Fitness Archives - My Inner Shakti

Bringing Back Barre3 + Why I ‘Quit’ BBG

As a mom, getting into an exercise groove is much harder than I anticipated it would be. I used to be one of those early morning workout people. Up before the sun, ready to go! While I can’t say that’s me anymore, I hope to get back to AM workouts one day (when K regularly sleeps in until at least 6 am!). Currently, I’m in a season of life where it’s all about collective movement and fitting in what I can when I can. And not beating myself up when I can’t (this is key!).

With that being said, I am trying to be more intentional about the kind of workouts I do. With exercise being my ‘me time’ and an opportunity for me to destress, I want what I do to reflect how I feel. And that is why I’m bringing back Barre3 online workouts. After having Kaiden (and being cleared to work out again), Barre3 was the only thing that got me out of bed. It was the only workout that left me feeling good not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. I also love how it incorporates functional movements as well as cardio, strength, and stretching. I’m only a few days into it and already sore…those shakes and quakes are something I tell you!

If you’re interested in trying out Barre3 online, here’s a give $10, get $10 code. And if you want to read more about why I love it so much, check out these posts – 7 Reasons Why Barre3 Online is a Great Option for Moms and 5 Reasons to Try Barre3 Online.

Ok, now on to why I ‘quit’ BBG (for now at least)…

BBG is a great workout system. There’s no doubt about that. If you commit, you will see results. I certainly felt stronger and saw more definition in my legs, arms, and stomach area (I just can’t call it abs…because I’m so far from that!). The first time around, I got to week 5 (out of 12). The second time around (I started all over again), I got to week 9.

When I think back on my BBG workouts, the things I stopped enjoying included always working out by myself, the intensity of the workouts, and how monotonous they got to be after a while. So here’s the thing, I get that it’s only 28 minutes (in theory), they’re meant to be intense (that’s the whole point), and you’re supposed to build your strength from week 1 to 12. I get it all, but for me at this point in my life, BBG just isn’t working. So instead of doing it for the sake of doing it and finishing, I decided to ‘quit’ and say goodbye for now. I may pick it back up again at some point, but for now it’s Barre3, some wogging (walking + jogging), and Soul Cycle (still once a week when possible). Oh and lots of good old movement, which Kaiden ensures I get on the daily!

Overall, if I had to share one piece of insight I’ve learned in my own journey, I’d say this – do what makes you feel good because that’s what you’ll stick with through all of the ups and downs of…well, life! Don’t do something just because someone else is doing it. Do it for you! If you enjoy Barre, do that. If you like HIIT workouts, give BBG a try. If you’re a runner, stick with that. It’s good to try new things (all about that!), but at the end of the day, go with what you love. And remember, every little bit of movement adds up!

*Stepping off soap box…*

So tell me, what’s your preferred workout? What do you always go back to?

Kayla Istines Bikini Body Guide – Weeks 1-4

written by Parita Leave a Comment

To be quite honest, I never thought I would actually attempt and stick with Kayla Istines Bikini Body Guide (BBG) workout plan. It looked too hard. Too intense. And like something I wouldn’t be able to get through in one piece.

Well, I’m happy to report that while it was hard and intense, I got through weeks 1-4 in one piece. Hardly, but I’m here to tell the tale!

My overall thoughts

These workouts are no joke. They will make you super sore. After completing the week 1 abs/arms workout, I couldn’t sneeze or cough or move without some pain. Oofta!
The high-intensity nature of the workouts is what makes them effective. Even though I knew this, I modified some of the moves to feel more comfortable. One of my biggest fears going into this whole thing was injury. I’m happy to report that by understanding and listening to my body I’ve been able to not only stay injury-free but also ward away my semi-regular knee pain.
The workouts are designed to be completed in 28 minutes. At first, I thought, this is awesome…short and sweet! But yeah…it takes me 35-45 minutes at least.
I know I’m making this sound like a miserable chore, but it really isn’t! I’m the kind of person who enjoys having a plan of attack ready to go, so in this way, it’s perfect. And it’s totally doable. You may have to modify and go at your own pace, but you can do it!

Weeks 1-4 results

My body doesn’t look different, but I feel so much stronger! I’m able to complete most every rep with some leftover energy. And the soreness wasn’t quite as intense as the weeks progress.
On a side note, I’m pretty sure I’ve gained some weight because of the steroids I’m only for my allergic reaction (will share more later). This gives me more reason to keep truckin’ forward with these BBG workouts.

