My bike needs a tune up (the breaks are pretty much shot due to the hills around here and not being serviced since I got it a couple years ago), so instead of heading out on it this afternoon, I did something I have never done before. I tried PiYo.
Kat from Katrina Elle is a fitness coach and has been talking this workout up for a while now. I figured I would get in on the craze and order the DVDs. They were delivered earlier in the week and this afternoon's workout would be the perfect time to test them out.
For those of you who don't know what it is, "Piyo has been taught in Gyms for years by Chalene's team but now it has been created for HOME and it's ALL NEW. Chalene Johnson took the very best Pilates and yoga-inspired moves she has and cranked up the speed to give you cardio, strength, and flexibility training—all at once. PiYo packs it ALL into each workout so you can build lean muscles —all while burning crazy amounts of calories!"
Kat from Katrina Elle is a fitness coach and has been talking this workout up for a while now. I figured I would get in on the craze and order the DVDs. They were delivered earlier in the week and this afternoon's workout would be the perfect time to test them out.
Now mind you, I have never done any yoga or pilates, so I am pretty new to it all. Today I started with the "fundamentals" session. It was walking you through some of the moves and the names for the different postures. Although it was more of a teaching session rather than the high intensity of the other workouts, I still worked up a good sweat (it probably doesn't help that it is about 90* in our living room right now).
I am hoping that the more I do it, the more I will "get it". I figured it would be a nice change in my routine and something to add to my running to help make me a well-rounded athlete (is it crazy that I still don't really consider myself one?!). Also, I think it could be something that Ryan and I do together (maybe on the weekends or in the mornings before he leaves for work).
After my 40 minute training session with the DVD, I thought I would run some stairs. (We live in a condo complex on the second floor, so there is a stair case right outside my front door - might as well put it to use!) I set my timer and went up and down (and up and down some more) for 20 minutes. I was sweating buckets, but I kept chugging along.
Now, if you know me, you know I normally NEVER post pictures of me in a sports bra. The reason?! I never wear just a sports bra. With the heat and humidity though (and the fact that I figured no one would see me since I was just on our stair case), it was tough to have extra layers on, so I went without.
As many girls and women do, I struggle with self esteem (especially when it comes to my body image). While I was going up and down the stairs today, I would catch a glimpse of my body and get frustrated that it didn't look the way I wanted it to and start beating myself up about it. I had to continually tell myself that I need to love my body for what it DOES, not what it looks like... It seems like when I see my body for what can accomplish (rather than just what it looks like to me - which I am sure is pretty warped from the way others see my body), I am able to love myself a little more. It is a daily battle, but one that I am working on continually to try and overcome.
With that being said, although I cringed when I saw the photo of me running the stairs, I knew I had to OWN it, and show the world. Not because I wanted compliments, not because I wanted a pat on the back, and definitely not because I liked the picture, but because this is ME and I need to love myself!
What is one way you can love yourself more?
I am hoping that the more I do it, the more I will "get it". I figured it would be a nice change in my routine and something to add to my running to help make me a well-rounded athlete (is it crazy that I still don't really consider myself one?!). Also, I think it could be something that Ryan and I do together (maybe on the weekends or in the mornings before he leaves for work).
After my 40 minute training session with the DVD, I thought I would run some stairs. (We live in a condo complex on the second floor, so there is a stair case right outside my front door - might as well put it to use!) I set my timer and went up and down (and up and down some more) for 20 minutes. I was sweating buckets, but I kept chugging along.
Now, if you know me, you know I normally NEVER post pictures of me in a sports bra. The reason?! I never wear just a sports bra. With the heat and humidity though (and the fact that I figured no one would see me since I was just on our stair case), it was tough to have extra layers on, so I went without.
As many girls and women do, I struggle with self esteem (especially when it comes to my body image). While I was going up and down the stairs today, I would catch a glimpse of my body and get frustrated that it didn't look the way I wanted it to and start beating myself up about it. I had to continually tell myself that I need to love my body for what it DOES, not what it looks like... It seems like when I see my body for what can accomplish (rather than just what it looks like to me - which I am sure is pretty warped from the way others see my body), I am able to love myself a little more. It is a daily battle, but one that I am working on continually to try and overcome.
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With that being said, although I cringed when I saw the photo of me running the stairs, I knew I had to OWN it, and show the world. Not because I wanted compliments, not because I wanted a pat on the back, and definitely not because I liked the picture, but because this is ME and I need to love myself!
What is one way you can love yourself more?
4 comments:
I keep hearing about Piyo, one of these days I am going to have to check it out too. Also, you look great! I am with you on it being a daily battle to love ourselves more. I've never run/trained in a sports bra either, even in ridiculous humidity/heat. I don't have the flattest stomach and I stress about it almost daily... I have to take the same attitude... love my body for what it DOES. I like that!! I'm going to use that as a mantra now. :)
Girl-this post is EVERYTHING!
1. I just nought PiYo and it arrived yesterday. Beyond excited to cross train with it. I am going to the fundamental part on Monday. I have done yoga and a bit of pilates but I feel I can use a brushup.
2. It's so funny, I am planning on wearing a pink sprts bra as part of my Lilo costume at Dumbo and im also working on body image. I have never had the self-confidence to run in just a sports bra before and when i saw your pics I thought-1. wow, she is in great shape! 2. she is wearing a sports bra! 3. shes really rocking it. so you have inspired me to just ROCK THE COSTUME!
I am loving the mantra-what my body DOES because it does a lot. I think some of it comes from living in California but it is something I really want to focus on for the end of the year
hopefully I'll see you at Dumbo!
I'm interested in trying PiYo - I think when I'm done with my barre classes in a few weeks, it'll be my next challenge.
Even though you aren't looking for compliments, you're going to get some - - you look amazing and should be so proud of all your body lets you accomplish (and yes, you are crazy for not considering yourself a runner yet - girrrrrl! You run miles under 10 minutes (and usually faster) and that's AMAZING!). Love that mantra - love your body for what it DOES - and yours is so strong! Keep at it :)
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