Fitness

Home fitness capsule 2020

 in Fitness / Home  tagged adidas / bx glow / fitness gear / summer 2020 by

From left: home fitness kit c/o BX Glow (under $70!) / black workout tee / black leggings /

not pictured: yoga socks / yoga mat / running shoes / beach towel /

Working out from home a lot? Me too! Although gyms in our area are open for outside fitness, I still find myself working out from home about three times per week. I feel like if it is something I can do from home, I would rather stay put than spend time driving to the gym and dealing with disinfecting everything. Right now, it is still safer to workout from home than go out to the gym; no matter how clean it is.

Fortunately, my gym implemented an online class schedule back in March when we all went on lock-down. The schedule is continuing, even though the physical gym has re-opened. This is great news for members who, like me, have found working out from home feels safe and convenient.

The classes I have been taking from home include TurboKick (cardio kicking-boxing), The Drop (an interval training class), and Pilates (which requires equipment.).

Yikes! Equipment! If you belong to a gym like me, chances are, you don’t own home fitness equipment. So I was incredibly thankful when BX Glow sent me this fabulous home fitness kit. It has everything I need for strength training at home, and better yet, everything the online Pilates class from my gym requires for class. Love that!

The BX Glow “Pure Energy Fitness Kit” includes 3 resistance tube bands with interchangeable ankle bands, handles, and a door anchor. The kit also includes two ankle 1 lb. ankle weights, and three resistance loop bands. These are all much-needed items for a complete home workout! Loving it!

My weekly fitness routine incorporates outdoor fitness at my gym, and online classes from my gym. Here is what I am doing to stay fit this summer:

      • Monday: TurboKick online
      • Tuesday: Singles tennis at my gym with my teenage daughter
      • Wednesday: The Drop online
      • Thursday: Lap swimming at my gym
      • Friday: Pilates online (requires equipment-I use my BX Glow kit)
      • Saturday: Hiking with my family
      • Sunday: Outdoor yoga at my gym with my Mom. (We stay six feet from each other. My gym created pods to keep everyone properly social distanced during fitness classes-it’s awesome!)

I’m loving this routine, and have fallen in love with working out outside. I bring my laptop into the backyard so I can take the online classes outside. I also love how my gym has classes, cardio equipment, and weight equipment outside. I think it would be awesome if they continued to keep things outdoors; even after the pandemic ends. It’s really nice to be outside!

For working out at home, the perfect home fitness capsule should include the BX Glow kit, fitness attire, athletic shoes, a yoga mat, a beach towel, and of course, a space in or around your home with enough room to move around.

Shop my home fitness capsule online:

What are some of your favorite home fitness routines?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

Summer 2020 swimwear capsule

 in Fitness / General Fashion  tagged beach / capsule wardrobe / casual style / summer 2020 / swimsuit cover ups / swimwear by

summer beach outfit ideas

Summer swimwear capsule from top left: straw tote (customize your own saying!) / black swimsuit / blue tie dye swimsuit / hat (old, also love this one) / black flip flops / denim cut-off shorts / grey v-neck tee / gold chain bracelet / bold gold earrings /

Things are starting to open up-a little bit! There are a few beaches near me which now allow us to sit and relax on them. In addition, lap swimming is allowed for fitness at my gym. So for summer 2020, I opted for two one-piece suits so that I can swim laps for fitness, and also use them on the beach. Love utility!

While these suits are one-piece, and can be used for lap swimming, they are also super cute! As a former competition swimmer, I am picky about how a one-piece suit fits because I need to be able to do all four strokes in it, as well as safely do a flip-turn between laps. These two suits fit really well, and they don’t move around on you. So while they look like fashion suits, they can double as lap swimming suits. Love that!

If you are in the same boat as me, where gyms are still closed but lap swimming is open, check out my swim workouts! There are seven workouts to get you on your way to swimming for fitness!

Of course a straw tote is perfect for the beach, and it will complete a swim or beach look. Add a hat to the mix, and your fabulous self has arrived. 😉

Shop my summer 2020 swimwear capsule online:

Are you excited to get back in the pool and swim for fitness, and also get back on the beach this summer to relax and enjoy some sun? I know I am! I can’t wait to close my eyes, and listen to the ocean. It’s so calming, and exactly what we all need right now!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

Almaden Quicksilver Park Mine Hill Trail

 in Fitness  tagged almaden quicksilver / family / hiking / outdoor fitness by
Quicksilver Mining equipment on display at the Almaden Quicksilver Park Hacienda Trailhead in San Jose.

We are have having so much fun exploring the trails in Almaden Quicksilver Park! We decided to park at the Hacienda Trailhead in order to catch a trail from there. It was fun to see some historical mining equipment near the trailhead, and learn more about the quicksilver mining history in the area. Isn’t the equipment cool!

There are a few trailheads you can catch at the Hacienda entrance, and we decided to hike the Mine Hill Trail. It was a nice, uphill hike with views of Almaden Valley’s more rural areas. We could see historical homes, buildings, and rolling hills. It was really pretty. The trail was wide too, allowing for easy social distancing.

Mine Hill Trail in Almaden Quicksilver Park was slightly busy, but I believe it was due to the fact that hiking is one of the few things open right now.

This trail attracted more than just hikers. We encountered a lot of bike riders, and a few runners and dog walkers. The bikers rode pretty fast, and as a hiker, you had to be aware of them or you would get run over. Just a warning 🙂

Once again, I wore my balaclava as a mask. It’s easy to slip up and down when people are around. I would say 80% of the people on the trail were wearing masks. If you go, be ready to turn your head if someone comes by without a mask.

Shop my hiking gear:

This was a great trail for my kids to hike on. It wasn’t too steep, and they were able to keep up with only a couple of breaks. There was a mix of bright sun and shade during the hike. It was a comfortable hike, and it felt like medium intensity. We really enjoyed the Mine Hill Trail!

I hope you are getting out there and enjoying the nice weather! To find the Hacienda Trailhead in San Jose, take Almaden Expressway to Almaden Road. Continue all the way through the historical part of Almaden. Shortly after the museum, which you can’t miss, you will see the parking lot for the trailhead. There are several trails you can catch there. We will definitely go back!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy