Workout Accountability/check-ins

[naturalooks15]

Hi All,

Hoping people would be interested in this. 

I want to work out regularly and have a group of people who can keep each other accountable, just do daily check IN’s. I keep falling off the routine and then get into inertia and then it takes few weeks to couple of months to start back up. I am still not fully recovered after last years health issues and excercising is imperative to my health and everyone’s health. 

Please let me know your ideas !! We can structure it how everyone wants it.

I was thinking a check in and any tips people have, every day. This is the social group I interact most with and love the company of you kind and fun ladies. 

Also let me know if we need to move this thread in any other group.

Some tips I learned for athletic/ athleisure clothes -  I used buying new workout clothes as my motivation incentive for being consistent for 1 months rather than any food incentive. Used points to convert to gift cards and then bought 2 sets during sales. Before this I just had 1 legging and 2 Costco shirt. I didn't want to spend any money till I convinced myself that I would consistently use the clothes. Now I do so did some shopping 🙂

Leggings (criteria not rolling down on tummy fat, not needed to be pulled up a lot during the workout) - 

• Old Navy compression leggings - Very highly recommended and affordable
• Athleta Contender Leggings - Mid range, they have sales (semi-annual and general)
• Zella Live-in leggings from Nordstorms (people stock-up during anniversary sales)
• Sweaty Betty Power Leggings
• LuluLemon Fast & Free - High price but people love these
• Reebok Cotton 7/8 - I love these for yoga. These are my most "roll-down-proof-during-downward-dog" on my tummy since I gained mass in mis-section after surgeries. 
• Nike Dry Fit etc. from big box sporting goods store (name starts with D)

Shirts -

• I like short sleeve so most of mine are from Costco (Tuff brand or Kirkland)
• Tanks from Athleta. They have most of their styles in all sleeve length (from Tanks, short sleeves as well as long sleeve shirts)
• Tanks from Old Navy
• Calia by Carrie Underwood - I have been eyeing some but waiting for them to go on sale
• Nike Dry-Fit
• Under Arrmer compression shirts

How to take care of your workout clothes - I learnt about these recently. I always bought workout clothes from clearance racks in the past so used to just wash with regular clothes in normal cycle. That can cause them to fade soon. If investing in pricier/ better clothes, better take care of these 🙂

• Wash in cold/ delicate/ "activewear mode" if your machine has one
• If not washing immediately, let them air out if wet and not put it in hampers
• Line dry or tumble dry WITHOUT heat
• If too sweaty/ too stinky soak in a bucket full of water with 1/2 cup white vinegar overnight and then dump in the wash

*****Goals ***** <<still updating>>

@naturalooks15  Excercise 4 x week. still get to 7000 steps on off days. PT specific exercises 4 x week

@Brutalitops 

-Exercise at least once a day, no matter how little

-Go to an (easy) yoga class once a week until I can do it without muscle soreness the following day

@RNGesusPls 

Weekly goals: 

Run 30+ min on at least 1 weekday, 6 miles on a weekend

@scott1201 

• Exercise class 6x a week
• At least two long walks around the neighborhood 
• Try out all the trials from local studios (1st class free! One week for $10, etc) before committing to a new studio contract
• Make myself talk to a person at each class

@MissPuff 

Goal: 6-7 miles a week, split into 2 or 3 evening runs

Proof: Selfie or run stats screenshot

@gonerogue 

personal training/weight lifting 2x a week

add in a 3rd day of boot camp (class) and

a 4th day of just cardio (running)

@jen143xo 

Exercise 5-6 days a week (Lifting and cardio)

add more HITT cardio in approx 2x-3x a week

Hit my macro numbers everyday

Drink more water

[Brutalitops]

@naturalooks15 I hadn't thought of that! We can get youtube right on our TV with the firestick, so that may be a great option- thanks!

[gonerogue]

I've been M.I.A lately with my check-ins, sorry, but I'm here with my August/September check in.

