Fitness Archives - My Inner Shakti

Review: On Cloud Workout Shoes

I’ve been meaning to share about these On Cloud workout shoes for a while now. In all honesty, I can’t believe I haven’t yet because since I’ve been using them, I’ve had zero knee pain.

Before I go into detail about the shoes, let me share a little context…

My shoe history

Depending on what my exercise regime has looked like, I’ve gone from wearing whatever sneakers I had on hand to getting fitted for shoes.

Up until our move to Chicago four years ago, running was my primary form of exercise. Somewhere along the way, my knees started hurting. I even got an MRI at one point because we didn’t know if I had done some real damage.

Last March, I joined a local gym and started taking classes (HIIT, strength training, spin, etc.). At first, my knees still hurt every now and then, but after seeing how committed I was to these classes, Vishnu suggested I get a pair of On Cloud shoes because he’d read so many positive reviews.

I was hesitant at first because of the price tag, but Vishnu insisted, so I gave in! I ended up getting the Cloud X shoes, which are now only available in red. After using these particular ones for over a year, I wouldn’t hesitate to try the other varieties.

In terms of sizing, I got a 7.5 which is actually a half a size smaller than what I get in running shoes. 7.5 is my true size in other shoes (sometimes I can go down to 7). If you like having a good amount of toe room, I recommend going a half a size up, but otherwise, your true size should be fine.

Pros of On Cloud (Cloud X)

I’m so glad Vishnu convinced me to get these because they saved my knees. I can honestly say that I have yet to experience knee pain like before after working out. And I’ve done some pretty intense stuff over the past 15 months or so.

They don’t have a ton of cushion, but they provide a ton of support. For example, in a lot of the classes I took, we’d be jumping in one way or another for a lot of the class. These shoes took the shock of all that jumping without impacting my joints. The proof is in zero knee pain, people!

Additionally, On Cloud shoes are extremely light weight and comfortable. There’s no bulkiness, which a lot of running shoes have.

Speaking of, On Cloud shoes are pretty stylish. I didn’t think the would be, but I actually love the way they look. A nice little bonus!

Cons of On Cloud (Cloud X)

The only real con I see is the price tag, BUT I do think it’s justified now that I’ve worn and used the shoes almost every day for the past year +.

Final thoughts

Honestly, you guys, these shoes are bomb.com. I can’t tell you how awesome it is to exercise and not feel any pain in my knees. Something I got used to for years.

If you’re in the market for new workout shoes, I highly recommend checking out On Cloud. I guarantee you won’t regret it. And your joints will thank you (and me!).

Let me know if you have any questions (in the comments)!

I Wasn’t Offended By The Peloton Ad

written by Parita 6 Comments

I recently polled my IG followers and asked if people were offended by the recent Peloton ad, and the vast majority of people weren’t. And I definitely consider myself to be part of that group. I watched the ad twice, read a few online articles, etc., and I still just didn’t get it. I truly didn’t see anything really wrong with it from a content perspective.

Do I think it was the greatest ad ever? No. Do I think there were probably a few different ways to showcase the bike and the point they were trying to make? Yes. Do I think a $3000 bike even needs an ad? Hmm…not so sure! Do I think the internet overreacted and should show this kind of passion toward things that really matter? Absolutely.

So that last point is really where I’m at. We, as a society, get so worked up over things like Peloton bike ads but not so worked up over the atrocities that are happening in our own country and around the world. Like, really? Priorities, people!

Ok, so I think hit that point on the head enough.

One of my IG friends shared a different perspective on the ad and all of the controversy, and I really appreciated her thoughtfulness. I love hearing the ‘other’ side of things, and we had a really great discussion…

We’re at a point in society where women still have to fight for equality on every front. And any little form of patriarchy, in a culture where women are already held to such unrealistic standards, doesn’t help the cause. She also talked about how this uproar really speaks to how we have a lot of emotionally, mentally, and physically scarred women out there for which this ad triggers something very personal.

But isn’t there something about her husband gifting her something he knows she’ll appreciate and love. If Vishnu gifted me a Peloton, I wouldn’t be mad about it!

I totally get all of that, and some of the other perspectives that were provided. And trust me, as someone who’s had her fair share of body issues over the last 20 or so years, I can see how something like this can trigger people.

With all that being said, one of the internet arguments was that an already fit person shouldn’t be highlighted in the ad as a Peloton user. So what? Are fit people not supposed to work out? If the ad had featured someone a little heavier set, people would have shouted about ‘fat shaming.’ You literally can’t win!

