FITNESS FASHION
Bra: Zella // Leggings: Free People // Shoes: Adidas
Around this time every year is when the gyms are flooded with people attempting to kick their booty into gear. I have always had a fickle relationship with the gym and working out mostly because of my hip issues but 2019 was the first year I stuck with something fitness related. I found pilates and have never loved a workout more. With my new found love for Pilates, comes wanting to buy all of the cute work out clothes which can get expensive really quick. Why in the world are stretchy clothes so dang expensive?!
Now is a great time to stock up on quality active wear for the year. Nordstrom is having their Half Yearly Sale and there are some great finds in there. Zella, Adidas, Sweaty Betty and Beach Riot are some of my favorite brands that Nordstrom carries and I’ve also rounded up my favorite sale finds to make it easy on you below. Don’t forget Nordstrom has free shipping and returns so if you aren’t positive on sizing, I suggest ordering two sizes and returning the other. Sizes tend to sell out quickly so this is the best way to ensure you get the item you are wanting!
FITNESS GOALS
I get questions a lot on what I do to stay so fit and I’d be lying if I said it’s from a strict workout or diet plan. I struggle with both daily. Quick backstory, I had two hip surgeries in 2017 and honestly hadn’t done any sort of real workout since college prior to my surgery. Then after, I had so many issues that I barely did any sort of physical exercise, let alone workout. But this past year has taught me how rewarding it feels to work towards something and to push your body and mind further than you thought it could go. There is a small victory and dare I say small adrenaline rush that happens with each workout. Going into 2020 I want to put a stronger focus on my overall health and mindset.
Over the past year I’ve learned to love working out for multiple reasons. Obviously I have enjoyed seeing the fruits of my labor physically but mentally it has done wonders for me too! Working from home, sometimes my only break out of the house for the day is going to workout so it’s kind of become an escape. Running has done the same. On days I’m stressed or just need to clear my head, running helps so much. It’s crazy how a year ago I thought people who did these things were just torturing themselves. I don’t know what clicked for me in 2020 but I’m so glad it did. If you haven’t found a workout that makes you feel this way yet, keep searching. Pilates has been my saving grace.
Physically, I’ve noticed the most extreme amount of definition in my arms, abs and butt which are honestly the places I have always been most concerned about toning. I have loved Pilates because it does not involve much cardio yet still gets your heart rate up while being a full body workout. It’s definitely not easy but you can make the workout as hard or as easy as you want it to be. For those that are local to Houston, I go to HIP Fitness which is a megareformer class.
So what are my goals for 2020? Honestly I’d be happy with continuing on the path that I was on in 2019 but my main goal of this year is to add in variability with my workouts so I can start working new muscle groups. I also want to start adding in cardio as I am severely slacking in this department. While I love Pilates and plan on continuing to take it in 2020, I want to widen my range of workouts. So here are my specific goals…
Take at least 3 classes a week.
Try a completely new class once a month.
Start mixing in cardio once a week. Whether that be a long walk, *short* run, spin class or cardio based workout.
Get a massage once a month. Again this goes back to overall health and mindset and I think can be included as a fitness goal as working out/stress can create tension and knots that make it harder to workout and perform other daily tasks.
Eat dinner at home at least 4 nights a week. Of those 4 nights, try a new recipe once a week.
*Thank you Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.*