What I plan to do differently for weeks 5-8

For one, I plan to keep going with the three weekly BBG workouts. The schedule works well for me! I do want to add two lower intensity workouts to the weekly lineup. The other day, I went for a 45 minute walk and it felt so good. I loved not having an agenda and just moving.
The second thing I want/plan to do differently is improve my food choices. It’s not that I’m making horrible decisions left and right. However, I know myself and know I could do better. And not that it’s an excuse, but the steroids do apparently make you hungrier, so I’m hoping to see an improvement once I wean off this week. We shall see…

And that’s BBG weeks 1-4, my friends! Wish me luck with weeks 5-8…it’s gonna get tough(er)!

My New Fitness Challenge – Kayla Istines’ BBG Workout

written by Parita 6 Comments

Everyone around me is participating in some sort of challenging fitness endeavor. My BIL, Niel, is running the Chicago marathon in October. My sister, other BIL Adarsh, Vishnu, and few friends are participating in the Tough Mudder in August. Me? Nada. Until now that is!

Enter Kayla Istines’ BBG workout…

Ok, fine. There’s no real end game for me. BUT, I am challenging myself in a new way. Why? Because everyone around me is. Not the most compelling reason, but there’s nothing like seeing the people around you push themselves a bit to make you want to do the same.

Vishnu, for example, recently joined a gym in our neighborhood and is taking all of these really cool classes like HIIT, spin, boxing, etc. The plan was for me to join as well, but I ultimately decided not to right now because the timing of the classes doesn’t really work with my work + Kaiden schedule. Yet another reason for me to start BBG.

What is BBG?

BBG stands for Bikini Body Guide (I literally printed out a PDF guide with all the workouts mapped out). In my own words, it’s a 12 week fitness program focused on high intensity workouts. Each week you complete three 28 minute (ideally) HIIT workouts. For example, I just completed week one, and here’s what the workouts looked like.

Monday – Legs + Cardio (lunges, squats, burpees, etc.)
Wednesday – Arms + Abs (pushups, reverse pushups, bicycles, etc.)
Friday – Total Body (burpees, lunges, squat + press, etc.)

In addition to the above, I did a 40 minute run/walk workout on Saturday to round things out, and I also consider my walks to and from work as solid activity (I walk fast!).

I found week one to be pretty challenging, as evident by my super sore muscles. Every time I sneezed, some muscle/muscles screamed…usually my abs.

Why BBG?

I chose BBG instead of another program because it perfectly fits my workout criteria – 30 minutes ish, can do it at home, minimal equipment, and is (very) challenging.

Diet?

I’m not following the prescribed diet (I don’t believe in the word diet!), but I am maintaining a few simple rules – LOTS of water through out the day and no snacking after dinner (kitchen closes as soon as we finish cleaning up). Other than that, I’m going to try to make the best choices I can, eat lots of fruits and veggies, etc.

Goals?

My overall goal is to tone and tighten up a bit. I’m happy with my weight at the moment, but my tummy area could use some work as could my overall strength and endurance.

Any cons?

The only con I can think of after week one is injury. A big one I know. Because the workouts are timed + high rep, it’s easy to focus on that versus form. Knowing this, I constantly tried to ensure my form was on point, and if it’s not, I’d modify the move. My motto = slow and steady vs. injured and unable to exercise at all.

I don’t plan on sharing a weekly recap (as I did with T25 and my half marathon training) because, for example, weeks 1+3 and 2+4 are the same. So instead, I’ll share my thoughts after weeks 4, 8, and 12.

Feel free to share any questions or thoughts in the comments!

How to Get Your Butt to the Gym Consistently – Join a Year-Long Fitness Challenge

written by Parita 8 Comments

The truth of the matter is I’m no longer waking up at 4:30 am to squeeze in my workouts. With Kaiden waking up every 2-3 hours EVERY night for the past few months, I decided to prioritize sleep over exercise. This is not to say I’ve stopped working out altogether. Even though I don’t love evening workouts, I found a way to get to the gym (or do Barre3 Online!) a few times a week after Kaiden went down for the night…errr…few hours. I’m also choosing to walk to work on the days I go into the office instead of taking an Uber or the train. Unless the temperature is in the teens, you’ll find me making that 1.2 mile commute by foot.

Now here’s the thing, my workout standards are A LOT lower than they used to be. Lately, I’ve been reading old MIS posts, and even though I didn’t feel this way back then, I’m amazed by how dedicated to exercise I used to be. Again, this isn’t to say that I don’t love it anymore or that I’m not motivated, but time/sleep/sickness all play a much bigger role in my life than they used to. And sometimes exercise falls to the bottom of the priority list.

