Shake your booty!6 min read

Happy New Year!
I hope everyone is still going strong with the resolutions…eating healthy, drinking only on the weekends, working out, etc. I thought I’d do the obligatory January blog and attack some of these things that everyone’s talking about (at least for a few weeks until we all go back to our good ol’ selves :)
When people ask me about my Instagramposts with all the food pics, they love to ask, “So how are you not huge?” Well, if you’ve ever seen my “no bigger than a minute” mom, you could easily say its in my genes. People like to know what work out do I do?  So I thought I would share some of my fave workouts, and then with next blog, we’ll go back to going out and eating and drinking our way through the rest of the year!!

Now let me clarify…I have the luxury of my potpourri of odds-and-ends jobs, which give me a  flexible schedule. And my kids are of driving age, so I don’t do carpool anymore. Now a gym is not for everyone, and I get that. There are so many things you can do at home. I do think if you want to try some classes and see what you like to do (and make sure you’re doing things correctly), you could totally make it work at home.

I do work out as much as I can…because I really like to eat. (And drink.) January is the worst month for people who go to the gym regularly, because it’s much like going to church on Christmas and Easter. You go in and look at your spot, and someone else is there. Ugh!! But then, come February, things thin out. If you’re a newbie to the workout scene, this is the time to jump right in there.  All of my classes have new people so you won’t be the only one…I promise! Plus, we’re all grown ups, so you should put on some confidence, walk in and go for it. Don’t be afraid or intimidated.  I love to see new people coming in and trying to make a difference for themselves. And, if you get an attitude from anyone, you just show them by continuing to show up!!

So, I change-up my workout every day. It’s my ADD in full force.  That’s also why I don’t trust myself on the machines, doing my own thing. I would be bored after 15 minutes and leave! I have to have to check in to a class and get it done!
I know I am not telling you anything you haven’t heard before (but, hey, maybe I am :) All the morning shows have been featuring quick workouts at home…a great way to get it done. If you need incentive, you can just put a bottle of wine out on the table, and if you don’t move your ass, you can’t have a glass!!
Google “at home workouts.” There are so many to choose from, you can’t go wrong. If none of this tickles your fancy, then when you’re home alone, just crank some music and dance like you are going to win the disco ball trophy. Just make damn sure your kids aren’t coming home from school anytime soon and that your UPS guy has already been through the neighborhood !

Cyclebar- 2713 Edmondson Rd. Rookwood
I really enjoy spinning for my cardio. I go to Cyclebar in Rookwood. The “cycle” is for the bike part and the “bar” is for the 4- or 6-lb. long bar you use for a couple of songs to add some bicep curls and arm work. (I do have to say, I was disappointed when I found out the “bar” part didn’t involve cocktails.) There is also a location in Liberty Township and one opening in Kenwood soon.  They have shoes you can borrow (think bowling, only cooler). Just remember the teacher is there to guide you and encourage you, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow everything they say. If they are going full on a heavy gear and that seems hard, then don’t do it… nobody knows except you. If they are jumping in and out of the seat and that exhausts you, then ride in a seated position. I promise, as long as you put effort into your ride, you’ll sweat your butt off!! FYI, if you do go and try a class tell, them you want to opt-out of showing your stats on the big screen. I don’t need everyone to know I’m always the bottom 5 of the class every time! There is a promo right now to bring a friend for free if you know someone who goes.  Also, on Saturdays there’s a free intro class!

Body Alive- 8110 Montgomery Rd.
I also like a “body fusion” class at Body Alive in Kenwood.  Body Alive offers many different classes all day, every day. So no “it doesn’t fit my schedule” excuses here! This is also where I take yoga. Body Fusion is a total body workout using light weights, bands and barre. We do high impact intervals designed to tone, increase endurance and work on core. Once again, this is a class where you follow along and, if something doesn’t feel right or you have bad knees like me, you just do an alternative move. It is OK to do that I promise!

Yoga is the one thing I know I need to do more, and I love when I do it. It’s the one true exercise that we should incorporate more because of the thousands of years it’s been in practice and the benefits to your body.  It decreases your cholesterol and blood pressure and can help a realm of things such as fatigue, chronic pain, stress and much more.  I feel the older you get, the stretching and lengthening of the muscles is key to help prevent injury.

It’s Working Out-3546 Columbia Pkwy
My husband is has been an avid participant at It’s Working Out, which was just featured in The Wall Street Journal. He takes TRX Suspension Training. We both love this workout.  This is using a strap system that allows you to work against your own body weight.  They also have rowing classes…very cool! They use water rowers that work your legs, core and arms…all while getting your heart rate up.
They have recently added yoga, and this month are including it with a membership of TRX or Rowing for $69 a month. If you sign up now and use promo code HEYM, you can get $10 off.

New Spot- Fit Food Stop
It can be hard to eat healthy, but a new place in Oakley just opened that can help make it doable. Fit Food Stop (3180 Madison Rd.) can be your healthy alternative to the dreaded drive-thru. All meals are gluten-free, and they’ll work with you to make a meal plan if you’d like. You can come grab something right out of the fridge, take it home and heat it up.
Bottom line is…get out there and try something, then try to make it part of your lifestyle. This doesn’t mean you have to go every day, it just means eating right most of the time and getting your heart rate up as much as possible. It really can make a difference. There are so many great places all over town. Grab a friend and try something new!