#PelotonFamFaves Part II: Strength in Numbers
New Year, New You they say, but if you are a peloton aficionado like me, you know the YOU was always there— you just need to harness your power. So, we are already into our second month of a new year and the one thing that hasn’t changed is the yearly fitness goals that take place, whether it be to work out a little more OR get a new body by summer, #thestruggleisreal.
Fun fact if: you are new to the Pelosphere, Peloton is not all about cycling life. Yes, it is a huge part, but there are other workouts and wellness routines you can do after a tough ride or just do on your rest day, or just whenever. Here are some of my fave categories on their app.
One of things of the utmost importance to me is keeping toned. so it’s great to be on a platform that has most of what I’m looking for. I’m more of a barre girl, so lean towards the feminine definition vs getting all body builder like. If this sounds like you, read on.
PILATES
Love, love, love that they introduced this workout regime! Pilates was one of the first newish workouts when I first move back to NYC after university. I love pilates because it really builds your core muscles in a non-traditional way. Since this workout is pretty new to the peloton roster, there are only a few classes to choose from (20 total), but they are amazing.
If you are a beginner, definitely take Aditi’s intro to pilates. She walks you through every movement slowly, so you know what you should be feeling with each movement. Though I’m not a novice, it was a nice refresher, especially since you don’t have an instructor in your living room to manually adjust you. Hannah Corbin is great if you want a more intense pilates workout and you want more pep. And if you want to live the zen life, I find Sam Yo’s classes so relaxing, and yes, you are still putting the work in! The great thing about pilates is that it works all parts—stomach, legs, back and arms—the perfect workout for the multi-tasker!
Core workouts
If you are looking just to straight up work your abs and stomach area, core workouts are the way to go. There are so many to choose from, but if I had to narrow it down my two go to’s are Robin Arzon and Olivia Amato.
True to Robin form, she does not mess around. Her workout is more full body and innovative IMHO and I feel like i really get a good workout. Also, she sprinkles in her trademark inspirational hustle which really gets you through the workout.
Saying that, Olivia is no joke—I seriously find myself cursing out loud during her workouts. Her classes are more traditional in the sense that there are A LOT of crunches. If you crave more of a straight up workout without motivational talk, Olivia is for you.
Pro-Tip: Try the men’s core workouts too. At first I thought they would be more geared to the men, but there are two I find myself taking a lot and find very effective from Andy Speer and Ben Alldis. Photos below.
Getting me them guns
The one thing I am ALWAYS self conscious about is my arms, especially in the summer months. I mean, I’ve never been one to have arm definition, but I’m now at an age where it bothers me bc you don’t want it flabby. Since I’ve started doing my arm workouts, I feel and see the change. Since I’m not looking to get a bodybuilder physique and just a bit of definition, I gravitate toward the light arm weight workouts. Of course, my ride or die, Kendall, makes this list because she has trained as a boxer and I mean, look at her arms…Need as I say more? My other favorite instructors are Ben Alldis and Leanne Hainsby, and not just because they are a couple. They give me enough grit, that I feel the difference and get the definition I so desperately desire. I do also have to admit, that Ben and Leanne also have the best post workout stretches. AND When I’m feeling suicidal, I take an arms class from Hannah Frankson. I still have yet to finish a class with her without taking a break!
