Happy Monday!!
It feels like that Monday after Christmas break, no? Even though I don’t have a “normal” 9-5 job, all my friends are going back to work today and I need to really buckle down with my writing. Party’s over…back to school! 😉
I have managed to be mildly productive, however, this morning and have already paid all my bills and my school loan. I also quit the gym. I think I might be the only one that actually called to quit the gym right after New Years but hey…whatever. I quit because it was super expensive and I want to focus more on yoga. It’s hard to go to both a yoga studio AND a gym because both are pricey so I had to choose one. And, like usual, yoga won. Bye bye, health club. Hello, yoga mat. Yoga does a whole lot more for my body than spinning, elliptical and weights and maybe someday I’ll even be able to run again (gasp!). Seriously though…don’t you ever feel like a hamster on a wheel when you are mindlessly on the elliptical machine reading yet another issue of US weekly? Or is that just me?
Anyways, overnight oats for breakfast du jour:
megan
January 4, 2010 at 8:03 amgreat post about your decision. It seems like yoga is really what you love, so that is what you should do. I really need to try yoga!
OrganicAshley
January 4, 2010 at 8:11 amI feel the same way about yoga versus the gym. I truly feel like I shouldn’t have to try to forget that I am working out by reading a magazine and listening to my ipod. I gained ten lbs. that I have been working on loosing this summer when I only did yoga so I kind of scared to go back to that. But I have always said that if I could only do yoga everyday for my exercise I would be a happy camper!
theemptynutjar
January 4, 2010 at 8:11 amJenna, you are so calming. I have not been to a gym in ages…nothing for the past year and another year+ to go before anything really…i know u do INTENSE yoga and i do NOT though..so that is different…but you at least make me feel a bit better about doing just a short daily walk (weather permitting) + 20 mins of basic yoga 3-4 x/week…i admire your writing…right now i am just writing on my blog, reading, things like that…one day if inspired or something i would like to take writing to another level…but no pressure…like u the important thing is to live life, and take one day at a time as it happens, not to force things…have a nice day. And love your breakfast! Needs more nut butter and stuff I say 🙂
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
January 4, 2010 at 8:15 amI think it’s great you quit the gym! Do what works for you. 🙂
Kristen @ Change of Pace
January 4, 2010 at 8:16 amI just joined a gym and now I’m regretting it. I desperatly want to get back into yoga but I feel like I don’t have the time. Plus I’ve already spent money on a new gym. I feel like I get more out of a spinnning class than yoga but you do far more intense yoga than I do. Also, my goals are different than yours. Well now that I’ve just rambled about absolutely nothing I hope you have a wonderful day!
Erin
January 4, 2010 at 8:19 amI’m glad to have a free gym during the winter, but I don’t understand people who pay for a gym during warm weather. Seems like a waste of $$$ when there are so many amazing ways to workout outside for FREE. 😀
Rosey Rebecca
January 4, 2010 at 8:19 amMy gym offers yoga and pilates classes so I go to those. I love going to the gym but I know what you mean about feeling like a hamster. I love working out outside too but the weather is just too cold right now!
rachael
January 4, 2010 at 8:21 amI have always thought that I get the most complete workout from yoga. At a vinyasa class you get cardio, strength training, stretching, and balancing in one shot. Not to mention the benefits for the mind and soul.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
January 4, 2010 at 8:23 amYou have to do what’s best for you! I need some sort of “gym activity” in my life; if I only did yoga, I think I’d start to get a little ancy. I guess I’m just not zen enough for that 🙂
Danielle (Coffee Run)
January 4, 2010 at 8:24 amThe elliptical def. makes me feel like a hamster. I have a 30 min. max attention span and then I have to move on to something else
Mama Pea
January 4, 2010 at 8:32 amI just got off my hamster wheel and it was People and the Today show. Shoot.
