Fitness Giveaway to Encourage YOU!

Did you know January 17th is named, "Ditch New Years Resolution Day"? This holiday is ironic for me because I signed up for my first gym membership on January 17, 2018, of course that was not knowing there was a name for this day. Throughout my years in school, I grew up playing inter mural sports, running track, participating in acrobatic yoga classes and then playing soccer at a more competitive level once I reached high school. So, being active was never a problem. After I graduated high school, I immediately started a full time desk job. After a year and a half of working and sitting, eating snacks (mostly m&m's) all day, I noticed I was out of shape and always exhausted and just didn't feel good. One morning, I woke up and thought, "I'm joining a gym and I am going to be healthy again." and that's exactly what I did.

I started off my journey, by simply walking on the treadmill taking in the gym atmosphere and learning what each machine does. I then decided to take a yoga class - something I hadn't done in a LONG time. This easily became my favorite part of the week. I started learning more advanced poses, arm balances and challenging myself. I've mentioned before that I am an extremely competitive person. Any pose that challenged me quickly became my next obsession. I had to learn and perfect everything I was taught. I would practice every single day, every spare second I had. My current challenge is learning how to hold my handstand! Below is a photo of the very first challenge pose I learned! Flying lizard... let me tell you, once you get that feeling of balancing on just your arms you will be addicted and trying to balance any way you can - crow, side crow, flying pigeon, eight - angle, peacock and the list goes on! Yoga is so great for not just your body, but your mind. Learning to let stuff go and focus on just yourself in that time of practice is amazing. In my months of regularly practicing yoga, I've seen my flexibility increase, my joint pain lessen and I'm continuing to learn how to push thoughts aside and focus on the present.

After a few months of these classes, I decided I wanted to add to something more challenging and really something that would make me set goals. So, I started running. After a high school injury and poor genes, I am blessed with knee problems. I started small and started a running schedule, in hopes to run my first 5K! Which I did and then I ran more. In June, I ran my first 5K supporting a local non-profit adoption agency. On Fourth of July, i ran a four - miler with my dad through his home town! This race brought on all the emotions! So much love and pride for my dad running his first race! Then I ran two more 5K races just for fun! Now, to be honest with you all, I haven't run now since my last race, but my next goal is to run a 10K then move on to a half marathon... eek!!!

My most recent fitness adventure started with a friend pushing me to join a class she was taking! So, I said "Sure. I will give it a try."! This class involved getting up wayyyyyyy too early and a lot of weights and that made me nervous. After one class, I thought for sure this was not for me, but after attending a few more classes I began to love the class and really see a difference in my energy throughout the day and overall feel healthier! I now really enjoy early morning workouts and taking Body Pump classes! These classes are great if you want to start lifting, but you're not sure where to start! Each class is led by an instructor and can be modified to fit what YOU need! To be honest, when i started lifting I grabbed small weights like 2.5 - 5 lbs on some exercises! I was so nervous to hurt myself or not be able to complete a set of reps because I put on too much weight. I've now increased my weights and I'm continuing to as I train. Always be sure to start small and build from there!

Shop my Amazon workout fashion below:

90 Degree By Reflex Womens Power Flex Yoga Pants - https://rstyle.me/n/denh6tchnsp

ICYZONE Activewear Fitness Yoga Tops - https://rstyle.me/n/denh6tchnsp

Nike Women's Free RN Running Shoe - https://rstyle.me/n/denieichnsp

Contraband Pink Label Womens Weight Lifting Gloves - https://rstyle.me/n/denipxchnsp

Now, if you've made it this far!!! I've teamed up with one of my blogger besties to encourage one of YOU on your fitness journey!!! From now until the end of the giveaway, February 1st, I will have Instagram stories, posts and blog posts with different exercises and workouts I love and think you can all do too along with healthy meals and snack ideas and recipes. My cutie friend Jordan is also a fitness lover! We are collabing together from now until February 1st to keep you all accountable in your fitness journey. Here’s how to enter: 1. From now(January 14) until February 1st we want you to post your workouts. Whether that’s in your stories, or a post on your instagram feed. It can be a photo of you in the gym, a short video of your exercise, the weights you were using- anything involving you and your workout. Be honest- don’t just snap a pic of planet fitness as you walk into Mcdonald’s. 2. tag me @thecharmedbrunette and Jordan @jordanmarieallen in your post 3.Use hashtag #JHFITNESS2019 **Bonus if you tag a friend in your post**

Winner will receive 3 workout tanks and a set of resistance bands; two of Jordan's favorite workout items from Amazon, and a pair of leggings and weight lifting gloves; two workout items I can't live without! To sneak a peak at the items up for grabs, tap the item you want to view below.

Check out Jordan's blog here to see her fitness journey!

http://teensytinypetite.com/blog/jhfitness2019

*** Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of my links, I may receive a very small commission at NO EXTRA cost to you! ***