Time for a Change

A big part of well-being for me is physical. I just feel better when I’m moving my body and being active like during in Week 2 of my #WeeklyWellness2021 Challenge. My normal routine of yoga and High Fitness came to a halt last March when the world shut down.

I was also pregnant. And it was winter. Then I had the baby, followed by postpartum recovery. Nursing combined with lack of sleep didn’t make things easier. Needless to say, I fell into an exercise rut. Walks have been my saving grace, but I haven’t been as active as I like.

With the new year and my wellness challenge in mind, I decided to finally make working out a priority again. Throughout the years, I’ve dabbled with Blogilates workouts on YouTube and they’re great. So great in fact, that over 5 million people subscribe to the channel hosted by creator and certified Pilates and fitness instructor, Cassey Ho.

Ho is skilled in her craft and has nearly 800 videos uploaded on her channel with general and targeted workouts for any skill level and inspirational content sprinkled throughout. Her mission is help people find joy in fitness, which is something I can get on board with.

Taking on the Challenge

When I saw the #21DayTone Challenge pop up on my social feed earlier this month, I was intrigued. ‘Be active for at least 21 minutes a day for 21 days straight’ was the call from Blogilates. Ho reinstates the notion that it takes 21 days for a habit to stick and what better way to start off 2021? For me, this seemed approachable and doable. I was in and (full disclosure!) started on January 4.

I downloaded the BODY by Blogilates app, which has been easy to use and features a large commercial-free workout video library (all castable to a TV,) challenges, and a challenge progress bar to monitor throughout. I paid the $3.99 monthly fee to access the upgraded version featuring the challenge calendar within the app, though you can print it online and view the workouts on YouTube as well.

The #21DayTone videos rang from cardio, arms, booty, abs, thighs, stretching, and much more for a full-body tone. Different from other Blogilates challenges, this one incorporates optional weights, bands, and massage ball excersises. I had some 5-pound weights on hand at home, but caved and purchased a branded Blogilates set from Target for $39.99.

In addition to the structured workout calendar,  nutrition guidelines, water intake, and dietary replacements were suggested along with an urge to take before and after photos to show progress.

The structure of the plan worked really well for me and I was able to carve out the time in the early mornings or sneak away around dinnertime, looking forward to earning my check mark each day.  The workouts include a range of alternating timed moves with rest time in-between, often including 2-3 rounds total for up 20-30 minutes a day. Modifications are given and instructions are are clear, making it an approachable way to workout.

I felt sore the day after many workouts and felt much stronger by week 3. Throughout the challenge, I scoured the Blogilates website for new recipe inspiration and even tried a few! I’m tempted to try out the meal plans next since I’ve been searching for easy, toddler-friendly vegetarian recipes.

The Verdict

The #21DayToneChallenge improved my wellness daily. I could feel the added endorphins from the time devoted to me and my health. I felt accomplished and satisfied with myself because even if the day ended up being hard or exhausting, I had committed time to workout and be in touch with my body. I’m already browsing Blogilates challenges to decide what to do next! Maybe I’ll try the ab challenge Taylor Swift tweeted about a couple of years back.

I’d love to see how you practiced self-care this week. Do you have a favorite at-home workout program? Tag me on instagram @SLCBeautyBabe or @SpaandBeautyToday with tips and suggestions for next week.

[Images courtesy of Alisha Racker]

Alisha Racker’s beauty career has spanned over a decade as she's worked as a master esthetician, skin care PR-pro and freelance writer. She lives in the beautiful mountains of Salt Lake City with her husband and daughter. Follow her on Instagram: @alisharacker