Well, last week was quite a busy week and it’s looking like the next couple of weeks are insane too because I’m moving! I kinda knew I might be moving (within the same area) but wasn’t sure how fast it would happen and well, it happens at the end of next week!
This means I’m scrambling to organize, pack, order some new things, and then move into my new bigger, brighter home with lots of storage space and a pretty balcony. I’m very excited but very busy which means the blog will be lacking until I’m settled. I haven’t moved in 14 years so although I’m super organized and often clean things out, there’s still a lot fo do.
My workouts are not lacking but will be a little different, I’m sure. My focus when I’m this busy and working hard physically to pack my house is on yoga and doing what feels good through the chaos.
Last Week’s Workouts
2 Yoga Classes
2 Pilates Classes
2 Runs
1 Spin Class
I never made it to a barre class and skipped the walking class that I normally take on Sunday before pilates in favor of walking easy myself on the treadmill before pilates. I just wasn’t up for inclines — moving is a physical activity and I have to balance that into my usual workout routine!
Monday – 4 Mile Run (outside!)
I don’t recall the last time I ran outdoors before today!
I cannot tell you how amazing this practice felt — I was so tired and so busy packing and planning but I knew that escaping for yoga would be worth it, and it was.
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.
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
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)
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
My plan for the next few days while in Florida is to do a few Equinox app workouts like yoga pilates,barre.
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!
Someone asked me the other day how many miles I run per week. I had a very quick reply to that question.
It’s not about weekly mileage for me, especially right now. I’m a runner who does other things too.
I really like the otherthings.
I still identify as a runner and I’m so proud of all of the races I’ve run and the miles I’ve put in, but I’m quick to say I’m a runner who loves spin, barre, pilates, walking, and even yoga. So these days, it’s not about how many days a week I run or how many miles per day or total weekly mileage.
It hasn’t been all about running for me in a few years really but especially now.
I can absolutely run more than I am right now but mentally, I do not want to and physically, I feel so great that why would I want to overdo it?!
Last Week’s Workouts
Another week of balancing running with the rest of my workout options! Let’s take a look.
Monday – 5 Mile Run (treadmill)
I had a few workout choices today and didn’t make my final decision until the last second. Here’s what I was deciding between:
Spin
Run + Spin
Spin + Barre
Run + Barre
First, I decided not to go spin. I felt like running and started my run at the same time as the spin class.
Once on the treadmill, I decided to save barre for another day and run 5 miles. While I could have made it to barre after the five miles, I figured it made more sense to save my energy for the rest of the week.
During my run, I alternated inclines with speed but gave myself two miles to warm up which was a big help. Otherwise, the inclines sneak up on me and tire me out if I jump into things too quickly.
Today I was deciding between barre and pilates fusion — it was a toss-up just based on the time of the classes and when I woke up for the day.
Wednesday – 20 Min Run + 60 Min Bala Bangle Barre Burn (2 lb weights, 1 lb ankle weights)
I knew exactly what I wanted to do today so there was no need to choose between workout options! This barre class is no joke, by the way. The ankle weights take it to another level.
Thursday – 45 Min TRX Max + 45 Min Walk (treadmill)
So I tried the TRX class for the first time! And while I’m glad I tried it, I don’t think it’s a class for me on a regular basis.
It’s a bit hard to explain why I didn’t love it. I think I just prefer barre, pilates, and barefoot sculpt-style classes (and yoga if I can ever get to those class times). Basically, I prefer a more delicate challenge and classes without shoes.
I think one on one, I could learn to like TRX a bit more. It takes some time to get used to but basically, I guess, the overall class style isn’t my favorite when I have so many other options.
Friday – 45 Min Spin (Cycle Beats)
First spin class of the week! See, it’s hard to fit it all in! But I’m figuring it out and going by what I want to do each morning.
Saturday – 20 Min Run + 45 Min Spin (Anthem Ride)
I don’t usually spin two days in a row but it worked out that way for this week! Anthem Ride is my favorite style spin class at Equinox. The pace goes by the music and there’s no reference to the center console for distance, speed, RPM, and whatever else they talk about in other spin classes.
Sunday – 45 Min Precision Walk Elevate + 45 Min Pilates
My favorite Sunday morning class duo — the walking goes by SO FAST. Inclines ranged from 3 – 15% and pilates was a welcomed restorative class.
I haven’t been able to make it to the yoga class times since joining Equinox over the summer but I see a possible time that could work later this week — I’m hopeful!
Another nicely varied week of workouts in the books!
I ran a little more last week and tried a new-to-me 60-minute barre class on the Thursday Equinox class schedule. This week I plan to try a TRX class! My pilates instructor teaches it and said it’s perfect for me. I will report back about it next week!
I don’t recall the last time I ran five miles, it must be at least a month ago!
Thursday – 30 Min Treadmill Incline Walk + 60 Min Barre (2 lb weights, ball, resistance band)
I made up my own incline walking routine with inclines ranging between 3 – 13% before swapping my sneakers for bare feet in barre class.
