Goals

Does mid-February seem like an odd time to discuss fitness goals? Most people make resolutions or set goals in January. Sadly by mid February, those are out the door. So now feels like a perfect time to discuss goals and recommit to yourself.

Recommit! Recommit! Recommit!

This was one of Lori’s recent Weight Watching Wednesday Update’s post: (you can catch these posts every Wednesday on our Facebook Page.) On average, 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week of February. Good habits, especially ones drastically different from typical lifestyles, are hard to get started and even harder to keep. Research shows that on average, it takes approximately 66 days for a habit to become automatic. So you are so close to making new habits. You just need a few weeks more.

So recommit to your goals whatever they are and don’t quit!

Never ever give up!

If you’ve been following along on my journey which started in January 2018, you know that through working the WW (Weight Watchers) FreeStyle program (Blue) I lost over 50 pounds by diet alone. I always say that I’m not proud of the fact that I only followed the plan and did not exercise while lossing my weight. For me, it felt like too much to try and tackle all at once. (You can read about my weight loss journey by clicking HERE. ) The next step in my journey was to become thin and fit. My goal has been and continues to be to try new fitness activities in order to discover those that not only provide a good workout but that are fun and something I can look forward to doing. I found both aerial yoga and Pound Fit. (You can read about aerial yoga HERE.)

(You can read about Pound Fit HERE.).

Group fitness classes that involve music and high energy surrounded by others and upbeat positive instructors is totally my jam! Goal Achieved! In addition, I went to the gym and did 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weight machines. Not my preferred workout but important none the less. At times it can feel scary and intimidating to get out there by yourself and try new things. When those feelings surfaced, I pushed through. Each and every time I encountered a welcoming and encouraging group of people! My age and lack of experience never entered my mind…well maybe briefly! I don’t ever let that hold me back. Remember my mantra: You’re never too old! It’s never too late!

Pandemic 2020

Almost a year ago next month, we were all directed to shelter in place for two weeks. During those two weeks, I happily sat on my couch and binge watched Netflix. I began to feel unproductive and out of sorts not having a daily routine and schedule. It was difficult to find the motivation to figure out how I was going to duplicate the workouts I love while my gym was closed. Walks were good but not enough. In addition, it was March and cold here in Illinois! UGH! How was I suppose to maintain my goal of trying new fitness activities? Where there’s a will there’s a way! I discovered that Pound Fit’s website offered classes for a monthly membership fee with the first month being free to trial it. I immediately went on line to order my own set of rip stix!

The minute my stix were delivered I hopped on line and did my first virtual class. It felt so good! However, something was still missing! I was thrilled to find Leah who offered classes virtually. (To read a blog post about Leah, click HERE.).

Taking a class although virtual actually felt more like a group class that I enjoy despite the fact that we’re all on Zoom.

You might be thinking that this isn’t something new for me with regards to fitness activities. However, it’s important in my journey to trying new things while keeping the old that I love with the added challenge of my gym being closed! Finding Leah went into my win column! Next up Zumba!

Zumba

Zumba was always going on simultaneously in the room next to my Pound Fit class at the gym. I liked the high energy music I would hear plus I love to dance. I knew that it was something I wanted to give a try. Yay for Leah! She was offering virtual Zumba classes plus I already knew that I like her instructing style. This was the perfect opportunity to try something new! I signed up and took several classes. It was nice trying it while at home since I didn’t have to worry about not doing it right and going in all the wrong directions! LOL While I enjoyed it, it didn’t feel as intense a workout as I was looking for; and I didn’t sign up for more classes. However, Leah announced that she became a certified Pom Squad Fitness Instructor! This former cheerleader/pom squad teammate was all for giving this form of exercise a try!

Pom Squad Fitness

According to the Pom Squad Fitness website, “POMSQUAD™ is a super fun, immensely positive, high energy dance fitness class!   You’ll be shaking your poms while prancing, dancing, bending, and snapping to today’s hits and yesterday’s favorites.  Inclusive, encouraging, and easy to follow classes are designed to maximize caloric burn while strengthening and toning the body.  Featuring a variety of dance styles and unique choreography, there is something for every type of spirit leader in each and every class.”

