Pilates is Hard

So today, I figured I would review the most recent class I took which was Beyond Preston Hollow.

Per the website, this workout is described as "Pilates Hybrid Interval Training on the REFORMER and CHAIR. No cardio equipment in this workout. Highly recommended 1x week as an active recovery day." I had never been to a strictly pilates studio before so I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. Let's just say, my abs hurt today and I don't think I need to do lunges for a few days. :)

Cardio - This type of Beyond class was more about toning through resistance. There was one 4 minute interval of cardio that was all. Which is stated in the description so I wasn't disappointed.

Toning - Wow. My butt and legs are still sore from this class. I worked hard. I strongly suggest this type of workout for toning.

Studio Accommodations - Boutique-like studio which has a welcoming tone and staff. There was a place to put your personal items and no space was wasted. 

Instructor Energy - The instructor was high energy, positive and aided attendees in finding the correct form for each of the movements.

Music -  The music was upbeat and songs that you could sing along to if you weren't concentrating too hard on the movements. I had to concentrate pretty hard because I had never used the pilates reformer before. I enjoy music where I could sing if I needed a distraction from the pain.

Confidence -  I felt great after class. I was sweaty, sure, but I walked out with my head held high. It was obvious to me during class which muscles I needed to pay more attention to in order to become stronger. It appears that I have been neglecting my abs (which I knew) and my back muscles. The two kinda go hand in hand so I wasn't surprised, I had just ignored them in order to work my thighs. Everyone has that one part of their body that is visible to them in a not so positive way. For me, this is my thighs. Now, I know that I can't just work my thighs if I want to be stronger. Thanks, pilates. 

Overall, I give Beyond Preston Hollow Pilates Remix five out of five stars. I'll be going back. 

I also love Beyond 500 Henderson and that review will come out soon! :)

Happy Workout Wednesday!

xoxo,

Liz

The Internet is Full of Wonders...

It's Follow Friday, y'all.

Here are the things you need to know.

Favorite Trend on Twitter and therefore, Insta...

#corgisploot

#corgisploot Tweets

Favorite Snapchat Accounts

You know who I'm going to plug right?

@realmametown

Deal with it.

Favorite App

Just discovered IFTTT and it has changed my social media game.

Here are my favorite recipes...

I love that now I can post a photo in Instagram and it shows up as an image on Twitter instead of the link back to Instagram. It's magic. Also, if I like a photo (that's public) on Instagram, it gets uploaded to my Tumblr so, BAM! Efficiency.

Gotta make the Internet do work for you.

The only downside is that if you have more than one Instagram or Tumblr, you have to pick one to do work for you. You can't pick and choose accounts within those apps.

Favorite Funny Person On Twitter

Ashley Skidmore of #hotmessmoves on YouTube

She makes me lol big time.



Okay, I'm done. Happy Internetting!!!!!

xoxo,
Liz

I'm late! Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Due to the fact that I did not get home until midnight last night, I'm late on my YouTube Review. 

Here are some of the gems that were posted in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day by the three lovely, hilarious ladies I can't get enough of. You have to start with Mamrie's video in order to get the full effect of the next two. I promise it's worth it. 

There is nothing more spectacular than a genuine reaction to something potentially bad happening. I've watched this video several times and each time, I laugh.

I think Hannah doesn't understand how quarters works...

Everyone loves a good limerick.

Three friends got together to have fun.

Something bad happened that made one want to run.

Hannah kept chill while Grace lost her sh*t.

The accident turned into a good little bit.

And now the drinking is done.

Yeah, I struggled for that last line. You come up with a limerick. It's kinda hard.

Hope you had a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day!

xoxo,

Liz

Hi, Blog! It's me, Liz!

One thing I wanted to do when I started this blog was review all of the workout studios that I stumble into. I've recently become a Class Pass holder which allows me to go to all kinds of workout studios. 

Within Class Pass, you can favorite specific studios.

And see your schedule for the week.

So today, I figured I would review the most recent class I took which was Pure Barre.

I'm going to try to standardize my reviews so let's dissect Pure Barre based on overall cardio, toning, studio accommodations, instructor energy, music and confidence.

Cardio - I moved the entire class time. There were glimpses of standing still but that was it. Each set was brief and there was zero time to get bored.

Toning - This is the goal of barre class. To tone. To tone women's bodies because butts and thighs are our problem areas. I hope I get toned but as far as I know, Pure Barre instructors don't take the time to make sure participants are in the proper form. While positive feedback from the instructor is always welcome, there were zero corrections made to people's form. I think that's a little odd for a class whose main purpose is to tone.

Studio Accommodations - The studio was cute and neat and modern in appearance. There was merchandise to buy as well as cubbies for personal items. 