So what are my standards now? Well, for one, workouts max out at 30-35. And two, my goal is to fit in 3 maybe 4 workouts a week. I try to make each one count, but sometimes, the goal is to solely move in whatever way feels good and makes sense.

Other things I know a lot of people, mamas or not, struggle with when it comes to exercise are time, guilt, motivation, etc. Been there, done that with all of those plus some…

…insert the brilliant idea to host a year-long fitness challenge!

Now, I can’t take credit for the idea at all. All the credit goes to our friends Kartik and Rathna. Back in October, Rathna sent an email to a bunch of people and asked if anyone was interested in joining a year-long fitness challenge group. Of course, I immediately replied with an enthusiastic yes! This is exactly what I needed to get my butt to the gym consistently.

Our group’s challenge works in the following way (taken from Rathna’s original email)…

Challenge – Workout 12 times a month (even if you do multiple workouts a day, you only get credit for one) for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Results – If you hit the 12 workouts (or more), great! If you don’t, you owe $10 to each person in the group who did.

What’s a workout? – Moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity. This can include a run, weight training, a fitness class, yoga, outdoor activities such as hiking/biking/walking. It has to be a solid workout for at least 30 minutes.

How is it tracked? – Via a Google spreadsheet where everyone inputs their workouts using the honor system.

Fun fact #1 – If I recall correctly, I’ve already made $40 by being a part of this challenge! Ha!

Fun fact #2 – I read Rathna’s initial email so quickly (in true Parita fashion) that I missed the whole part about this being a year-long challenge. I thought it was only for the month of October. It took someone commenting on me doing this as a new mom for me to pull up the email again and read it again…carefully. Ha!

If you need a little extra motivation to workout, I highly recommend starting a challenge like this one. The idea of losing $$$ only because I didn’t work out kills me, so I don’t let it happen. Also, I like being the newish mom in the group who gets her 12 (usually more!) workouts every month!

Your turn – have you taken part in a fitness challenge like this? Would it be enough to keep you motivated?

7 Reasons Why Barre3 Online is a Great Option for Moms

written by Parita 6 Comments

Alternative title – 7 Reasons Why Barre3 Online is a Great Option for Anyone

I chose to use ‘moms’ in the title because I can relate to the struggles moms face in the workout department. With that being said, I think Barre3 Online is a great at home option for people being pulled in every which direction.

I first wrote about Barre3 Online back in 2015. We were living in St. Petersburg, and I wanted to try something new because my workouts at the time mainly included running (both outdoor and treadmill) and strength training. Well, it’s now 2017, and I’m still talking about Barre3, so you know it’s good!

Personally, as I’ve transitioned to being a mom, I’ve found Barre3 to be a great way to get (and hopefully stay) strong again. Not only are the classes themselves effective and powerful, but the entire ‘system’ is amazing. I love the mind, body, and soul approach.

With that being said, here are 7 reasons why I think Barre3 Online is a great option for moms/anyone.

1: Cost – A monthly membership sets you back $29. Believe it or not, this is less than the cost of one in person class. And your membership includes hundreds of online classes, online support, access to delicious recipes, etc. Babies/kids are expensive, Barre3 isn’t!

2: Accessibility – Obviously with this being an online option, you can access the classes from anywhere – your living room, a hotel room, etc. As a mom, this is everything because you don’t need to worry about childcare. I usually fit my workouts in during nap time or after Kaiden goes down for the night. Also, you don’t need much equipment to break a sweat. If you don’t want to use just your body weight, you totally can. Want to take it up a notch? You can do that too with the help props – Barre3 core ball, a yoga mat, resistance bands, and/or light handheld weights.

3: Zen – Barre3 is my me time in all ways possible – physically as well as mentally. I love zening out and really focusing on my body, my breathing, my posture, etc. I can honestly say this workout makes me a better version of myself. A more patient version (always appreciated!).

4: Options (time, body part, equipment, etc.) – Low on time and looking for a 30 minute total body workout or a 10 minute upper body workout? Looking to take a ‘break’ and just stretch? All of of that and so much more is available on the Barre3 Online platform.

5: Tough yet gentle – Barre3 is known to be where ‘ballet barre meets yoga and pilates.’ This essentially means it’s a tough, low-impact workout. When I say tough, I’m talking sweat running down my face tough. And yes, even the 30 minute classes are tough. What I love about this tough yet gentle combo right now especially is that I get an effective workout (heart beating fast, muscles ‘quaking; and shaking) while being kind to my new #mombod. 🙂 You can always meet your body/mind where it is that day because every class offers a turbo and a non-turbo option. Love that!

