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Do What You Can, When You Can {Sweat, Cycle & Soul Review}

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sweat_cycle_and_soul_omaha“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”- Theodore Roosevelt

sweat_cycle_and_soul_omahathanks to Erin for this picture!

Do What You Can, When You Can {Sweat, Cycle & Soul Review}

I do not normally start off my posts with quotes from famous people.  In fact, I never have.  But this one just seemed fitting!  Unless you are new around here, it is no secret that I have been faced with a lot of unexplained health issues over the past couple of years.  While I have a whole list of symptoms (currently without a known cause), the one that is certainly the most frustrating is my chronic joint and muscle pain.  For someone who has an internal need and desire to be active, this has been not only physically debilitating, but also mentally debilitating.

In October of 2014, I all but stopped exercising.  No matter what I did, my body never responded positively.  If I walked, my “shin splits” (<– I’m not really buying that) acted up.  If I tried swimming, my shoulder pain would flare up.  Running and biking were all out of the question due to my knee/shin/ankle pain, too.  Seriously, what was left?

I became frustrated, annoyed, and discouraged.  I decided that my body was just not up for anything.  So I rested.  While this was both positive and negative for my mental and physical well-being, after seven months of doing nothing, my body and mind were crying for me to do something.

Sweat Cycle SoulAnd then an opportunity to try out Sweat, Cycle & Soul for a month came up at the beginning of May.  It was exactly what I needed to give me a little kick in the butt.

To be honest, I was a bit skeptical as to whether or not I would find a place at Sweat, Cycle & Soul.  I knew that cycling was out for me for the time being, so I was not sure what was left.  But after I took a look at their class schedule, I was happy to see that it was not all about cycling.  Two classes, in particular really caught my eye: the Pilates Fusion (think barre, Pilates, and TRX all in one) and the Flow Yoga.  I figured both were worth a try.  I mean, what did I have to lose?

Erin HannahI was also lucky enough to have my awesome friend, Erin, encouraging me to try it out.  Let me tell you, getting motivated to get back into a workout routine is so much easier when you have a buddy by your side.  Even though I was hesitant, she helped convince me to do what I could.  Even if what my body would allow me to do was not everything I wanted it to do, it was still something.  And doing something can do so much for not only your physical health, but your mental health too.

Sweat Cycle Soul Pilates FusionAfter my first Pilates Fusion class, I discovered that the TRX straps were generally not for me.  I could do most of the leg exercises without issues, but anything that required a large use of my hands, wrists, biceps, and/or shoulders was just not working.  Those exercises left me sore (and not in a good way) for days.  Lucky for me, Libby’s sections of Pilates Fusion were largely barre and Pilates focused, so skipping out on a few of the TRX exercises was not causing me to skimp out on my workout.  I did what I could for as long as I could, and I stopped when my body told me to stop.  I believe there is a difference in stopping because something is “tough” or making you sore, and stopping because something is causing true pain.  If anything, my health issues have certainly encouraged me to be better about listening to my body.

sweat_cycle_and_soul_omahaLibby’s Flow Yoga class also helped me learn to listen more.  I got back in touch with my body for the first time in a long while.  I am by no means an expert when it comes to yoga, but I can honestly say that to date, Libby’s yoga classes are the best yoga classes that I have ever taken.  They weren’t terribly difficult, but challenged me in ways that my body needed, while also leaving me totally relaxed after I walked out of the studio door.  I also never felt bad if I could not hold a pose or do a move that caused me pain.  The yoga classes were everything that I needed and more.  Two of my favorite things about Libby’s yoga classes were the uplifting and motivating music (definitely not like your traditional “yoga music”) and the “mini” massage she left you with at the end of each class during savasana.  The only thing that I disliked about the class was that it was only offered once per week.  I would have found myself in the studio almost daily if that had been an option!

Sweat Cycle Soul ClothingIf you live in the Omaha area and are wanting to get back into fitness, try something new, or simply join something that is so much more than a gym, Sweat, Cycle & Soul just may be for you.  I truly would not refer to this studio as a gym.  It is definitely much more like a community.  A community of people who enjoy working out together, relieving stress together, challenging one another, and working on self-improvement together.  And fair warning: the super cute gear in the lobby will reel you in.  So be careful!

The instructors are top-notch, too!  They called me by name at every class that I visited.  They were personable, friendly, encouraging, and motivating.  They also focused on the importance of having each individual person do what they could do and on customizing our workouts to fit our needs.  It was a bit like having a personal trainer with the atmosphere of group workouts.  AKA: having the best of both worlds.

