My Hamstring Is Better! (weekly workout recap)

The last week feels like a really long blur but I’m happy to report that my hamstring is much better!

It turned out to be a full week without running for me, which is really fine – I’m grateful that I gave my hamstring a chance to heal from whatever was bothering it, and that it didn’t take too long because I stopped running immediately the week before when I noticed it didn’t feel “right”. I did try to run on Wednesday, but when I felt my hamstring in the first two steps, I quickly decided to give it more time.

By Saturday’s run attempt, I felt fine!

I will say though, I did the elliptical for the first time in easily a year, and that was a nice change! The range of motion felt perfect for my hamstring and provided me with a nice warm-up option before barre and pilates.

Last Week’s Workouts

I love that I have so many workout options that I barely realize how many days I go without running.

• 2 Walking Classes
• 2 PIlates Classes
• 1 Barre Class
• 1 Barefoot Sculpt Class
• 1 Yoga Class
• 1 Spin Class

Monday – 15 Min Elliptical + 45 Min Barre (ball, strap, 2 lb weights)

I hadn’t used an elliptical machine in a year, and I never tried one at Equinox until now! My hamstring felt well enough to try it out and when I didn’t feel anything while pedaling, I kept going as an easy warm-up before barre class.

Tuesday – 10 Min Elliptical + 60 Min Pilates Fusion (ring + 2 lb weights)

My hamstring feels better today! I still warmed up on the elliptical because that feels really nice right now. Also, this pilates class was so challenging in such a great way.

Wednesday – 30 Min Elliptical

I went outside to run but within two steps I “felt” my hamstring so I didn’t push it – I went home, changed my clothes, and headed to Equinox. The elliptical felt nice and then I did a few rounds of free weights before stretching.

Thursday – 45 Min Precision Walk Elevate + 60 Min Vinyasa Yoga

I did okay with today’s treadmill walk class! While I kept my speed a little slower than normal and only went up to a 12% incline when the rest of the class was at 15%, my hamstring felt much better.

Friday – 20 Min Elliptical + 60 Min Barefoot Sculpt (2 lb weights + ball)

Saturday – 20 Min Run + 45 Min Spin (Beats & Bands)

I was able to run today! I started with a one minute run/one minute walk to see how my hamstring held up during the intervals. Once I noticed I was fine, I stayed with an easy pace (6.3 -6.5 speed on treadmill) and an incline between 1.0-2.0%.

Sunday – 45 Min Precision Walk Elevate + 45 Min Pilates

More Interest In Running Workouts Again (weekly workout recap)

Another solid week of workouts at Equinox is in the books for me which included a little more focus on/interest in running.

I’m finding it exciting to switch up my runs with the Precision Run class, and the Equinox+ App which I remembered to finally try using for running workouts. At this point in my “running career,” I’m really just looking for variety and different ways to make running fun. I’m not training for a race or even planning to run a race ever again (never say never) so it’s all about what keeps me running happily on a leisurely basis.

I knew eventually I would take the Precision Run class at Equinox, and well, here we are. I took my time deciding to take the running workout class because there are so many other great classes I like taking and running is something I can do myself at other times. HOWEVER, It’s enjoyable to do something different with my running and challenge myself in running workouts that are told to me vs me making them up for myself in real-time. I like the class setting for running too, really so fun and different — I’m all for different workout experiences right now.

Last Week’s Workouts

• 2 Runs (plus 2 warm-up runs)
• 2 Barre Classes
• 2 Yoga Classes
• 2 Walking Classes
• 1 Pilates Class
• 1 Spin Class

Monday – 10 Min Run + 45 Min Barre (2 lb weights/ball/ band)

Even just a 10 min run satisfies me when I want to do other workouts but want to run too.

Tuesday – 10 Min Run + 45 Min Spin (Beats & Bands)

I would have liked to run slightly longer before spin but I ran out of time — either way, the 10 minutes made me happy. I always get more out of spin when I run a little first as a warm-up. Also! I love the addition of resistance bands in the new Beats & Bands style spin class.