6: Core focus – Until I had Kaiden, I didn’t realize how essential core strength is to being a mom. It’s literally on fire all day long, especially when taking care of K. Barre3 workouts really focus on the core, even when you’re not specifically working the core. Every exercise requires you to be aware of your core, which means it’s constantly on and working. I LOVE that because I HATE things like crunches. Ew.

7: Functional – In addition to the above, all Barre3 moves are functional. This means you really target the muscles used on a daily basis. You know, the muscles you use when you pick your baby up from the crib, squat down a million times to pick something up off the floor, etc.

Don’t take my word for it. Try Barre3 Online for yourself and let me know what you think!

No portion of this post is sponsored. However, there are referral links included. If you sign up using my link, we both get $10 off our subscriptions. Thank you for reading and supporting My Inner Shakti!

My Journey – Postpartum Food and Fitness

written by Parita Leave a Comment

I refused to title this post ‘My Postpartum Body’ or ‘Body After Baby.” Phrasing it that way really irritates me. Pregnancy is such a beautiful and miraculous experience, but for some reason, women oftentimes forget about everything their body did for them over the course of nine months and instead focus on reaching postpartum or ‘body after baby’ milestones. Personally, I refuse to subject myself to that kind of mindset. My body is still my body.

Before I share my journey and experience, I want to state that it’s just that. MY journey and experience. I’m not going to share pictures of myself or anything like that because 1. are you kidding me (shudder!)!? and 2. as I quickly learned, it’s not just about what your body looks like after nine months. There’s so much more to this whole thing.

With that, here we go…

BACKGROUND

Let’s start with pregnancy. It’s insane…in so many different ways…most of which are wonderful. I remember being in awe of my growing belly and thanking my lucky stars for the opportunity to create life. It was and always will be the best thing I ever did. However, it comes with some side effects. Those weren’t always so fun, especially the swollen legs, feet, and ankles. But I got through it, and my body didn’t fail me. Instead it enabled me with my long walks to and from work, my early morning workout sessions, etc. Never have I been so thankful for the body I have!

Then came the actual delivery. If you read my post about Kaiden’s birth story, you know it didn’t go according to plan. But I do attribute (at least partially) the positive ending to the hours of exercise and movement I racked up over the course of the nine months. It really does make a difference!

Then came a five night hospital stay because of all the complications. Because of all the fluids they had to give me + the antibiotics, my body was SWOLLEN. I mean, I looked in the mirror on day two, and immediately called out to my sister because what I saw freaked me out! Everything from my waist down was inflated. Vishnu said my legs felt like plastic, and even my mom was freaked out (although she kept telling me I looked great). It took 2-3 weeks for the swelling to go away completely. I never thought the day would come.

PRESENT DAY

Since that time, my body has continued to change. It’s slowly normalizing (whatever that means!). I will say though…I don’t think it will ever go back to the way it looked pre-Kaiden, especially in the belly area. And you know what, I’m 100% okay with that. I mean, I housed my child inside of me. That was his home for nine months. It’s totally ok if that special part of me looks a little different. And truth be told, I’ve never had a super flat belly, so how can I realistically expect to have one now.

With all of that being said, I am trying to be mindful of what I eat and reminding myself to move whenever possible. Not because I want my body ‘back,’ but because I want to feel my absolute best for me and my family. They really need me! Ha!

Before I share a little more on my habits and the tools I’m using to help me along the way, there are a few things all mamas should be aware of before starting on their own journeys. It goes without saying, but any and all decisions should be discussed with your doctor. He/she really does know best!

If you’re breastfeeding or pumping, you want to ensure you’re taking in an adequate amount of calories. This is not the time to start a restrictive diet (there’s never a good time for that but that’s a different topic for a different day). Your body needs fuel to keep up with all the milk your producing, so if anything, eat more! I’ve read more than one account of mamas restricting calories and losing their supply.

The same mantra goes for exercise. If you want to keep your supply up, don’t aggressively exercise. And more than anything, go with what your doctor says with regards to movement. If you’re told to wait eight weeks (like me), wait eight weeks. Instead of thinking about missed gym time, enjoy your baby. It’s worth it!

And my final observation pertains to the number on the scale. The number has never meant less to me than it does now. Pregnancy has showed me that the number on the scale and what you see in the mirror don’t always correlate. You can weigh what you did pre-baby and still not look the same, and on the flip side, you can weigh a little more and look better than expected. My advice to all new moms is to remember that the scale is one small slice of a very larger pie. Personally, I’m using my pants to measure progress. Thankfully, most of my pants/jeans fit now but not as comfortably as they did before, so my goal is to get to the point where I truly feel like myself in my pants. Ha! And to be completely honest, I’m using my clothes because I don’t want to spend money on new pants/jeans. Basically, I’m cheap!