Through this whole experience, I have discovered that I am a barre lover, a bit Pilates obsessed, and a yogi.  Does this mean that I will never be a walker, runner, swimmer, biker, etc. the rest of my life?  I hope not.  But for right now, my body is most comfortable and happy through practicing these three things.  I cannot thank Sweat, Cycle & Soul enough for encouraging me and giving me the motivation that I needed to get back into doing something for myself again.  Even though I may not be doing hardcore cardio and sweating like crazy, nor can I do all of the barre or yoga poses in every class, I generally feel positive and happier each time that I take an hour to leave my stresses on the mat.  I am doing what I can, when I can… and right now that is perfectly okay.

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This post is sponsored by Sweat, Cycle & Soul.  Thanks so much for supporting the brands that make Clean Eating Veggie Girl possible!

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{ 31 comments… add one }
  • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine June 4, 2015, 6:14 am
    That's wonderful that you found something right for you body and mind right now! Sounds like an awesome place! XOXO
    • ClnEatingVegGrl June 4, 2015, 8:33 am
      It is a really great place, and I'm so glad that they reminded me that my workouts don't HAVE to be anything strenuous. Something is better than nothing!
  • Thank you so much for sharing this, Hannah! It was just what I've been needing lately. I'm still struggling with adrenal fatigue, and it's hard to exercise when you can barely stay awake throughout the day. I'm an all-or-nothing kind of person, so if I can't do it all (and do it perfectly), I don't want to do any of it. I'm trying to learn that something really is better than nothing, and perfection shouldn't be the goal. We just have to do what our bodies are able to do. We can pat ourselves on the back for doing what we're able, because when you don't feel good, doing what you're able is doing your best. :) My emotional gushing aside, I love Pilates and barre! I tried taking a barre class this past winter, but it was too strenuous for my energy level. I may look into home-based barre workouts, though, and modify as I need to. Have you tried rebounding? My mom recently got a rebounder, and I'm eager to try since it's low impact. Keep us posted on your progress and thank you for sharing! Hope you feel better soon! Nichole Kraft, Food Writing Copyeditor recently posted...When Passions and Professions MeetMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl June 4, 2015, 2:51 pm
      Thanks so much for your comment, Nichole! I am with you. I am definitely an all-or-nothing person and a bit of a perfectionist. It has been hard to not do the stenuous workouts that I feel I should be doing, or not working out as often as I want to. BUT... like I said... something is better than nothing!
  • Daria June 4, 2015, 10:53 am
    I'm so glad you were able to find something that worked for you. I love yoga. It's so relaxing for your mind, body and spirit. Have the Drs. check you for Lupus? I have Lupus and I experience joint pain. I do experience other chronic issues and like you it's frustrating because some of them haven't been diagnosed. The Drs are saying nothing is showing up and putting it off on stress. So whenever I'm stressed I experience symptoms that can't be explained. I turned to yoga and meditation. I also love the outside and get out there every chance I get to experience nature. Very relaxing. I wish you the best of luck.
    • ClnEatingVegGrl June 4, 2015, 8:20 pm
      Thanks so much for your thoughts, Daria! I have been working with a rheumatologist and he states all of my blood work looks good... which is both a positive thing and a negative thing since I really want some answers!
  • Erin @ Her Heartland Soul June 4, 2015, 10:57 am
    I'm so glad we were able to do this together! It was such a fun challenge!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl June 4, 2015, 2:53 pm
      AGREED! It's always more fun to workout with a friend!
  • Trisha June 4, 2015, 11:14 am
    Loved hearing about this place! Sounds fun! Here's to hoping you're feeling much better soon. :)
    • ClnEatingVegGrl June 4, 2015, 2:54 pm
      Thanks so much, Trisha! I sure hope so too :)
  • Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks June 4, 2015, 11:36 am
    Low-impact and low-ballistic exercises are the BEST for joint pain. That's why I love spinning too! Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks recently posted...Vegan Meze PlatterMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl June 4, 2015, 8:08 pm
      I really hope I can get back into spinning soon. I LOVE it!
  • Becky @ Olives n Wine June 4, 2015, 11:49 am
    I'm so glad you were able to find a workout(s!!) that felt good for your body. If you have a good instructor, you're right, they'll definitely know your name and they'll let you know how to modify classes to best suit your body/injuries! The next time I'm in Omaha (maybe next spring to visit fam), I might have to check this place out :) Becky @ Olives n Wine recently posted...A random Thursday postMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl June 4, 2015, 8:12 pm
      I have a feeling you would LOVE it there! You definitely need to drop in and take a class!
