Exercise Addict

I’ll admit it- I’m an exercise addict. If I don’t do something each day, even some sit-ups or push-ups, I feel extremely guilty. The other day my 10 year-old brother, Matthew, told my family that I need to find a man who likes to work out and eat oatmeal- funny that my brother characterizes working out as my compatibility with someone. However, most of his life he’s watched me dance but in the past 4 years, he’s also seen me run off to the gym every time I visit home, trying out some crazy new fitness move I read in a magazine (he makes fun of me often for this), and eating oatmeal every morning for breakfast. So what can I say, exercise is a huge part of who I am and there’s no way I’m going to rehab for this addiction ;)

Since living on my own, I’ve been expanding my exercise around the area and thought I’d share some new things I’ve been trying out lately…
1. Running outdoors: For someone who used to dread the mile run in P.E. or any type of run for that matter, I’ve started to run at least twice a week around my area.I guess it all started when I lived in London and couldn’t help to take advantage of the beautiful parks and city so I’d run all over. Now, I live in an area where my runs consist of a garden walking path along Santa Monica Blvd, the beautiful residential area of Beverly Hills, hip, eclectic West Hollywood, and the chic/beautiful shopping hot-spots along Wilshire Blvd. Also, running has been my way of exploration. I-pod on and I’m off to see a new place in my backyard! But I love being outside in the sunshine, and embracing God’s beauty. It’s really one of the best escapes and I’m starting to run farther and longer. I can go for 45min to an hour . ..now that is record breaking for me! New goal: run to Santa Monica Pier!
2. Dance classes @ The Edge in HWood: Okay so dance isn’t new to my exercise, it’s basically part of my genes. I’ve been dancing almost my entire life and after my last performance in college, there was no way this was the end of it! I started taking Jazz, Lyrical, & Hip-Hop over the last month or so @ The Edge and it’s really challenged me more as a dancer but I love it. It’s great to learn from different choreographers, challenge my body with new styles, and gain more inspiration from other dancers. AND it doesn’t bother me that on my first visit I not only ran into some past contestants on So You Think You Can Dance but Ryan Gosling watched most of my dance class! Can’t beat that or the fact that I continue to enjoy one of my passions.
3. Mat Pilates: The best abs workout of my life…why have I been missing out on this?! I just started taking classes at the gym and I love it. It stretches me, works my abs hard core, and it’s also really therapeutic for me (I think it’s all the breathing/control). If you haven’t tried this, I suggest you do! You’ll feel amazing all over.

It’s great that I finally have time to do all of this stuff lately. It’s really helping me explore my area but also work my body in new and fun ways. I’m blessed to have this time right now in my life to do all of this stuff and excited to try something else. I’ve been dying to learn salsa, who’s down?

Much Love
xoxo