Because 2023 is the year to actually DO IT
I decided at the start of the year that 2023 was *the* year for me. The year where I continued to look after myself mentally, and started to look after it physically too. Instead of taking out a year-long pledge, I’ve broken it down into quarterly goals. Can I do something for 52 weeks in a row? Maybe not. But 12 weeks? Sure. Q1 went surprisingly well and for this next round my main aim is to solidify these new habits into routine (for more on how I’m doing that check out this YouTube video). In terms of my actual fitness routine (and what I wear whilst doing it!), here you go…
MY WORKOUT ROUTINE
I’ve realised that in order for me to get up and move everyday, variety is the spice of life. Doing the same workout over and over again is a sure-fire way for me to come up with an excuse and skip my workout all together. I’ve been experimenting with more in-person classes at a studio, but ultimately the ease of an at-home class that I can sneak off for 20 minutes for is far more practical for me right now. Ultimately I keep things short and sweet – a 20-30 minute workout is something I can realistically fit in most days, so I like to mix in spinning and pilates, with a sprinkling of strength training…
Peloton – Peloton just do what they do really, really well. I got my bike over two years ago, but in the past three months I feel like I’ve finally committed to a routine with it and I just LOVE it. Whilst I mostly use it for spinning right now, I dip into their strength training occasionally too. Given the price of spin classes by me, it works out pretty good value and I can do a class and be showered and ready to go in 40 minutes. The Alex Touissant Club Bangers rides are my current fave.
Fluidform – I’ve been a fan of Fluidform since I had R. Their post-natal programme is brilliant and I really credit that at helping me heal and recover at a safe pace post-birth. These days I don’t commit to a challenge, instead just browsing their classes and seeing what I feel like on the day and targeting what I would like to work on. The equipment is minimal – bands, ankle weights, sliders, a Pilates ball and sometimes a Swiss ball – and I find the classes nicely cued so easy to keep up with. The best Pilates classes online hands down.
FORM – This is a new one for me, but the Instagram ads finally got me and they offer a 7 day free trial, so I thought why not? These classes feel like the missing piece in my routine. A HIIT-style workout with light weight training built in, it’s one of those ‘super fast, over before you know it’ classes. A nice addition if you want a mix of light cardio with light weights. I’m currently working my way through the ‘14 Day Reset’ challenge, but trying to do two classes a week.
Reformer Pilates – This is a more recent development too, but I used to love going to Reformer and I’ve found a local class that isn’t too tricky for me to get to and has lots of classes on the timetable so I can either get up and go first thing before the guys get up, or go in the evening once R is in bed. Nothing – and I repeat – NOTHING, makes you shake quite like a Reformer class. It’s a workout you can truly feel is doing it’s thing as you do it.
Here’s how it all fits together in a typical week:
MONDAY – 20 Min Peloton Spin
TUESDAY – 30 Min FORM class
WEDNESDAY – Reformer Pilates class
THURSDAY – 30 Min Peloton Spin
FRIDAY – 30 Min FORM class
SATURDAY – Fluidform 20 Min class
SUNDAY – Rest day
MY ACTIVEWEAR EDIT
It’s no secret that I’m a complete and utter Lululemon* fan girl. No one does activewear quire like them. Good quality, cut to flatter and practical too. If you’re going to get one thing make it the Align HR 25 Pants* – the superior leggings in my opinion. I have the black, java and olive colour ways and wear them for every single workout. At home I tend to just stick a bra on top because I SWEAT and it also helps me check on my core to make sure I’m staying engaged and not flaring out my ribs. I really love the Align Bra* too, and their Flow-Y Bra* – I’d always recommend sizing up in tops as they come up very small. Also shoutout to the ARKET Seamless Yoga Bra* which is easily the comfiest sports bra I own.
If you want a bit more coverage on the belly check out the Lululemon Align Waist-Length Racerback Tank Top* – I wore this in a class recently and felt really comfortable. But I also have the Classic-Fit Cotton Blend T-Shirt* in the black and the bone colour ways for when I want to throw on a t-shirt for class. Throw an ARKET Soft French Terry Sweatshirt*, a pair of Adanola Socks* and some New Balance* and I’m good to go.
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Photos by Mark Newton
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