Instructor Energy - The instructor was positive and lively. She cheered us on while still being firm on when to make changes to the next series. At times, she had to almost yell because the music was so loud.

Music - Too loud. And like a club but without any vocals or semblance of a melody. At times the music didn't even have a beat. The whole class style relies upon a beats per minute or bpm to keep everyone in sync. 

Confidence - Are you confident when you leave class? Do you feel good or feel defeated? I felt good but I think part of it was because I had been to a barre class before and knew where my body needed to be. 

Overall, I give Pure Barre 3 out of 5 stars because it was fun but at the same time a little frustrating. I've been to better barre studios. And by studios, I mean The Bar Method. 

If you have the option to go to either, I suggest The Bar Method. 

My face pretty much sums up the impression the class made on me.

Go workout, people. It's fun and weird.

xoxo,

Liz

Holy Cow! It's March.

I think it's quite obvious that I have neglected this little blog for the past month. 

In lieu of a real post, I'll just give you an update on all the things I'm currently loving / doing / hating. I usually save a post like this for my Tumblr but I've neglected that little blog as well. All of my Internet efforts have been put in to catching up on YouTube channels and videos. It's a tedious and daunting task. It also requires very little creative energy from me because I'm consuming rather than creating. 

Whatever, you get it. Onward with the meat of this post....

- Working on a transition. I have been with the same company for six and half years. This month, I'm going to a new company, doing a new job and working with new people. It hasn't started yet but as I wrap things up at a job I love and know and am passionate about, I'm excited for a new challenge and also incredibly anxious. New things are scary. I think it's scarier because I'm at a point in my life where having a career means something to me and I don't want to mess it up.

- Eating food I cook at home. So far my home menu has consisted of grilled cheese, pancakes and pasta. Lots of pasta. Baby steps, you guys. Baby. Steps.

- Drinking out of these super cute tumblers that my sister gave me for Christmas. Recently they've held mostly gin and tonics. Gin and I are good friends. We have a respect for one another that makes me feel good about drinking alcohol which I like and prefer to how vodka typically makes me feel.

- Exercising through local classes that are included in ClassPass. I am sooooooo glad Class Pass is in Dallas. I love studios. I love the whole class environment and now I get to go to new studios and mix it up because Class Pass is here. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep up my schedule with the new j o b. 

- Wearing an incredibly shapeless black sweater / sweatshirt I bought at Target. It works with everything. I'm obsessed.

- Reading Amy Poehler's book "Yes, Please." It's a slow crawl through this book because I've chosen to nap on planes recently rather than read. I'm tired. I like naps. I need to make time to read when I'm home. 

- Watching "Pretty Little Liars" with the most anticipation I have ever had. "A" the primary villain is supposed to be revealed in like two weeks and my body and mind and soul is ready to see who the heck this person has been. Also, I've been getting pretty into live-tweeting through ABC's TGIT situation. The "Grey's Anatomy" folks aren't as into it as the "Scandal" folks but it's pretty entertaining. I love seeing other famous people live-tweeting about the show. I feel like we're friends even though we def not. A girl can dream. #TeamInternet

- Netflixing "House of Cards" as soon as another snow day kicks in which I believe will be tomorrow if the cold front keeps it current schedule for Dallas. I haven't started season three yet but I'm ready.

- YouTubing Connor Franta because he's adorable. Also, Meghan Rienks because she's goofy and pretty and for some reason I feel like I relate to her weirdness. 

- Listening to Disney music because I just got back from Disney World and I want to go back real bad. Even as an adult, Disney is magical and makes you feel things whether that feeling is nostalgia or awe or triumph or just happiness. Also, I know all of the words and enjoy singing along even if my cubicle mate doesn't necessarily enjoy it...

- Podcasting Ear Biscuits because it is back. I love Rhett and Link. I have no idea how they get people to say all of their feelings and tell their life stories but I'm into it. 

- Hating how ungrateful some people can be about the life they have. While Disney World was a great vacation, there was one person in our party who was a total buzz kill (even though she was constantly buzzed) and made me worry about her life way more than I care to. Look lady, you're married and have beautiful children and have a job and now you're on vacation, BE PRESENT. I wish people would take more time appreciating where they are in the moment rather than worrying about the next thing or involving people in their worries when they really should keep shit to themselves. Yes, I'm resentful because she stole my vacation from me. Yes, it was my choice to devote brainspace to her but still, she was hard to ignore. Rude.

- Loving all of the kind words from my coworkers as I embark on a career move and leave them. I have received so many kind emails or hallway chats encouraging me to take this next step and be confident in my ability. I am so grateful for all these people and their words. It makes the transition a little easier.

Well, there ya go. 

What have you been up so far this year? Anything I should try? Feel? See? Listen to?

xoxo,

Liz