How To Start A New Fitness Routine

Expert-backed tips to get you to where you want to be.

Welcome back to the Weekly Hurdle! This newsletter is free and will stay free thanks to sponsors and the individuals that opt-in to give. Your support is really appreciated!

Presented by Eight Sleep:

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This week I had Latreal Mitchell on the show to talk about how to establish a new fitness routine. I would say that I’ve prioritized activity for a better part of the past 14 years, but it’s still something I struggle with from time to time — getting back on the horse. And this time of year, it’s totally understandable if you’re taking a closer look at your habits — including movement — and seeking a new spark. I won’t break down all of her tips (you can listen to the episode here), but a takeaway that really stuck with me from our conversation is the importance of grace.

Instead of dreading a fresh start, I can reframe it as a new opportunity. Instead of being frustrated with where I’m at, I can look forward to the possibilites where I’m going.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not where I want to be at the moment. I’m struggling with some why-won’t-this-go-away foot pain, running feels especially hard, and the brisk New York mornings aren’t exavtly inviting for my once-regular 5K coffee walks. But what I do know is that this is how it is now. Period.

Frustration’s normal and valid. But I get to choose to have grace with myself and move forward from here, knowing that movement has (and will!) always made me feel better. Every second is a new chance to start over, and I don’t know about you — but I’m done waiting until the turn of a new year to start something I can begin this very second.

If this resonates with you, comment below! Remember: One step at a time.

Keep hurdling,

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK

I’M LISTENING TO: Santa Baby from Alicia Keys
I’ve had this on repeat since last week. The charm of Keys’ new Christmas album Santa Baby isn’t just the range of material, but how well that range captures Alicia Keys’ appeal.

I’M WATCHING: Cook At All Costs on Netflix
My friend Jordan Andino is hosting a new cooking competition on Netflix, and I’m totally geeked for him! The premise: Home cooks bid on ingredients to make special dishes for celebrity judges.

GEAR I’M LOVING: Athleta Whistler Mock Neck Top
I haven’t been so obsessed with a new cold-weather piece in a while. The perfect cropped length, it’s loose-fitting — yet warm. I adore the mock neck, and the long sleeve has a fleece lining. It’s currently an extra 25% off AKA ideal for gifting (for yourself — or a friend!).

I’M READING: The Laws of Creativity by Joey Cofone
Just opened up this pick from Joey Cofone, award-winning creator, designer, and founder of Baronfig. It’s all about (surprise) — creativity. What it is, how it works, and how you can harness it in your everyday life; Cofone offers up the science behind it, and provides actionable steps toward creative excellence.

QUOTE I’M LOVING: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” – T.S. Eliot.

EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT: January 4 Goal Setting Workshop
Come together with fellow Hurdlers to find essential clarity going into a new year, set some big goals, and make things happen. Limited space, and must be able to attend this Hurdle Session live!

Still hunting gifts for family and friends? Check out my Favorite Things post for some good suggestions!

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Thanks to Eight Sleep for supporting Hurdle.

I am a really hot sleeper — the type of person that sleeps with one leg in and one leg out of the sheets. The Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover changed the game for me; it’s the only sleep technology that dynamically cools and heats each side of the bed, to maintain the optimal sleeping temperature for what your body needs. With the pod, you can start sleeping as cool as 55°F or as hot as 110°F.

Since I started using the Pod, I’m tossing and turning less. I also look forward to getting in my bed now more than ever. The cover is obscenely comfortable, and I'm also really digging the vibrate-to-wake feature (see ya later, iPhone alarm). I feel like I’m in a groove of restful sleep that’s neverending. And! I've also seen improvements in my HRV, sleep duration, and overall sleep fitness benchmarks.

Go to EightSleep.com/Hurdle to save $150 on the Pod. Eight Sleep currently ships within the USA, Canada, the UK, select countries in the EU, and Australia.

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NEW PODCAST EPISODE🎧: 233. Chris Bennett, Nike Running Global Head Coach
This is about running. This is not about running. Chris Bennett, better known to athletes worldwide as Nike Running’s Coach Bennett, has a special way with words that encourages athletes of every level to be their best. In episode 233, I'm sitting back down with one of the show's most-listened to guests to catch up on what he's been up to on his favorite weekend of the year, Nike Cross Nationals (NXN). We talk about why NXN is such a special time, what it looks like to be a stellar teammate, and his hopes for the running boom we’re in right now. Plus: How Nike’s showing up to cheerlead the next generation of athletes, and how his work has shifted over the pandemic.

NEW PODCAST EPISODE🎧 : #HURDLEMOMENT: How To Start (& Stick) With A New Fitness Routine
New year, new goals? You're not alone. This week, I'm having Latreal Mitchell — Los Angeles-based trainer — on the show to talk about how to adopt a new fitness routine. From the power of accountability buddies to how to pick the ~right~ modality for you, Latreal is full of best-practice tips. Plus: The importance of getting rid of unnecessary distractions and SMART goals. 

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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.