  • Lauren Allen June 4, 2015, 12:03 pm
    I would love to try pilates fusion! Sounds like an awesome place!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl June 4, 2015, 8:15 pm
      I love that class! Since it combines several different types of workouts, it is hard to get bored. I hope you can try something similar sometime near you!
  • lindsay June 4, 2015, 5:47 pm
    well i can definitely relate to this, and I am so glad you found something that works now! i have never been to soul cycle, yet i have taught cycling for 10 years! ack, need to!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl June 4, 2015, 8:16 pm
      Oh yes, you definitely need to!! Everyone should experience workouts like at SC&S at least once in their life :)
  • Rachael Abel @ Love Yourself Green June 4, 2015, 6:24 pm
    This is THE best quote ever!!! And wow, you sound just like the old me from before I got really, really sick. I'm so happy that you're going in the right direction with your health this early on and that you're so willing to try new things to help yourself. I understand about your body not responding to exercise. I had the same thing until I eventually quit all sugar, dairy, gluten, alcohol and processed foods. I had no idea that food could hold me back as much as it was. Did you know that I was even a "HEALTHY" food blogger prior to starting Love Yourself Green?!!?! It's sad to think about how misinformed I was before. Anyway, do you feel like your body is responding better now? I want to try this place out, but I'm scared! Lol. Rachael Abel @ Love Yourself Green recently posted...We’re Starting a Healthy Food Product Company!My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl June 4, 2015, 8:18 pm
      Unfortunately, I do not feel any better yet :( BUT I'm going to do a Whole 30 starting at the beginning of next month (I have a vacation planned this month), so I am hoping to see some positive results from that. Also, you totally need to try out Sweat, Cycle & Soul. There is no reason to be afraid at all! :)
  • Liz @ I Heart Vegetables June 5, 2015, 8:07 am
    That sounds like an awesome place! It's amazing how the vibe of the studio and the attitude of the instructors can make ALL the difference in the classes I want to take!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl June 5, 2015, 3:34 pm
      Both are those are SO important when it comes to finding a good studio. I felt right at home here!
  • Ashley June 6, 2015, 11:47 am
    Yay for finding something that works for you right now! I used to run but within the last year or two it just didn't feel good anymore ... now I definitely am a huge lover of the barre workouts / yoga, that sort of thing! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend so far! Ashley recently posted...Blueberry Almond Whole Grain MuffinsMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl June 6, 2015, 1:19 pm
      It can be frustrating when our bodies won't do the things we want them to, but it is nice to find some other alternatives! I hope your weekend is great too, Ashley :)
  • Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut June 8, 2015, 10:59 am
    This is definitely a place I need to hit up! And the best yoga classes are the ones where you feel totally safe and like no one cares whether or not you can hold a pose or even if you feel like sitting in child's pose awhile. The instructors definitely help with that! I also enjoyed a teacher who would teach us something mentally every time and I always walked out feeling like a million bucks. So so good! :) Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut recently posted...Summery Strawberry Recipes [IMM Link-Up #13]My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl June 8, 2015, 4:03 pm
      Yes! I love when yoga classes are both physical and mental. They are the best of both worlds! You should definitely check out Sweat Cycle & Soul. I love it!
  • Carla Corelli May 29, 2022, 2:30 pm
    I definitely need to get moving again. You have inspired me to book a Yoga class. Thank you :) Carla Corelli recently posted...How Narcissistic Leaders Create Toxic WorkplacesMy Profile
  • Connie @ Naturesblendshop June 26, 2023, 9:19 pm
    Your article is wonderful and fun For me personally the key to being fit was having fun: - Making going to the gym fun by making friends with the people there, - Preparing a great playlist for my workouts, - Playing ball at the park with friends, - Having a good audiobook or podcast on my phone for walks, - And last but not least: When I physically don't feel good, I skip working out and take a nap instead with some light stretching afterwards. For me personally the key to being fit was having fun: Connie @ Naturesblendshop recently posted...5 Things You Can Do for a Healthier ThanksgivingMy Profile
  • Connie @ Naturesblendshop June 26, 2023, 9:27 pm
    This makes a lot of sense. There have been times where I look into a routine. Then, I get excited and overcommit. And then I proceed to get overwhelmed by my own over commitment before even getting started, and proceed to feel resigned to not doing it. A decision to doing a little is a better way to keep a habit. Connie @ Naturesblendshop recently posted...5 Things You Can Do for a Healthier ThanksgivingMy Profile
  • soufeel July 10, 2023, 10:21 am
    Best products are sold here and reviews are very good
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