Wednesday – 60 Min Bala Bangle Barre Burn (2 lb weights + ankle weights)

Thursday – 45 Min Precision Walk Elevate + 60 Min Vinyasa Yoga

Friday – 30 Min Treadmill Workout (Equinox+ App)

I finally remembered to try one of the running workouts available in the Equinox+ App! I picked an intermediate ladder workout but instead of walking the easy segments, I slowed my running speed to 6.0 – 6.1 which definitely made things harder as the run progressed.

The running workout ranged inclines from 1 – 5 with speed ranging for me from 6 in the easy portions to 8 as my fastest. It was a great run and a fun change for me!

Saturday – 45 Min Precision Run + 60 Min Vinyasa Yoga

This was my second time taking the treadmill run class. The regular class instructor (who was out last week) is SO NICE and educated on running — he checked in with each runner throughout the run and even checked my form. He said that I have good running form and that I’m so light on my feet as I run that I don’t put a lot of impact on my joints which is great – and may explain why I never feel discomfort in my knees or hips.

When we chatted further after the workout, he suggested that since I’m an experienced runner, I should definitely run the easy segments vs walking them in the next class. I told him that I figured that was the case but I found the walk segments a novelty and something different. I’m definitely not against the run/walk intervals but I can certainly run the entire duration of the class.

Today’s running workout ranged inclines from 0 – 5% with my fasted speed at 8.6.

Sunday – 45 Min Precision Walk Elevate + 45 Min Pilates

Hi From Florida (weekly workout recap)

Hi from Florida!

I’m getting back into a routine of flying down to the Boca/Palm Beach area every few months it seems — I used to do this in high school and college so it feels really nice to be doing it again! Especially this time of year. To get off the plane and sit by the pool in January is everything.

Last Week’s Workouts

I had an excellent week of workouts prior to leaving for Florida on Saturday. We know it’s hard for me to choose which Equinox classes to take each morning but I planned Monday – Friday really well this time knowing I would miss classes over the weekend and into this week too. I also made sure to run on Friday because it’s rare that I run on vacation – i don’t even bring my running shoes, i just take an extra pair of my friend Heather’s athletic sneakers if I need them.

• 3 Runs
• 2 Barre Classes
• 1 Spin Class
• 1 Yoga Class
• 1 Walking Class

Monday – 20 Min Run + 45 Min Barre (2 lb weights + ball + band)

I love adding short runs into my routine. It helps me satisfy my indecisive feelings when choosing which workout to do and when. Even if I only run for 20 minutes, I satisfy the runner inside me and then happily head into barre class.

Tuesday – 15 min Run + 45 Min Spin (Beats & Bands)

I love this new spin class!

Wednesday – 60 Min Bala Bangle Barre Burn (2 lb weights + bala ankle weights)

Thursday – 45 Min Precision Walk Elevate + 60 Min Vinyasa Yoga (strap + block)

I really love this class combination. Inclines on the treadmill ranged from 3 to 15% with increases in speed when the inclines dropped.

Friday – 5 Mile Run (treadmill)

I briefly considered taking a spin class but decided I wanted to run as my workout.

I followed my easy run on the treadmill workout to start, then dropped speed for some hills, then increased speed again. Once I hit 3 miles, I thought to myself that it was hard and maybe I should stop. I quickly said NO WAY. I used to run 13 miles in my sleep, of course, I can continue.

For some reason, the last two miles were a bit of a struggle but I did it, and I was really proud.

Saturday – 30 Min Yoga (Equinox App)

I really enjoyed this yoga flow. It was perfect before my flight.

Sunday – Off

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My plan for the next few days while in Florida is to do a few Equinox app workouts like yoga pilates,barre.

Quick Look At Last Week’s Workouts

Hello!

I don’t have much to add beyond the workout recap details listed below. In Friday’s post, I mentioned that last week was a blur. I wasn’t kidding! Something about it felt very blended together, which is likely why I have nothing to add beyond what I noted below each day.

