Becoming an early morning exerciser...step one

I got on a Pinterest kick the other night and took multiple clicks all over the Internet world reading all about how to be motivated to get up early and workout.  Tips and tricks abounded to get up and about first thing in the AM.  

I went ahead and grabbed my gym bag...threw a towel in, considered what else to put in but planned on coming home to take a shower after so nothing else seemed essential. Tossed a gym outfit on top of it and got my shoes laid out.  Next up: alarm.  Set my alarm for 6 am and put it on top of the gym clothes so that I would need to physically get up to turn off the alarm.  I even added a note to the alarm of "Turn on a light" because some articles said that it would wake me up more.  

I went to bed all prepped for my morning workout.  When I woke up it was closer to 9 am...I hadn't actually turned on the alarm.  This was right before Christmas and I had wanted to get the last minute stuff done, so I just up and showered and got on with the day.  My stuff is still sitting there waiting to go.  

I'm going to start my week off fresh tomorrow.  So tomorrow begins my step two: actually going to the gym (early...aiming for 6:15ish).  I felt like maybe I should blog it out, just so I can be accountable.  Wish me luck!   

Step one in review: 

1. Prep your gym stuff the night before (clothes, sports bra, socks, shoes, towel, and anything else you may need)
2. Set your alarm (and turn it ON)
3. Turn on a light when you first get up (supposed to help with like circadian rhythm or some such thing)

Pleased by Pilates

My weight is a little bit of an issue for me.  It felt like it came on all of a sudden a few years back (thank you 30s!) and I've been struggling with it ever since.  Not a big struggle mind you, I would rather go out to eat than go to the gym.

I've been enjoying taking the occasional Yoga Booty Ballet class at the Heartbeat House in Atwater Village. Luisa and Kristen's classes just leave me feeling good about myself both mentally and physically.  The only issue I have is the drive.  One evening recently it was pointed out that my drive took longer than the class. Womp womp.

In an effort to find a closer alternative (but by no means giving up on my YBB) I looked in Pilates.  Tucked away in a small lot in La Verne I found Equilibrium Fitness.  After a little phone tag with the trainers, I made an appointment with Becky and went in for my first training session last Friday.

It was AMAZING.  How have I not tried Pilates before this? It was slow and relaxing...but I worked muscles all over my person. I was just sore enough the next day, like a "hello muscle, where have you been hiding?" kind of sore.  Becky showed me how to breathe and made corrections throughout our one hour meeting.  She was super sweet and supportive. Once I am more comfortable around the equipment (it is a bit daunting) I will try out the group classes they offer.  I am so excited to see Becky again on Wednesday and even better I am finally looking forward to working out again.

I highly recommend checking out studios in your area.  I've noticed that a lot of places offer an introductory special.  If you've been looking to get in shape but dread going to the gym (sweaty treadmills and people hogging machines playing on their phones) a one on one or small group class may be the way to go.

Stronger than yesterday

I had a second meeting with a trainer on Monday.  It's taken a while to coordinate schedules so it's been like a month since we've worked together.  I lasted a whopping 25ish minutes...so out of shape!  She had me do a 10 minute warm up on a treadmill (incline 3.5 and speed between 3.5-4) then we did two full circuits of arms with a 25lb weight, "prisoner" squats, a little cardio thing she calls "mountain climbers", lunges and planks in 30 second spurts.  I called it quits after that, because the first time we worked out I couldn't walk without wincing for two days after and didn't want to overdo it again.  Oi vey.  I was sweating and could feel it in my muscles (my poor wimpy little muscles!).

I asked her to give me some other variations of workouts that I could do on my own, seeing as we don't always get our schedules together.  She set me up with some arm moves (she recommends free weights over weight machines toning).  She wants me to keep doing lunges and squats for my legs (ugh! but I get it).  Her breakdown for my workouts was this 10 minute warm up followed by arms, legs, abs, cardio in either reps of 10 or 30 seconds each. Three full circuits.

I love this girl.  She is so sweet, and she really listens to my questions and concerns.  She also works out right along side me only stopping to correct my form.  I know I'm only two sessions in, but I really feel like she will help me get some results I can see (and I know I can already feel them).


So, that's the beginning of me working to become a healthier individual...I'd love to hear thoughts you have on healthy living.  Tips, sites you visit, your workout plans, meal plans, or blogs you follow in this area...please, let me know!


Cheers to you and have a happy day!