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My Fitness Diary

My fitness diary is an extension of Beauty Essentials which evolved into My Beauty Diary earlier this year, published in VegWorld Magazine. I am happy to share this interlude as My Beauty Diary is now in negotiations for a new home, which will create an even bigger platform to share my beauty journey with you all in 2021.

Let’s do this…

Let’s get physical. Que the music. Although I leaned into virtual yoga classes and my beloved bike rides in Central Park, my body still ached for the gym. So when the gyms reopened in NYC this past Fall, I was eager to get back. A little backstory on this decision. As a model and actress I am tested before every shoot, a week before when schedules allow and then a rapid test the day of, so needless to say this decision was a big deal. I’ve been a member of Equinox for over a decade, they are the best in the business and how they have navigated this time, gave me enough confidence to step back into one of my favorite environments. I remember how excited I was as I walked, actually skipped, the few blocks to my gym, stepping off the elevator I was greeted with smiles and a temperature check. Due to the limited capacity, every time I work out I have to book in advance and also sign a health declaration. Working out is different in so many ways; wearing a mask is required obviously, we wipe the equipment down before and after each use, the steam room and sauna are closed, the equipment and changing areas are positioned with the required 6 feet apart and classes are outside. How does this feel? My skin can certainly answer that, awful. Perspiring and yes really sweating under a mask caused my skin to breakout so I had to make adjustments and I did that by adding additional anti inflammatory supplements and skincare (stay tuned for part two). As a New Yorker having lived through the epicenter I know the effectiveness of masks and so for myself it’s a reflex to wear a mask and I take the science behind them seriously. Working out is non negotiable for my physical and mental health and so during this unique time, It’s all about adjusting.

Living in the wild…

Although my skin was frustrated, I could feel my body coming alive again. I could feel it waking up as I began to use certain muscles I had not used for over 6 months. I began slowly and actually approached this as if I was new to the gym. Since I began my workout regime as a teenager I have never gone this long without working out properly (bike riding is a supplement to my workouts and just brings me immense joy and yoga is how I connect within and keep my body flexible, elongated and my posture in check). The gym is how I stay fit and toned and it’s this disciplined environment that nourishes my focus and goals. I had to be gentle and patient with my body. This was particularly evident as I started classes again.

 

The environment Equinox has created is superior, it is an absolute joy to workout in these outside classes. It feels like a festival for exercise, just a beautifully edited space. My first outside class was Barre, to have that human contact is irreplaceable. I actually got to the point where I wanted to throw all gadgets out of my window. I crave that real life experience, the virtual world could never replicate the energy and connection you feel when with other humans. It’s magical. I also challenged myself by trying new classes, one of them being a workout centered around the Vessel in New York’s Hudson Yards. It is here that my patience was tested and I had to listen carefully to my body and not judge myself but allow my body to keep readjusting. And it did. One of the highlights was yoga and pilates on the Edge, overlooking the city I love, the city that inspires me, the city I call home, the city that has made me who I am today. To have these classes and the gym during this time has been irreplaceable. When this is your lifestyle, it’s like oxygen. It’s how you survive and thrive.

Just start. Be gentle with yourself, ease into it, no judgements, focus on your body, your needs, set goals. The reward of loving up your body through exercise is life changing. The effects are transformative to how you connect with your body and the mental clarity it brings. Love you all. Until next time. You got this.

 

Part 2, ‘Under The Mask – Skincare 2020’ arrives next week.

Join Emma on instagram @emmaukny

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36 Comments

  1. It sounds like you are staying healthy! I usually avoid gyms and stick to jogging around the neighborhood.

  2. Love that you include GOAL SETTING as part of your fitness journey. It’s so important to set a goal in everything you do so you can have some sort of measure of “success”.

  4. I was just chasing my toddler around somewhere yesterday ad sweating with my mask on and I was miserable! Couldn’t imagine at the gym! Luckily I workout at home for now!

  5. It’s so important to set goals in all aspects of your life, especially when you want to accomplish something so important.

  10. I want to try online yoga class too. Now I am reminded to remain fit despite what is happening around. – Anosa Malanga

  11. Having a fitness regimen is so very important. Yoga is great and its effects on the physical as well as mental health is manifold.

  12. Reading your article reminds me to stay fit and healthy physically and mentally. I am glad that you also include goal settings in this post.

  13. I need to work on more fitness myself. I usually just do walking and jogging. I need to add in some more fitness. I think having a fitness diary is an awesome idea too.

  16. I miss my gym so much! I really need to push myself to get outside and walk more this winter.

  18. Staying healthy it’s so important these days! I hope to have more time for my workouts!

  19. It is great to hear from you. Yes our health is our greatest investment. Once we get into the flow, it’s a reflex. Like everything, it’s just getting started. Enjoy your workouts.

  21. Hello Kate, I know it does feel amazing to be back at the gym. Yes just do it, you will feel great once you do. Happy walking.

  24. Thank you Kathy. Yes a fitness diary is fun and encouraging and a great place to see your goals in writing. I love walking so much!

  31. Hello Beth, the benefits are so rewarding and my body thanks me daily for being back in the gym, so wearing a mask is something you simply adapt too. Like so much, as we all navigate this unique time. Thank you for your comment.

  33. Thank you for your comment Bri, the benefits far outweigh wearing the mask. My body and mind feel amazing. It’s a minor inconvenience really. Enjoy your workouts.

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