August Fitness Recap (+ Free 2019 Workout Planner)

Happy (almost) Weekend, friends! This fitness recap was pretty fun to write yesterday because I feel like I kind of re-fell in love with fitness this month. Instead of just another thing on my to do list, I finally found the JOY in it again. 

I had a few days this month when I was just in a funk. Adam would come home at the end of the day and immediately ask me what was wrong… and I didn’t always know what to say. Why was I in a funk? I don’t know! And then I realized that the days when I felt off were days when I didn’t move my body.

Now, I don’t mean that I’ll be in a bad mood if I don’t go to a boutique fitness class. Haha that’s not my point! But on days when I convinced myself that I was too busy to take 45 minutes to an hour for ME, I’d inevitably end up scrolling through Instagram for that same amount of time instead. And while a workout gives me endorphins and energy and a positive outlook, “engaging” on Instagram doesn’t always do that. I’ll end up comparing myself to someone else’s success or someone else’s bikini body or someone else’s follower count. And we all know that is not the best use of anyone’s time!

So, I’ve been scheduling my workouts and trying to fit them in when I can for my mental state, not just physical benefits! And when I can’t, I’ll plan on taking Luna for an extra long walk (which we both love) with a new podcast episode to listen to. Obviously rest days are important too, and you all know I’ll take those when I need them – but I’m trying to use the “busy” excuse less, and put that “me” time higher on my priority list. 

August Fitness Recap

August Goals

I set a goal to run (jog 😉) with Luna in the mornings, but she had some more complications with her spay and we had to hold off until that fully heals. Poor baby! She’s still up for long walks, so my fanny pack has gotten a ton of use – don’t you worry about that! I also wanted to use my planner more to schedule workouts at the beginning of the week, and I have! Woo!

August Obstacles

I’m actually really proud of myself, because I recognized that I didn’t really have obstacles this month. I am in charge of my schedule way more than I give myself credit for sometimes. I should be taking advantage of that instead of shying away from it!

# of workouts completed: 

19 workouts!

lincoln square athletic club

This month was all about trying new classes at the gym! I discovered Cardio Sculpt which is no joke and a great compliment to my favorite class there, Bodypump*. I’m also pretty skeptical about pilates mat classes now that I take classes on the reformer, but their Advanced Mat Pilates was SO good! A great low impact weekend workout that you can still feel the next day. Loved it.

*If you haven’t heard me explain Bodypump before, it’s a strength training class I’ve been taking at LSAC recently. Most of the exercises utilize a barbell, and you add more weight/take away weight depending on which muscle group you’re targeting. They have a 60 minute format and a 45 minute format, depending on how much time you have. It goes by really quickly, there are all different ages and body types in the room, and you control how hard you work. I’ve become a big fan!

studio three

I am BACK in the 3×3 groove and I loooove it! My friend Nikki and I went to three Monday 3×3 classes this month and it’s been the best way to start the week.

In case you’re new around here and haven’t heard me rave about 3×3, it’s very similar to Hi Def (explained here). The differences are that it’s little less heated, a lot more structured, and you grab heavier weights. You start with a quick yoga warm up, and then you move into circuits. The teacher leads you though 3 arm exercises, 3 leg exercises, and 3 ab exercises… and then you repeat ALL of that 3 times. Get why it’s called 3×3?! You also do a short cardio burst in between each set of arms, legs, and abs – usually something like jump squats and/or burpees. But the best part is that you’re done in 40 minutes flat. I don’t know about you, but it’s so much easier for me to justify 40 minutes without my phone/computer vs. a whole hour. That’s just the truth!

PS. I have a code to get your first class at Studio Three for free, but they don’t want me to post it here. Just DM me on Instagram if you’d like it!

club pilates

For some reason, Linda’s classes have been hard for me to get to recently, but I have been LOVING Rebecca’s classes! She teaches Flow 1.5, Cardio 1.5, and Flow 2.0 – and all of them are great. I especially love that she gives a ton of feedback to make sure you’re doing the exercises correctly, are in correct alignment, etc. Teachers gain SO many points from me when they do that, because I feel like I’m really getting as much as I can out of the class!

Animal Flow at Lululemon

I got invited to try a new class called Animal Flow at the Lululemon studio in Lincoln Park, and it was unlike anything I’ve ever taken before. My favorite 3×3 teacher (hey Dustin!) is really passionate about it, and was very patient with all of us as we learned the moves. If you head to my Fitness highlight on Instagram you can see a little clip of it, because it’s kind of hard to explain – but SO fun and harder than it looks!

PS. You can now get a Lululemon Membership, which gets you a pair of Align pants and a scrunchie + one class a month at their Lincoln Park Studio, exclusive members only experiences, early access to new product releases, and more. Pretty cool!

Orangetheory at Gallagher Way

Did you know Orangetheory has FREE classes at Gallagher Way every Monday and Wednesday until the end of September?! I tried one a few weeks ago and it was SO. HARD. Since they obviously can’t roll treadmills out onto the grass, the “treadmill blocks” were filled with jumping jacks, high knees, burpees… you name it. I was DYING by the end. A very effective free workout option!

at home workouts

I’m determined to tone up my triceps, so I’ve been trying to pull out my 5 pounders for a quick little circuit even on days that I don’t work out. Between that and some extra pushups, maybe I’ll see some difference? Haha a girl can dream, right??

I’m also still loving Froyo To Fitness circuits and this Tone It Up video for busy days! 

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download my 2019 wellness & workout planner

Want to track your workouts, too?! My FREE 2019 calendar also has a note from me, questions to help you reflect, an intention, and a “repeat after me” mantra for every month. Click here or below to download!

September Goals

Like I said, I have realized how much moving my body affects my mood, so I’m going to do my best to stick with this good groove! Whether it’s an extra long walk with Luna or a hard class, it’s important that I prioritize movement each day so I can feel my best!

What are your goals for September?!

PS. You might also like my introduction post about my 2019 Workout Planner, The Best Discounted or Free Fitness Classes/Gym Memberships, The Best At Home Workouts, and My Thoughts On Pressures To Lose Weight For The Wedding.