UNLMTD Blog
Welcome to the blog! This is your go-to space for real stories, creative inspiration, and thoughtful reflections. Whether you are here to learn, laugh, or just feel a little more seen, there is something waiting for you in every post. Let’s grow, dream, and get real together!
UNLMTD Blog
Wellness Woven with Purpose: Our Earth Day Commitment
As a woman-founded activewear brand, we believe true wellness extends beyond the mat or the gym. It’s about honoring the ecosystems that inspire us and the communities that sustain us. This Earth Day, we’re sharing how we’re evolving to protect both.
The Unstoppable Journey: Celebrating Women’s Resilience and Progress
To the women who refuse to stay small: You are the dreamers. The fighters. The builders of a better world. Your voice is your power. Your story is your strength. This is for you.
Beyond the Gym: Embrace the Fun with 26 Quirky and Effective Exercise Ideas
If your mental snapshot of a workout transports you to a scene of Arnold Schwarzenegger flexing Herculean muscles amid clanging weights in a Spartan gym, it's time to flip the script. Why, you ask? Well, because your exercise routine is like a blank canvas, waiting for you to paint it with whatever brings you pure joy. And guess what? Your workout isn't chained to the gym—it's wherever you decide it should be.
So, whether you're feeling a tad bored with your usual routine or you're itching to inject some electrifying vibes into your sweat sessions, guess what? Your search ends right here!
We've rolled up our sleeves and scoured the fitness landscape to bring you a treasure trove of seriously awesome and crazy fun workout routines. These routines? Oh, they're like custom-made happiness capsules designed to make your inner sports fanatic do a victory dance. So, say "sayonara" to that dull routine you've been stuck in and get ready to plunge headfirst into a world of 26 workouts that'll have your excitement levels soaring and your fitness game on turbo mode.
And guess what? These workouts are all about keeping your energy high and your boredom levels at zero. No more yawning or clock-watching here, my friend! So let's roll up those sleeves, get ready to break a sweat, and bust out of that workout box. Your fitness journey is about to get a serious upgrade with a splash of creativity!
1. Get Your Inner Rollerskating Barbie On: Barbie is bringing back this exercise in disguise! Feel the breeze in your hair and a grin on your face as you glide along the sidewalk on rollerblades or roller skates. Hunt for a perfectly-sized pair at a local thrift shop or secondhand sports store and just roll with it. Remember to gear up with a helmet, elbow, and knee pads for safety's sake.
2. Embark on a Hiking Adventure: Allow nature to become your gym, whether it's a vigorous mountain climb or a leisurely stroll on a flat trail. Explore the outdoors with apps like AllTrails or TrailLink for scenic routes in your vicinity and explore not only the city you live in with a different perspective but the ones you travel to.
3. Unleash Your Inner Babe Ruth at the Batting Cages: The former collegiate softball player in me incorporates this exercise into her routine at least once every other week. Something about swinging a baseball bat is not only nostalgic to me, but it’s also a surprisingly rewarding workout. Spend quality time at the batting cages, enjoying the challenge, laughter, and release that comes with it!
4. Embrace Cross-County Skiing: Embrace winter with cross-country skiing—glide serenely over snowy landscapes. Rent skis or find deals at local sporting goods shops, and relish the low-impact endurance-building activity.
5. Just Around the River Bend Kayaking: For the past two months, this has been a weekly staple to my morning routine, and words cannot describe just how much a tranquil lake can transform not only your workout but also your mood as you paddle, engaging your core, arms, and legs. Nature and exercise become one, benefiting both your physical and mental well-being.
6. Walk on Snow: Movement doesn’t stop just because of the weather! When the snow is deep, make snowshoeing your ally. This tranquil activity allows you to walk atop the snow, immersing yourself in the winter wonderland. Pacing at your leisure, pause now and then to revel in the breathtaking scenery.
7. Stand-up Paddle Board Yoga: Combine paddleboarding and yoga for a unique physical challenge. Engage your core and stabilizers as you strike poses on the water. The key to this one is to be patient with yourself and be ready for the possibility of losing your balance and ending up in the water. If this happens, give yourself permission to laugh at your progress and attempts at trying something that might be new to you.