Mae
January 4, 2010 at 8:34 amSo are you still working at the Yoga studio for free classes? That would be such a great money saver to not have to pay for either!! 😀
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
January 4, 2010 at 8:36 amSince I can’t run with my knees (Runner’s knee in both, yay!) I need a gym membership to get any sort of physical activity. I dream of a day when I can run outside and get rid of this monthly membership. Till then I’ll just be jealous of your yoga habit. 😉
Traci
January 4, 2010 at 8:36 amGreat decision Jenna…Yoga over the gym! I’m with you on the eliptical AND the treadmill. I get so bored on them. In addition to Bikram I’m also a runner but really can only do outside. Hate the treadmill. Did a quick 2 miles on it before work this morning but never really like it. Have a great yoga class! And yes, it does feel like the 1st day of school! It’s my 1st day back at work since Dec 23rd…tough to get back in the swing!
Marisa (Loser for Life)
January 4, 2010 at 8:36 amWonderful that you’re doing what makes you happy! I relate to the “hamster on the wheel”, but have made myself believe that this is a necessary reality in my life! I have not tried yoga, but would love to get into it one day. I’m not sure where to start – I know there are different types. Any suggestions for a completely stiff, non-limber beginner? 🙂
Estela @ Weekly Bite
January 4, 2010 at 8:40 amI’m with you! I feel much different after yoga than I do going to the gym.
Christie @ Honoring Health
January 4, 2010 at 8:41 amHoooray for yoga and for showing people that they don’t have to spend hours in the gym to be fit. People have so many preconceived notions about what yoga is and it is awesome you are debunking those notions. I always chuckle when people say that yoga is just rolling around on a mat or stretching. I say they have never practiced with Dave Farmar or Baron Baptiste 🙂
Victoria
January 4, 2010 at 8:43 amMy husband and I quit are gym yesterday. I thought we were the only january quitters!
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
January 4, 2010 at 8:43 amIf I lived in a warmer climate, I would be happy as a clam just doing outdoor runs/walks and yoga. Unfortunately the negative 5 degree wind-chill we’ve been having in the Northeast makes any outdoor activity miserable, ugh. I’m super jealous of your Cali weather! And your yoga-toned arms 🙂 Have a good Monday!
Kati @ Living Well
January 4, 2010 at 8:55 amYoga victory! I agree- it’s too hard to pay for both and then go enough to make each one worth it. I’m contemplating quitting my gym as well. I’ve been doing the 30-day shred at home and then I can do yoga at home too…we’ll see. I could use the saved money to get a monthly MASSAGE! :–)
Heather (The Single Dish)
January 4, 2010 at 9:05 amGoing to classes at the gym if the only way I can still manage to not get bored. Running on the treadmill is BORING! I have only done yoga a handful of times, maybe that should be my New Year’s resolution?!
Sarah S.
January 4, 2010 at 9:10 amGlad you quit the gym if it wasn’t right for you! Everyone’s body needs something different, and not everyone likes “traditional” type workouts. I can’t run anymore either :(, but I’ve found such happiness in yoga, pilates, and walking outside. My body and mind are very happy. 🙂 Happy New Year!
Amanda@thgrainsofparadise
January 4, 2010 at 9:18 amI totally understand. I did the same thing in November….However, I started to really missed the gym once I could no longer go to it. Crazy…..so I rejoined last week hahaaa.
Carolyn
January 4, 2010 at 9:18 amGlad you made a decision that works for you!
Emily
January 4, 2010 at 9:19 amToo funny! I’m currently learning about yogo and whenever you metion a pose I haven’t looked up or don’t remember I google it. Low and behold when I googled chatarungas I pulled up the images (to get a mental picture of the pose) and the first picture is of YOU!
Your overnight oats look rather tempting! =]
Rachel
January 4, 2010 at 9:24 amIf you’re not using it (or enjoying using it) then it’s definitely a waste of money, and letting it go is a good call! Your head is in the right place… it isn’t like you’re completely avoiding exercise!
Olga @ Healthing It
January 4, 2010 at 9:27 amI applaud you for quitting the gym…so many people have a membership and don’t enjoy going, why waste the money?
