My Workout Routine with Crunch Fitness

 This post was sponsored by Crunch fitness.

Fitness means something different to everyone and if I am being completely honest, it has meant wildly different things to me as my tastes and schedule change. Although there have been different workout routine obsessions that have come and gone in the life of cathclaire, there have been several aspects of my workout that have remained constant. When Crunch offered me a membership to their gym with #NOJUDGEMENTS, I was elated to see that all of my work out priorities were easily accommodated with their facility in Scott’s Addition in Richmond. Crunch fitness is an inspiring company that makes working out fun and diverse with room for everyone. Who doesn’t love working out at a gym with this kind of manifesto?

Growing up as a dancer and a cheerleader, one of my priorities when working out has always been stretching. I have been taught time and time again the importance of flexibility and I always feel my best when I am making an effort to stretch regularly day in and day out. Whether I am taking a Yoga or Barre class at Crunch, I always make a point to do an extra stretch before or after my class in one of their stretching areas surrounded by mirrors. No, not because I’m vain, but because I like to make sure my form is correct, duh!

Sidenote: Sometimes when I finish stretching, it is easy for me to let myself leave the gym before even working out. How do I avoid this? Priming myself with some good motivation before getting to the gym (a few picture of my dream bod will do) and equipping my phone with a bomb playlist. Whether that includes music or a lecture from one of my favorite gurus, this will keep me focused during any workout. Follow me on Spotify here.

Another constant throughout my workout routine has been 3lb weights for arm workouts. I will never forget when I learned that Tracy Anderson, LA based trainer to celebs and beyond, recommended no heavier than 3 lb weights to get toned arms. Maybe it was more relief that I didn’t have to 
continue to strain on 10lb weights to have Gwyneth Paltrow arms but whatever, I usually stick 
around the 2-3 lbs consistently for arm 
workouts!

Meditation for Beginners from a Meditation Junkie

I have been addicted to meditating for a couple of years now.  I find myself talking about my meditation practice when I meet you guys in person and recently I have started to take notice that this subject is always accompanied by the "what, really? Please teach me!" reaction. I am really vocal about my meditation experiences within my circle of friends and I want to begin to share this on cathclaire in hopes you guys will gain something from it!

Meditation has benefited me in ways that I could have never imagined. It is something I look forward to almost everyday and when the day rolls around that puts the "almost" in almost everyday,  I am ALWAYS happy I pushed through and forced myself to meditate anyway. As a result of this consistent practice: my energy levels are higher, my focus is stronger than it's ever been, and the voice in my head has become one of my most supportive friends versus a thing to be dealt with.

Are you intrigued yet? 

Shop Forever 21 Now

You guys know that Rebecca and I are faithful Forever 21 shoppers. Not just because 21 is everyone's favorite age (hehe) but because they find the best way to make fashion available and so affordable (remember this outfit?) We are at NYFW right now but can you guess where our last minute stop for finishing touches on our #NYFW outfits?  Forever 21.

Here is an outfit I threw together with all pieces from old faithful for a new "Shop Forever 21 Now" social media handle they are developing. Follow them on instagram and be sure to follow along on The Crystal Press's social media for New York Fashion Week coverage.

Forever 21 threads: Ribbed Knit Bodycon Skirt / V-Cut Mesh-Paneled Tank / Round Sunnies / Longline Bomber Jacket / Lipcolor: Tarte Envy