Honestly I'd spent so many years with resolutions like "lose 15 lbs" and "stop doing x" and it was so depressing. That one tweak to make a resolution that I *enjoyed* keeping? Life changing.
I think you’re going to love strength training but only if you do it with a seriously kick ass trainer who does progressive overload programs. I kept trying and always managed to hurt myself somehow. Then splurged on an amazing trainer and learned how to lift weights & squat properly and holy cow, game changer. The Virgo in you will love the tracking of workouts and seeing your progress, hitting new PRs is such a high, parts of me that I never could get to change suddenly were unrecognizable and most exciting was I felt strong AF and it didn’t hurt to move. It might take a few trainers to get there but when you find your person, you’re gonna be hooked. I wish I had an LA rec for you
Even more reason to invest in a good trainer and ask them to focus on pelvic floor and core building as part of your plan! I have no kids but messed up my pelvic floor marathon training and doing targeted strength training has really helped! If you have peloton LMK as there are some good 10-15 minute classes that you can start with to establish a pelvic floor strengthening routine.
I live in LA and love my trainer. I will send you his handle via Instagram. I have been seeing him for 5 years, and he just trained me throughout my entire pregnancy (at 40!) and I am back training with my now post-Cesarean core.
I had twins so I hear you on no core - but swearby weights with a trainer. Honestly, being a fanatic I dove into CrossFit postpartum for a decade but have dialed it back to a personal trainer as I’m turning 55. The personal attention is key to form, knowing when to increase weight and knowing the right answer to weight vs reps for building lean muscle. As @Robin Joseph said, you will LOVE the data tracking of it all!
If you meet a trainer who doesn’t just assume that your core is trashed bc of kids, move to the next one. And if you haven’t yet, work with a PT first who treats diastesis recti. Game changer for all exercising post-kids. Happy to message with you my other suggestions but truly, when you find the right trainer, you’re going LOVE it bc nothing will seem intimidating anymore since they’ll start with mechanics and fundamentals so you can build up properly and it’s so satisfying to see how strong you can be.
Another great newsletter! TY! If you don’t want to go the gym route, I’d recommend 1) Tonal. It ain’t cheap and you need space (garage) for it but it’s excellent, and has a built in personal trainer for you! 2) Peloton’s strength training vids. 3) one of the best IMO is TRX! Easy, no hassle, great instruction vids. If it’s good enough to keep Navy Seals strong, it’s good enough for me. if you want a one-on-one zoom instructor to get you going, LMK.
Thank you for recommending the peloton videos. I did not realize I did not need a piece of equipment to subscribe. I immediately checked it out and did my first strength training video today. I have been just talking about lifting, but today I did! Thanks for the push!
Brooklinen’s super plush bath sheets! Absorbent and HUGE! I’ve had mine for about 6 months and they haven’t gotten stiff or less absorbent in the wash.
Thanks for the book/movie rec! And... yes, that style of dress looks fantastic on you!
Resolution (as business owner/mom): Take more time off. It’s so difficult! AND find a couple of babysitter, I have a lot of trust issues with strangers watching my kiddo.
Ok...I was hesitating about Saltburn, but added to my list...and I’m a Fan. Also Brooklinen towels...I had some Boll and Branch, which are good, but they have that decorative band that shrinks and gathers the towels so they don’t stay flat. Brooklinen towels don’t do that.
Okay legit getting the Brooklinen today. Thank you! Also: Saltburn has so many layers, and is so stunning, and the performances are great. It's wild but interesting.
Another point about Brooklinen towels...very plush towels often aren’t that absorbent, but these ARE! And...no fabric softener or dryer sheets...just use dryer balls.
Do you have a favorite dryer ball? That's something I want to get into/move to in 2024. But also...I am extremely attached to the smell of Bounce dryer sheets and I don't know how to kick that.
As always, thanks for the recs! I already have “I’m a Fan” on my Libby wishlist. Watched Saltburn last night and loved it! I also hate NY resolution season, but I would also like to start doing strength... my plan is once but the end of January with big hopes to increase from there!
I think part of it is a) I don't have a gym membership and don't want one b) I worry about form doing it solo at home c) I wish I knew a great at-home video series? I do love the sculpt classes from The Ness, but they're more lighter weights, usually. I tried some Apple Fitness weights classes and find them hard to search/dont love so far. Have been searching TikTok a lot which isn't satisfying.
P.S. also love the champagne "resolution." Life changing.
Honestly I'd spent so many years with resolutions like "lose 15 lbs" and "stop doing x" and it was so depressing. That one tweak to make a resolution that I *enjoyed* keeping? Life changing.
I think you’re going to love strength training but only if you do it with a seriously kick ass trainer who does progressive overload programs. I kept trying and always managed to hurt myself somehow. Then splurged on an amazing trainer and learned how to lift weights & squat properly and holy cow, game changer. The Virgo in you will love the tracking of workouts and seeing your progress, hitting new PRs is such a high, parts of me that I never could get to change suddenly were unrecognizable and most exciting was I felt strong AF and it didn’t hurt to move. It might take a few trainers to get there but when you find your person, you’re gonna be hooked. I wish I had an LA rec for you
This is exactly what is intimidating me!!!! Also I want someone who understands that my core is still kinda trashed post-kids.
