It is a new year, which means new goals.  While I like to think that I am pretty good about staying active, I love when the new year rolls around because I push that much harder.  Being able to set and define my goals is something I look forward to and try to do every few months.  Those January goals though just seem to draw me in.  This year, I have set new goals in all aspects of my life.  From the blog, to travel goals, to financial goals; I truly believe in setting the bar and going for it. Now, while there are many goals to achieve in 2017, first and foremost are goals for myself and my health.  I believe that staying active/healthy keeps me sane and helps to relieve accumulated stress.  I will admit, I can be an anxious person (one of the things I am working on this year), and tend to let tension build inside me.  By keeping my fitness game a high priority, my stress level and tension both release a little.  I am not picky when it comes to my workout, but there are definitely a few things I tend to gravitate towards so I am sharing my favorite workouts below!

January 9, 2017

GOALS

It is a new year, which means new goals.  While I like to think that I am pretty good about staying active, I love when the new year rolls around because I push that much harder.  Being able to set and define my goals is something I look forward to and try to do every few months.  Those January goals though just seem to draw me in.  This year, I have set new goals in all aspects of my life.  From the blog, to travel goals, to financial goals; I truly believe in setting the bar and going for it. Now, while there are many goals to achieve in 2017, first and foremost are goals for myself and my health.  I believe that staying active/healthy keeps me sane and helps to relieve accumulated stress.  I will admit, I can be an anxious person (one of the things I am working on this year), and tend to let tension build inside me.  By keeping my fitness game a high priority, my stress level and tension both release a little.  I am not picky when it comes to my workout, but there are definitely a few things I tend to gravitate towards so I am sharing my favorite workouts below!

Jacket | Vest | Top | Pants | Shoes

As I said above, I am usually up for anything physical.  I will always try something once and see how my body responds to the workout.  Lately though, I have five workouts that I am drawn to and tend to pick over anything else.  So (in no particular order), see how I choose to stay active!

1. Running – I was a tennis player growing up, so I would always try to run to help my endurance.  Once I finished playing, I found that I still enjoyed getting out and going on runs through the neighborhood.  These runs allow me to think and digest what all has been going on that day/week so it becomes more than a physical activity for me.  I can take it as slow, or as fast, as I need to, all while changing a route each day.
2. Boxing – This past year, I took up boxing.  I meet with my trainer once a week before work and literally throw punches for thirty minutes.  I have come to LOVE my time in the ring and have found it to be a huge stress reliever.  I really use this time to take out some anger (if I have any), but love the training aspect as well.  These sessions give me something to work towards again and practice for which I love.  I had known “practice and training” my entire life until now, so boxing allows me to feel that again.
3. Pure Barre – I have said this so many times before (and posted on social media), but I love Pure Barre.  I started taking Pure Barre when I graduated college (again looking for something to fill the tennis void) and fell in love.  It is easier on my body, all while giving me a killer workout!
4. SoulCycle – This love came around recently.  When I was in Miami a few weeks ago, we took a class because it was raining.  When I say it was life changing, I truly mean it!  Riding to the music, the atmosphere, the instructor…it was SO much fun!  When I went home for Christmas I took almost everyday and could not get enough!  I hurts my heart a little that I don’t have access to a SoulCycle in Louisiana, but you better believe every time I visit somewhere that has one I will be in a class!
5. Circuit Training – While in college I had to do a good bit of weight lifting for tennis.  I cannot say I didn’t like it, but I also can’t say I loved it.  Since graduating, I have decided that I enjoy more body weight style circuit training, allowing myself to stay strong, but not get huge and bulky (which I do when I lift!).  I love the BBG workout by Kayla Itsines and love being able to work those into my fitness routine.  They are extremely beneficial (I am always sore!), but do not take hours to complete, which is great!

Photos by Darian Kayce Photography