Last Week’s Workouts

Last week played out a little weird – I usually get to an additional barre and pilates class.

• 2 Runs
• 2 Spin Classes
• 2 Yoga Classes
• 1 Barre Class
• 1 Walking Class
• 1 Pilates Class

Monday – 3 Mile Run + 45 Min Barre (2 lb weights, ball, band)

This is such a great workout combo!

The run was not too challenging but very engaging. It went like this:

• 1-mile warm-up following my easy run on a treadmill workout with an incline between 1 – 1.5%
• At the 10-minute mark, I dropped speed to 6.3 and ranged inclines in this ladder: 1-2-3-4-3-2-1
• At the 20-minute mark, I picked up speed to 7.0 and stopped at 3 miles

Tuesday – 5 Mile Run (outside!)

I really wanted to try the new spin class on the schedule for this morning – Beats and Bands – which incorporates cycling with resistance bands. However, I knew I needed a day off from the gym so I will try the spin class next Tuesday.

I did have energy though and decided to run outside for a change. Time flew by and before I knew it, I was at five miles.

Wednesday – 45 Min Walk (treadmill)

My glutes were sore from Monday’s barre class so I opted for a walk today followed by stretching. I hate missing today’s bala bangle barre class but I just knew it was not a good idea for today.

Thursday – 60 Min Vinyasa Yoga (yoga blocks)

I love the instructor for today’s yoga class – challenging but so doable and worth it! She also teaches the Friday morning pilates that I’m currently not taking because I don’t need to get up and out in the winter for 7:00 AM classes if I’m not working — but I will be back to that class for sure.

Friday – 45 Min Spin (Beats & Bands)

To my surprise this morning, the spin class I often take on Friday mornings had an instructor sub and he chose to run the class in the new format – Beats & Bands. I was so excited to try it! They incorporate two sections into the class using a resistance band that you attach to the bike for some upper body work. It was so fun and a great workout.

Saturday – 45 Min Spin (Anthem Ride) + 60 Min Vinyasa Yoga

Sunday – 45 Min Precision Walk Elevate + 45 Min Pilates

We regulars for the walking class agreed that today’s incline walk was HARD. Although we don’t know why, we think it had something to do with the intervals being 2-minutes vs the shorter lengths we normally do. It’s always an accomplishment when it’s done and the restorative pilates class 15 minutes later feels great.

I try to reserve my newest pair of Brooks Ghost 14’s just for running but today I wore them for the walking class — I definitely felt the added cushion (because they haven’t been worn as much yet) and it was really nice on those inclines!

10 Years Ago + Weekly Workout Recap

Just a few random thoughts from my workouts last week:

I asked myself if I was running enough and then quickly said – running enough for what? This is literally my internal battle for five years now since I drastically cut back from high mileage and never returned to it. I like my lower running mileage and definitely love the Equinox class variety I have going on right now BUT the runner in me still tugs at my feelings – but never wins.

My blog is 10 years old this week. 10 YEARS. 10 years ago when I started this blog I was a member of Lifetime, taking spin classes, running a whole lot, and utilizing the Lifetime kids club for my son. My son was 9 at the time and is now 19 (!!) and now we both belong to Equinox – just different locations.

To think that 10 years ago, I hadn’t begun to take barre yet, and rarely did anything but cardio. I may have run a lot of races back then but I would say I’m stronger now and definitely more flexible!

10 years ago was the time period when bloggers were the influencers and social media wasn’t too much of a thing — the below picture is from the Fitness Magazine Meet and Tweet — they wanted you tweeting from the event, because Twitter was the popular platform back then. Instagram had barely become a thing and reels and tik toks weren’t around yet.

Last Week’s Workouts

• 3 days included running
• 2 spin classes
• 2 barre classes
• 2 pilates classes
• 1 walking class
• 1 yoga class

Monday – 15 Min Run + 45 Min Barre (strap, block, ball, 2 lb weights)

I love a quick warm-up run! Also, this barre class incorporated allll the equipment.