Even more reason to invest in a good trainer and ask them to focus on pelvic floor and core building as part of your plan! I have no kids but messed up my pelvic floor marathon training and doing targeted strength training has really helped! If you have peloton LMK as there are some good 10-15 minute classes that you can start with to establish a pelvic floor strengthening routine.
I live in LA and love my trainer. I will send you his handle via Instagram. I have been seeing him for 5 years, and he just trained me throughout my entire pregnancy (at 40!) and I am back training with my now post-Cesarean core.
I had twins so I hear you on no core - but swearby weights with a trainer. Honestly, being a fanatic I dove into CrossFit postpartum for a decade but have dialed it back to a personal trainer as I’m turning 55. The personal attention is key to form, knowing when to increase weight and knowing the right answer to weight vs reps for building lean muscle. As @Robin Joseph said, you will LOVE the data tracking of it all!
If you meet a trainer who doesn’t just assume that your core is trashed bc of kids, move to the next one. And if you haven’t yet, work with a PT first who treats diastesis recti. Game changer for all exercising post-kids. Happy to message with you my other suggestions but truly, when you find the right trainer, you’re going LOVE it bc nothing will seem intimidating anymore since they’ll start with mechanics and fundamentals so you can build up properly and it’s so satisfying to see how strong you can be.
Another great newsletter! TY! If you don’t want to go the gym route, I’d recommend 1) Tonal. It ain’t cheap and you need space (garage) for it but it’s excellent, and has a built in personal trainer for you! 2) Peloton’s strength training vids. 3) one of the best IMO is TRX! Easy, no hassle, great instruction vids. If it’s good enough to keep Navy Seals strong, it’s good enough for me. if you want a one-on-one zoom instructor to get you going, LMK.
OMG THIS IS SO HELPFUL THANK YOU FRIEND!!! I'm amused to say I've never heard of TRX? Now looking it up!
TRX are awesome!
Thank you for recommending the peloton videos. I did not realize I did not need a piece of equipment to subscribe. I immediately checked it out and did my first strength training video today. I have been just talking about lifting, but today I did! Thanks for the push!
Yeeeess strength training! I'm starting too - just hired a trainer. That's my "word" for 2024: STRONGER
Brooklinen’s super plush bath sheets! Absorbent and HUGE! I’ve had mine for about 6 months and they haven’t gotten stiff or less absorbent in the wash.
I have Casaluna (Target) towels that I love but my color has been discontinued. I've heard the Brooklinen rec a lot and may pull the trigger!
Wait for a sale! They happen too frequently to pay full price
Amen!
Yes! There is a sale now
I LOVE a bath sheet. This is excellent news thank you!!
Wow! These words really resonate with me - “Every time I opened the fridge, I was confronted with my own small bid for optimism.” WOW!!
Waiting for you to start your chat group 🙏🏻 Love your recs always
Thanks for the book/movie rec! And... yes, that style of dress looks fantastic on you!
Resolution (as business owner/mom): Take more time off. It’s so difficult! AND find a couple of babysitter, I have a lot of trust issues with strangers watching my kiddo.
We are in complete agreement on the childcare front. It is the hardest part.
Coyuchi towels!
Oooh on it!!
Loved Saltburn and I love towels from The Longing - so soft and gorgeous colours.
TY!!!!
Ok...I was hesitating about Saltburn, but added to my list...and I’m a Fan. Also Brooklinen towels...I had some Boll and Branch, which are good, but they have that decorative band that shrinks and gathers the towels so they don’t stay flat. Brooklinen towels don’t do that.
Okay legit getting the Brooklinen today. Thank you! Also: Saltburn has so many layers, and is so stunning, and the performances are great. It's wild but interesting.
Another point about Brooklinen towels...very plush towels often aren’t that absorbent, but these ARE! And...no fabric softener or dryer sheets...just use dryer balls.
Do you have a favorite dryer ball? That's something I want to get into/move to in 2024. But also...I am extremely attached to the smell of Bounce dryer sheets and I don't know how to kick that.
I have purchased these several times:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014WOWNAY?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder_k0_1_11&=&crid=2AXLL4Y728V25&sprefix=dryer%2Bballs&th=1
They get a bit ratty after a while and can be replaced. You can put a few drops of essential oil on them…I did at first but not anymore!
Adding that book to my list! I buy the Casaluna towels, mostly because with our hard water I feel like I have to replace often! Also...Saltburn!
Saltburn!!!
Second the Frontgate towel rec - go for the Bath Sheet size and prepare for plush overload.
They're en route in bath sheet size rn!
Highly recommend Kassatex Kyoto Bamboo towels. Soft and absorbent. https://kassatex.com/products/kyoto-bamboo-towels
Thank you!!!!
Brilliant, thank you and happy new year! 🍾
Happy happy to you tooo!
As always, thanks for the recs! I already have “I’m a Fan” on my Libby wishlist. Watched Saltburn last night and loved it! I also hate NY resolution season, but I would also like to start doing strength... my plan is once but the end of January with big hopes to increase from there!
I think part of it is a) I don't have a gym membership and don't want one b) I worry about form doing it solo at home c) I wish I knew a great at-home video series? I do love the sculpt classes from The Ness, but they're more lighter weights, usually. I tried some Apple Fitness weights classes and find them hard to search/dont love so far. Have been searching TikTok a lot which isn't satisfying.
Squat University videos on YouTube or IG are the best for form that I’ve found so far.