8. Vertical Ascension Rock Climbing: Lack mountains? No problem! Head to a local climbing gym for a vertical adventure. Whether you opt for top-rope climbing or bouldering, the challenge and satisfaction are real. Book outdoor lessons or tours for an extra dose of thrill, as most Metroparks offer these.
9. Just Dance: Dance classes offer an engaging way to move. Be it hip-hop, tango, or shuffling, studios and ballrooms near you invite you to sway to the rhythm. If the stage isn't your thing, have a dance-off in your kitchen!
10. Jump Rope for a Cardio Blast: Channel your inner child with jump rope sessions. Jumping to upbeat music is a heart-pounding, exhilarating activity that's much more challenging than it looks. And remember, it takes a few minutes to get back into the grove of this one.
11. Team Sports for Social Fitness: Join rec league sports to infuse fun into your fitness journey. From basketball to volleyball or soccer to kickball, team sports blend exercise with camaraderie. City and county recreation departments usually organize these leagues.
12. Rediscover the Joy of Bike Riding: You don't need to be a pro cyclist to enjoy a bike ride. Grab your sneakers, helmet, and water bottle, and hit the road. Cruise at your pace or challenge yourself with sprints. Indoor cycling classes are also an option. Hello Peloton :)
13. Rebound with Trampoline Fitness: I just started teaching this after attending a couple of classes as a student, and let me tell you, trampoline fitness is no joke. They are high-energy, that's both tough and invigorating. Explore local gyms or set up your rebounder at home.
14. Playful Playground Workouts: Revisit your childhood by dominating the playground — swing, slide, tag, and climb. Rediscover the joy of movement while basking in nostalgia.
15. Exercise Through Birding: Infuse your walk with purpose by taking up birding. Keep an eye and ear out for birds as you stroll, enhancing your connection to nature.
16. Boost Your Pace with Power Walking: Power walking strikes the balance between strolling and jogging. Swing your arms and walk briskly for a low-impact, effective workout. For an added challenge, don ankle or wrist weights that intensify your efforts.
17. Community Fitness: Group Workouts Elevate the enjoyment factor by exercising with a group. Outdoor group fitness classes create an energetic, social atmosphere.
18. Slope Adventures: Downhill Skiing Hit the slopes, even if you're far from the mountains. Skiing and snowboarding offer a full-body workout and breathtaking scenery.
19. Martial Arts: Balance Body and Mind Martial arts blend physical and mental prowess. Explore disciplines like karate or jiu-jitsu for a holistic workout.
20. Master the Pole with Pole Fitness: Enroll in a pole fitness class to engage your core, arms, and legs while mastering this unique form of exercise. Note to self: these classes are legit, and if you try them, I’ll be curious if you found a way not to wake up with bruises in the most random of places.
21. Aerial Feats: Trapeze and Aerial Silks Experience the thrill of trapeze, circus arts, or aerial silks classes. These unconventional workouts challenge your body while feeling like a performance.
22. Swimming: Dive into Fitness Swimming offers a full-body, joint-friendly workout. Indoors or outdoors, it's an exercise that can be enjoyed year-round.
23. Tee Off for Fitness: Golf and Driving Range Book a tee time, opt for walking the course, or visit a driving range for a fun approach to golf that's both social and active.
24. Stairway to Fitness Heaven: Don't overlook the potential of a simple staircase! This often underestimated piece of equipment has the power to revitalize your workout routine. Experiment with stair sprints, step-ups, and lateral jumps for an intense cardio and lower-body workout. The force of gravity adds an extra challenge, sculpting your leg muscles in ways you've never imagined. Elevate the difficulty by alternating between single and double steps, or integrate stair push-ups for upper body engagement. To amplify the intensity for a full-body experience, don a weighted backpack. Stairs are remarkably adaptable and conveniently accessible, making them an excellent addition to your unconventional workout repertoire.