Tuesday – 60 Min Pilates Fusion (yoga block)

Wednesday – 30 Min Run + 30 Min Walk (treadmill)

It’s funny how running became my “day off” — I needed a day off from classes, even though I hated to miss the barre class that uses the bala bangle ankle weights.

Thursday – 60 Min Barre (2 lb weights, ball, band)

It was a toss-up between barre or vinyasa yoga today. I made my decision first thing in the morning and based it upon waking up on the early side which put me in the barre time slot vs the later yoga time slot.

Friday – 15 Min Run + 45 MIn Spin (Anthem Ride)

Saturday – 45 Min Spin (Anthem Ride) + 60 Min Vinyasa Yoga

I stuck around after spin for a yoga class and I’m so glad I did. Also, this particular yoga class goes so fast. It’s an hour but feels like 20 minutes.

Sunday – 45 Min Precision Walk Elevate + 45 Min Pilates (pilates ring)

Today’s incline walk class ranged inclines from 3 – 15% but is broken down into 1 minute and 30 second intervals that it goes so fast!

Quick Round of Friday Favorites

Friday snuck up on me this week!

I have a quick round of favorites to share so let’s jump right into things.

Barre

I took two barre classes this week and love them so much. While I said last week that I just cannot pick a favorite Equinox class, I’m always so happy during barre — really brings me back to my Pure Barre days.

Both classes used 2 lb weights and a ball, along with bands, blocks, and straps. So much variety for those little isometric movements!

Fashion

I get very excited when Z Supply launches its Valentine’s Day capsule. I love the Classic Heart Joggers which match the Happy Heart Long Sleeve Top and Tank Bra. There’s also shorts to match this set. The material is SO SOFT.

The Gap does a heart print pajama set this time of year too.

These Converse Run Star HIke sneakers are cool.

I don’t run outside right now but this It’s Rulu Run Long Sleeve Shirt in the Pink Peony has my attention. Also, packs of scrunchies are on sale – always worth it.

Big sales going on at Shopbop. I’m a sucker for skirts like this. You really have to dig around and sort the sale to find what you may like. A few Stoney Clover items are included in the sale – always worth checking out.

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Beauty

I bought this facial roller at Target recently and really like it. I was using a Gua Sha but I dropped it on the floor and it cracked in half.

I get monthly facials at Glow Bar for the last six months and really love the results and experienced. I asked the esthetician the other day if she feels facial rollers/gua sha tools are really worth the hype and she said YES. It’s a really small investment of time and money so it’s worth trying if you haven’t.

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Have a great weekend!

January Message + Last Week’s Workouts

Happy 2023!

Welcome to the new year and all the fitness and diet messaging overwhelming all of our social media feeds.

If January’s diet and fitness hoopla bother you too, then you will appreciate the January message put out by Equinox. I knew I was in the right fitness club! Waiting for January to start something new is like waiting for Monday. Why wait?

Last Week’s Workouts

So remember how I was in the city last Monday? While it was such a great time and although my Converse Run Star Hike Sneakers are comfortable and warm for walking, I think I covered way too many blocks and avenues in them because I woke up Tuesday with discomfort in both shins. For this reason, I waited to run until Friday when I stopped feeling anything in my shins.

Still a busy week of workouts!

• 2 yoga classes
• 2 pilates classes
• 2 incline walking classes
• 1 barre class
• 1 run
• 1 spin class

Monday – 30 Min Pilates (Equinox App)

I chose a quick pilates workout from the Equinox app before walking several blocks (really, several miles) throughout the day. It was my first time using the App and it was great. I will use it when I go to Florida later this month!

Tuesday – 60 Min Pilates Fusion (2 lb weights + slider)

Wednesday – 60 Min Bala Bangle Barre Burn (2 lb weights + ankle weights)

Thursday – 45 Min Precision Walk Elevate + 60 Min Vinyasa Yoga (yoga blocks)

I loved this class combo!