I was doing amazing at keeping up with my goals up until two major setbacks happened and both of them in August. Setback 1- my personal trainer moved away and left me with no replacement trainer. I still have not found a trainer I like and can comfortably work with. That didn't stop me from going to the gym on my own and doing bootcamp 3x a week, however. Setback 2- if you met me at Sephoria, you might have noticed a slight limp I was rocking. It turns out I fractured my big toe on my left foot the week of my birthday (it's been like 4 weeks already) and as a result I have had to cut ALL workouts since it happened. The bright side is that by next week I will be able to start up again but I know it's going to be tough getting back to my routine after that long, unfortunate hiatus. 

My goal for the rest of the month and for October as well will be to just get back to my routine of bootcamp 3x a week and solo cardio 2x a week.

Side note, does anyone have any recommendations for comfortable running shoes? I've got 3 pairs and they all feel like they're not cutting it. I'm looking for a pair that don't feel like you're running barefoot. Let me know if you've got any suggestions for me to check out 🙂

[naturalooks15]

@gonerogue  My husband runs (long runs and half-marathons) and loves Brooks Ghosts so I also got them and really really like them. I used to always get pain in my big toe if I walk/Jog/Ran but not in these.

Another thing - I would measure size 8 generally but in my running/workout shoes, I have bought size 9 this time and have had no pain since then. It was based on a suggestion from running shoe specialty store. So you might want to check some local stores even if you are not buying immediately or not buying from there. Those folks are really knowledgeable. 

[Brutalitops]

@gonerogue I really like my Salomon shoes! However, they're really better for outside. Inside I feel like they wouldn't make much difference. Are there any sporting specialty shops in your area? There are some near(ish) to me that take a measure of your step pattern and recommend shoes/inserts. The shoes were expensive (like $150 ish plus) so I haven't been back super recently but the inserts/shoes were amazing

[naturalooks15]

Aug check-in : I did ok in Aug, about 16 workouts so on an average 4/week. Need to check in here more often. Kids School and all the classes started and then my babysitter quit. Since my job situation has changed a bit, not getting a new sitter and trying to manage it all on my own. Hopefully will gET into the rhythm in Sept.

I hate it when I forget to wear the watch (3 times in past two weeks), it feels like it doesn’t count 😄 

feeling better but scale is not budging. Just being patient with it. My primary goal was metal and physical health with the workouts and I do feel like I am making progress in both counts, feeling stronger as well as less anxious/blue.

how is everyone doing??

[Brutalitops]

@naturalooks15 It took over 6 weeks for me to even get out of my feeling anxious/lethargic slump so it sounds like you're in a good place! It took at least two months for me to see scale progress and it's been slow but steady- you'll get there! Way to stick to it through all that, it sound hectic. Here's hoping you find a new sitter soon!

[MissPuff]

The northeast had a mini cool spell/fall weather weekend so I FINALLY got in some decent mileage on Sunday! 6.5 mile interval run (1 mile on/tempo, 1 min slow/easy), I aaaaalmost gave up before my last mile interval, but stuck it out since I had to make it back to my car anyhow 🙂 Thank goodness for 65 degree weather, giving me a little extra motivation to be a little extra at the rest of my workouts this week 🙂 

How's everyone else doing? Fall is RIGHT around the corner! While I love love love the cooler weather, the nesting instinct starts to kick in and I just want to cuddle on my couch with wine and blankets. 

[Brutalitops]

@MissPuff A month late to reply, but couldn't agree more on the cooler weather ahead! I'm feeling spooky already 😀. I always use a glass of wine by the fireplace after a hot shower as motivation to get to the gym

[gonerogue]

@MissPuff  Totally jealous of you being able to run comfortably outside in cool weather! I can only do it in the summer because cool weather triggers major migraines for me. I have to stick to the treadmill most of the year because of my sensitive head *eye roll*

[naturalooks15]

Good run @MissPuff 

Doing pretty good. Sticking with goals. HIIT Classes are not as daunting as they were when I started. Assuming with school re-start and long weekend everyone was busy.

will tag our tribe later today when I am on laptop. It’s PITA to try to tag folks on the phone.

