Workout 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)!

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?

A Typical Week of Second Trimester Workouts

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I recently shared my favorite prenatal fitness resources, but I didn’t really talk about what a week of workouts looks like for me. Prenatal fitness is honestly so interesting because it’s 100% dependent on the woman and her individual pregnancy. What I share may be way too easy for some and a bit too much for others.

My biggest takeaway in my journey so far is to do what feels right to you. If you need to slow down, slow down. If you need to take a rest day, take a rest day. If yoga and walking feel good to you, do that. Don’t force fitness when you’re pregnant. Instead, choose to stay active as much as possible and know that every little bit counts. That’s my motto anyways.

Also, something obvious I should have expected is that as my body grows and changes so will my workouts. I don’t know why I thought first trimester Par would be the same as second trimester Par. Second trimester Par is definitely a lot slower, more tired, and easily exhausted. And this is noticeably apparent during my workouts. But every little bit counts, right?

Pretty much sums it up!

As far as my weekly workouts are concerned, I’m doing most of the same things I did in my first trimester and early in my second. The only difference, like I said, is that I have to be more cognizant of my pacing and the duration of my workouts.

So the following 24 week snapshot is a typical workout schedule for me right now, as it’s both doable and challenging. My biggest note here (and always) is to consult with your doctor prior to starting any fitness routine or changing your routine dramatically. Also, ALWAYS listen to your body and stop when something feels off, and don’t forget to drink lots and lots of water – before, during, and after all workouts.

A Typical Week of Second Trimester Workouts

Sunday – 30 minutes of intervals on the EFX machine + a prenatal strength workout + stretching

Monday – 30 minute brisk treadmill walk with 1, 2, and 3 level inclines + stretching + extra movement throughout the day (intentional as I worked from home)

Tuesday – 20 minute prenatal cardio workout + 20 minute prenatal cardio kickboxing workout

Wednesday – Rest day (aka wash my hair day)! I find that it’s hard for me to fit in a morning workout along with washing/styling my hair. Therefore, I strategically pick my rest days to coincide with hair washes. Win, win!

Thursday – 30 minute prenatal strength workout + stretching

Friday – 40 minutes of intervals on the EFX machine + stretching

Saturday – 30 minute steady state treadmill walk + 15 minute prenatal core workout + stretching

There you have it…a typical week of second trimester workouts. Crossing my fingers and toes that the same fitness gods allow me to carry on with similar workouts in my third trimester! Only 3 weeks away…ahhhh!

FREE At Home Fitness Resources

written by Parita 6 Comments

I’m tired.
It’s too cold outside.
I feel lazy.
I’ll do it tomorrow.
I’m busy.

Excuses. And if I’m being honest, all ones that I’ve used before and sometimes still do.

Motivating yourself to exercise when you really don’t want to is the entire battle! For me, having a handful (or more!) of workouts in my back pocket ready to go when I need them is absolutely key. And being able to do them in the comfort of my own home immediately negates most of the excuses I come up with, especially during the holidays!

I was putting together a list of all my favorite free at home fitness resources the other day to take with me to Atlanta (we’re heading home on Saturday!). Vishnu’s parents have a big semi-empty basement that’s perfect for at home workouts. I figured if I have a bunch of options to choose from, I’ll be more likely to move my butt.

And because I can’t keep a list this good from all of you, I thought I would share!

Happy sweating! 🙂

Jessica Smith TV

POPSUGAR Fitness

30-Minute Full-Body Workout to Burn Calories

FitnessBlender

BeFIT

Jillian Michaels – No More Trouble Zones
Jillian Michaels – Boost Fat Blast Metabolism

The MIS Pinterest fitness board

Not free but an affordable option – Barre3 Online!

What are some of your favorite fitness resources?

Three Things Thursday (28)

written by Parita 3 Comments

Since coming back from Miami this weekend, Vishnu and I have been talking a lot about making better use of our time. We came to the realization that we’re not taking advantage of the opportunities that come our way nearly as much as we thought we were. We already have some fun plans in the works!

In other news this week, I think I overload our meal plan. When I’m making new-to-me dishes, I always forget about leftovers. I’m hoping this means we don’t need to buy too many groceries next week.

Ok, enough chit chat, let’s move on to this week’s Three Things Thursday…

(1) International Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT!!!

Vishnu and I are driving to Orlando on Saturday and spending the entire day at Epcot! In addition to experiencing the normal attractions, we’ll also get to sample some amazing food at the International Food and Wine Festival that’s going on right now! I CAN’T FREAKING WAIT!

I’ve been to Disney World and Universal Studios but have yet to visit Epcot. I can already see myself reverting back to my inner eight year old. Fun times!

Oh and I plan to Snapchat all the fun, so feel free to follow along (username –> myinnershakti)!

(2) Total Body Strength Workout

I did this workout on Monday and was sore for the next couple of days! If you’re looking for a great total body strength workout to add to your rotation, I highly recommend this one. It’s a winner!

(3) St. Petersburg Weather

If you’ve been reading MIS for the last few months, you know that the weather has been terrible. Rain, mugginess, humidity, more rain, etc.

Well, it looks like things are finally taking a turn for the better. The weather this week has been, dare I say, perfect! It’s still a little too hot for my taste, but there’s a nice breeze and the sunshine is so refreshing! My short lunchtime walks have me really looking forward to the next few months.

Well, that’s all I have today. Have a great Thursday!

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