After an insanely tough sculpt class tonight at Corepower Yoga, I got to thinking about strength.
I think we’ve all gone through that phase where we just want to be cardio bunnies. It seems to make sense – if I run, all the fat will just fall off my body and I’ll leave it in the dust, right? Most people now know (hopefully) that that’s just not true. Cardio is an amazing component to a healthy lifestyle, but it just won’t cut it if that’s all you’re doing. The truth is, once you’ve gotten a taste of what it feels like to be strong, you’ll never go back.
So what is it that makes YOU strong?
What workout do you do that makes you feel invincible, like you could conquer the impossible?
What’s your strength routine (or, are you a cardio addict?)
Non-fitness related, what is it in life that makes you feel strong? What gives you strength?
For me, it’s yoga sculpt once or twice a week, EGGS on EGGS on EGGS, wine nights and deep conversations with my friends, and when I’m out at a bar and “Teenage Dream” comes on. Then, I am a superhero. So, what makes you strong?
i had a big lunch 
Yay for strong!
As you know, CrossFit makes me feel so strong, but not simply just in body, in mind too. If you don’t have your head in the game and believe in yourself, you simply won’t know your true strength.
I knew you’d love this post, Jen! You of all people understand the beauty of strength, and getting over the hump of “how can I get as skinny as possible?!” Love it!
Awesome post and you look amazing!! 🙂 Inner strength is definitely something that awakens the soul! I believe that everybody has it inside them to be strong and brave and powerful…so it’s about finding your niche!
Also, I’ve always been a big believer in strength training. I’ve been lifting weights since 12-13 years old and have loved most minutes of it! 😉 I love running, swimming, and yoga but I also equally love lifting weights. I probably lift 5-6 hours a week! It’s definitely a part of my weekly routine that I won’t sacrifice.
A workout where I feel invincible? I’d say swimming and then lifting weights right after! It hurts but it hurts soooo good!! The burning I get in my arms (where they feel dead but I’m pushing through) is like nothing else. It’s such a powerful combo for me.
Happy Friday!!! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!! You’re so sweet and amazing! Have a super weekend!! XOXO!!
Inner strength awakens the soul – I love it! Thanks as always for the kind and beautiful words my dear. You should feel invincible if you can lift after swimming! I know you push yourself in all your workouts so I bet that’s exhausting (but exhilarating!) 5-6 hours a week? You beast! I love it!
Lauren!! You’re an incredible woman!! Thanks for your sweetness and for always being so supportive!! Have the best weekend!! 🙂 🙂 XOXO!
KILLING IT. What makes me strong… A good workout, any form. A good long run. A good lift (though I haven’t really had one of those in a while).
A 7 minute plank 😉
Hahaha the infamous seven minute plank – that shall be your legacy
I know I need to incorporate weight lifting more into my work regiment. Since doing cardio alot more I can tell that I am not as strong as I used to be because of losing muscle. I am not a big fan of yoga, but that yoga sculpt may be something to try.
Yeah even once or twice a week will make the difference and then you’ll be hooked 🙂 yoga sculpt is a happy medium between getting the healthy stretching from yoga with still uplifting/pump up music and tons of sweat. I love it
Never giving up is what makes me strong I think.
I am so glad I discovered strength training.
Never giving up is a great mindset – that DOES make you strong, AND wise 🙂
Great post! Running DISTANCE makes me feel strong. I really think I’m an ultra runner somewhere deep down in my soul 🙂 Maybe one day.
It’s about more for me than fitting into a bikini or skinny jeans. It’s my time with God, my time to meditate and helps me with my monkey mind. I love to lift weights, dance and do yoga. I love being a spin instructor. All of these things make me feel like Wonder Woman!! And I honestly feel like whatever you love, you should do. You don’t like to run? You’d rather do Zumba or Crossfit? Then do that. Do what you love and love what you do.
From reading your posts I’d definitely say you’re an ultra runner deep down – it’s gonna happen one day 🙂 I think fitness tends to stick with you once you accept that it’s so much more than fitting into a certain size or looking a certain way. It’s such a mental pause that people don’t realize they’re missing until they start working out! And I totally agree – everyone has their fitness forte, and as long as they fall in love, they should stick with it. Try something new once a week or something, but stick with what you love!
Epic post buddy! For me, it’s weight lifting but it needs an overhaul to see some progress…argh slow and steady bulls$!t.
That’s the hardest part! When I stopped lifting I slowly started to notice my arm definition go away. Now I know it’s going to be a slow journey back to where I was – slow and steady is annoying but the mantra is true!
Strengthhhhh! A good run makes me feel physically strong. There is no better feeling than making a really really good decision for yourself even if it is hard. Seeing the results of that always makes me feel so strong!
True! Strength is an amazing feeling whether it comes from a good choice physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually 🙂
Great photo!
I just saw a Core Power Groupon and was considering it!
Get it!! It’s my favorite place!
Ok weirdest thing–Teenage Dream is playing on Good Morning America right now….. WEIRD. I am a firm believer in strength training. I think it can be scary when you’re first starting because you feel like such a noob, but once you figure out how to go about it safely and effectively, I don’t think you can go back!
I love freaky coincidences like that 🙂 and I still feel like a noob haha but you just have to fake it til you make it. It’s also nice that there are plenty of strength training dvds out there now for people who don’t want to go to the gym.
I love strength training and doing handstands. It’s a full body workout and makes me feel strong!
My goal for the next six months is to be able to hold a headstand. I know that’s different haha but it made me think of it 🙂 I think I’ll always have horse legs (and proud of it! haha) but I’m working on that upper body strength. That’s so important and really boosts up my confidence when I feel strong throughout my whole body
Love it – strong is the new skinny! I definitely had my cardio bunny days, and they have long since gone. Do the same repetitive motion on the elliptical for 90 minutes?! No thank ya, I’d rather do a dynamic HIIT workout that has my body working in all sorts of ways and has me sweating up a storm! 🙂
I went through a six-month elliptical phase and besides being easy to watch TV on, it was so freaking boring! Then I found group fitness classes and that’s WAY in the rearview mirror 🙂
My support system gives me strength! I would be no where without them. Seriously, I would be hiding in my closet – ha ha ah!
Having a level-headed, supportive and loving group of people in your life is irreplaceable.