Finding an exercise that you enjoy and love is so much more better for your mind, body AND your wallet.
Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen
January 4, 2010 at 9:28 amI think that’s a great decision…you should be able to focus on what really motivates you and makes you feel good! Plus, if you can save $$$, all the better! 🙂
Paige (Running Around Normal)
January 4, 2010 at 9:28 amI quit my gym last year around this time too! They were increasing the rates, and I had just gotten an elliptical, and had quit my job, thinking I wouldn’t get the position I was going for (I ended up getting it, doh!) and quit my gym!
I’ve since joined a different one, but didn’t do that until this May. haha
I think you’re doing fabulously with your yoga!
katherine
January 4, 2010 at 9:37 amHaving great yoga classes at my gym really makes a huge difference for me. Since I dont really crave yoga every day, and it’s far too cold to run outside all the time in the winter here in NYC, I do love the convenience of the gym. I also find that it encourages me to focus on my workouts a bit more. If I only worked out from home, I think I’d be more inclined to skip a workout, but that’s just me!
Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl
January 4, 2010 at 9:43 amYay for yoga! 😀
And…. I just realized I am SO craving some overnight oats! LOL
Have a fantabulous day, Jenna!
*smiles*
Michele
Jil
January 4, 2010 at 9:45 amI cancelled my gym membership right before Christmas — even though it was onl $20 a month — it was $20 that I could use elsewhere…plus, I get my exercise in in other ways. Plus, my gym was starting to feel “judgmental” like if you didn’t show up every single day they looked down on you — not cool IMO.
Erin
January 4, 2010 at 9:45 amIn my world, yoga beats a gym membership ANY day, lol!
amanda
January 4, 2010 at 9:46 amdoes she still work for the winery or did i miss something????…. hope yall are having a good day!
Chelsea
January 4, 2010 at 9:48 amThere’s so much you can do at home without a gym membership. With yoga, there is so MANY benefits to going to a studio-especially since you enjoy Bikram. Plus, now it’s FREE! I’m incredibly fortunate to have an AMAZING yogo studio as part of my gym with world renowned teachers. No Bikram though 🙁
Sana
January 4, 2010 at 9:49 amGood call! You do what you want!
At least you have your fully stocked freezer :)!
Deva (voracious vorilee)
January 4, 2010 at 9:49 amI love going to the gym. for me, my membership is about getting to do what I enjoy – running when it’s below freezing, lifting weights year-round, etc. I am going to get some more yoga in this year, it’s something that I seem to have let go by the wayside since high school, and I miss it!
Sarah (Oc2Seattle)
January 4, 2010 at 10:03 amSo agree, the elliptical and treadmill always feel like a prison sentence!
Allison K
January 4, 2010 at 10:16 amI think it’s aweseome that you made a good decision for yourself, and saved money in the process!
maggie
January 4, 2010 at 10:16 amI too quit the gym mid last year and it was sooo worth it! Pilates makes everything better! Love your breakfast. Take pics of your grochery goodies? Pls!
xoxo
Maggie
Joelle (The Pancake Girl))
January 4, 2010 at 10:18 amYou know, I have to say I really agree as well.. I used to love going to the gym in undergrad, but then I started running and biking outside, and got into Bikram yoga. Now going to the gym more than once or twice the week bores me to tears, which is kind of annoying because I hate running in the freezing cold outside on the east coast. Have a good one!
Anne
January 4, 2010 at 10:23 amI am returning to writing after winter break too. Good luck! Start slowly & build productivity…. bird by bird.
Andrea
January 4, 2010 at 10:27 amGood call Jenna. I agree about feeling like a hamster in the gym. I stick to outdoor activities (I am thankful our winter weather allows it) and yoga. You gotta do what you like!
Jenna
January 4, 2010 at 10:27 amGood job picking one or the other to save money and I am happ you chose yoga since you seem to enjoy that the most!
