Since starting Kayla in the City over 6 (!) years ago, my approach to fitness has changed. A lot.
It’s funny because I was always preaching the idea of working out to feel good over aesthetics. But it took me until this year to really listen to my own advice. To tune into what my body wants.
Gone are the days of working out for more than an hour. And gone are the days of taking classes that make me feel like I’m going to puke. No thank you. And also… I haven’t run a mile since I ran the NYC Marathon back in 2015. I’m a proud retired runner.
I’m not saying these workouts will always be what I crave. And who knows, maybe I’ll run another marathon in the (distant) future. Or crave a challenging, high intensity, workout. But for now this is what feels good in my body.
My Current Routine
I feel fortunate that as part of my job I get free classes at CorePower Yoga. A pretty sweet perk that I try to take advantage of. I also still use Fitreserve as a way to book my other fitness classes. It’s not a perfect platform, but it helps me save money on the classes I love.
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are my teaching days at CorePower. On Mondays and Wednesdays I teach one Yoga Sculpt class at CorePower Yoga. 99% of the time I stick around and take the Yoga Sculpt class after mine. The other 1% I end up subbing the class after mine. So I’m still sweating, it’s just not my own workout.
Tuesdays I teach two classes. Because Yoga Sculpt is pretty physically demanding to teach I usually don’t squeeze in my own workout on those days. I also typically don’t have time — in between classes I’m answering emails, doing homework and writing.
Thursdays tend to be a devoted rest day since I’m not teaching. If you aren’t taking at least one rest day a week I will lecture you about the importance of rest day.
Fridays I go to barre at Bar Method. Guys, I never thought I’d be the kind of gal that gets OBSESSED with Bar Method. But here I am, obsessed. I’m considering doing their intro month package at some point — it’s an excellent deal.
Weekends I usually go to Uplift’s Strength class one of the days and then something random the other day.
Some weeks I totally switch it up. This week I ended up taking a sweaty yoga class at y7 Studio since my friend was teaching. Other times I’ll end up at a blogger event taking a new-to-me class.
But ultimately the “rule” I try to stick to is: work out in a way that makes my body feel good.
And yes for me that’s group fitness.
What workouts have you guys been loving lately?
Wm Allen says
I would be very cautious about giving things up, as the decades go by, it becomes practically and perhaps in some instances impossible to regain them. I don’t see how I could ever run a marathon, which I did do a few times in the 1980s. I believe my last half-marathon was in 2014. I’m trying to hang on to my 5Ks. Anyway, best wishes. Everyone has to find their own path.
Kayla says
I totally agree although for me I’ve realized (or known all along) that running isn’t something I truly enjoy or feel like doing at the moment. Therefore I choose not to run and focus on workouts that I do enjoy. And I’m totally fine with that. But maybe I will feel compelled to train for and run another marathon in the future. We shall see.
jordan @ dancing for donuts says
agreeeeed!!! at first i was kind of bummed that my fitness routine was changing with my schedule, but i actually kind of love going with the ebbs and flows. i’m currently loving yoga so much, but have been mixing that up with bar, pilates, and my usual fave – steady state cardio on the elliptical while watching HGTV…always a classic! haha
Kayla says
We’re both totally hooked on y7 now, haha.
And I used to always watch tv at Palladium in college, I’d try to time it with when Top Model was on 😂
Talin says
I do like me some Yoga! I workout Monday-Friday in the mornings before I take my kids to school! I do Fitness Blender and Popsugar workouts! I like doing some HIIT and strength training. I’ve become quite addicted to exercise though!
Kayla says
Oooh I need to check out Fitness Blender!
Claudia Urner says
Amazing! i like the routine of your workout I also love yoga to be fit. ❤️
Kayla says
Yes, love me some yoga!