By Ali, Lux & Concord
One of the toughest things about living in Chicago? Winters. And “spring time” that still feels like winter. R.I.P. patio happy hours, virtually any social life, as we exchanged that in favor of hibernation fueled by Netflix, and also fitness. In the summer, it was easier to squeeze in a run post work when the sun doesn’t go down until 8p- now, the only thing we’re squeezing is into our jeans because that workout we fully intended on kept falling to the wayside. It’s a common post-Chiberia symptom.
On that note, we are SO unbelievably excited to announce our partnership with Equinox, a chain of luxury Fitness Boutiques with 3 locations in Chicago. Think state-of-the-art machinery, some game-changing group fitness classes and of course, kick-butt personal training classes.
Joining Equinox comes with actually a bajillion perks- aside from having the same high-tech treadmills that Barry’s Bootcamp has (read all about how we’re obsessed with them here), and those cold towels that smell like eucalyptus and heaven, they also give you a free fitness assessment and a free personal training class to give you guidance as you begin your fitness journey with the Equinox Fam.
The Fitness Assessment is clutch to evaluate your weakness and strengths, injuries and to determine your goals. The free personal training session is the next step to bring to life the actionable changes necessary in order to achieve the goals you laid out in your assessment. The only downside to this new-member perk is that it will desperately make you want to continue using a personal trainer. And lesbehonest, none of us can afford that.
If you’re not able to afford a personal trainer: 1) bum off a free personal session if you sign up for Equinox or 2) bum off of our game-changing fitness tips to transform your body straight from the mouth of an Equinox personal trainer, below:
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One of the toughest things about living in Chicago? Winters. And “spring time” that still feels like winter. R.I.P. patio happy hours, virtually any social life, as we exchanged that in favor of hibernation fueled by Netflix, and also fitness. In the summer, it was easier to squeeze in a run post work when the sun doesn’t go down until 8p- now, the only thing we’re squeezing is into our jeans because that workout we fully intended on kept falling to the wayside. It’s a common post-Chiberia symptom.
On that note, we are SO unbelievably excited to announce our partnership with Equinox, a chain of luxury Fitness Boutiques with 3 locations in Chicago. Think state-of-the-art machinery, some game-changing group fitness classes and of course, kick-butt personal training classes.
Joining Equinox comes with actually a bajillion perks- aside from having the same high-tech treadmills that Barry’s Bootcamp has (read all about how we’re obsessed with them here), and those cold towels that smell like eucalyptus and heaven, they also give you a free fitness assessment and a free personal training class to give you guidance as you begin your fitness journey with the Equinox Fam.
The Fitness Assessment is clutch to evaluate your weakness and strengths, injuries and to determine your goals. The free personal training session is the next step to bring to life the actionable changes necessary in order to achieve the goals you laid out in your assessment. The only downside to this new-member perk is that it will desperately make you want to continue using a personal trainer. And lesbehonest, none of us can afford that.
If you’re not able to afford a personal trainer: 1) bum off a free personal session if you sign up for Equinox or 2) bum off of our game-changing fitness tips to transform your body straight from the mouth of an Equinox personal trainer, below:
1
It is essential to your success to have someone holding you accountable.
This is one of the biggest reasons people are more disciplined with personal trainers than on their own- every session they’ll ask you how many times you worked out, what you ate the previous week. If you can’t afford a personal trainer, pick a workout buddy. Tell a friend that you need to call them once a week and report your workouts and food diary. Heck, send a weekly email to your mom. Just writing what you did and didn’t do forces you to face yourself.
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What you eat is 80% of your results.
While it’s so vital to hit the gym often, if you’re continuing to eat crap, you won’t see results. It’s important to cut eating out as much as possible, and limit processed carbs, dairy and sugar. Stock up on veggies and lean protein, and meal prep as much as humanly possible.
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Speaking of eating, if that’s your weak spot (it’s totally mine), designate a cheat day.
Yep you heard me. Pick 24 hours where you’re allowed to eat and drink whatever you want. This will help ward off the munchies the other days of the week- and eventually, that cheat day will hardly be a cheat day if you do it right because your body will stop craving the junk in favor of nutritionally valuable food.
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If you’re trying to tone up, focus on incorporating moves that work multiple muscles at the same time.
Do squats on the way down and a shoulder press on the way up. Do core work with weights to increase upper body strength. We’re pros at multi-tasking in real life, turns out this is also a helpful habit in the gym.
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Get enough sleep.
Ok, everyone says this one, but my Equinox trainer explained why- basically your body freaks out when it doesn’t get enough sleep and it essentially stores fat a lot more because it’s in panic mode. So moral of the story? Stick to your bedtime and drink lots of water.
This was just my preliminary session with Equinox’s personal trainer- I’m excited for my remaining sessions to share everything I’ve learned with you guys the next 12 weeks or so. Stay tuned!
This was just my preliminary session with Equinox’s personal trainer- I’m excited for my remaining sessions to share everything I’ve learned with you guys the next 12 weeks or so. Stay tuned!
