I’m a tunnel vision kind of person. Stubborn and determined, but mostly hard headed. Those qualities are great when you’re committing yourself to launching a business or making your marriage work, but not so great when you’re dealing with injury in exercise.
It’s no secret that I’m a runner. I clawed and coughed my way to that title, and I was holding onto it for dear life.
The fact is, I worked hard to find that solace after everything went down in 2013. It took many long, hard weeks huffing and puffing my way through the C25K program to find the comfort and release I’d eventually become dependent on in running.
But when I broke my foot at the end of the program, I was gutted. I was sidelined for a couple months, and I had to basically start at square one once healed.
And then I broke it again.
Once I had a taste of those sweet endorphins pumping through my veins, I was like a junky desperate for just one more dose. But at some point reason and logic have to come into the mix.
While chatting with Kristin, I finally admitted that I was going through a phase of redefining what activity and exercise mean in relationship to my life.
I don’t know if I’m the only one, but when I have my head and heart set on something, it’s hard for me to accept that it just might not be right.
With my new schedule and the fact that my body is healing (and also probably the fact that it’s a bajillion degrees outside), I’m introducing new habits into my routine.
I like to transition my workday with a workout, and it’s actually been working quite nicely to add a bit of variety into my life. I know, I know. It always just takes some time for me to come around. guilty.
We have a gym in our complex, so I’ve had a hard time convincing myself to join a studio, although I’m sure that’ll be my next step in the near future. But in the meantime, here’s what I’ve been up to.
5 At Home Workouts (top floor apartment friendly):
- Yoga. I’m a totally newbie but desperate to get good. Is it just me or is yoga just so impressive? I swear, watching someone do it is entrancing, and those who practice often have bangin’ bodies! SaraBethYoga on youtube is my go to when practicing at home. Straight, to the point, not a whole lot of pointless chatter and the music isn’t annoying.
- Pilates. I am so damn weak y’all. I’d love to tone up and build strength, so adding in some pilates has definitely been helpful. You’ll find an abundance of free training sessions at The Balanced Life with Robin Long on youtube.
- Cycling. Uhm, confession? I’d see someone on the cycle just casually pedaling while I was on the treadmill and I’d think to myself do a real damn workout. I take it back. I take it all back. Holy bananas. If you’re a beginner (like me) this is a good one to start with.
- Abs. I know I’m not the only one who wants a six pack. The 30 day ab challenge is great for a quick at home addition to a workout routine.
- Squats. I know, kill me now. But the 30 day squat challenge has my legs (and booty, thankyouverymuch) looking better than ever.
I do still throw a run in every now and again (okay, more like a couple times a week), but I’m not running as consistently or as far as before. Progress, people, not perfection. I’ll take it.
Do you have any go to at home workouts? Share below!
**the yoga and pilates videos were recommended to me by Kristin!
Now that I've got Jack, the days of dropping by the gym or taking a class or even going for a run have been put on hold, so I've been doing the same! I've been loving blogilates youtube channel because she does a series of quick burn workouts that target a specific area of your body in less than 10 minutes. I also have been enjoying love sweat fitness. AND I've been falling in love with yoga-definitely checking out the one you recommended!
I've done yoga at home a few times and I have really enjoyed it!
I really enjoy the Popsugar Fitness videos on YouTube. They are constantly coming out with new ones and their old ones are always effective as well. One of my favorites of theirs to squeeze in anytime you have 5 minutes is the 5 minute arms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XJr4-6JZU4
Could not agree more! Priorities 🙂
Thanks for the shout-out!
Check out codyapp.com/studio they have some awesome free broadcast yoga classes. I've been really impressed with the quality of their instructors, even though I haven't been super "in" to all of the classes (though a big part of that could be related to having to wrangle two kids while doing it). You can also purchase video bundles, but I haven't yet. My favorite instructors soi far have been Ashley Galvin, Brihony Smyth, and Janet Stone.
I will say too, you may find a barre class fun, but it is a little higher impact than yoga, so it might not be as good for your foot.
So glad I'm not the only weak one. I need to get my priorities straight in this department. 🙂 Ha!! But yes, I do work out at home…from my yoga mat and with great motivating videos and music! 🙂