Getting Out Of A Fitness Slump + My Updated Workout Routine

Set c/o Sweats Boutique

 Sports Bra / Leggings

When I went through a huge life change and moved back into my family’s home last summer, the routine I had come to love and know was consequently thrown out the window. There were about a million aspects of my life that had to be reconfigured into a new normal, one of which was my fitness routine. Being downtown definitely made it super easy to work out; there were so many studios within walking distance from me that I loved going to, and I lived in condo buildings that had killer gyms. I had been pretty disciplined for a couple years, typically getting in 4-5 workouts a week, and it didn’t feel like a chore or something I was forcing myself into. It just was part of my routine, a true habit, and I didn’t question it or struggle to keep up with it.

Soooo… when I moved back to the suburbs, I not only lost the easy access to my favorite studios (Pure Barre, Studio Three, and the Barre Code to name a few), but I also lost literally all of my motivation to be active. I had the longest stretch of not working out I’ve had in probably over 5 years… For a solid month and a half, I just couldn’t bring myself to do anything. Not a single workout. I hung out with friends and my family, studied for the GRE, and laid around on the couch watching Netflix a fuck ton, and it ultimately was what I needed as I settled into normalcy and let time do its thing.

Now, a few years ago I can imagine that this period of stagnation would trouble me greatly and I would probably be super hard on myself for it. I’ve worked really hard to get to a point where I have a ton of self-acceptance and don’t like to enforce rules on myself when it comes to things like working out or what I eat. So, in the midst of this little workout hiatus, I just gave myself some space to go through whatever I was going through, knowing that I would get back into a fitness routine when I was ready and the day would come where it was like “ok in the mood to workout now.” Which, is what totally happened.

And if that day doesn’t come? Instead of being fixated on feeling out of shape, beating yourself up for not going to the gym, and being generally overwhelmed by the thought of getting into a workout schedule, focus on what’s stopping you and assess what your needs realistically are. 

I’ve had to easy myself back into the swing of things. That ended up being the key for me. I didn’t put pressure on myself to go 0 to 100, and I only did workouts that I already knew I liked. I bought some new workout gear which OMG let me tell ya, always does the trick. It’ll get you to at least one workout, I can promise you that.

Pure Barre On Demand has been my actual saving grace; for $29.99 a month you get access to tons of video content, and the workouts are essentially the same as you can expect from a studio class. The videos vary in length, and for me, motivating myself to do a 30 min workout in my basement was so much easier than getting myself into a studio. I started doing maybe 1-2 of these a week, and very quickly was able to talk myself into doing the longer 45-50 min classes more regularly.

Pure Barre is definitely still my main form of exercise, and has been for the last 5 years or so. I’ve been trying to make it a priority to make it to classes in the studio if I’m downtown (the music, energy, and help you get from the instructors is a way better experience for sure), but overall I know I’m still getting a killer workout from the On Demand program. I’m doing around 2-3 30 min videos + 1-2 45 min videos per week and feel strong, like I’m pushing myself. Which is really my only goal when it comes to fitness, so all good things.

I also have gotten really into Peloton over the last couple months! My family got one for our home gym over Christmas and it’s been a total hit with everyone. I’ve been to a couple Soul Cycle classes and used to go to regular spin classes in college, but this is definitely the most indoor cycling I’ve ever done. I really haven’t been getting much cardio in recent years and I clearly was missing it; I feel soooo amazing when I finish one of the classes and am crazy sweaty and low key think I might throw up but like in a good way. Yeah. You get it.

Just a couple quick facts about Peloton for those interested: You can buy the bike for $1,995 plus $250 delivery, or they offer a payment plan for those that qualify. Once you have the bike, you’re in the system: You get unlimited access to a ton of videos, all categorized by different lengths, instructors, music genres… Plus, there are yoga, pilates, and other strength based classes you can do off the bike. I am obsessed with the instructors and just the overall style of workout. Every instructor has their own vibe and way of leading, but I’m personally a sucker for the really motivational ones who relate being on the bike and getting through a tough workout to dealing with life’s adversities. One of my faves is Cory!! He is so adorable and so fun, like every class kinda feels you’re friends, you’re buddies, you’re just having a good time. He’s always saying “Get your life together, boo.” Which, #relatable. I’m like “Ok I will Cory! Imma make you proud!!” My other fave is Emma Lovewell; she has the best EDM playlists (I’m always adding songs to my Spotify playlists after her classes!) and just has this great, motivational energy. I took one of her classes earlier today and one of my favorite lines during one of the harder intervals of class was “Acknowledge it’s uncomfortable, acknowledge it hurts, and do it anyway.” All the messaging so effortlessly relates back to real life and it’s without a doubt my favorite thing about these classes!

I’m trying to be more disciplined about getting in more Peloton workouts during my week; they are freaking HARD but it’s an amazing workout and I just feel so uplifted and inspired afterwards. Seriously. I also feel like the classes go by super fast; there always is awesome music (and you can check the full playlist before starting the class!), and the instructors keep it fun and motivational. Most of the workouts also have arms sections in them, so it feels like a true full body workout. I can vouch that my legs, without a doubt, always have a tough time doing stairs the following day haha.

I’m maybe doing 1-2 a week right now (hoping to get this up to 2-3 because that cardio buzz is the real deal and it feels great to sweat out life’s bullshit), but so far I genuinely love the workout and would 100% recommend. Especially if you are someone who only likes working out when it is convenient and on your terms!!

PS, a couple of you asked, my username is theblondeinpink in case you wanna race or something heheh. 

That all said, I’m definitely itching to expand my repertoire and try some new classes! The suburbs make it tough, but I feel like I’m in the city all the time and can make it a priority. One of the things that made me love going to classes was the whole routine of it; there truly was no greater feeling that walking back from the Old Town Pure Barre on a summer’s night, walking home with my headphones in, doing a little grocery shopping… Ugh. The best. Big part of the experience haha. I feel like once you have enough of those reasons when it comes to working out, it just becomes this doable thing 🙂