Tag Archives: Yoga

How To Stay Fit Without a Gym Membership

Confession.  For about 2 to 3 years while living in Boston I didn’t belong to a gym.  Anyone living in a city can relate I’m sure.  Gym memberships are just too darn expensive! Especially when you have a rent to pay that claims half of your pay check.

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There is good news though.  You don’t need a gym!  I worked my way towards feeling the best I have in my life, without one.  Let me tell you how to stay fit without a gym membership…because I did it myself!

Go For A Run:  The best thing about running is all you need are your two legs!  Okay and I guess some shoes and gear.  The key to keep running fun and effective is to change it up or work your way towards a goal.  Some days do hills, other days to interval sprints.  Change up the route, or sign up for a 5k.  Running outside is one of my favorite ways to get my sweat on!

Drop-In Yoga Classes:  I was lucky to find a studio in Boston that had cheap drop in classes (only $10).  If you can’t find a studio with cheap rates like this, look for community classes which only ask for a small donation.

Work Out At Home:  For about a year I would do Jillian Michael’s 30 day shred videos (they are available on YouTube for free).  I still love them, and actually just did one tonight for the first time in a while!  They are only 30 minutes long but incorporate strength training and cardio.  Just make sure you have a set of dumbbells ( a great gift idea)!  I also just discovered Melissa Bender’s site that has short workout videos you can do at home!  Check it out!

Use The Park as Your Gym: I had a big park in my back yard when living in Boston.  It was a great place to work out in the mornings.  I usually would look up Crossfit workouts that didn’t require any weights.  Think lunges, burpees, sprints, squats, etc. I also recently found a great website called BodeeFit that sends you a daily workout that you can do at home.

Go For a Hike:  Find a trail near you.  Ask around or use Alltrails.com.  

Now that I look at this list myself, I might be re-thinking my gym membership!  The world is our play ground and there are so many ways to stay active without expensive equipment or machines.

How do you stay fit outside of the gym?

 

 

Holiday Gift Ideas

I can’t believe Christmas is two weeks away!  We just put up our tree tonight at Andy’s so I’m definitely getting in the spirit.  As much as I love Christmas I always stress myself out over holiday gift ideas.  I have a pretty big family and have to buy for about 20 people!

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Some people are much easier than others.  This year I think I’ve done a good job of starting to prepare earlier, write down lists and ideas, and have gotten a bunch done online.  Here are some holiday gift ideas that I’ve thought up this year.

For the Health Nuts:

Workout Clothes:  Everyone could always use some new workout clothes.  I love going to Marshall’s for this kind of stuff.  They have brand name gear for super cheap!

A Good Water Bottle: My favorite is from Camelbak.  This could also save a person money since they won’t have to buy bottled water anymore!

A Weighted Vest:  These are great for anyone trying to add some extra calorie burn to their cardio workouts.

Yoga Mat / Yoga Mat Bag:  Any yogi could always use a fresh new mat!  My favorites are Jade Yoga Mats.

Dumbbells:  For the person who doesn’t have a ton of time, these are great for at home workouts.

For the Foodie:

Blenders / Food Processors:  Amazon always has great deals on these.  You can do so much with either of these kitchen tools, that any person who spends time in the kitchen, would be ecstatic to get one.

Gourmet Spices:  I found a bunch of really cute spice sets on Etsy.  They have a bunch of great gift ideas.

Food Delivered:  I’ve come across a couple of great gift ideas for the grilling men in your life.  First, Omaha Steaks offers a great gift package of a few different steaks and sides.  They often will have a deal on Groupon.  I also came across this really cool company called Mantry.  They pack a wooden crate with a selection of gourmet food and deliver right to your guys door.  Check it out!

For Anyone:

Massage Gift Certificate:  Who doesn’t love a massage?  I think this is a great one for anyone who has a little extra stress in their life.

Print Your Instagram Pictures:  I recently wrote a review of a company called Prinstagram.  They take your Instagram pictures, print them, and turn them into great gifts!  I always love giving pictures, especially to parents, grandparents, or significant others.

Remote Car Starter:  If you live in a cold area, these are great.  My mom received one a few years ago and said it’s one of the best gifts she’s ever received.

Alright, I can’t reveal too many more because then I might spoil it for certain people!  What’s the best gift idea you’ve thought of this year?

 

 

Thoughts That Run Through My Head in Yoga…That Have Nothing To Do With Yoga

Alright, we all know when we’re in yoga class we’re supposed to clear our minds. It’s the very thing that first attracted me to yoga. You step on to your mat, close your eyes, and breathe. Focus on the present, focus on each breath, and just be.

Now it would be absolutely fantastic if I could do this every time I stepped into class. But the reality is…and I’ll go out on a limb and say for most of us…many times our brains are doing the exact opposite.

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I literally shock myself at how much can run through my head at any given moment.  Sometimes there are just so many thoughts that run through my head in yoga…that have nothing to do with yoga!

  • What am I going to eat for dinner tonight?  
  • How am I ever going to get all of my Christmas shopping done?
  • I really need a pedicure…I hope no one  looks at my toes.
  • I should probably clean this mat.  It’s looking a little discolored…I hope that’s not mine that smells funny.
  • Did I put deodorant on before class?
  • Should I wear my new shirt tomorrow or Saturday?
  • Did I just hear what I think I heard?  That wasn’t me was it?  Awkward.
  • I need a vacation.  Maybe I should book one.
  • I love this song.  It reminds me of college. I miss college sometimes.
  • What would I be like as a yoga teacher?
  • I like that quote on the wall.  I should look at quotes on Pinterest later. 
  • I think a lot during yoga.  Breathe Kelsey, focus on your breath.  
  • Maybe I should write a blog article on how I can’t always concentrate in Yoga.

Alright, I think you get the picture.  Please tell me I’m not the only one with such a scattered, racing brain!

I do know that some days I’m more relaxed than others.  Some days I can control and suppress these thoughts better than others.  I’ve found that on the better days it’s simply because I’m more relaxed.

Give yourself enough time…there is nothing worse than rushing to get to class whether stuck in traffic or caught on a slow train.  There have been plenty of times when this has been the case for me, and it’s almost impossible to turn off my thoughts when I get into class.

Lastly, if you are relaxed, try to focus on your breath.  I literally visualize breathing in through my nose and letting it out like a continuing cycle or wave.  If there’s music in class, focusing on one beat in the song always helps me a lot too.

No matter what happens during your yoga practice in that brain of yours, as long as we are more aware of our bodies and our thoughts, we’re on the right track.

 

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