Ok so here’s my postpartum food and fitness non-plan plan… 🙂

Overall, my mantra is to take it one day at a time. Life with a baby requires you to make plans and adjust as you go. My vision of how I think our day will unfold rarely matches what actually happens. And that’s ok. Hey, if this type-A maniac can learn to roll with it, anyone can!

FOOD

When it comes food, the D word is a major no no. As boring as it may sound, my philosophy is to keep it simple, fresh, and delicious. The sugar monster inside of me wants all the goodies I can find, but I’m trying to lower my sugar intake as much as possible (re: not eliminate it because what’s the fun in that!). I’ve also increased my water intake because the more water the better, especially for breast milk production. I haven’t jumped back on the alcohol train just yet, aside from one beer and one glass of wine. I’d like to keep it infrequent going forward…at least for now! As far as eating out is concerned, I try to make the best choice I can in the moment. We eat pretty healthy at home, so I don’t mind ‘splurging’ if you will every now and then. Again, what’s the fun in always picking the healthy option!

I have a post in the works about meal prepping to avoid eating (crap) on the go. Lots of thoughts on that now that time is a rare commodity! Coming soon.

FITNESS

I have even less of a plan when it comes to exercise. Ha! My philosophy is to move as much as possible whenever possible. Sometimes that looks like designated gym time, sometimes that looks like a Barre3 online workout at home, and sometimes that looks like a long walk with my boys. If possible, I’m trying to exercise intentionally 4-5 times a week for 30-40 minutes. Key word is trying. But really, it’s all about building up daily activity at this point in time. One thing that’s super helpful with regards to working out is having a supportive partner. Vishnu encourages me to do what I need to do for my self-care. Have I mentioned that I love him because I do!

So that’s where I am at almost three months out! Can you believe it? Three months!

Hoping to fit in a 40 minute Barre3 workout tonight…or a nap. We’ll see how I feel. Agility at it’s best!

Pregnancy Fitness – Mindset + Resources

written by Parita 9 Comments

Before I share the thoughts I’ve been holding in for weeks, I must preface this post with a clear disclosure. I am NOT a medical professional or pregnancy fitness expert. ALWAYS consult your doctor before engaging in prenatal workouts.

With that out of the way, let’s begin!

MINDSET

When it comes to my pregnancy fitness mindset, I have one goal and that’s to stay active. Whether that means reaching my step goal outside of the gym, taking a 30 minute walk, or doing a strength routine, staying active is incredibly important to me. And for once in my life, it isn’t for me (well, maybe a little bit!). It’s mostly for my baby, as I truly believe my prenatal fitness only helps keep me and the baby strong and healthy.

With all of that being said, it’s incredibly important to listen to your body while exercising. The moment I feel a little more out of breath than I’m comfortable with, I slow down or stop. If I start cramping, I stop. While it’s important for me to exercise 4-5 days a week, it’s not something I’m willing to risk my health or my baby’s health for. There’s always time to get to work after July!

I’ve also read that a good prenatal fitness routine helps with labor (hopefully makes it a tiny bit easier!). Even if 1% of what I’ve read is true, it’s enough to keep me sweating!

RESOURCES

YouTube and the gym in our building have been exactly what this mama-to-be needs to keep up with her fitness. Because I’m not well-versed in pregnancy fitness, I prefer to rely on other people’s expertise as guidance.

My weekly workouts consist of some combination of the following – 35-45 minutes of wogging on the dreadmill/EFX machine, a YouTube cardio video, a YouTube strength video, and/or a prenatal strength workout via Pinterest.

Here are a few of my favorite YouTube prenatal fitness resources:

BodyFit by Amy – My favorite videos include the cardio, core, kickboxing, and strength (with weights). And I basically love Amy – she’s so inspiring and encouraging!

Jessica Smith TV – The strength workout is no joke! It’s only 20 minutes, but I was sore for two days.

Bollywood prenatal dance video – I like to combine this video with Amy’s strength workout or a Pinterest strength workout. It’s only 15 minutes, but the dance moves definitely get your heart pumping!

Mumberry – This 8 part series (8 five minute videos) is an awesome overall fitness routine, and it’s also great when broken down into the individual videos, especially when you’re short on time.

My pregnancy fitness Pinterest board – I recently started this board and hope to add to it over the next few months. There are some great routines out there!

Happy Friday, friends!

Your turn – what workout are you loving right now (pregnant or not)?