Also, there’s the argument about how this ad only speaks to a very specific demographic. Well, that’s what I would expect with such an expensive piece of exercise equipment! Also, don’t get me started on this only being targeted to Caucasian people. I’m pretty sure I’ve read about all kinds of people owning/loving Peloton equipment. I think we need to stop thinking of everything as a race issue, especially when it doesn’t need to. Again, this is one of those things where I would ask about why we don’t see so much uproar with actual race/inequality issues.

This post is a lot all over the place, and that’s because I found the controversy a little all over the place.

Regardless of what side you’re on, watch this and tell me it didn’t, at the very least, make you smile!

And that’s all she wrote, guys. Like I said, the first thought that pops up in my mind when I hear about the internet going crazy over something like this is, “Seriously? Where is this level of intensity with the ‘real’ stuff happening around the world?”

Anyways, this is of course my two cents. I get that there are two (or more) sides to things like this. This is me sharing my perspective.

What are your thoughts on this whole thing?

Life Lately on the Fitness Front

written by Parita 2 Comments

I used to blog regularly and in tons of detail about my workouts. Everything from about 2011 to 2016 is on MIS. Jillian Michaels, half marathon training, T25, Tough Mudder training, Barre3. It’s all on MIS!

I haven’t talked much about my fitness endeavors as of late because they don’t feel all that monumental. I’m honestly just trying hard to listen to my body and work out appropriately when I can. There’s not much more to it. The one thing that has changed are my workouts themselves.

Let me back up…

In March, I joined the gym across the street from where we lived. Not because I was itching to, but because Vishnu realized that despite his best efforts, he wasn’t going to be able to go as much as he wanted/needed to. We didn’t want to pay the cancellation fee, so we essentially worked with the gym to transfer his membership over to me.

As you guys know, I’m a home workout kind of person. I absolutely don’t mind doing Barre3 online at home or using YouTube videos or even going to our apartment gym. It’s what I’ve been doing for years. But when Vishnu raved about the group fitness classes at this gym, I said, “Why not?!”

Guess what…

Vishnu was right! I LOVE the classes and the instructors. And lucky for me, there are quite a few good ones that fall around my lunchtime, making it extra convenient on the days I work from home.

In terms of the workouts themselves, I take a class called TAP, a Barre Cardio class, and a Cycling class.

TAP
TAP stands for Total Athletic Performance. It’s kind of like a low-key version of CrossFit from what I gather. The gym offers two versions – a conditioning class and a strength class. Depending on the week, I’ll take one or both. The conditioning one is more cardio – running, rowing, ropes, ball slams, body weight exercises, kettle ball swings, etc. Lots of aerobic stuff mixed with a bit of strength. The strength class is the opposite. Lots of strength moves with barbells, hand weights, kettle balls, etc. and very little cardio. Both great options! Both leave me drenched in sweat at the end.

Barre Cardio
The Barre Cardio class is exactly what it sounds like. Barre with a mix of cardio in the form of jump squats and just faster moves to get your heart rate up.

Cycling
The Cycling class is a typical gym cycling class, but I love the instructor so that’s why I try to go once a week. She mixes in a little bit of arm work too, which I love. It’s no Soul Cycle, but it’s a good workout.

Other than that, I still do Barre3 Online at home, especially on the weekends. I’ve done BBG on days where I couldn’t make it to the gym. And I still very much love my treadmill walks and run/walks.

So with that being said, here’s what a typical week of workouts looks like for me.

Sunday – usually a rest day, but if I’m engaging in anything truly active, it’s usually a treadmill walk
Monday – TAP (conditioning)
Tuesday – If I’m working from home, I’ll head down to our apartment gym for a treadmill run/walk. If I’m in the office, then my walk to and from work counts as my workout!
Wednesday – TAP (conditioning)
Thursday – TAP (strength). If I’m in the office, then my walk to and from work counts as my workout!
Friday – Barre Cardio
Saturday – Cycling

Like I said, this is a typical week but it’s not an exact science. A lot depends on when I’m in the office vs. at home and how I’m physically feeling. The TAP classes are really challenging and I don’t push myself to do two in a row unless I really feel like I can handle it.

I’m also a huge believer in everyday activity serving as exercise, so on those days where I don’t make it to the gym, I just try to stay off my butt as much as possible. Having a very active toddler definitely helps!

And that’s where I’m currently at. Trying to challenge myself a bit more with the classes, but also listening to my body and getting rest when I need it. Not rocket science, but thought I would share since I’m in a different season of life.

Bringing Back Barre3 + Why I ‘Quit’ BBG

written by Parita 8 Comments

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 9 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?