25. Explore Nature's Gym: Trail Running Discover the unbeaten path by venturing into trail running. Unleash your inner explorer while navigating natural terrains. The uneven surfaces engage stabilizing muscles and offer a refreshing change from traditional running. Research local trails and immerse yourself in the invigorating beauty of the outdoors. As you conquer inclines and navigate obstacles, your body and mind will experience a dynamic workout unlike any other.
26. The Ultimate Laundry Day Workout: Don't let laundry day be a bore; turn it into a fitness opportunity! Utilize your laundry basket for functional training, adding a new dimension to your routine. Load it up with clothes or household items to create resistance, and incorporate exercises like squats, overhead presses, and lunges. Gradually increase the weight to keep the challenge alive.
So, here's the deal: if you sprinkle these out-of-the-box at-home workouts into your fitness groove, you're basically breaking up with boredom and giving your body and brain a wild ride. It's like shaking up the usual routine and saying, "Hey, muscles, ready for a fresh challenge?"
And guess what? Not only will these unique workouts put a smile on your face, but they'll also make your fitness game stronger and more efficient. You'll be like, "Wait, this is actually fun? And it's working? Count me in for more!"
So, what are you waiting for? Go unleash that inner athlete – trust me, they're itching to play.
Comment below with which ones you try and if you have any others to add to this list!
-- Lindsey Escaja | Blog Contributor
What's in My Gym Bag? From Basics to Necessities
If you're like me, you've probably spent some time wondering what exactly goes into a gym bag. I mean, we're not just packing sneakers and a water bottle, right? Well, you're in for a treat because today, I'm going to give you a sneak peek into my gym bag, and trust me, it’s not your typical one. As a fitness instructor, my bag is like Mary Poppins’ magical carpet bag – it’s filled with all kinds of goodies that help me stay on top of my game while adding a dash of fun to my workouts. So, let’s dive right in!
The Trusty Gym Bag:
First things first, you need a reliable gym bag to carry all your fitness essentials. I prefer one with plenty of compartments to keep things organized. Who wants to dig through a bottomless pit of gym gear? My trusted bag in crime is the Auroae Yoga backpack because I can strap my mat into a compartment just like everything else.
Workout Apparel:
Obviously, workout clothes are a must. But as a fitness instructor, I tend to have a few extra sets of UNLMTD apparel in there just in case. You never know when an impromptu fitness class might be needed.
Gym Shoes with Flair:
First things first, a good pair of gym shoes is a must. But why settle for plain old kicks when you can rock some flashy, colorful sneakers that scream, “Let’s get this workout party started!” They not only support my feet but also add a pop of personality to my gym attire. My go-tos? This ranges from Sorel, NoBull, Adidas, Nike, and Puma! What can I say? I love sneakers!
Snack Attack:
Fuel is key, so I carry a mix of pre and post-workout snacks. My secret weapon? Almonds and a banana – quick, easy, and packed with energy.
Hydration Station:
Water bottle? Check. But here's the twist – I've got a reusable smoothie cup. After a killer class, there's nothing like a protein-packed smoothie to refuel. Just be cautious on the sugars with your smoothies!
Music Magic:
As an instructor, I need my tunes. My wireless headphones are always in my bag along with a portable speaker. Music is the heartbeat of my workouts, and my portable speaker is the DJ. It’s not just about sharing killer workout playlists with my clients; it also turns the gym into a dance floor during solo sessions. Trust me, nothing beats a spontaneous dance break between sets!
Towel Time:
A small gym towel is a given, but I also stash a microfiber towel. Why? Because sweating buckets is kind of my thing, especially in a heated class, and I like to keep things as dry as possible.
Resistance Bands:
While many pack weights, I pack resistance bands. These little bands are the unsung heroes of my gym bag. They’re versatile, lightweight, and I can add them to any workout to kick things up a notch or help clients with their form.
First Aid Kit:
You never know when someone might need a band-aid or some pain relief cream. Plus, I have a soft spot for clumsy gym-goers because hi, I’m the problem it’s me, the clumsy one!
Dry Shampoo and Deodorant:
After a long day of sweating and teaching, I want to look and smell my best. Dry shampoo and deodorant are my secret weapons for that quick post-gym refresh.