After the first class, I was sold! It was soooooo much fun and a perfect fit for me! Plus I burn a crazy amount of calories, sweat buckets, laugh at myself and when all else fails I just keep moving and shaking my pom poms! As Leah says, “Just step touch it out!”

Leah has worked really hard to build relationships and connections between all of us even though we’re remote and all over the world! I completely appreciate popping on line for our Zoom virtual classes and knowing the others. This completely fulfills my need to feel connected and bond with those in my class! In both Pound and Poms, we can request songs and offer suggestions.

By the way, if you’re interested in joining me in either Pound or Poms, you do not need rip stix or pom poms. In my opinion, they just make the experience more FUN! I’m all about the FUN!

Leah often has themed parties for the holidays and just for fun! This girl loves a good themed party and loves to dress up for said parties even it is just leggings and a tshirt! I’m sure you’re not surprised!

To Connect With and Follow Leah

Would love to have you join one of my virtual classes! To register for a virtual class use the website link below or drop me a message. I’m happy to assist you!

Website: linktr.ee/lrkfit

Instagram: @leahfitnessrebel

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ZINleah/

POUND PROfile: https://poundfit.com/instructor/219771/leah-koch/

Zumba Page: https://www.zumba.com/en-US/profile/leah-koch-/585778

Aerial Yoga

Aerial yoga is really tough to duplicate while staying home because you need really high ceilings, which none of mine are high enough. Right around the start of spring a fellow WW member asked if I was aware that there was a class being offered outside in the trees! Woo Hoo!! I was on line immediately and signed myself up for four classes! I did an entire blog post on my instructor Holly. (To read that post, click HERE.)

I’m considering this trying something new even though I had already been practicing aerial yoga. I had never done it outside in the trees! Several friends joined me over the spring, summer and fall moths! Such a treat to encourage others to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. My friend Cathy (friends since high school) continued with me outside all season.

Then it got cold and yoga outside is no longer an option. However, Holly is now instructing at Soma Yoga Studio in Batavia. The hammocks/silks all hang at least six feet apart with no more than six people per class. Cathy and I continue to attend classes!

When the weather gets nicer I will return to classes outside as the whole experience is amazing: sun shining on you, birds singing, smell of the evergreens, fresh air…it’s a whole sensory pleasure! While doing aerial yoga wasn’t completely new for me, doing aerial yoga outside in trees was new!

If you’re local and interested in either aerial yoga at Soma or in the trees when it get’s nicer let me know.

How to Connect with Holly and Aviana Yoga

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Hula Hoop Yoga

Full disclosure, I only tried hula hoop yoga once. I went outside in my backyard to take the virtual class. My internet was sketchy outside so I went back inside. My ceilings aren’t tall enough when I fully extended my hula hoop. Despite these challenges I really liked the class. The reason I only did the class once was that it was being conducted the same time as my Pound Fit class. I would definitely try this class again although I think it would be necessary to be outside so it will have to wait until it’s warmer out again. I’m a huge fan of yoga and thoroughly enjoy trying the variations.

Goal Achieved

Despite the pandemic, I managed to find virtual Pound Fit classes. I tried Zumba and Pom Squad Fitness. I managed to find aerial yoga outside in trees. I tried Hula Hoop Yoga. Therefore, I tried three new to me fitness classes and found ways to continue with my current fitness fun classes – Pound Fit and Aerial Yoga! I’ve added Pom Squad Fitness to my weekly routine. I’ve kept my goal the same for this year. The plan is to continue to try new fitness activities. I’d really like to try a boxing class especially since my friend Gail is so passionate about it. (To read about Gail, click HERE.)

Let’s Chat

How has your fitness journey gone this past year? Were you able to try any new to you fitness activities? What fitness activities would you recommend I give a try? Leave us a comment! We’d love to hear from you. Thanks in advance!

Let’s Get Social

Follow us on Instagram (HERE) and Facebook (HERE) 

Subscribe to YouTube (HERE)

Next Week

As a follow up to this week’s post, Gail and I are going to talk about our favorite workout wear and how great workout wear can improved your workout and motivation. Hope you join us again next week!