Operation Fitness Link-up #2

It's that time again, linking up with Sarah on this lovely Sunday for the second installment of Operation Fitness Link-up! And guess what? I actually put a little fitness into my life this week. 

I know, I wasn't sure it was going to happen either, but with the help of a few accountability partners and this link-up, I think I've finally found some motivation; it's still slow-going and we're definitely starting small, but nonetheless, it's there.

I purchased a Groupon a couple weeks ago for 10 classes at a local yoga studio that offers a variety of classes beyond only yoga. I mentioned in my last post how I wanted to take advantage of Groupon in lieu of paying for a gym membership, and so far it's been working out (no pun intended) nicely. I had a friend purchase the same Groupon so we've been taking classes together.

Zumba has to be one of my favorite things! I look ridiculous doing it, but it's whatevs cause it's a good workout and it's so fun! Although, if there's only four people in the class on a Monday night, it can make things pretty awkward. You want to be lost in a sea of Zumba-ers so you can pretend no one, including the instructor, sees you, and you can't really do that with only four people. 

Surely they see me, in all my ridiculous-looking Zumba glory.

I also mentioned in my last post that I wanted to get serious about Yoga. 

I'm not quite "serious" yet, but I pinned a crap-ton of Yoga pins on Pinterest and bought an actual pair of Yoga pants. ...So I'm getting there.

One of the pins I found was this "Backbend Sequence for Anyone Who Sits All Day."

I did the sequence a few times over the last week and it hurts sooooo goooood!

I'm extra aware of my posture while sitting at work in my desk chair now and it makes me want to come home to do this sequence even more. ...cause I have pretty terrible posture in my desk chair. 

Womp Womp.

My challenge for myself this next week will be to go to a few classes on my own. For some reason I'm really weird about this and I'm always afraid to go to a class by myself. With busy schedules and the holidays it's not always easy to attend the same classes with a friend, so I just need to quit being weird and do a class (or two) solo!

Am I the only one with this fear? Do you try new things by yourself with no problem?

Thanks again, Sarah for hosting!

When You Can't Avoid it Anymore...

Here's the thing about work-out blogs, or even blogging about working out in general,

I can't lie, I'm kind of annoyed by them.

Like, I get it,  you work out, I'm happy for you.

You're healthier than me, good for you. 

Today's leg day, how exciting! And tomorrow's ab day?! Super stoked for you!

Now, there are workout blogs and posts about working out that are helpful, and resourceful, and inspiring, and not written in an I'm-better-than-you tone, so if you're one of those...keep it up girlfriend!

But for me, if ever I get on a workout kick, I'm more of a low-key, keep it to myself kind of girl (unless of course it's aerial yoga because how do you not share something like that?).

That's why I had to think twice when Sarah was offering a link-up to share workouts, goals, tips, tricks, progress, motivation, and accountability. 

So after avoiding working out and eating healthy on a consistent basis for...let's just say, a long time...I figured this was the perfect avenue to keep me motivated and accountable!

So, here's how I'm gonna git 'er done:

- Pilates

I lost about 10 lbs. in high school and crap-ton more inches using the Mari Windsor Pilates program (I'm a sucker for infomercials), and since then, I've never had as much success with anything else as I did with Pilates. So I'm gonna throw it back to what I know works for me, and a time in my life when I felt good about myself and was active, and I'm hoping it'll bring some good ju-ju my way! 

- Yoga

I was a gymnast for 11 years and a cheerleader for 6 through my senior year in high school, so I was always active, strong, and limber. 

These days, I sit at a desk in a cube for 8 hours a day, then come home and sit at another computer (or on the couch) for another 4 hours and blog, Pin, watch recorded shows, etc.

Guys, my body aches because I'm so sedentary. I hate the feeling of stiff, tight muscles. It's a terrible feeling. So I'm going to enlist the help of yoga to increase my flexibility (and strength) and to help me feel good all-around. 

- Groupon

I don't have a gym membership and have no intentions of paying for one. BUT you can usually find Groupons for various fitness classes that are usually offered as a 1-month unlimited package. So, if I find Groupons roughly every month-ish, it's still cheaper than a gym membership and gives me variety in my workouts.

It's a win-win, I feel like.

- Pinterest

I usually avoid Pinterest because quite frankly, it makes me feel inadequate as a human being, but Pinterest can be such a valuable resource for workouts, recipes, healthy living tips, and more. So, I'm just going to have to get over my Pinterest anxiety and instead, use it to my advantage in my fitness journey! 

Ultimately, I just want to feel good right now. I don't have any specific weight-loss goals, I might get there after the holidays, but for starting out, I simply just want my body to feel better, and be more active. And I can't wait to share in everyone's journey's and meet new bloggers!

Thanks, Sarah for putting this together!