Mark Ronson, I Have a Crush on You.

I have a crush on Mark Ronson. It started with his TEDtalk. And escalated quickly with Uptown Funk. I can't get enough of this song. I've only played it 8 times today. I can't wait to get my hands on this album. Enjoy!

xoxo,

Alex

Fitness Toolbox

One of my goals for the year is to be proactive about my health. Last year was filled with so much stress and my body definitely absorbed more than it should have. I wasn't I've been sleeping poorly, battling headaches, and I gained some weight. But, this year is not last year. Things are different now. It's time for change. While being proactive about health means different things to everyone, a big part of it for me means getting my butt movin' and increasing those endorphins. 

But I've learned over the years that I can't do it alone. Here's what I have in my Fitness Toolbox to help me out:

Fitbit Flex

After a couple months, I finally have a working Fitbit again! I love tracking my steps each day and challenging myself to get up from my desk. I move a lot at my new job so I'm interested to wear it this week and see if I'm actually as active as I think.

New Workout Clothes

I picked up a couple cute pieces from Old Navy (like this) and Target recently. Fact - It's easier to workout when you look cute. Or at least think you do, thanks to your rockin' new threads.

ClassPass

For the month of January, I have a bunch of new fitness classes to choose from and it's awesome!

YMCA

I'm recommitting to being a gym rat. With tons of equipment, classes (Zumba, BodyPump, BodyFlow, and Yoga), and a pool, there's plenty to keep me active. Plus, I have a couple sessions with a personal trainer to use.

Rock My Run

Seriously, this site is a lifesaver. Once a month, I get a brand new 30-40 minute mix to add to my iPod. It switches up my music and with high BPMs I never want to stop. Well, I do, but you know what I mean.

Apps

I'm using My Fitness Pal to count my calories and water intake and Nike Training Club for workouts I can do at home. This is also a source of ideas to switch up my workouts. This article runs down the best health and fitness apps if you need more inspiration.

Challenges

Skinny Meg's #SMChallenge and Tone It Up's Love Your Body Challenge are two I'm doing. I love the idea of pushing yourself outside your comfort zone but having a community of people supporting you. Anyone else doing the TIU #100byVDay?!

What's in your fitness toolbox? Anyone joining in on the #100byVday challenge? Let's move!

xoxo,

Alex

Let's Talk About ClassPass

A couple weeks ago, I received an email from ClassPass letting me know they were launching in the Twin Cities and wondering if I wanted to be a part of the launch. Um, heck yes! Full Disclosure: ClassPass gifted me with a complimentary month to try it out. 

So what is ClassPass? It's a monthly membership to a variety of boutique fitness classes in the city. There are thousands of classes available to ClassPass members, including cycling, pilates, yoga, strength training, dance, martial arts, and more. 

For $79 – $99 a month (price varies by city), ClassPass members get unlimited classes to studios in the ClassPass network. While members can take as many classes per month as they’d like, they can visit the same studio up to 3 times per monthly membership cycle. 

It's incredibly easy to schedule classes, just search and reserve. There are tons of studios to choose from. I immediately signed up for a couple barre classes since my gym doesn't currently offer them. I've heard great things and was eager to try it out!

Yesterday, I went to my first ClassPass barre class at Barre Bliss in St. Louis Park. I've also signed up for a couple classes this week at HauteBarre. Classes are only open a week in advance to make reservations, which really helps me plan my fitness schedule one week at a time!

Here's what I think so far:

Pros

Variety - I'm loving the variety it adds to my current workout schedule! It's fun to try something new, like barre. I'm also looking forward to attending more than one yoga class a week! Easy to Use - It's incredibly easy to search and sign up for classes. I was worried you'd have to jump through different hoops for each studio but with one click, your space is reserved. Easy peasy.

Cons

Distance - Not all of the studios are super close to me and convenience is a major factor in getting me to work out, especially before or after work. I don't mind driving a bit on weekends though! Price - I do love my current gym, so I'll have to evaluate after the month whether it is worth it to pay for both memberships.

Anyone else using ClassPass? It's definitely one of those concepts where I wish I had thought of it first! I'll keep you posted on how the month goes!

xoxo,

Alex

P.S. Skip the waiting list - sign up for ClassPass here!

3 Before 30

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I usually make a bunch of resolutions, stick with half of them, and close out the year on a happy note. This year, I've made a couple goals, not concrete resolutions. At the end of 2015, I'll turn 30. I'm not really worried about it but I thought it was a good benchmark to accomplish a few things at this point in my life. I know a lot of folks make 30 Before 30 lists but that seemed entirely too overwhelming and unattainable with everything I've got going on. So here are my three goals to accomplish before I turn 30:

Be Proactive about My Health
This includes everything from getting my teeth cleaned, cervix checked, and eyeballs examined to adding strength training to my exercise schedule to get fit and strong. I also want to start hiking more. Random, but something I really enjoy. So yeah.

Write More
I want to be more intentional about incorporating writing in my life. I used to journal regularly and have strayed from that over the last couple years. I'd like to return to that practice. Towards the end of 2014, I started getting more into modern calligraphy and want to continue practicing each week. I have a great idea on how I'm going to do that and I'll share it soon.

Pay off Credit Card Bill
Because, you know, adults should do things like that. I'm close and can't wait to get that back to zero. It will take a bit to be completely debt free after law school but that's to be expected. One step at a time.

So that's my 3 Before 30. I also love this list of things we need to stop doing in 2015. Because sometimes we just need to say no more.

Alright, what are your resolutions/goals/challenges for 2015?

xoxo,
Alex

Funny Girls.

I've been on a great streak of great books lately, and I wanted to share the love. These funny girls have had me giggling and laughing out loud. If you haven't read them yet, definitely add them to your reading list!

  Yes Please by Amy Poehler

 

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling

  Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

I'll have an update on my epic 2014 Reading List next week. Have you read anything good lately?

xoxo,

Alex

*affiliate links used