Move
barre3 Team Challenger Check In: Week 4
Can you believe Week 4 of the barre3 Challenge is here? A major theme that bubbled up this week is how to keep this good thing going. Read on to see how our team members are planning to stay balanced, strong, and feeling good beyond January 31st.
I feel like I’m closing out this challenge with a BANG! I did my grocery shopping for the week and was very mindful about purchasing whole foods. I have gotten back into my routine of taking classes regularly and making sure to schedule them into my calendar. I’m happier, healthier, stronger, and totally ready to take on the rest of the year. BRING IT ON, 2016!
Wow! Week 4? Seriously, how did that happen? The holidays feel like ages ago, and that is such a good thing. January has been extremely transformative for me on many levels. I’ve been doing barre3 consistently for nearly 8 years. It has always been a priority for me to fit in my classes, but this past month has pushed me that much further—and in doing so, it has given me an even deeper appreciation for how barre3 can be the catalyst for change. I was feeling so tired and uninspired coming into 2016, and I couldn’t feel more different today. Removing wine and sweets (almost completely!) from my daily routine has been a serious eye-opener, which coupled with tons of green tea has really fine-tuned my regime. In all, I feel more grounded, clear-headed, and happier—and my butt is firmer :).
Physically, I’m feeling pretty strong. However, I rolled my ankle playing basketball last week, which was a bummer. Makes me realize I need to strengthen my ankles better before I get back to that. Fortunately I was still able to do my ski trip this weekend. Weak ankles aren’t a problem in rigid boots! I mindfully chose to deviate from the Challenge diet on that trip, though. I stayed with some family friends and felt it would have been depriving to turn down pasta and red wine after an epic day on the mountain. These two events make me realize that the Challenge isn’t meant to last forever. I’m not working out consistently and eating mindfully just to put stickers on the board. I do these things to enrich my life. There is a balance to be found between my ideals and my reality. After this month, I think I have a better handle on that!
My days have become more balanced and productive because I start each day with a barre3 class. I’ve fallen in love with taking a class in the morning because it affects my day in such a positive way. I have more energy, and I’m more focused during my workday. I’ve removed doubt from my mind, let go of negative thoughts, and I’m striving forward. My favorite thing about the Challenge has been building connections with people in the barre3 community and going through this together. Hearing about other people and their journeys has been so inspiring. This week I was able to visit my family and have them try multiple 10-minute online workouts. It was so much fun! Even though we’re all different ages, we could each do the class at our own level.
Lots of changes have challenged my fitness routine this month, and I feel empowered to persevere—even past the Challenge! I’ve built a habit of self-love, and although my schedule is constantly changing due to the nature of the hectic New York lifestyle, I feel strong and encouraged to keep going. This past week has been particularly trying, just in life, but my one-on-one time with Sadie (online workout videos in my apartment) have helped me cope and feel stronger than ever. I look forward to keeping up my habit, and I look forward to maintaining rigor in my personal routines. Last year was an amazing one for me, and 2016 is going to be just as great thanks to dedication and a re-inspired commitment to being happy, healthy, and honest. I want to be strong year-round, and this Challenge has encouraged me to work harder for what I want—and that WORK is the way to live the life I want. I have new goals, and I want to challenge myself to work for my strength all year. Taking the Challenge at my own pace has allowed me to remember to treat myself with kindness, love, and forgiveness while also staying dedicated and driven.
This “reset” was a little draining in the beginning of the month because I wanted to hibernate after January 1st, and I don’t like being told what to do when my energy is low. 🙂 Today, I’m feeling super strong, and my energy is on fire! I needed this barre3 Challenge in such a major way after holiday travel, and now I truly feel ready to take on the rest of the year. I’m in such a good groove with scheduling workouts on my calendar (either online or in the studio), and cooking nourishing food is helping me wake up alert with clear skin! Listening to my body is super intuitive right now, and that’s the best feeling ever.
By this point, healthy food swaps and the bump in physical wellness has begun to feel a bit routine. My body feels thankful for these new habits, but my mind is starting to get a little too comfortable. At the start of the Challenge I was filled with anticipation, and the competitor in me was looking forward to reaching new heights. Now my challenge has become to find focus as I get stronger, and not allow routine to become mundane. To find a renewed freshness, I’m turning my gaze outward to those around me and to time-tested favorites. I invited four friends to join me for class this week and was purposeful in choosing classes with my favorite instructors who have been leading me from the beginning. The mix provides me with good accountability and an important reminder of how far I’ve come. I’ve hit some awesome milestones so far, and I don’t want the progress to let up now!
