I Tried an Alo Moves Challenge: Week 1
Follow along with Alo Moves user Christine as she takes part in the four-week
Find What Moves You Challenge.
By Christine M.
I am not into New Year’s resolutions. I much prefer to set myself up for success by setting more digestible goals for myself and revisiting them month by month rather than making bold statements at the beginning of each year and hoping for the best. I’ve always wanted to try out an organized fitness challenge, but honestly felt both a bit intimidated to partake in one, as well as a bit cynical of doing something as cliche as “get fit because it’s a new year.” I quickly got over that when I saw the Alo Moves Find What Moves You Challenge. I loved the idea of having the classes already picked out for me, and that all I had to do was show up each day (which is half the battle anyway!) and make it through each class. And after trying Alo Moves for a week before, I knew I could get used to the weekly schedule. As a busy work-from-home mom of an even busier 3-year-old who, thanks to the pandemic, is also at home, finding time for myself is a constant struggle. So, I recruited my husband and we set out to do the Get Fit track, fully accepting that both our dog and toddler would be right in the middle of everything. And they were. But we made it through the first week and it felt great to sweat. Here’s how it went day by day:
Monday, Day 1:
Class: Wake Up Your Body with Jacy Cunningham
Day One is here and I’m feeling positive going into this, even though I haven’t worked out in a while. My husband and I are doing this challenge together and having an accountability partner helps with motivation a ton — I just prefer working out with other people. Always have! Also, what is it about starting things on a Monday that just feels serious? Honestly, I’m glad to see that today’s class is a quick 10-minutes. Everyone can make time in their day for 10 minutes, right?
Jacy Cunningham is one of our favorite instructors on Alo Moves, so we’re looking forward to starting off the challenge with him. His energy is infectious and his classes always push us just the right amount and make us sweat. This class was no different and gave us a solid whole-body workout with moves like inchworms, high knees, and plank. It was the perfect introduction to the challenge.
Tuesday, Day 2:
Class: Barre Core Tabata with Emily Sferra
This class, rated as Advanced and Intensity 4, was exactly that. For someone who took a very leisurely break over the holidays, I was NOT prepared for today’s class, and trying to keep up just reminded me how out of shape I am! I did make it through the whole class, but at some parts had to do some modifications or slow down a bit and take it at my own pace.
I know it’s easy to bog yourself down with negative thoughts when you’re struggling to keep up, but instead of focusing on what I couldn’t do, I put my effort into focusing on what I could do and making sure to do it with the best form possible to avoid injury. I need to work up my level of fitness a bit before I’ll try this class again, but when I do, I’ll be ready!
Wednesday, Day 3:
Class: Leg Burnout with Callie Gullickson
Whew, I am SORE today! Today’s class was another burner but didn’t feel as overwhelming as yesterday’s, despite my legs being one area that I’d like to strengthen. I found it to be a very complete class that worked my quads, glutes, calves, and hamstrings. Paired together with a long walk, it made the ideal leg-day workout.
Thursday, Day 4:
Class: Targeted Arms and Back with Tela Anderson
At 35 minutes, this was the longest class of the week. And while that’s not long, I still don’t feel like my muscles have recovered completely from Tuesday yet, so I was feeling slightly nervous beforehand. I was glad to work on some targeted areas that weren’t already sore, and although I didn’t have any hand weights laying around, I subbed them out for a couple of canned goods and called it good.
Friday, Day 5:
Class: 10x10 Abs with Patrick
I loved this class! Patrick’s teaching style is so grounding and calming, and even though you’re doing some intense moves and you have to push through at times, he makes it feel within reach. This would be a fantastic class to keep in your regular rotation as it works your entire core. And at around 10 minutes, can be added on to any other workout easily.
Want to join in on the Find What Moves You Challenge? You can start anytime with a free 14-Day trial to Alo Moves. You can also check out Christine’s 7-day Alo Moves review.