Resolutions
I believe the saying goes a little something like, “New year, new you.” We’ve all seen it (and done it)… gyms and workout studios turn into absolute zoos come January. People try to eat healthier, workout every day, stick to these elaborate resolutions, etc. While I’m all for self-improvement, I don’t think anyone should wait to start on their new goals. Why wait a few months/weeks/days until January 1st? Why not start RIGHT NOW? Ya know? If you know you want to do something, what’s the point of waiting? Life is short, get a head start! (Plus, find your way around the gym or yoga studio and find your favorite group fitness instructors before the mad rush hits in January! It’s kind of a no-brainer.)
I think this goes for pretty much anything in life, not just fitness. If you want to take up a new hobby, why wait a few weeks? You’re setting your resolution to keep in touch with college friends more often? Just pick up the phone right now! If you want to become a better cook, stick around the kitchen during the holidays. You want to be a better spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, etc.? Just start today. If you catch yourself saying or thinking that you’re going to start doing something in the future, here’s a little kick in the ass nudge to just start now. Not to get super deep, but you never know what tomorrow will bring. While I’m not encouraging you to make rash decisions, I do think we should all try to better ourselves on the regular and not wait for a new day to do so. I know that the timing may not always be right to make a life change, but you can start taking small steps to achieve your goals. It’s all about making progress! You can always start doing things to live the life you want to be living. Just do it!
Stop planning, start DOING!
After a month of traveling in October and a crazy busy schedule in early November, I admittedly kind of slipped out of my workout routine. When I’m not training or working out for anything in particular, I aim to work most days that I am able to. With my schedule, it generally ends up being 3-4 times per week. But for a mix of reasons and excuses this fall, I was working out, like, once in a two-week span. Not okay! However, I ended up staying in NYC over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and committed to spending majority of my free time getting back into my workout routine. And, oh my gosh, it sure feels good!
98% of the time, I actually love working out. (I haven’t always been this way.. It took years and years of trial and error to see what workouts fit my fancy.) Does that mean that I’m always rearing and ready to go to the gym? Absolutely not. It still takes a little bit of motivation and coaxing some days! But I’ve come to realize that working out is my biggest stress release from the daily grind. Like, even moreso than a bottle of wine after work. I’m incredibly more grouchy if it’s been a few days without a workout, so for my friends, family, and coworkers’ benefit, I have even more of a reason to hold myself accountable for getting in a sweat sesh. . And let’s be serious, has anyone ever regretted a workout? Didn’t think so.
Over the last few months, I’ve really been trying to get back into yoga. Back when I lived in Chicago, I had a yoga studio that I loved, an instructor that I loved even more, and I was actually starting to improve my practice. Then I moved to New York and it all fell to the wayside. But over the last few months, I’ve finally found a yoga studio in New York that’s starting to feel like home. (It only took me 2.5 years to get back into it..) I’ve learned that yoga is one of the few things that actually zens me out and I’ve really seen a difference in my mood and thoughts since I started practicing again.
I’m know I’m kind of all over the place today, but I hope you get the drift. I wrote this all out get ahold of my own thoughts and hold myself accountable for these things, too. So let’s work together over the next few weeks, before the new year even begins, to start putting our wants and future plans into action!
What are you working towards right now? Personally, I’m working on my patience. I’ve never been a patient person, but I’m truly trying to work on keeping my cool in even the most hectic of situations. Whether is a tough pose at yoga and my quads are literally about to catch fire or a really stressful time at work when I feel like I want to throw in the towel, I know that I just have to take a few deep breaths and get through it.
Your turn — What are you working towards right now? Or what were you planning to have as your ‘New Years Resolution’ that you are actually going to get a head start on now, over the next few weeks, before January even gets here?
Oh, and while we’re on the topic of yoga, workouts, and resolutions, I can’t forget to tell you guys a little bit about my new favorite workout gear website, Carbon 38. They have some great brands (a lot of which were new to me!) and some of the most fun workout pieces! From printed tights to unique tops, they’ve got a fabulous selection of gear that’s bound to get you to the gym. This Spiritual Gangster tank? I am obsessed. And these mesh cut-out workout tights? I want them in every single style. You know I’m all about dressing the part, no matter the occasion! Look good, feel good. Namaste!
Carbon 38 Hoodie c/o
Alo Yoga Bra c/o Carbon 38
Spiritual Gangster Tank c/o Carbon 38
Michi Leggings c/o Carbon 38
Nike Blazer Sneakers
Jawbone Up24
Lululemon Hot Yoga Mat
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