January 2019 Fitness Recap

The recap has me laughing a little bit. I’m glad January is coming to an end because the weather has been BRUTAL. I mean, it’s still only -20 in Chicago right now… and that’s the ACTUAL temperature! Whaaat?! But on the flip side, beyond the cold and snow, January has actually been an incredibly grounding month for me.

I started these fitness recaps as a way to connect with you guys, but also to hold myself accountable. I was still working in marketing and running this blog – and I’m sure many of you understand the struggle that is fitting workouts into an already jam-packed schedule. But now that I quit my job to take Lake Shore Lady full time, I’ve realized that it doesn’t always have to do with being busy. Sometimes the root of it has to do with believing that other things are more important than our health. And sometimes they are! But other times, that’s just another excuse.

So, as I sat down to write all of the reflection questions and notes from me for each month in my 2019 Workout & Wellness Planner, I tried to think of the things that I also needed to hear. Recognize your commitment to yourself. I am stronger than I think I am. 

Maybe it’s because I know that so many of you are also planning and tracking your workouts using the exact same planner, but I’ve figured out how to manage my time, be productive, and prioritize my health better than I ever have before this month. And I am EXCITED about it!

January Goals

My goals this month had a lot to do with practicing what I preach. I really wanted to reconnect with what I need to feel my best, and not feel bad for taking the time to make that happen. If people who work much harder and more demanding jobs than me figure out ways to get 4 workouts in a week, I can too, right?!

January Obstacles

Umm… it’s cold. There’s no way around it! It’s hard to motivate yourself to walk to the gym when it feels like (or literally IS) negative degrees outside?

January Lessons

Honestly, I haven’t felt this good in my own skin in a while. For example, when I put on my dress for Snowball last week, I realized that I didn’t have anything negative to say about myself! I just felt good. And that’s when I realized that all of the healthy choices I’ve been making this month really do make a difference – both physically and mentally.

# of workouts completed:

I have completed 20 workouts this month! Well, 20 including the at-home workout I’m going to complete today because it’s still cold AF out there!!

Lincoln Square Athletic Club

In the “Notes On My Feels” section of my planner this month, I wrote “Cardio finally feels good – treadmill intervals have helped me so much!” Seriously, this has been my biggest revelation. I thought to get a good cardio workout, I had to run nonstop for 30 minutes… and trust me, I won’t do that! But intervals are a different story. I usually do a quick walking warm up, then either alternate between running for 1 minute and walking for 1 minute, or running for 2 minutes and walking for 1 minute. Either way, I finish with 2 minutes all out and then a 5 minute cool down. It’s been such a game changer. And if I can do this, you can do this 😉

I’ve also gotten a lot more comfortable with weights, and I have MaryKate from Froyo To Fitness to thank for that. I’ll admit, I don’t follow her program religiously, but her workouts have been such a great guide for me at the gym. I now even feel confident to create my own quick circuits if I’m in a rush or don’t have one of hers to follow.

Studio Three

When Studio Three opened their new studio in Lincoln Park, I was invited in to see the space and try a class. HOLY MOLY, it is gorgeous. The first class I tried was Torch, which is a lot like the Orangetheory classes I used to take. Throughout class, you will rotate between the treadmill, rower, and weights. It is a KILLER. I also liked the Hot Power Flow yoga class a lot, and you can read about their Hi Def class (my fave!) in this post!

Coconut Yoga

I’ve walked past this little neighborhood yoga studio so many times, but it wasn’t until I joined Classpass that I actually tried a class. I took a 75 minute intermediate flow with Kate and it was everything I needed on a cold winter day. It was lightly heated (about 80 degrees in the room) and the class was challenging without being intimidating. I was super impressed and I’ll definitely be back!

Club Pilates

If you’ve been following me for the past few months, you know that I love this pilates studio. Highly recommend Linda’s Level 2 class – it’s the best!

At Home Workouts

Tis the season, y’all. Sometimes it’s just too damn cold! This month, I turned to Barre3‘s online classes, Tone It Up‘s YouTube videos, and Froyo To Fitness circuits.
PS. A post all about the best at-home workouts is coming this weekend!

February Goals

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 go. 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 ? Self-love is the name of the game for February.

Download my 2019 Workout & Wellness Planner

PS. Enter to Win!

If you used my Workout Planner in January, THANK YOU! It makes my heart so happy to see it out in the world!! To show my appreciation for your support, I want to give a gift box of wellness products to one lucky winner! All you have to do is upload an instastory or Instagram and tag me. It can be a picture of your January calendar all filled out, a peek at the binder you put it in, or something you’re proud of this month – it’s totally up to you! Good luck!

PS. You might also like my introduction post about my 2019 Workout Planner, What Are Macros? and The Best Discounted or Free Fitness Classes/Gym Memberships.