neon sports bra (wearing size small) // striped white tank
cropped leggings (wearing XS, comes in several patterns) // Rayban sunglasses (on sale!)
Today's post is one that I've been meaning to do for a while. Last week when I asked for Q&A questions, you guys had so many just on my workouts/workout routine that I wanted to dedicate an entire post to it! Here were a few questions asked by readers:
*What is your workout routine and how often do you workout??
I go to Pure Barre three times per week and then do a few short workouts on my own throughout the week (whenever I can fit them in.) My favorite workouts to do on my own are HIIT workouts on the treadmill.
*What is Pure Barre and how hard is it?
Pure Barre is a 55-minute workout class that uses the ballet barre to perform small isometric movements. They are the hardest workout classes I've ever taken in my life! Each class is split into sections: warm-up, thighs, butt, abs and arms. The point is to work the muscle to exhaustion, so you'll find that your muscles shake throughout class (that means you're doing it right!). There is definitely a learning curve associated with Pure Barre... for the first couple classes, the teacher had to correct me what felt like a billion times, and I would walk out of class feeling like my legs were jello. It does get easier the longer you've been doing it, because your muscles get stronger. Pure Barre is the only workout class that I've really seen results from. After just three classes I saw definition in my abs, something that I've never gotten from any other workout class. My butt has also gotten bigger and is more "lifted." The reason I love Pure Barre is that, unlike other programs, t it works to develop long, lean muscles like a ballerina.
*What do you wear to Pure Barre?
Pure Barre requires that you wear pants/leggings that come below your knee. This pair of leggings is my favorite pair in the world - I have a couple pairs and I also wear them in the fall/winter with oversized sweaters. Pure Barre also requires that you wear socks - this pair has little grippers on the bottom that make it much easier to workout since you're on carpet the entire class. Trust me you will want them when you're planking and doing push-ups! I throw on a sports bra and top combo to complete the outfit. I never wear makeup to class (you're just going to sweat it off! Plus it could clog your pores) and I usually braid my hair, which is better for it than pulling it into a tight ponytail.
*What exercises do you do for your thighs and legs? Are there any exercised to keep your legs toned but not bulky?
There is a whole section of Pure Barre class that's dedicated to thigh work, but I don't do any special thigh workouts on my own. A lot of women really love spin classes, but I actually think these types of workouts can make your thighs/quads/butt bulky. Spin classes also hurt my knees so I stay away from them! I think the best workout for toned legs is actually running. I love to go on a run at least a couple times per week, whether it's jogging a couple miles in the early morning, or hitting the treadmill in the afternoon.
*What are your favorite exercises to do on your own?
I mentioned HIIT workouts on the treadmill - these are amazing if you are short on time but still want to get a good workout in and boost your metabolism for the next 24 hours. HIIT stands for high intensity interval training and involves running really fast for one minute, then walking for one minute, then running again. Here's a typical HIIT workout for me:
Minutes Speed Incline
0-2 4 mph 1.0
2-4 6 mph 1.0
4-5 7 mph 1.0
5-7 4 mph 1.0
7-8 8 mph 1.0
8-10 4 mph 1.0
10-11 8.5 mph 1.0
11-13 4 mph 1.0
13-13:3 9 mph 1.0
13:30-15 4 mph 1.0
15-15:45 10 mph 1.0
15:45-17 4 mph 1.0
17-17:30 9 mph 1.0
17:30-20 4 mph 1.0
If it's your first time doing one of these types of workouts - take it easy! Your body has to work up to this. I also like doing planks for one minutes, sets of push-ups, tricep dips and calf raises.
YouTube videos are also a great resource for workouts. My favorite videos (which you have heard me talk about before if you've followed me long enough) are the "8 Minute" series. 8 Minute Abs is an amazing ab workout, and I do 8 Minute Arms with a set of three pound weights for arms. I really like to utilize these when I'm traveling because they are short but offer a really good workout, and you don't need a lot of extra equipment.
*How do you keep your motivation on healthy eating and exercise on those days that you don't feel in the mood to workout?
When I don't workout, I notice that I have mood swings, low energy and increased anxiety. Working out helps with all three: my mood is better, I have more energy and less anxiety. This is enough to motivate me even when I don't want to work out!! (Especially the anxiety part: I hate getting anxiety and working out helps me feel so much better mentally.) Sure it can be hard to wake up early sometimes, but I always, always, always feel 100 times better after I work out. That feeling is what keeps me motivated!
Being active has been a huge part of my lifestyle ever since I was young. My parents put me in tennis, soccer, ice skating, dance and gymnastics, so I grew up being active. When you're adult, it's not as easy... no one drives you to workout classes or tells you what to do. You really have to find a routine and schedule that works for you and your body. Some of you may not like Pure Barre and that is totally fine - maybe boxing classes are a better fit, or joining a running club, whatever works for you and keeps you motivated.
I have found that the combination of working out while also eating fresh, whole foods and limiting processed foods is what really makes a difference in my body and is when I feel my best. At the end of the day, it's not really about appearance - it's about feeling your best, mentally and physically. This enables you to go out and conquer your world!
Being active has been a huge part of my lifestyle ever since I was young. My parents put me in tennis, soccer, ice skating, dance and gymnastics, so I grew up being active. When you're adult, it's not as easy... no one drives you to workout classes or tells you what to do. You really have to find a routine and schedule that works for you and your body. Some of you may not like Pure Barre and that is totally fine - maybe boxing classes are a better fit, or joining a running club, whatever works for you and keeps you motivated.
I have found that the combination of working out while also eating fresh, whole foods and limiting processed foods is what really makes a difference in my body and is when I feel my best. At the end of the day, it's not really about appearance - it's about feeling your best, mentally and physically. This enables you to go out and conquer your world!
On another note, tomorrow is the start of the NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE! Check out my guide on how to shop the sale HERE and check back here first thing tomorrow for a very exciting surprise ;)
xoxo
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