End of Summer Health + Fitness Update | and a BIG announcement!

Guys, I am proud to say that I didn’t let the hustle and bustle of Summer get me off track with my health and fitness journey. Wooo hooo!

Weight Watchers Update //

I’m at my lowest weight since Remy was born. Not my goal weight, but significantly closer. I’m down 30.5 pounds since I started WW last November. It’s a good feeling and I’ve been working my booty off to achieve it.

Have you ever seen a salad more beautiful?! I’m having serious vacation sadness today — especially in regards to food! . This BL(fried green)T salad was delicious. Can someone please teleport me back to Hilton Head?!? Cause I’m not about that drive… . . . . . . . . . . . . . #clevelandblogger #clevelandbloggers #imsobloggingthis #ohioblogger #travelblogger #hiltonheadisland #eatlocal #hiltonheadeats #eatcolorfully #eatcolorfulfood #southerneats #documentyourdays #explorehiltonhead #localeats

A post shared by Rachel L (@itsahero) on Aug 29, 2017 at 5:07pm PDT

I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again — I love that with WW I can still enjoy things like donuts because I’m not ‘counting calories.’ I mean, I’m not eating donuts everyday; but, gosh darnit, I’ll eat a donut every so often if I want to!

So we tried @duckdonuts for the first time today. And they were warm, and gooey, and AMAZING! Calories don’t count on vacation, right?? . . . . . . . . . . . #hiltonhead #hiltonheadisland #imsobloggingthis #documentyourdays #clevelandbloggers #ilovedonuts #donutseveryday #vacationeats #eatlocal #travelblogger #ohioblogger

A post shared by Rachel L (@itsahero) on Aug 22, 2017 at 5:03pm PDT

Oh, and HUGE shoutout to Pink Blush for making me feel gorgeous in this amazing dress!

Favorite new dress alert! ❤️ The amount of compliments I receive when I wear a dress from @shoppinkblush is insane! Not only that, but their clothes are SO comfortable! . Unrelated: This photo is from a (rare) date night at @annieoskitchen. We just had to document a night away from the kids! . . . . . . . . #ad #clevelandblogger #clevelandbloggers #shoppinkblush #imsobloggingthis #thatsdarling #joyfulmamas #myhonestmotherhood #prettyinpinkblush #pinkblush #motherhoodsimplified #documentyourdays #travelblogger

A post shared by Rachel L (@itsahero) on Aug 27, 2017 at 4:41pm PDT

Workouts //

I’ve consistently been working out (and earning those WW Fit Points!). I’m a little sad to say my workouts have consisted of very few runs. I just… I just… haven’t been feeling it. Especially not in the crazy heat.

When I did run this Summer, it was with the running group MRTT (or, Moms Run This Town). I have to admit, it’s way easier to get motivated — especially to run — when I run with this awesome group of ladies!

But I’ve been doing a LOT of cycling and kickboxing to ‘switch it up.’ And I’m noticing I’m getting SO much stronger and it’s absolutely helping me build back my endurance.

Made it to my first ever Yoga On Tap at @hihobrewingco with @balanceandbrews! It was the perfect morning flow to help close out the weekend! . . . . . . #akronohio #ohioblogger #ohiolove #imsobloggingthis #yogaeverydamnday #beeryogi #documentyourdays #hihobrewingco #travelblogger #ohiogram #akronlife #akrongram #exploreakron #summitpeeks #summitbrewpath #breweryfun #sweatpink

A post shared by Rachel L (@itsahero) on Jul 23, 2017 at 3:57pm PDT

In addition, I’ve hit up several yoga classes. I have to admit, I’ve been really missing yoga. When I’m on my mat, I’m in the zone. I feel strong and confident and powerful. And then I’ll go weeks without a yoga class for no reason other than it hasn’t really fit into my schedule. Bummer, bro.

Coaching Gymnastics //

So I’m definitely not tumbling. Ha! But stretching and conditioning with these girls is making a noticeable difference in my core strength and flexibility. It’s been nice to build relationships and workout with these young gymnasts — and we both are building confidence in ourselves! Win-win!

PS. If you’re local to Akron and are looking to enroll your child in gymnastics, email me and I’ll let you know which classes I’m teaching!

A BIG Cycling Update //

I’m really excited to share this with you! My love of cycling has grown tremendously over the last year. And I’m happy to say that in October I’m going to get certified as an indoor cycling instructor!

I owe it to my incredible coworkers at the YMCA for helping me to pursue this dream of getting certified! And helping me to get put onto the Fall schedule for our cycling classes at the Riverfront YMCA location!

So yeah. I guess if I was MIA this Summer (both on the blog and IRL) this had something to do with it. I was busy, ya’ll! Busy being a goal-getter!

How did you do with your health and fitness goals this Summer?!

18 comment(s) for this post:

Kate @ GreatestEscapist:
31 Aug 2017 Whoa, congrats! That's awesome! Does the Y do day/class passes like the Nat does? I'd love to attend one of your classes.
Kira:
31 Aug 2017 That's amazing and so inspiring! I've been trying to start working out and eating better since I had my daughter. Hearing about your progress is motivating!
Brittany N:
31 Aug 2017 Congrats girl! 30 lbs is not easy to lose! I'm down the exact same amount, 30.5 since April last year. It's hard work, but so worth it. Keep at it girl, you've got this!
Katelyn Anderson:
31 Aug 2017 You go, girl! Cycling is one of the only exercises I actually enjoy. You've definitely motivated me!
Christine Keys:
31 Aug 2017 Go you! I so need to get back into things but have been trying to get my iron levels back up since having my second child. Now that I have my normal amount of energy back, I'm much more motivated to try.