I have always had a love/hate relationship with working out [mine is just hate…]. I dread doing it, but I always feel better afterward. So, which side will win? The angel on my right shoulder telling me to do crunches or the devil on my left telling me to order Chick-Fil-A?
Here’s the thing, I always viewed working out as a daunting task. As an athlete (yes – dance is a sport) [we challenge anyone who disagrees], I was always under the impression that a workout consisted of an hour of cardio followed by an intense stretch or cool down [exactly why I avoid it]. Growing up, I was training four nights a week for three or more hours at a time and also on the weekends. This lasted until I graduated college. Then came my early 20s, the freedom that was my first big girl paycheck, and the beer belly that went along with it. I have never been self conscious about my body – but I knew that my lifestyle wasn’t healthy and I needed to make a change.
Queue the pricey gym memberships, embarrassing moments not understanding how to work the machines while a line builds up behind you, and half-assing the burpees at the end of class. Year after year of failed New Years’ resolutions to top it off – it was the worst and just compounded my hatred for exercise.
It wasn’t until I was well into my 20s that I had the revelation that I could workout and not want to pass out afterward. I wasn’t living the highly active life that I was before – and my workouts needed to adjust as well. I found it much easier to commit to short 20-30min workouts 4-5 days a week rather than longer more intense workouts. It was less scary to think about and made me feel more successful for accomplishing them with a little breath left in me.
With this transition, I also cut the cord with the fancy gyms [but you know a cold eucalyptus towel never hurt]. I ended up only taking classes, and with the pandemic, my eyes were really opened to all of the amazing at home options out there. Quick work out next to the pup and easy access to the couch afterward?? Sign me up.
Here are some of my favorites you should check out!
Booty By Brabants
Kelly got me through quarantine [and her workout wear is A+]. She is a former dancer herself and really taught me that I could get through a set of burpees without crying. Her workouts are short and fun and full of personality. She just launched a brand new app that’s definitely worth it. But she also does the occasional Instagram live workout benefitting some amazing charities. So I would recommend checking those out and then signing up for your dose of BBB. (She also makes the best leggings!)
Jes Knutson Fitness
So I discovered Jes via my Bachelor Nation fave Kaitlyn Bristowe. She mentioned that Jes helped her prep for Dancing with the Stars… and that’s definitely good enough for me. I was her target demographic as she offers these short and sweet 10 min pilates workouts. They are SO HARD! I feel the burn right away and am so proud of myself for pushing through it. She just launched a website and is offering a seven day free trial so check her out.
Steven Herbst Yoga
I was blessed to have taken one of Steven’s Yoga classes in Miami a couple of years ago and was so happy when I saw he was teaching via Instagram Live during the pandemic. His classes are Vinyasa based and he gives so many different modifications so it’s applicable to any level of Yogi [even my three year old who tried to do this with you]. He has been so gracious to keep all of his classes up on his feed so RUN, don’t walk (before he takes them down).
FitOn
This may be my personal fave – because I get bored very easily and need variety – but also because IT’S FREE. FitOn allows you to input your personal goals, workout type and length preferences, and schedules out your workout plan for the week. This helps me because it takes all of the guesswork out of it. In and out (of my living room) in 30 min and I can grab my glass of wine feeling fit and fine!
Any other online workouts you all enjoy? Let us know in the comments. Would love to check them out.
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