It’s week 4 that builds lasting character in my book. The first few weeks, my energy was super high. By week 3, I started noticing changes to my overall strength and focus. Week 4 is the hard one for me. It’s time for me to call upon my discipline! My commitment to dry January is still strong, but I will admit to having had two slices of dollar pizza the other day. I couldn’t help it. I grew up in a pizza shop, so it’s in my blood. And it felt great, to be honest, because in the end, the Challenge is all about realigning balance. Both pizza and barre3 make me incredibly happy, and I absolutely need both! February is going to be an awesome month.
As I take a step back to measure my successes, I find myself thinking – did I have a beer or two this past month? Yes. Did I “slip” and have some chocolate at a weak moment? Of course. However, I’ve realized that’s not what this Challenge is about. It’s not about being rigid for one month, and then having an all-you-can-eat cupcake buffet come February 1st. I tried my best, and while I wasn’t perfect (what is that, anyway?!), I’ve made some significant small changes this month. On their own they might seem minor, but they’ve lead to me feeling a little stronger. A little healthier. A little less stressed. I’ve found time to squeeze in one more workout a week, something I think I can sustain moving into next month. I’ve started meal planning and grocery shopping on Sunday, which has not only made dinners easier, but is also saving my family some money (which I can use in Paris on my honeymoon, wooo!). My focus now is to keep my healthy habits up through February—those minor changes are adding up to big progress, and I know that’s something to feel truly happy about.
Week 4 is off to a good start. I’m actually seeing changes in my strength and overall muscle tone, especially in my arms and back! Something about the Challenge has really gotten my head back into the right mindset. I’m learning to not let myself go down the shame spiral. I haven’t stuck to the nutrition philosophy 100% this month, mostly due to lots of birthdays and celebrations going on, but I’m doing my best to stay grounded and to rebound from my choices instead of let them ruin my entire day (like I sometimes used to). I’m really happy to also be surrounded by friends and my co-workers doing the Challenge. It’s so much easier to stay motivated and on track when you have others working toward a similar goal. I’m stoked to keep this going. I’m going to try to commit to the nutrition aspect harder in February!
How has the past week been for you Challengers? Tell us in the comments below.
Can you believe Week 4 of the barre3 Challenge is here? A major theme that bubbled up this week is how to keep this good thing going. Read on to see how our team members are planning to stay balanced, strong, and feeling good beyond January 31st.
I feel like I’m closing out this challenge with a BANG! I did my grocery shopping for the week and was very mindful about purchasing whole foods. I have gotten back into my routine of taking classes regularly and making sure to schedule them into my calendar. I’m happier, healthier, stronger, and totally ready to take on the rest of the year. BRING IT ON, 2016!
Wow! Week 4? Seriously, how did that happen? The holidays feel like ages ago, and that is such a good thing. January has been extremely transformative for me on many levels. I’ve been doing barre3 consistently for nearly 8 years. It has always been a priority for me to fit in my classes, but this past month has pushed me that much further—and in doing so, it has given me an even deeper appreciation for how barre3 can be the catalyst for change. I was feeling so tired and uninspired coming into 2016, and I couldn’t feel more different today. Removing wine and sweets (almost completely!) from my daily routine has been a serious eye-opener, which coupled with tons of green tea has really fine-tuned my regime. In all, I feel more grounded, clear-headed, and happier—and my butt is firmer :).
Physically, I’m feeling pretty strong. However, I rolled my ankle playing basketball last week, which was a bummer. Makes me realize I need to strengthen my ankles better before I get back to that. Fortunately I was still able to do my ski trip this weekend. Weak ankles aren’t a problem in rigid boots! I mindfully chose to deviate from the Challenge diet on that trip, though. I stayed with some family friends and felt it would have been depriving to turn down pasta and red wine after an epic day on the mountain. These two events make me realize that the Challenge isn’t meant to last forever. I’m not working out consistently and eating mindfully just to put stickers on the board. I do these things to enrich my life. There is a balance to be found between my ideals and my reality. After this month, I think I have a better handle on that!
My days have become more balanced and productive because I start each day with a barre3 class. I’ve fallen in love with taking a class in the morning because it affects my day in such a positive way. I have more energy, and I’m more focused during my workday. I’ve removed doubt from my mind, let go of negative thoughts, and I’m striving forward. My favorite thing about the Challenge has been building connections with people in the barre3 community and going through this together. Hearing about other people and their journeys has been so inspiring. This week I was able to visit my family and have them try multiple 10-minute online workouts. It was so much fun! Even though we’re all different ages, we could each do the class at our own level.
