February 2019 Fitness Recap: Something Is Better Than Nothing
Happy March! February usually feels long to me because I don’t do well without the sun. It’s easy to feel unmotivated on gloomy days… but I actually stayed in really good spirits this month! As you can see, the February intention in my Fitness Planner was: “Speak to yourself with love every day.” And I really tried to take that to heart.
I’ll also dive into this more below, but I realized that something really is better than nothing for me. It’s so easy to think that if you aren’t going to really push yourself, then why even work out? What’s the point? But this month, I remembered how good a yoga class or 30 minutes of cardio can feel. It might not burn as many calories as other workouts, but who cares? I always feel better after, both mentally and physically. And that definitely counts for something in my book.
February Goals
Last month I wrote:
“You know how I mentioned feeling comfortable in my own skin? I want more of THAT. My February note to you in the planner is all about self-love… something that I know can be easier said than done. Instead of working out to ‘fix’ a part of my body, I am going to try to pick out something I’m proud of every time I exercise. Whether it has to do with my form and how I’m getting stronger, or just acknowledging the fact that I went and did it at all!”
I really tried to practice what I preach with this, and while it isn’t always easy, I’m getting better at it!
February Obstacles
Well, it’s still cold… so there’s that! I’ve also been trying to figure out how to tackle some projects I’ve been brainstorming about recently, which leaves me either wanting to work all the time when I have ideas, or feeling lost and overwhelmed when I don’t know where to start. Instead of feeling like an hour away is preventing me from getting those things done or reaching new goals, I’ve started to see how it can help me clear my head. Once I’ve convinced myself to leave my apartment, I get some of my best ideas on my walk to class or while I’m on the treadmill!
February Lessons
Because of the February intention in my Wellness Planner, I’ve really been paying attention to when I think negative thoughts about myself. And when they pop up, I gently ask them to go away. Because who has time for that?!
And, as I mentioned in the intro, I’m back on the “something is better than nothing” train. I only have time for a quick 20 minute at-home workout? Cool! I’m feeling sore or tired and I’m only in the mood for a half hour of cardio? That’s still great! Back when I was working in marketing and running the blog, time was even more precious than it is now, so I wanted every work out to be worth it. But now that my schedule is more flexible, I’m seeing how I can benefit every time I move my body, no matter how “hard” the workout is.
# of workouts completed:
I completed 21 workouts in February!
lincoln square athletic club
I’ve been trying to go to the gym even when I don’t want to ? I try to do at least 25 minutes of treadmill intervals every time I go, and that’s been a great routine to stick to. I usually walk on an incline for 2 minutes, and then run for 2 minutes, walk for 1 minute, and repeat. Recently, I’ve also been trying out running for 1 minute and walking for 1 minute, so that I can play with pushing myself to run faster. Either way, I end with walking at an incline for 5 minutes to cool down.
I’m also still such a fan of Froyo To Fitness circuits after cardio at the gym! They make me feel like I have a purpose after the treadmill – and now I know that even my self-led workouts can be challenging!
studio three
As you guys know, I tried Hi Def last month and loved it. But a few weeks ago, my friend Nikki invited me to try her favorite Studio Three class, 3×3, and I am OBSESSED. I took class with her on Friday and immediately signed up for another one that Sunday. Haha that’s how you know I actually loved it!
It’s very similar to Hi Def, just a 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!
Also, if you’re in the mood for a Hot Power Flow, Zacharias is AWESOME. His flow was really interesting and unexpected, and his cues and adjustments were great. Big fan over here!
PS. I have a code for your first class free but I can’t post it here, so DM me on Instagram if you’d like it!
Coconut Yoga
I’ve been posting about this cute little studio on my stories recently, and it makes me SO HAPPY when you message me that I inspired you to check it out!! I’ve only taken class with Kate, but I absolutely love her teaching style, and how calm and unpretentious the studio is. It’s been a really nice place for me to reconnect to my practice and I’m so glad I found it through ClassPass!
PS. You can get $40 off your first month of ClassPass if you sign up here – such a great deal!
Club Pilates
My partnership with Club Pilates may have ended, but I still pay for a class pack so I can see my favorite teacher Linda for her Level 2 class! Now that she’s had that class for a while, she makes it a little bit harder each time, which makes it so fun to go back to every time. Plus, she’s just the sweetest most positive woman! Her daughter is also teaching now, so I’m excited to check out her classes too!
download my 2019 workout & wellness 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!
March Goals
When I was putting together my planner, the March intention seemed obvious. “Keep up the healthy habits you’ve established so far this year.“ Yup. January is all about resolutions and making healthy choices. February challenges those a little, but most people are usually still in that groove. But March is a different beast.
It’s the last really cold month of winter, which can take a toll on everyone’s motivation. It’s also usually when we all start to get a little cocky. “I’ve been exercising and eating well for TWO MONTHS, I can stop now!” Well, instead of thinking that, take notice of how you’ve been feeling. Have those healthy choices given you energy? Helped you sleep? Made you feel more confident? Those observations are what will help ME continue to make healthy choices, so maybe they can help you, too!
PS. You might also like my introduction post about my 2019 Workout Planner, The Best Discounted or Free Fitness Classes/Gym Memberships, and The Best At Home Workouts.