Yoga Mat:
Even if I'm not teaching a yoga class, a yoga mat comes in handy. It's perfect for stretching, core workouts, or providing a clean surface for any impromptu floor exercises.
Inspirational Book:
Okay, this one's a bit quirky, but I always have an inspirational book tucked away. Sometimes, a dose of motivation is just what's needed between classes.
So, there you have it, folks – a peek into my gym bag as a fitness instructor and just you’re plain Jane gym-goer. It's a mix of practicality, preparedness, and a sprinkle of instructor flair.
What's in your gym bag? Anything fun or unexpected? Let me know in the comments below, and let's keep the conversation going!
—Lindsey Escaja | Blog Contributor
30 Days, 30 Ways to Embrace Happiness
Do you find yourself eagerly awaiting the arrival of January 1st to make resolutions and set new goals? If so, you're not alone. Many of us have been conditioned to associate the new year with fresh starts and the opportunity to create positive change in our lives. But what if I told you that every month can be a chance at a new beginning and a shift in mindset? You don't have to wait until the calendar flips to January to set goals and reflect on your journey. So, let's break free from the constraints of the annual cycle in this blog post and discover how to make the most of every month.
Insert, September! The month that bridges the gap between summer and fall, bringing with it a sense of change and new beginnings. With its crisp air, changing leaves, and the promise of pumpkin-spiced everything, September offers us the perfect opportunity to embrace happiness in a multitude of ways.
To make this September extra special, we’re going to do just that – embark on a journey to discover 30 delightful ways to make the most of this month! Use the below checklist as your guide to doing just that.
🗹 Wake up and watch the sunrise
🗹 Try making a new recipe
🗹 Create a fall playlist
🗹 Write down one thing you are grateful for every day
🗹 Read an uplifting book
🗹 Laugh out loud
🗹Take a nature walk
🗹 Connect with friends and family over phone calls vs. texts
🗹 Plan a weekend getaway or staycation adventure
🗹 Unplug from social media 1/day/week
🗹 Declutter/organize your space
🗹 Host a game night
🗹 Daily random acts of kindness
🗹 Donate to a charity
🗹 Reflect and set new goals for the month
🗹 Host a cozy movie night at home
🗹 Learn a new skill/hobby
🗹 Dance in the rain
🗹 Attend a virtual or live dance class
🗹 Write letters to loved ones or your future self
🗹 Go on a picnic
🗹 Treat yourself to a relaxing DIY spa day
🗹 Practice mindful meditation
🗹 Enjoy a bonfire
🗹 Volunteer your time
🗹 Find a scenic spot to watch the sunset
🗹 Explore your local Farmer’s Market
🗹 Practice daily affirmations
🗹 Go on an outdoor adventure
🗹 Take a yoga class
So, there you have it – a reminder that you don't need to wait for January to roll around to set new goals and pursue positive changes in your life. Every month, including our delightful September, offers its unique opportunities for growth, reflection, and happiness. By breaking free from the constraints of the annual cycle, you can make the most of the little moments and simple pleasures of life and turn every month into a chance for a new beginning and a shift in mindset.
What item are you excited to check off first?
— Lindsey Escaja
Beginner-Friendly Yoga Poses to Kickstart Your Practice
Whether you want to ease into yoga before joining a class, set up your own home practice, or simply improve your flexibility, we've got your back! In this blog post, we'll walk you through a beginner-friendly sequence that forms the foundation for sun salutations, a staple in Vinyasa or flow classes.
Meditation Made Fun: Discovering Inner Bliss with a Dash of Zen
Have you ever felt like a whirlwind-chasing squirrel, desperately seeking a moment of calm amidst the chaos of everyday life? Well, friends, we have a possible solution to help restore calm and bring you a sense of balance.
Couch to 5K Made Achievable
A 5K is achievable for everyone and every body, regardless of fitness level or experience. Yes, you read that correctly; a 5K is achievable for everyone! Read on to find out how.
Sweat, Save, Repeat: Get Fit on a Budget
From HIIT workouts that make you feel like a superhero to dance cardio sessions that'll have you busting moves like Beyoncé, the options available to you are endless. Let's dive into some of what’s out there so you can pick and choose what works for you!