Power Life Yoga

After I published my post on The Fault In Our Stars Wednesday, I realized that I hadn’t blogged since February. I’m such a failure, I’m sorry you guys! I am making some changes right now so that I can focus more on the things that I enjoy and that includes blogging more often. Now don’t worry, I’m not doing anything drastic, I just want to make a conscious effort to spend more time doing things that make me happy.

That also includes spending more time getting in better shape. It was one of my resolutions this year and I have totally and completely failed at it (along with the rest of my resolutions…maybe I should call them Spring resolutions instead of New Years resolutions). I wanted to try something new for my workouts – in addition to biking as the weather gets nicer. Yoga has always sounded interesting to me but I was never sure how to get into it. A couple of my coworkers told me about Power Life Yoga. They let new customers have an unlimited free week for the first week and I thought that would be a great way to decide if I liked it or not. Stacy, Chris and I have all gone to a couple of classes now and I am loving it!

The instructors keep the classes fun and super challenging. Being new to yoga, I was worried that I would be super intimidated by those people who have done it for  a while, but I realized that it’s not about how well I can do the poses compared to everyone else. It’s about focusing on what I can do now and what changes I need to make to improve. Everyone is there supporting each other and it’s awesome to see. I’m having tons of fun and I love the way that I feel when class is over.

(Image found on Pinterset)

Have you ever tried yoga? What did you think? 

2013 resolutions

With another year in the books it’s time to put together some resolutions for the upcoming year. As I mentioned last year, I was never big on making New Years resolutions. Last year I did a pretty good job of keeping up with my resolutions…for a while (at least I tried?) but in the end I couldn’t make it the whole year. This year my goal is to make real changes and make these goals stick!

Here we go:
1. Focus more on my health and fitness. I want to make some real changes when it comes to working out and eating healthy. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not going to say I’m cutting out every cookie and chip but I am going to cut down. I have a weight loss goal in mind and I’m hoping to not only reach it but maintain it.
2. Spend more time on my blog. I really enjoy blogging, even if it is just getting out my thoughts on something silly. It’s become an outlet for me and I don’t want to put it on the back burner anymore.
3. Read more. I’ve read a lot more books this year but I want to make sure I keep up on this. Reading is so relaxing and entertaining. I’m participating in a couple of book clubs that are getting me to read books I’d never pick up in my own and I really enjoy it.
4. Take more photos. I’d like to even take a photography class to learn more about my camera and become better at something I like to do.

So that’s it…or at least a start. I don’t want to limit myself to just this list, I’m sure I’ll think of new goals as the year goes on. Happy New Year everyone!

Resolutions Update

I thought since we’re officially one month into 2012 I should do an update on my New Years resolutions. I’m feeling pretty good about what I’ve accomplished so far!

1. Blog more – I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job of keeping up with my blog (especially compared to blogs I’ve tried to start in the past!). I hope people are enjoying reading my posts and I’m always open to suggestions for new topics.

2. Get in shape – 7 lbs down and feeling good about my fitness goals. I’ve been eating healthier and hitting the gym 2-3 times a week (not including any workouts I’m doing at home). I have a ways to go to meet my goal but I know it’s not going to happen overnight. I also know that I want to make this a lifestyle change not just an “until I reach my goal” change.

Found on Pinterest

3. Take more photos – This is the resolutions I am failing at so far this year. I haven’t been out once to shoot but I’m hoping to change that soon. Plus, it’s a resolution for the whole year not just the first month!

All in all, I’m definitely happy with how my resolutions are going.

Did you make any resolutions for the new year? How are you doing with them today?

Workout playlist

Since one of my resolutions this year is to get in shape, I’ve decided I need a new workout playlist. I’ve never put together a specific playlist for my time at the gym but I think it’s a good idea. I want to choose songs that are going to keep me moving and keep me entertained. I typically work out by myself and tend to get bored (which sometimes cuts my gym time shorter than it should be).

I’ve searched through my iTunes library but I think a need some new additions for my workout playlist. I’d love any suggestions to add to my list. I appreciate the help in keeping me motivated!

What songs help you push your workout to the next level?

Gym – day 1

I’ve done a few “workouts” around the house – taken the dog on a walk, kettlebell DVD (which is a story all itself) – but last night was the first time I’ve been to the gym this year. Actually, it’s the first time I’ve been there in a while…

BUT I was so excited to go and now I remember why. I felt so good after my workout and it wasn’t even super long. I decided to focus on some cardio to help kickstart my new workout regime and spent some time on the elliptical and treadmill. I’m not a runner so I just had a nice long walk on the treadmill after my time on the elliptical.

I can’t wait to work my way up to longer, harder workouts. I’m loving this resolution!

Found on Pinterest

Resolutions

Since the holidays are over, I decided it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming year and what I would like to do. I’ve never been someone who makes new years resolutions but I think that this year may be the year to start. So here it goes, my 2012 resolution list:

1. Blog more – I’ve started blogs in the past but I’ve always been bad at keeping up with them. I’m determined to make this one different.

2. Get in shape – It’s a long time coming but it’s finally time for me to start getting in shape. I have a weight loss goal in mind (which I’m sure I’ll fill you in on soon) and I’ve been stalling for months on starting my diet and workout regime. Well no more!

3. Take more photos – I started taking photos about a year and a half ago as a new hobby but the times have been few and far a between lately. I got a new 55mm – 200mm lens from my parents for Christmas and I’m super excited to start shooting with it. Also, relating back to #1, I have a photo blog and need new material to update it.

It may not seem like much, but for a girl that doesn’t make new years resolutions I think it’s a pretty good list. Now all I have to do is keep them. Wish me luck!

Do you have any resolutions for next year? I’d love to hear about them. I’m always looking for new ideas.