Do you guys workout? If so, how often? What do you do? When do you do it? I have always wondered this about others. Hence why it is one of the initial questions I included in my Work Smarter, Not Harder series.
I have struggled with motivation until recently. For me, I realize it needs to be FUN. Running on a treadmill does not get me pumped. I have mentioned Class Pass numerous times (seriously obsessed!) but another outlet I recently explored is Yoga + (pronounced Yoga Plus). Have you heard of it?! It’s basically Yoga + Socializing + Party. Win, win and win.
Yoga + combines yoga with unique and exciting experiences all over Chicago. For example, a few chatarangas and downward dogs at Sepia (an upscale restaurant) – followed by a homemade pasta tutorial with Chef Charles Welch. Ummmmmm…if that doesn’t deserve the biggest namaste known to yogis, I don’t know what does. The class takes place at the actual location too. So yes, in this example, your child’s pose could be next to a bar or hostess table. But of course, each place is shut down for the private event and turned into an amazing pop up studio. They’ve also hosted a tour at the famous office, Trunk Club and an Owen and Alchemy Saturday night detox.
I recently attended their Mane event, a hair salon in the West Loop. After a nice sweat sesh (these classes are no joke!) , the stylists showed us three cute post work out hairstyles. Which take us from the gym to cocktails in a flash. So much fun right?! And naturally we stayed hydrated with mimosas and nibbles. They even go as far as including the playlist for every experience on their website too. Genius.
I know it may seem counter productive to drink/eat after a work out class, but the point is it’s fun and your mixing business with pleasure. You actually look forward to sweating!
Some of their upcoming classes (which are soo cool!) are as follows:
- Yoga + Beginner Calligraphy Class
- Yoga + Anthropologie Visual Display Crafting (doesn’t this seem AWESOME?!)
- Yoga + Essential Oils 101
- Yoga + Wine Tasting
- Yoga + Watercolor Basics
- Yoga + Floral Arrangements
P.S. I know it’s not glamorous but I wanted to also share my favorite post workout outfit – no showering involved. Given the Arctic tundra in Chicago, I usually throw on a sweater over my gear, which makes me look more presentable for running errands or grabbing a coffee afterwards. Santa got me this sweater for Christmas and get this – it’s reversible! Yay for two outfits in one! And I can’t get through the slush without my trusty Hunters. Hence all the salt stains.
So what about you guys? How do you stay motivated for getting physical. I need all the help I can get in preparation for my upcoming trip to Nantucket this summer. Aka swimsuit season. Eeeeeeek!
Natalie and Andrea {AKA the founding sister of Yoga + who are the cutest duo ever} thank you so much for having me in to experience Yoga + first hand. I cannot wait to come back!
And P.S. Don’t forget Shopbop is having their HUGE sale right now which is for a limited time only. Their active wear is amazing. A great opportunity to stock up on Adidas, cute kicks and chic gym totes.
Photo credit: Dolly Avenue and Arin
Nantucket is my next destination!
Spring Yoga & Fitness in North Center is my favorite. Like yourself, I was not motivated by treadmills or ellipticals. This places offers all types of yoga, barre, TRX, kettlebells, etc. Honestly, it is perfect for everyone. Did I mention affordable? I started off with a Groupon and have now switched to a contract (unlimited classes per month), even ended my gym membership. To yoga!
Would love to join you some time. This sounds so fun! Also, love your lovely pinsweater!
I normally stick to Bar Method and running, but ClassPass (finally) landed in Kansas City, so I’ve been trying out a few new things! I went hard three days in a row and now I can barely lift my leg to put jeans on haha. This sounds like so much fun. I’ve been trying to make my workouts more social so that I can kill two birds with one stone and this is a brilliant idea!
Yay! I know this is an older post, but so excited to see Yoga + mentioned. They are fabulous and motivated women. I love anything that inspires someone to give yoga a go! Glad to have found your blog through Windy City bloggers Nicole! Might need your consulting services sometime in the near future : )