Lots of changes have challenged my fitness routine this month, and I feel empowered to persevere—even past the Challenge! I’ve built a habit of self-love, and although my schedule is constantly changing due to the nature of the hectic New York lifestyle, I feel strong and encouraged to keep going. This past week has been particularly trying, just in life, but my one-on-one time with Sadie (online workout videos in my apartment) have helped me cope and feel stronger than ever. I look forward to keeping up my habit, and I look forward to maintaining rigor in my personal routines. Last year was an amazing one for me, and 2016 is going to be just as great thanks to dedication and a re-inspired commitment to being happy, healthy, and honest. I want to be strong year-round, and this Challenge has encouraged me to work harder for what I want—and that WORK is the way to live the life I want. I have new goals, and I want to challenge myself to work for my strength all year. Taking the Challenge at my own pace has allowed me to remember to treat myself with kindness, love, and forgiveness while also staying dedicated and driven.
This “reset” was a little draining in the beginning of the month because I wanted to hibernate after January 1st, and I don’t like being told what to do when my energy is low. 🙂 Today, I’m feeling super strong, and my energy is on fire! I needed this barre3 Challenge in such a major way after holiday travel, and now I truly feel ready to take on the rest of the year. I’m in such a good groove with scheduling workouts on my calendar (either online or in the studio), and cooking nourishing food is helping me wake up alert with clear skin! Listening to my body is super intuitive right now, and that’s the best feeling ever.
By this point, healthy food swaps and the bump in physical wellness has begun to feel a bit routine. My body feels thankful for these new habits, but my mind is starting to get a little too comfortable. At the start of the Challenge I was filled with anticipation, and the competitor in me was looking forward to reaching new heights. Now my challenge has become to find focus as I get stronger, and not allow routine to become mundane. To find a renewed freshness, I’m turning my gaze outward to those around me and to time-tested favorites. I invited four friends to join me for class this week and was purposeful in choosing classes with my favorite instructors who have been leading me from the beginning. The mix provides me with good accountability and an important reminder of how far I’ve come. I’ve hit some awesome milestones so far, and I don’t want the progress to let up now!
It’s week 4 that builds lasting character in my book. The first few weeks, my energy was super high. By week 3, I started noticing changes to my overall strength and focus. Week 4 is the hard one for me. It’s time for me to call upon my discipline! My commitment to dry January is still strong, but I will admit to having had two slices of dollar pizza the other day. I couldn’t help it. I grew up in a pizza shop, so it’s in my blood. And it felt great, to be honest, because in the end, the Challenge is all about realigning balance. Both pizza and barre3 make me incredibly happy, and I absolutely need both! February is going to be an awesome month.
As I take a step back to measure my successes, I find myself thinking – did I have a beer or two this past month? Yes. Did I “slip” and have some chocolate at a weak moment? Of course. However, I’ve realized that’s not what this Challenge is about. It’s not about being rigid for one month, and then having an all-you-can-eat cupcake buffet come February 1st. I tried my best, and while I wasn’t perfect (what is that, anyway?!), I’ve made some significant small changes this month. On their own they might seem minor, but they’ve lead to me feeling a little stronger. A little healthier. A little less stressed. I’ve found time to squeeze in one more workout a week, something I think I can sustain moving into next month. I’ve started meal planning and grocery shopping on Sunday, which has not only made dinners easier, but is also saving my family some money (which I can use in Paris on my honeymoon, wooo!). My focus now is to keep my healthy habits up through February—those minor changes are adding up to big progress, and I know that’s something to feel truly happy about.
Week 4 is off to a good start. I’m actually seeing changes in my strength and overall muscle tone, especially in my arms and back! Something about the Challenge has really gotten my head back into the right mindset. I’m learning to not let myself go down the shame spiral. I haven’t stuck to the nutrition philosophy 100% this month, mostly due to lots of birthdays and celebrations going on, but I’m doing my best to stay grounded and to rebound from my choices instead of let them ruin my entire day (like I sometimes used to). I’m really happy to also be surrounded by friends and my co-workers doing the Challenge. It’s so much easier to stay motivated and on track when you have others working toward a similar goal. I’m stoked to keep this going. I’m going to try to commit to the nutrition aspect harder in February!
How has the past week been for you Challengers? Tell us in the comments below.