Friday – Off
Saturday – 15 Min Run + 45 Min Spin (Anthem Ride)
With a day off yesterday, my legs were fresh and ready to run some speed instead of hills. While it wasn’t for long, I felt so great and was cruising at 7.6 which is something I haven’t done in a while.
Sunday – 45 Min Precision Walk Elevate + 45 Min Pilates
My favorite Sunday workout class duo! In today’s treadmill walk class, we ranged inclines from 3 – 15%. My speed is mostly between 3.5 – 3.6 but we did have a speed section at a lower incline where I was as high as 4.7. So fun!
In my post on Friday, I mentioned that I had a tough week at work.
Like really tough.
As the Director of Marketing, I have been with my company (an event tech startup) since the very beginning. If you have been reading my blog since 2013, you may recall a series of wedding-related planning posts that were sponsored by the company before I even got on board full-time.
So for somewhere between 8-9 years, I devoted my time, passion, and energy to helping build that company into what it is today. And I’m really proud of that.
We were a family. And a lot of that family, including myself, are now moving on.
What’s next? I definitely need some time to breathe in order to figure that out.
While another job in event tech is not of interest, I do love the pretty wedding side of things so I’m sure I will stay in the industry in some capacity.
Last Week’s Workouts
Last week was very hard emotionally which affected my workouts.
When I’m dealing with something emotional, I actually can’t run. I can do other things but running is just a no. Not only am I not in the mood, but the energy required to run is a different type of energy and one I don’t have when I’m upset.
If we look at the positive side, I gave myself a really nice break from running.
Also! I took advantage of the class schedule at Equinox at times I can’t normally attend because of my work schedule!
Like Bala Bangle Barre Burn. Quite a tongue twister, but I was excited to try that class!
And the Spin class I took on Tuesday? That class was 80’s music trivia themed and I won a few prizes!
Monday – Outdoor Walk
I had already decided that I needed a day off and took a walk before knowing what my week was about to look like.
I really enjoyed taking this class for the first time. It’s similar to the other barre classes only you wear the Bala bangle ankle weights the entire time (but you can take them off if you want at any point).
Thursday – 45 Min Spin
Friday – 45 Min Pilates (ring)
Saturday – 45 Min Spin
I ran like five minutes on the treadmill to realize that yes I’m ready to run but no, I don’t think I want to run more than this right now and can wait until Monday. I walked a bit before spin class.
Sunday – 45 Min Precision Walk Elevate + 45 Min Pilates
This week I’m hoping to try a few more classes at Equinox that I can’t normally make due to my work schedule including Pilates Fusion, a few other spin classes at other times, a different barre class, and maybe yoga if I can fit it in!
And to be really honest, with all of these classes, I don’t miss running but I’m sure I will throw in a few miles at some point.
The Gemini side of my personality was in full force this past week in terms of making workout decisions.
I love Equinox so much but sometimes that comes with a silly overwhelmed feeling of making a workout class decision. I’m a Gemini! I can be indecisive!
I had a quick moment last week of trying to select classes and plan my workouts in advance and that is NOT the best approach for me.
Pilates? Barre? Spin? Wednesday pilates but not Friday pilates but yes to Sunday pilates? Friday pilates but not Wednesday pilates? Thursday barre with Friday pilates? Or is it Tuesday barefoot sculpt and Thursday barre and pick a pilates? Shoot there’s also barre on Tuesday.
Oh, and can I make it to yoga on the weekend?
BUT WHEN DO I RUN?
To make matters worse, I made the mistake of viewing the evening class schedule which led me to contemplate yoga sculpt at 5:30 PM.
I do not work out in the evening and you know what, I’m not going to start!
As the sign of the twins, my Gemini personality comes with my need for independence and freedom. I need to feel free which, when it comes to my workouts, means I do better not committing myself to a set workout schedule.
I need flexibility and cannot be tied down to something in case I don’t want to do it or want to do something else!
By the way, this side of my personality is also why I’ve never been a diet person or someone who can count calories, or even pay attention to strict measurements. I need to do what I want to do without limits unless I want the limits. Make sense?
So.
After going through the process of trying to set up a workout class schedule for myself in advance, I am now back to doing what works for me on any given day and any given week.
Last Week’s Workouts
I didn’t run as much last week which has my legs feeling super fresh and eager for some miles on the treadmill. Let’s not think about which days I will run yet. 🙂
Monday – 20 Min Run + Spin
Today’s warm-up run was literally just a warm-up – I followed my easy run on the treadmill workout perfectly until I reached 20 minutes. Also, this spin class on a Monday is just what I need to start the week. It’s so much fun that I “think” I want to do it every Monday morning.
Tuesday – Outdoor Walk
I hated to miss barre today but felt I needed a day off.