Friday – 30 Min Walk/3 Mile Run (treadmill)

I was on the phone for the first 30 minutes catching up with a friend. Once we were off, I switched to running and stopped at three miles.

Saturday – 45 Min Spin + 60 Min VInyasa Yoga

The spin class was scheduled 15 minutes later than usual which timed out perfectly for me to stick around for yoga.

Sunday – 45 Min Precision Walk Elevate + 45 Min Pilates

Last Weekly Workout Recap of 2022!

This is my last workout recap post of the year!

While I have no races to look back on in 2022, I did join Equinox in August which is not something I saw on my radar at the beginning of the year, or even at the start of the summer.

It was the most random idea I had and I’m just so glad I followed through with joining. As I’ve said many times in the last few months, joining Equinox was my best decision and investment of the year.

I truly didn’t realize how burned out I was from my usual outdoor running route, my usual in-the-house workout routine, and just how much I needed the in-person workout class atmosphere.

Not to mention, having the Equinox workout schedule, especially over the last six weeks since my job situation changed, has meant so much to me. I was so excited to finally have the opportunity to take later in the morning classes and something as minor as that made such a difference in what I was dealing with workwise.

And really, the cold eucalyptus towels are probably a top favorite of the year for me!

Last Week’s Workouts

Lots of variety once again this week…

• 4 days included running
• 2 yoga classes
• 1 pilates class
• 1 barre class
• 1 barefoot sculpt class
• 1 spin class

Monday – 15 Min Incline Walk + 45 Min Barre (2 lb weights/ball)

Today’s barre class was EXCELLENT. I mean, I love all of the barre classes that I take but today was just extra.

Tuesday – 20 Min Run + 60 Min Pilates Fusion (2 lb weights + slider)

The slider makes things so much more challenging.

Wednesday – 5 Mile Run (treadmill)

Since I took a barre class Monday and Pilates Fusion yesterday (and pilates on Sunday), the Bala Bangle Barre Burn class wasn’t the best idea — I needed something more cardio and less working of the same muscles in the low-impact style.

There was a spin class on the schedule but not at the best time so I decided a run on the treadmill made the most sense.

Thursday – 60 MIn Vinyasa Yoga

I made it to yoga again! I’ve been wanting to try the yoga class on the schedule for Thursday mornings and it finally happened.

Friday – 60 Min Barefoot Sculpt (2 lb weights + pilates ring)

The weather was stormy so I left the house a little later than I wanted to which meant I missed the first spin class option but was ready before the second spin class option. That’s how I ended up with Barefoot Sculpt instead — always a good choice that leaves my lower half sore.

Saturday – 15 Min Run + 45 Min Spin (Anthem Ride)

It was 6 degrees when I left my house this morning. Just saying.

Sunday – 3 Mile Run + 60 Min Vinyasa Yoga (yoga blocks)

With a holiday class schedule for today, I was able to take another yoga class!

I Made It To Yoga! (weekly workout recap)

I finally made it to yoga!

As of Friday’s post, I was still saying that I wanted to get to yoga but still couldn’t figure out how to fit it into my schedule.

The reason I have a hard time getting to a yoga class at Equinox is that the yoga options are later in the morning than my typical workout routine time window.

But Saturday worked!! I slept later in the morning which put me on a later schedule, which was perfect for the yoga class timing.

I’m definitely not an advanced yogi but I would say I’m a little more experienced than a beginner and keep up the best I can.

The class was not too hard for me, I kept up, and look forward to taking another yoga class soon — maybe this week. I actually see a special one-hour yoga class added to the Christmas morning schedule. Although, it’s heated and that could make me dizzy. I’ll see.

Last Week’s Workouts

Look at this variety…

• 3 Runs
• 2 Spin classes
• 2 Barre classes
• 1 Yoga class
• 1 Pilates class
• 1 Walking Class

Monday – 3 Mile Run + 45 Min Barre (2 lb weights/ball)

Great combo to start the week!