[Brutalitops]

Another late check in;

Last week I got to the gym Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Friday with a yoga class to boot!

This week I officially started my job downstairs after completing my training program, so while I'm excited to be moving forward I'll miss my steps count on the floor. I've been getting to the gym in the morning recently, and I'm hoping with more time at night and *some* exercise out of the way I'll feel more motivated to go to extra yoga classes

[Brutalitops]

Checking in (late) for last week:

I fell off the wagon, I'm in that weird space where I have more energy (definitely good!) but still have no motivation to go to the gym so it just ends up feeling like anxiety. Re-learning to recognize my body's cues is going to be the key to my success in the near future. I only got to the gym once last week, but I feel confident I can do better

Already this week I have been to the gym 2/2 days! (Mon, Tues). I'm trying out getting to the gym before work and I think that in the morning + a class or a walk at night might be the recipe for success but I'm still not sure I can swing the cost of a gym membership and a full blown yoga membership right now. I'm going to shoot for 2X a week and if I actually get to a point of consistency where the membership price is cheaper I'll dive in

New Goals: Go to the gym for at least 1/2 hour 2X a week

                    Make 1 regular intensity yoga class 1X a week

                    Walk/ Do  ab work/ some other exercise any day I don't go to the gym

Monthly incentive: If I exceed my goals all month (and meet financial goals) I plan to buy a knitting kit or sign up and pay for a class in my area- it's something I've wanted to learn but I've been having trouble teaching myself so I just need some help to get started

[naturalooks15]

Check-in 7/31 : 1 hr of orange theory on 7/31

Beginner yoga series is over and there were back to school info night and other commitments so I couldn't go. Need to find something else it would be just 3 workouts this week instead of 4 workouts. 

[naturalooks15]

Added some tips and things about workout clothes to the initial post, in case anyone is looking. Whatever I learnt during my recent read/ search. 

[WinglessOne]

@naturalooks15   Great tips! My workout clothing needs may be slightly different since I’m more cardio/HIIT/bodyweight driven, but here’s what I’ve learned over the years: 

Sports bras for larger cup sizes: (Some folks might call this TMI but not me. No need to be squeamish about this topic. 🙂) I only wear wire-free Shock Absorber or Anita sports bras. Some of their styles come in small enough bands with large enough cups for me, and they all have back clasps so I can adjust the band as needed. Shock Absorber uses UK bra sizing, not US/European. Their very basic looking max impact bra is the best I’ve ever worn. I usually buy them and Anita bras online from Bare Necessities or Figleaves which can show you the US size conversion. Both those sites run sales and email promo codes from time to time. 

I’d love to try the Nike high impact sports bra (the one with the back clasp; I forget the style name) when/if they release it in larger sizes. Currently they stop at an E cup. I see they plan to expand to what I assume is a US G cup, which is still too small for me. 😞 But at least they’ll offer that cup size in smaller band sizes, in addition to larger bands, so that’s progress on Nike’s part. 

About drying sports clothes: I often dry mine in the dryer with heat. I’ve got leggings and shirts that are years old and have held up perfectly fine that way. 🙂 But I also use wool dryer balls each time. (Never fabric softener, of course.) Folks who are allergic to wool can use plastic dryer balls instead. A few tennis balls will also work; that’s an old trick for drying and fluffing comforters. 

My favorite brands for clothing: 

- C9 Champion (sold at Target) used to make my favorite running capris. But they’ve redesigned them: they removed most of the mesh from the back of the legs. 😞 The old ones don’t pill or fall apart at the seams over time. They have an inner drawstring at the waist, lots of mesh for venting (especially behind the knees), and a small side zippered pocket. I have many pairs of them and I wear them for most cardio exercises, so hopefully they’ll continue to last until I need a different size. 

