For the first month of LEAN in 2014, I really nailed it with healthy eating. The goal(s) that I didn’t do too great with, though, were the exercise-related ones. Although a lot of it had to do with the month being full with moving, launching Speakable, etc., the truth is that I also was just seriously lacking motivation to get my booty down to the the gym.
BUT - now that I’ve moved to a new apartment and new neighborhood, my motivation in every area of life seems to have shot through the roof. I guess I’m one of those people who does well with change because my energy and attitude is better than it’s been in a long time.
So…I’m ready for it. Now that I’ve made healthy eating more of a habit, this month it’s time to conquer the fitness end of LEAN14. And I must say I’m already off to a good start.
1. join a gym.
Done!
I wasn’t planning on joining a gym in my new neighborhood just because gyms in New York are crazy expensive (my old building had a gym in it). But then Rachel discovered Blink Fitness, which has locations across the city, and is only $20 a month!!!! The gym is incredible – it’s huge with hundreds of machines, a great free weights area, clean locker room, etc.
(The only downside is no classes, but for $20/month beggars can’t be choosers.)
I went with Rachel yesterday for my free trial and signed up online as soon as I got home.
2. master the stair master.
Yesterday was actually the first time I’ve ever used a StairMaster, and it wrecked me. If I’m being honest, I could only do it for 10 minutes! I’m determined to whip my butt into shape (literally), though, so this month I’m going to try to work my way up to at least 30 minutes.
3. start the day off on the right foot.
Although I tend to be more of a morning exerciser, a lot of times I don’t end up making it to the gym until after work (and…sometimes that means I don’t make it to the gym at all). I’ve found a few things that help me to stay motivated throughout the day.
First of all, since I work from home I can wear my workout clothes all day. That really helps me to actually feel like I want to exercise.
Secondly, since I work from home I can also squeeze in the strength portion of my workout in the morning/during the day. With my yoga mat, dumbells, planks, and these butt exercises, I’m good to go!
Followed up by a green (protein) smoothie, of course.
4. harness others’ energy.
One of the things I love about my new neighborhood is that people seem to be more into fitness in general. There are way more gyms around here, and healthy restaurants/juice bars literally on every corner.
I actually just snagged a 6-pack from Juice Generation (thanks to a promo code from one of my amazing readers, Katie!).
Not to mention Rachel is really into health/fitness too, so it’s great to be able to keep each other motivated!
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What are you specific health/fitness goals for February?
Any other StairMaster fans out there?
Ohhhhhh I want a friend with a Juice Generation promo code!
I recently joined our gym and I’ve watched enviously people working out on the stairmaster. It’s intimidating! Is it really that hard!? I’m eager to try it!!!
can you share the juice generation promo code? i live near one in nyc also!
emailing you
Ohhh Gracie, can you send to me as well?
I love the stair master! I haven’t been able to do it much with my half marathon training, but I’ll definitely be back climbing after my race!
Stair masters are no joke! Also, they are not for the coordination challenged. Not that I’ve almost fallen off of one or anything…
I fell in love with a Juice Generation right across from my friend’s apartment in NYC. Drink some for me!
Oh sweet Lord, the stair master is NO JOKE. I can only last 10 minutes, too!
I am SO glad we found Blink Fitness! It is seriously amazing for $20 :). We are going to motivate each other and conquer the stairmaster together!
love your sneakers!
Have you ever done a juice cleanse? Would be curious on your thoughts.
not sure i’ve ever done a stairmaster…yikes. strictly a runner and bootcamp girl..might have to try it at some point though! love juice gen.
10 minutes on the Stairmaster is good! I can seriously only last 3. That thing is torture!
I’ve been doing a lot better with fitness as well! I never use the stairmaster, but I live on the 10th floor of my building, so if I ever need a quick exercise, I just walk up!
I’ve really been trying to work on fitness too and I’m actually loving it. Changing up my routine on a consistent basis is key for me- I get bored easily! And the StairMaster has become my best friend. It kicks my booty and I love that I don’t have to spend hours on it to see/feel results.
Best of luck this month- I know you’re going to rock it!
Erin says
I love your blog - can you share the juice generation code?! I live in nyc too and am obsessed with juicing!
Oh my gosh only $20 per month for the gym?!? This makes me so embarrassed to think how much I pay monthly for my Equinox membership. I guess one of the upsides is that I pretty much feel obligated to actually go to the gym given the membership cost…