Tuesday – 45 Min Spin (Cycle Beats)

Spin on Tuesdays is always Trivia Tuesday which is really fun. I won little prizes for guessing the correct artist for one of the songs. The skincare samples I win in this class are always so good and top quality!

Wednesday – OFF

I hated to miss Bala Bangle Barre Burn but I also knew that I needed a day off somewhere this week so today became it.

Thursday – 3 Mile Run + 60 Min Barre (2 lb weights/ball/resistance band)

My class choices today were:

• Spin
• Barre
• Precision Walk Elevate + Yoga

One of these days I will do the treadmill walk class followed by yoga — I really want to, it’s just that it’s slightly later than even my version of a late morning routine. If I’m up earlier and ready earlier, I find it hard to wait around!

I didn’t feel like spin today so I ran a few miles and then took the one-hour barre class that I really enjoy.

Friday – 45 Min Spin (Anthem Ride)

I honestly didn’t know what my plan was for today. Ideally, I LOVE the 7:00 AM Friday Pilates class but there’s no reason for me to take such an early class right now, especially this time of year. It’s so dark and cold outside, why would I go so early if I don’t have to do so according to a work schedule?

I slept a little later and then was on the phone so I took my time and ended up choosing the 9:30 Spin class which is a great choice. This particular instructor is so good, challenging but enjoyable.

Saturday – 4 Mile Run + 60 Min Vinyasa Yoga (yoga block)

I was up late last night so I slept later and took my time getting moving this morning. Because of this, I missed my usual options of Spin or Barre.

I decided to run on the treadmill and then suddenly, I was right in time for yoga! It was so exciting to me to be on a later schedule that put me in the gym at the right time for the class. I really enjoyed it!

Sunday – Precision Walk Elevate + 45 Min Pilates

My usual Sunday routine.

Friday Favorites (food + fitness + fashion finds)

I put my favorites together on this very rainy Friday in New York in an old format where I focus on a favorite food, fitness, fashion, and find from the week. Let’s take a look!

Favorite Food

I ate something totally random and out of character — you will notice right away that it was definitely not a routine meal for me!

I toasted a whole wheat English muffin and top it with the following:

• Mashed avocado
• Tomatoes
• Onion
• Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
• Egg

This combo was so delicious! I really enjoyed it. And while I can’t say I will be eating it on repeat, I will say that it’s now on my radar as another meal possibility. Maybe. It’s so not my style! But I liked it.

Favorite Fitness

I really wanted to finally try yoga at Equinox and really thought yesterday would be the day but then I was up and ready much earlier than the class time so there went that plan.

My favorite fitness from the week however has definitely been barre. I took two barre classes this week and really felt in my element.

Yesterday’s one-hour barre class was SO GOOD but also really challenging! We used 2-lb weights, a ball, and a resistance band. Using the resistance band while at the barre is really next-level hard. But I love it!

Favorite Fashion

It’s suddenly feeling like winter and COLD. I’m living in my mittens, especially my big floppy faux fur mittens first thing in the morning.

In case you need faux fur mittens, I found you a full selection to choose from…

You can’t go wrong with anything UGG – UGG Sherpa Mittens

I love everything Apparis including the Apparis Faux Fur Fingerless Gloves and Apparis Faux Fur Mittens.

You know I love anything Alo Yoga.

But these Jocelyn Faux Fur Fingerless Mittens are great too as is the Jocelyn Faux Fur Mittens with a heart or smiley face.

Another nice pair – Echo Faux Fur Mittens in white with gray

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Favorite Find

I ordered this thermal set from Aqua and wow – what a great choice!

I love the color, the material is super soft, the long sleeve top and pants fit true to size, and it’s very comfortable for around the house. Definitely recommend!

Victoria’s Secret has a similar style set but I don’t think it’s as thick or as nice as the one I ordered from Aqua. I did feel it in the store though so I would say it’s “good” — but if I had to choose, I would go with the Aqua set.

Have a great weekend!