I (Courtney) recently asked on Instagram Stories if people had any questions about my workout routine. We got such a great response to that, that I felt I should dedicate a whole blog post to it. The more I looked at the questions the more I thought people would benefit from hearing responses from both myself and Kelly! We each have VERY different workout routines and gravitate towards different types of classes. I opt for more of the HIIT and running classes while Kelly enjoys the yoga, strength training and pilates classes.
Question: Favorite Equinox Classes?
Kelly’s Answer: I love Power Yoga/Heated Power Yoga, Ropes and Rowers and Groove (or any dance class).
Courtney’s Answer: In NYC I go to the Park Ave location and my favorite classes are Precision Running, Booty Blast (or Best Butt Ever), Tabata and Core Conditioning.
Question: Favorite workout studios for non Equinox members?
Kelly’s Answer: Y7, Hot 8 Yoga (this is a KILLER), The Class by Taryn Toomey and Cru Boxing.
Courtney’s Answer: In NYC my favorite studios are Mile High Run Club, Fithouse, RIPPED, Y7 and Switch Playground!
Question: I would love to know how to start running & a schedule you’d recommend to stick with it?
Kelly’s Answer: I am not a runner, I have never been a runner – so I will leave this question to Courtney. Maybe I should listen to her advice on this one lol.
Courtney’s Answer: For me I really think that running is all mental. We make ourselves hate it and go into it with a negative attitude – at least that is how I used to be lol. Once I started to look at it in a more relaxed manner I began to enjoy it. I also think it’s a lot easier to get into running if you have a goal in mind. For me I began to enter different 5K races in the city and that would hold me accountable to get into the gym and train. Once I started running these 5K’s I became a little obsessed because I now had something that I could compete with in myself. If you are based in New York I definitely recommend Mile High Run Club’s Dash 28 class. You can go if you are a beginner or an advanced runner and they really help you develop those core fundamentals to start running more regularly.
Question: Do you take pre workout for that extra energy boost?
Kelly’s Answer: Nope! I have taken it before when I workout with my boyfriend but in general, I hate when I have anything in my stomach before a workout (besides water of course). I like to workout on an empty stomach because it just makes me feel lighter and less bogged down.
Courtney’s Answer: I actually do not take pre workout because I am worried it will make me too jittery. Similar to how I don’t drink coffee because of the intense caffeine!
Question: What do you recommend in doing for someone trying to get back into the gym?
Kelly’s Answer: Taking classes are a great way to get back into the gym because it may feel less daunting than working out alone. Don’t feel the pressure to start big. On days that I get back into the gym maybe after a vacation or long weekend, I ease into it so it doesn’t feel like SUCH a hard thing to do. For me, I’ll start with a light yoga class and make it as easy or difficult as I want. If I go into it with the mindset that I will do what my body feels OK doing, then it makes the whole experience so much better. I don’t put any external pressures on myself because I know just being there will get me back in my routine. If you like doing free weights and working out on the “gym floor” but need some direction, I would suggest taking advantage of a personal trainer. A lot of gyms offer free sessions upon sign-up and it’s nice to have someone take you around and explain what all of the machines do and how to tailor your best workout for yourself. I think that can take the anxiety out of the “am I doing this right?”
Courtney’s Answer: For me it truly was a mental block and something that I looked at negatively for so long. I would talk myself out of going and make myself believe that I did not have time for it. It wasn’t until my friends started inviting me to different classes that I really got back into it and realized how much better it made me feel. And it wasn’t the physically better that kept me going, it was the mentally better. I am someone who had previously struggled with anxiety and working out gave me a natural high that I hadn’t experienced previously. Something else that I did was talk to my boss (at the time I was working for Macy’s corporate) and told her that going to the gym/classes were very important to me and I needed to have certain days where I could leave at exactly @ 5-5:30pm to make it to the gym or a class. This really helped with my stress and time management. Making it easier to balance all of the things going on in my life – with a better mindset.
Question: Do you ever have protein shakes after workouts?
Kelly’s Answer: Again, this is something I do only if I am strength training with my boyfriend. When you are strength training, your muscles are basically breaking down, so drinking a protein shake is a great way to build muscle faster. A lot of women think protein shakes are just for when you want to “bulk up” but that’s not true – it’s a great way to supplement protein intake. If you are interested in protein shakes but don’t know where to start, CareOf just launched a new protein powder (and it’s the cutest packaging!)
Courtney’s Answer: After a workout (especially a running workout) I generally have no appetite. Which is saying something because I always have an appetite lol. So I more opt for a lot of water and SOMETIMES a Gatorade. If I am treating myself I will pick up a green juice but that is pretty rare. All in all I have never been a huge protein shake person BUT that could also be because I am cheap and don’t want to pay the heightened NYC prices for one!
Question: What brand running/workout shoes do you wear? Any that you would not recommend?
Kelly’s Answer: Ok, so I literally have the craziest feet in the world. This may be TMI but I have really bad bunions – I blame it on genetics, years of competitive gymnastics and commuting in heels in New York for 5 years. Because of this, it’s really hard for me to find sneakers that aren’t only cute but don’t leave my feet feeling like they are being stuffed into a sausage casing (like the graphic?) BUT I found Adidas Ultraboost from Six:02 and I absolutely love them. They have netting so my foot doesn’t feel squished and can actually breath plus they come in a ton of different colors, so there are many options to choose from!
Courtney’s Answer: I currently am wearing only Under Armor! I love the running shoes I have now – LINKED HERE – but I do recommend to size up half a size in these. I ordered the 8’s and have to exchanged for the 8.5. I haven’t had a terrible experience with any running shoes before. Asics definitely leads the field in terms of running shoes and has an extreme cult following. I haven’t worn them since high school but I did love them at that time!
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