Wednesday – Pilates (ring)
Thursday – Barre (2 lb weights + ball)
Friday – 10 Min Run + Spin
I don’t normally choose a spin class on Friday mornings but I felt like it so I did! It was a great class. Yes, I missed not taking today’s pilates class but I needed to make a choice!
Saturday – 12 Min Run + Barre(2 lb weights + ball + band + strap)
So I normally choose a spin class for today but I did spin yesterday which left me a little confused for this morning. I didn’t feel like just running so I chose the one-hour barre class that I haven’t taken since August. This barre class is the hardest one (in my opinion) but I decided to give it another go. It was still HARD but I can definitely do it.
I ran first and because I haven’t run much this week, I was so full of energy that I cruised at 7.6 which felt more like a 6.8 speed.
Sunday – Precision Walk Elevate + Pilates
Today’s treadmill walk class featured ranging inclines from 3% to 14% which felt easier than last week’s four minutes at 15%!
—-
I know I’ve missed a few Friday Favorites posts in a row — I’m hoping to get one up this week which will include my recent workout apparel purchases and what I have bought so far from the Sephora Sale.
I really needed the weekend to rest and reset after being in Florida for a really quick trip last week for work. And while the trip was for work, it was to Boca and did involve my best friend Heather which is just so cool to me. To think we ended up working in the same industry without it happening on purpose or because of the other is just so funny.
photo credit: Jeff Kolodny Photography
Heather was hosting an event industry networking event at her company and it was worth it to my company for me to attend. Amazing, right?
Last Week’s Workouts
While I was only in Florida for two mornings, it was a good opportunity to squeeze in Melissa Wood Health workouts from my hotel room.
It’s rarely worth it to me to bring running shoes for a hotel gym. I use trips as my opportunity for low-impact, hotel room workouts (it’s also a good way to pack less).
Monday – 3 Miles
A quick three miles run before my midday flight!
Tuesday – Melissa Wood Health Combo(bodyweight)
While yes, I prefer Equinox in-person classes, I still love Melissa and recommend her platform.
17 Min Barre
15 Min Standing Series
10 Min Arms
Wednesday – Melissa Wood Health Combo(bodyweight)
15 Min Standing Arms + Abs
13 Min Standing Series
Thursday – Barre (2 lb weights + ball)
I was home and slept a little later than usual so I headed to the gym hoping to make it in time for barre but if I were late from traffic, I figured I would just run on the treadmill. While I obviously love to run, I really love the classes at Equinox — I made it in time for barre!
Friday – Pilates (ring)
Saturday – 20 Min Run + Spin
No joke, I hit 2.27 miles yet again at the 20-minute mark. I really don’t know how that happens because for real, after a one-mile warm-up, I never follow the same pattern — yet clearly, it works out the same.
Today’s treadmill walking class, which varies inclines (and speed although I mostly hold at 3.5 on average) for about 45 minutes, had us at a 15% incline for four minutes — very proud of myself for that one!
Have I mentioned that joining Equinox was my best decision all year? I think I’ve said it, but I’m repeating it.
I enjoy it so much for the atmosphere, the class variety (I still haven’t tried all of the classes I want to try yet!), and even for running on the treadmill.
And hey, it’s a nice reason to need to use a few pouches in my gym bag.
Last Week’s Workouts
Monday – 20 Min Run + Barre (2 lb weights/ball)
I hadn’t run my 20 minutes on the treadmill before a class in a couple of weeks. Remember that I kept finishing at 2.27 miles? Today was 2.25. Pretty close to the same range even though I knew I was going slower overall.
Tuesday – 3 Mile Run (outside)
Boring.
Wednesday – Pilates Fusion
The instructor I love from Barre was subbing for today’s pilates class. Her version of class today was a Pilates Fusion which felt like a blend between pilates, yoga, and barefoot sculpt. It was great!
Thursday – 5 Miles (treadmill)
I skipped barre class today because I was still slightly sore from Monday’s class. Not to mention, I had taken Barre on Saturday too, and yesterday’s pilates fusion was more than just a restorative pilates.
I mixed up intervals of inclines followed by speed for my run. Definitely not easy! I like to stretch after and get a cold eucalyptus towel – cold towels are everything.
Friday – Pilates(ring/block/3 lb ball)
I love the instructor for the Friday Pilates classes. She teaches yoga too, I just haven’t been able to make that class time yet.
I had never used a tiny 3 lb pilates ball before — seems like it would be nothing but it’s harder to use than you think!
Saturday – 3 Mile Easy Run + Spin
I followed my easy run on the treadmill workout pretty closely, just increasing the speed sooner in the last mile. While it may seem nutty to normal people to run before spin, I really like it as a warm-up rather than sitting on the bike and jumping right into the class.
Sunday – Precision Walk + Pilates
Today’s treadmill walk class featured ranging inclines from 3% – 15%.
___
I’ll be in Florida for a few days this week which is a good time to come back to Melissa Wood Health’s 20-minute yoga flows. I also have virtual workout options on the Equinox App so maybe I will try one of those too!
The Cookie ChRUNicles 