Yummy oats and enjoy your Monday!
I totally agree with you on the whole hampster on an elliptical reading yet another issue of magazines! Ha. So true!
Jenna
Cait (Cait's Plate)
January 4, 2010 at 10:36 amI hear ya – I really hate the gym. I’d choose a yoga studio too 🙂
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale
January 4, 2010 at 10:39 amTotally with you on the gym call. I’ve never liked the gym and never feel like I’m getting my moneys worth when I pay for it since I’d much rather be movin and groovin outside!
Lauren
January 4, 2010 at 10:45 amI hate a gym, and they truly are outrageously expensive just for you to work out on a machine all alone. Way to make the right decision.
Jessica
January 4, 2010 at 10:46 amPb & J yogurt-y oats are my favoriteee 🙂
Love that you’re such a yogini–i’d love to practice it more when i get outta college (or i COULD just try some more classes, while in it!!) hahah
And thank you thank you thank youuu for sharing such delicious recipes. My mom and I made your meatless sloppy joes again the other night, for the third time and just cannot get enough of it! Had the leftovers in another bun and then over a sweet potato for several days following!
Laura
January 4, 2010 at 11:00 amHi Jenna,
I am really intrigued by your love of yoga and your decision to quit the gym in favor of really focusing on your yoga practice. I have dabbled (hehe, funny word) in yoga and pilates but never really stuck to it as I have always been an avid “cardio girl.” Its just always been my belief that you have to run or do some sort of intense cardio along with strength training to get in a “good” workout, but I am now coming to realize that this belief is entirely not true. However, I am currently trying to lose weight and am worried that if I start exclusively practicing yoga, I will not be getting as “good” of a workout as before. Do you feel that a yoga-based workout regimen can be conducive to weight loss? Thanks so much for your input! Feel free to write about this on the blog or email me!
<3 Laura
Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion
January 4, 2010 at 11:11 amIt is hard to choose! It is always good to choose the one you enjoy more! Good Luck with adding more yoga!
Lauren @ Eater not a runner
January 4, 2010 at 11:37 amI don’t blame you, yoga is so great.
Karla
January 4, 2010 at 11:41 amI really like going to the gym. I know for some people it’s silly to go on a machine and work really hard without getting anywhere but I really think it’s a time when I can get my mind off everything. I don’t have to worry about getting hit by a car, I can just zone out for real.
I think you need to do what works for you 🙂
Lauren
January 4, 2010 at 11:55 amI totally feel like a hamster on a wheel at the gym–not an appealing idea! I quit my gym last year in lieu of yoga, too. Now, I run exclusively outside (even in the winter–cold weather gear is critical!) and very happily practice yoga at a studio. Love it. I couldn’t agree with your decision more! 😉
Leah
January 4, 2010 at 12:02 pmMy gym was way too expensive too! Its ridiculous how much they can charge you eh? I far prefer running outside to the treadmill anyhow. My attention span is too short, I need stuff to look at.
lindsay
January 4, 2010 at 12:10 pmYoga would win for me too. I am just not a gym girl.
Michelle
January 4, 2010 at 12:20 pm“hampster on a wheel” says it all! it’s like I’m running from nothing!
Cynthia (It All Changes)
January 4, 2010 at 12:24 pmI wish I could afford the yoga studio over the gym. But I have the cheapest gym membership and it’s only $10 a month. So gym it is with at home yoga.
Angela
January 4, 2010 at 12:38 pmNo you’re not alone. We’re quitting our gym membership this month too – I agree, too expensive and we need the money. I’m going to be doing a fair amount of running this year (marathon training) and I’ve also been doing the 30-Day Shred from home. I think we’re gonna find a decently-priced treadmill and call it a day. 😉
I agree – one does not need to have a gym membership to get fit!
