A Year of Fitness
I’m coming up on a year of having made some significant changes to my fitness routine. In December of 2020, Apple Fitness+ was released, and my husband and I purchased a Peloton Bike. I’ve touched on both of these additions to my life previously, and as I approach a year of consistent use of them both, I’ve been reflective of the impact they’ve had on my fitness routine. We had considered the Peloton for a while, but the pandemic pushed the purchase decision over the edge. The fact that Apple Fitness+ arrived at the same time was somewhat serendipitous.
Apple Fitness+
Strength training has always been a weak area for me in my fitness. I have always struggled with the knowledge and confidence to feel successful in this. Apple Fitness+ provides me with access to coaches that guide me through classes that provide paced learning, options for modifications and motivating encouragement. Having a structured class keeps me focused instead of free weights at the gym, which can leave me more vulnerable to distractions and lowered effort. The instructors all push you to challenge yourself but also encourage you to engage at your own pace. I have seen myself gain strength in a way that I never have in the past. Beyond the improvements that the weights can measure, I also find I am more willing to challenge myself and push my limits. I can see the results in the toning of my body, but I have also gained a sense of confidence in my physical strength and ability that I have never experienced before.
Instructor Shout Outs
Sam Sanchez: I turn to Sam when I went a good lower body workout and to be inspired by a badass woman. She’s fast-paced and passionate, which is very encouraging. At just 5 feet tall, Sam is living proof that strong things can come in small packages.
Gregg Cook: HEEE-YAH! Gregg’s love for sound effects while exercising is one of the many parts of his personality that I adore. I love Gregg for an upper body (especially shoulder) burn. He’s got a fun-loving, goofy personality that makes me laugh out loud while also cursing him for the completely fatiguing routine.
Kyle Ardill: I’ve gotta throw some love to my fellow Canadian. Kyle’s total body workouts are intense, but the routines make me feel strong and capable. Kyle focuses on helping you find your inner athlete and learning to love the burn.
Peloton Bike
As I said in my January 28th post, I have never really liked indoor bikes. I loved cardio in just about any other form, but cycling didn’t do it for me. Now, I am coming up on 300 classes and have lost none of my enthusiasm. I’ve curated my choices to some favourite instructors, all of whom have unique and wonderful personalities that come through in their classes. I’ve come to learn what I need to fit a particular mood or energy level, but no matter what, I finish a ride feeling challenged, satisfied and accomplished. When people have asked me about my experience with the Peloton, my most consistent feedback is that I never leave a ride feeling disappointed that I did it. Having the leaderboard and my stats tracked allows me to see my progress and challenges me to keep pushing myself to level up. The stunning breadth of On-Demand classes allows for unending options every time I clip-in.
Instructor Shout Outs
Tunde Oyeneyin: I choose a class with Tunde when I’m looking for an intense workout that will leave me entirely spent, but I also want to have a good time. Tunde’s playlists are amazing, and I sometimes have to remind myself not to get too caught up in the dance party that’s happening and keep cycling. It’s clear that she has a deep belief in fitness for everyone. She’s recently become an ambassador for Nike and shared that her vision with this partnership is to spread the word to girls that “if you have a body, you’re an athlete.”
Cody Rigsby: These classes are best for wanting a workout while also feeling like you’re having a wine-infused chat with your besties about pop culture, food, and any other day-to-day life topics.
Robin Arzon: Robin’s classes are when I want to feel like a Queen and a Hustler. Robin is a motivational mastermind; there have been more than one occasion that I’ve found myself close to tear. I attribute this to a combination of adrenaline, and her genuinely expressed belief in your ability to do whatever you set your mind to. Robin was pregnant with her first child when I first started with Peloton, and I was blown away by her athleticism. While I’ve never been pregnant, I appreciated how she spoke out about misconceptions regarding women, pregnancy and exercise.
Overall, as I reflect on my year, the changes I’ve made to my fitness, have been remarkable. Both Apple Fitness+ and the Peloton have made exercise more accessible and convenient, which I find to play a crucial role. I feel a level of commitment, excitement and confidence in my abilities and strength that are new and wonderful. Having had comments made by loved ones about my looking and feeling strong and toned has been encouraging but certainly, only a bonus compared to my sense of accomplishment and pride. I attribute much of what I have achieved to the instructors from both platforms. The trainers I mention in this post are at the forefront for various reasons, but there are so many other instructors that I love to work with. They have provided structure and encouragement while also creating an expectation to meet new goals and milestones. Having access to all of this in my own home is such a privilege, and I continue to feel excited about further growth and accomplishment.
November 18, 2021