Alo Moves Unraveling

⁣In less than a month I’ll be a mom of 3, and while I got my hydration down, I figured I’d “get back into shape”, starting now. To be honest, I haven’t had a regular workout routine since my concussion back in September, and when my pregnancy was confirmed shortly after, followed by lots of morning sickness, I kind of just put exercise on the back burner. Unless you count chasing my kids around and taking the stairs over the elevator.

⁣Anyway, I’ve always thought, “Life’s too short not to have the cake”, but at the same time, I feel like it’s also too short not to take care of the body. I mean, why not make room for both? Why is it so often one vs. the other, or “I’m waiting until said date until I start”? Why not now and why not both??⁣

⁣People keep asking me where I’m at in pregnancy, and I assume they mean how many weeks, but right now “exhausted” seems like a more fitting answer than a segment of time. But it’s not just physical exhaustion, it’s the kind of exhaustion where you want to do more and barring a child seems like a valid excuse not to. And don’t get me wrong, I know there are many who are unable to “do more” for a number logical reasons, pregnancy included, and I don’t think anyone should push themselves to an unnecessary length (because that’s also unhealthy). But if you ARE able (and willing), why wait?⁣

Today, I decided I’m no longer waiting. I’m listening to my body. I don’t care if I’m in my 3rd trimester and could potentially give birth any time now, I’m going to find that balance I’ve been missing for the past 8 months. Besides, it’s not like I ordered all this powder pink equipment from Alo Yoga, just because it matches my outfit, or for it to just sit and look pretty in the closet…

Below, I’ll be doing an unraveling of the items I ordered from Alo’s powder pink collection, followed by the program I’m starting over the weekend, in hopes to motivate somebody, somewhere to get their equipment out of their closet and/or get their body moving.

Before I get into the equipment though, I just want to take the time to acknowledge this double walled glass bottle I picked from Starbucks on Cambie, because you can’t have a good workout without some good hydration. This bottle holds the perfect amount of water for taking on the go — plenty to keep me hydrated, but not so much that I feel like I’m carrying around an effing cinder block. Plus, there’s just something about drinking from a glass bottle that is so cleansing and satisfying. And I obviously couldn’t resist the iridescence (which just so happens to matches my current manicure and the pilates mat I ordered).

Now for the powder pink collection from Alo Yoga, starting with the essential yoga strap. This strap is used to help deepen stretches in yoga or pilates. It’s good for both increasing flexibility, as well as restorative poses. It also doubles as a mat carrier, which is very convenient for classes outside the house.

Next are the Goddess Leg Warmers. While these obviously aren’t necessary for yoga / pilates practice, I feel they are a lovely added comfort, especially for those colder days or when the laundry is piling up and all you have are shorts to workout in. Not only are these flexible because of their elasticity, but also how they can be worn — they can be placed over the knee or layered with leggings of choice for extra warmth. They also have stirrups that can be placed under the heel to keep them in place.

Have you ever heard that saying, “If you don’t break a sweat, you didn’t workout hard enough”? Well, I believe it to be true, and so much that I decided to order this ultra soft hand towel, made from micro-fibre. This towel is super absorbent for soaking up sweat during workouts and can also be used to clean your mat for the next use.

Next are the Uplifting Yoga Blocks. These are great for beginner poses, but they aren’t limited to a beginner’s workout, as they are often used to “level up practice and maintain stability” (according to Alo). I love these, because they carry the perfect amount firmness, while still being lightweight. They are also 100% EVA (Phthalate free and metal free), which is a major plus!

Last, but not least is the Warrior Mat, which serves as an essential support for any yoga or pilates practice. This mat is cushioned to perfection and holds a great grip for staying quite literally grounded during any practice. Some more added benefits of this mat is that it is both anti-odor and non-toxic. It is also 100% formaldehyde-free, PVC-free, and ethically sourced. You really can’t go wrong with this one.

Now that the unraveling is done, I can finally start my new workout routine. I chose to start with “Prenatal Glow” taught by Instructor Briohny Smyth via Alo Moves. This is a home workout that can be accessed through the Alo Moves app, and not only is it safe for pregnant women, it was made for pregnant women. This workout uses the elements of yoga to create space in the body and prepare for baby’s arrival, which is exactly what I’m looking for. I plan to combine each session with some light Breathwork as well, also accessed within the app.

If you’re looking for an at home workout, I highly recommend Alo Moves, as I’ve taken classes from the app before and have never been disappointed. The video quality is outstanding and almost feels as if you’re in the studio, yourself. The app allows you to choose from many different instructors, workouts, concentrations, and levels of workouts. Some of what they offer are Barre, Pilates, and Yoga, complete with Breathwork, Meditation, Chakra Balancing, and relaxing Sound Baths. Alo also happens to be offering a 30 day free trial for the month of May, which is coming up in just a couple days — a prefect time to start (if you haven’t already).

What’s your current go-to workout and/or way to unwind at the end of the day? Let me know in the comments below or on IG @haveyour.c.a.k.e

Hope you all have a relaxing weekend (whatever that may look like for you).

Xoxo