- Reebok still makes my favorite long leggings, even when they’re not 7/8 length. (I’m short enough that 7/8 = full length. 🙂) Reebok caters primarily to crossfitters, and I find their leggings tend to be slightly generous in the thigh. (No, I don’t do crossfit.) Most of their midrise leggings work fine for my squats, possibly because I’m short-waisted. I especially love the ones with the ankle cuffs; those are comfy and they stay up no matter what activity I do. Reebok direct frequently has sales worth registering an account and getting on their mailing list. 

- T-shirts... sigh... my favorite, the Nike AeroReact Running Shirt, was discontinued a couple years ago. But I do like their basic Dri-Fit short sleeve running top, and their open-back Miler Breathe shirts are super lightweight and comfy. I’ll exercise in any t-shirt that’s lightweight and truly moisture wicking, with a low enough neckline that I don’t feel suffocated. I’m not crazy about compression shirts, though I do like compression leggings.

For cold weather, I still like Nike’s Therma Sphere long sleeve tops though they’ve been redesigned a few times. I also like the older style of the fleece Element long sleeve half zip top. 

- Socks are what I’m fussiest about. I love Balega and Bombas for all kinds of cardio. 

[Brutalitops]

@WinglessOne Great info!

@MissPuff I so miss those bras from Target... sigh. It's honestly so hard (or so expensive) to find bras I can actually wear to run comfortably

[MissPuff]

@WinglessOne  Oh the shared joy of working out with bigger b00bs (thanks sephora filter)! Are you talking about the new Nike Alpha? I've been eyeing that as well but my size is always sold out...I have the Nike Rival that I don't love, the straps slip loose quite easily and the sizing is weird.

I feel like I've tried every "high support" sports bra out there to varying degrees of success. For running, I swear by the Ultra Run and Victory Run bras from Sweaty Betty and the Fiona from Moving Comfort, no stretch and no bounce! Sweaty Betty is a little pricey, so I only splurge during their semi annual sales (their leggings are great too!), but honestly, I'd pay full price after wearing their bras for a couple years now. 

For lifting/spinning/interval training, I can squeak by with slightly less restrictive bras, but I've learned that if the sports bra only comes in S, M, L sizing, it's just not going to work. Big chest, narrow band, nope. C9 at Target used to have a great racerback with adjustable straps and a back clasp that has since been discontinued, luckily, I bought all 6 colors so I'm okay for a bit...Target does make my favorite workout tee - C9 Soft Tech T-Shirt - perfect fit (tapered but not tight), length, and stretch, dries off super quick, and the heathered colors don't show any sweat stains 🙂 I think they're under $15 so I've got almost a dozen of them 🙂 

[naturalooks15]

@WinglessOne  Thank you for adding this !! so important. I struggle to find supportive bra that is comfortable in higher sizes so this is awesome !

[scott1201]

Thank you, @naturalooks15 - very informative! I’ll second Alo Yoga. Love their trendy pants and sport bras. They’re really great for a lot of different workouts and I’ve had some of my Alo pants for 4+ years. Victoria’s Secret is a great, more budget friendly, option. I LOVE their pants - great compression. Plus there are often sales. 

[Brutalitops]

@naturalooks15 Great tips! I love athleta leggings in their powervita fabric- so soft and the stash versions come with super handy pockets! Definitelt not for running or spin class though, the fabric will pill with excessive friction.

I'd also throw in Alo Yoga (high-waisted only)- for their good manufacturing/eco friendly practices. They also offer fairly frequent sales. The fabric is nice, light weight, and super stretchy but also have a tendency in the lighter colors to show sweat so beware if that's an issue for you

Montiel- Also have frequent sales, super good customer service, also very breathable and stretchy fabric. Lighter colors here do not tend to show sweat. Again, high waisted leggings only

Outdoor Voices- Woman started business with very positive messaging about fitness/ body positivity, eco friendly practices, and quality workout wear. 

If you do Myfitnesspal, inevitably they'll send $40 off $100 coupons for under armour you can use at their outlet- which can be a pretty great deal

[naturalooks15]

Thanks @Brutalitops @scott1201