Nicole
January 4, 2010 at 12:39 pmHi Jenna. I’m new to the blog and was wondering why you don’t run that often. Are you recovering for an injury or did you just finish a marathon/large race? Thanks!
jenna
January 4, 2010 at 12:50 pmNicole,
I sprained my ankle pretty bad mid-October and it still isn’t run-ready yet. Hopefully one of these days it will heal up!
sherri
January 4, 2010 at 12:49 pmjenna, are you still looking for tickets to thursday’s game?
jenna
January 4, 2010 at 12:50 pmSherri,
Um YES!!!!!!!
zestycook
January 4, 2010 at 12:53 pmZesty needs to try YOGA!
Katy @ These Beautiful Feet
January 4, 2010 at 1:36 pmI think with running & yoga, I don’t need a gym membership. I would rather use that to pay for yoga classes. It’s not only a fantastic whole body workout but it’s SO CALMING!! It’s crazy how I will be in a painful pose and yet feel so relaxed at the same time! 🙂
Jenny
January 4, 2010 at 1:38 pmI think that awesome that you chose yoga over the gym! And yes, I DO feel like a hamster on a wheel sometimes, that’s why I am always switching up what I do (or at least trying to). But I could really tell that yoga is where your heart is, so I know you’ve made a great decision for yourself!
I had overnight oats for breakfast too! Even though it’s freezing today, I still love them 🙂
Amber
January 4, 2010 at 3:23 pmI think you made a great choice! I hate that I had to choose between the gym and my yoga studio, but, I couldn’t afford both and I agree that yoga seems to do so much more for my body than anything I was doing at the gym.
Erica H.
January 4, 2010 at 3:27 pmHey Jenna — I really want to start yoga since you rave about it all the time. Do you have any good suggestions for beginner videos/online videos? Thanks!
Janice (O.S.M.B.)
January 4, 2010 at 4:24 pmSo funny because I went to a gym for the first time today in a LONG time (other than my dinky apartment gym) just to start taking yoga classes. While I love doing it in my living room, your posts have made me want something a bit more challenging. They have a ton of yoga classes there so I’m gonna give it a whirl. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
MLT
January 4, 2010 at 6:31 pmHey Jenna!
Love reading your blog lately with all the beautiful Cali pics! I missed a few posts in there and I was wondering…did you quit your winery job? Or maybe you’re just not posting “went to work today. Came back from work today.” 🙂
Just curious! By the way, I am coming to live in your neck of the woods next summer and already have a list of places I need to eat at!
Samantha
January 4, 2010 at 7:15 pmYour comment about a hamster on a wheel…AMEN!!!
I did the gym yesterday and a 10:00 warm up on the elliptical was mind numbing. But my 40:00 yoga by the ocean under the moonlight at 7pm was pure bliss. 🙂
Any tips for getting stronger in forearm and handstand? (other than practice! ha ha!) I just got into forearm stand on my own with no assistance for the first time last week, but am still using a wall to practice both. Especially after burning the skin off of my elbows doing forearm stands on hot playground mats this weekend!
Lesley Lifting Life
January 4, 2010 at 7:30 pmHaha, it sure is the Monday after Christmas break …. hopefully the week doesn’t last too long! Good luck with your writing 🙂
Katie
January 4, 2010 at 7:45 pmJenna, I traveled a lot over the holidays and I am having trouble getting back into my normal routine. I just feel so out of it and gross after the holidays! any tips for being patient and not judging myself for the hard time? I know I gained a couple pounds and I just can’t get over it!
Danielle
January 6, 2010 at 5:32 pmI made overnight oats the other morning after reading about them on your blog for so long and they were really good! I can’t wait to have them again – if only it would warm up here in Florida!
Mandy
January 7, 2010 at 9:33 pmYay for quitting the gym! I just did today, and must say I feel positively liberated! I have spent thousands and thousands of dollars at gyms, mostly out of a fear of “getting fat”. It has been a loooonnng journey learning to love myself and trust my body, and now I am one happy yogi and runner who has no desire to crank out 40 minutes on the elliptical or take a boot camp class at a dirty, over priced sweat box.
Amen!
xo