a change this is for me.  Before Cross Fit, you could not PAY me to go to the gym that often.  It's so boring walking on the treadmill.  All I do is stare at the minutes left on the machine and daydream about french fries.  So, with my newfound passion for CF,  I have been going through my limited gym clothing like there's no tomorrow.  Last weekend,  I had to invest in a few more pieces.  Here are my favorites:

Lime green tank/Black Nike tank/Nakedseam Shorts/Tory Burch Nylon Tote Bag/Nike Free Run Shoes

Shorts:

Lululemon's Nakedseam shorts are the most comfortable workout shorts I've ever worn. Priced at $68 a piece, they are a bit expensive, but trust me- they're worth it.  Plus, how fun are the patterns?  I recently bought the polka dot pair and wear them constantly. (FYI- I typically wear a size 4 pant size, but I bought these shorts in an 8 so that they would fit a bit looser.) I know a lot of girls love those Nike running shorts, but I can't stand those on my body.

Tops:  

My go-to workout tops are Nike tanks.  I love the ones with built-in bras, or the basic tanks that are light and I can pair with a sports bra. 

Bag:

I carry my TB canvas tote.  What can I say?  I love my Tory.  It's perfect for throwing my clothes in in the morning and carrying with me to work.

Shoes:

I am in the market for new gym shoes, and I'm leaning towards these Nike Free Runs in a mint shade.  

I'm a firm believer that wearing cute workout clothes will motivate you to get to the gym.  Honestly.  It also helps to have a few friends who will keep you accountable.  Do you have a favorite brand to wear when working out, or perhaps a favorite workout shoe?  Please share with me!  I'm new to this workout game. :)