There are three parts to this post. Wedding Stuff + Refine Resolution Challenge Learnings + Ellie Workout Clothes. I’m sure you could have figured that out.
Since all I’ve been doing is my modified version of Refine a few days a week (and a nice long walk with pup this morning) I don’t really see much of a reason to share my weekly workouts. This leads me to…
Part 1
I’m really stressed about my injury; with just three weeks until my wedding in a dress that is even more see-through now that the seamstress removed the lining (on purpose), I want to be able to work my hardest! Instead, I’m modifying and going easy so I don’t make my neck worse.
It will be fine, I’m just in crunch time and stressed. I don’t enjoy wedding planning so I haven’t been doing it. That means that now, with only three weeks to go, I have to DO ALL THE THINGS. I’m not exaggerating. When I tell people how much I have left to do they usually interrupt me and say, “You really haven’t done anything yet!”
Just to give you an idea of what I still need to do: Contact and make an appointment with a florist, select the menu for appetizers and buffet, hire an alcohol vendor and beer vendor and determine how much to buy, contact vendor who does chairs/napkin colors, tablecloths/etc, create and print programs, log on to the DJ website and fill out all the song info (including dislikes, any specific songs that should play at certain times, etc), purchase and put together all decorations, put together gift bags for hotel guests and one other project that I’ll share after the wedding. And that is just what I can think of right now off the top of my head. I know there is more.
So, there’s that. In addition to wedding and injury stress, I’m also dealing with work, signing a new lease and moving, and a few other things. It’s an exciting time in my life so I’m not too negative about anything for the most part. I just am really looking forward to the wedding being here already and then being done and then being on a beach in Bermuda where I will forgo all technology except my Kindle and daily check-ins on my pup.
Part 2
The Refine Resolution Challenge changed the way I exercise. When I moved to Jersey City, I continued taking Refine classes. It was easy, one short train ride to Union Square, 30 minutes door-to-door. When that studio closed after Hurricane Sandy I figured I was out of luck. I made the trek to the Upper West Side on weekends, either one or both days but no more. The Resolution Challenge, however, forced me to take class at least three times a week. That meant I needed to get to UWS either before or after work at least once a week.
Through this, I learned that the two-train trip wasn’t really THAT bad. I learned that I am happier and less stressed when I can take more Refine. I learned that the social aspect of Refine plays a large role in what makes it to special. I got my muscles and my shape back after losing them from my extended break. I learned that I feel most like myself when I’m taking Refine classes. I learned that a closer in distance workout, like CrossFit Jersey City, isn’t worth it if I don’t love it. I learned that I love Refine so much it’s worth two trains that don’t even connect with each other. I learned that I don’t ever want to take an extended break from Refine again if I can help it. I learned that I feel more confident in all aspects of my life when I get to take my favorite class throughout the week. I learned that I can, in fact, have abs.
I took this photo in March and have had countless internal debates about whether to post it. Stomach-baring on the internet is scary.
I also learned (well, I already knew, but this reinforced it) that Refine is my happy place. So much that I am having my bachelorette party there tomorrow! (There will be drinking after. I’m not THAT crazy).
And my fiance even completed the challenge! Remember when we were the Refine Challengers of the Week? I am so proud of Andy for taking so many classes. He doesn’t find them fun the way I do. He seems miserable the entire time. I did not even ask him to do this; Refine owner/genius Brynn did. Andy has improved so much from when he first started – he can do more pushups, improved his ability to do lunges and can even bang out a series of jumpbacks (much to his chagrin – he HATES those!).
My next post will get more into the details of the challenge — the perks, the rewards. That program got me my wedding shoes! More on that soon.
Part 3
In other news, I owe you an update on Ellie workout clothes: As you might remember, I was a pvBody ambassador. The service used to send members a workout outfit each month. Then there was some controversy as they changed their business model and became Ellie. Instead of receiving an outfit from different brands, members now receive an outfit from their own dedicated brand. Members can also buy the clothes directly from their site. Membership is $49.95 a month which gets you a full outfit — top and pants — each month. You take a quiz with your personal preferences when you join to ensure you get the type of clothing you like! You save 20% of this price by signing up through me, and I get $10 for every new member.
Of course, the question is, why would you sign up to get clothes from a new brand?
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- Ellie Catch Me If You Can Charcoal Long Sleeve
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- Ellie Truth or Dare Carbon Top and Heartbreaker Capri
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- Ellie Black Widow Tank
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- Ellie Electric Love Capri
I’ve had a couple months now to test out the clothes myself and I can assure you they are fantastic. They fit me better than most other brands, are flattering, functional and comfortable. I’m picky with tight pants that touch my skin because I get really itchy and I haven’t had any issue with two of three crops I’ve received from Ellie. That is impressive for someone who can’t even wear most brands’ regular leggings, or any stockings or tights at all.
The tops — particularly the gray tank top, called Truth or Dare Carbon — fit me far better than any of my Lululemon tops. It’s also more moisture-wicking and comfortable. I’m wearing it tomorrow to the Refine Method portion of my bachelorette party!
My favorite pieces so far are Truth or Dare Carbon tank top and the Heartbreaker Capri, which are so comfortable.
I’ve also seen people at Refine in Ellie clothes (like Laura who writes a hilarious blog where she reviews fitness classes) and they always look great. I didn’t expect to love this brand, but they assured me beforehand that the clothes would be high quality and flattering, and they are right.
I’ve even gotten a Refine instructor ordering the Electric Love Capris!
Has anyone else been wearing Ellie? Has anyone attended a bachelorette party that included a workout? Has anyone waited until three weeks before their wedding to begin planning?
Amber
May 17, 2013 at 3:12 pm (12 years ago)This is coming from someone who had a very minimalist wedding so take it with a grain of salt, but none of that stuff really matters. At the end of the day you guys will be married and that is so exciting in and of itself!
I did not have a bachelorette party but I love that you are having one at Refine! How fun! I am in complete agreement with you when you say a closer work out isn’t worth it. We moved out of the city in January and there is nothing here that I want to do (well, there is one yoga class but it’s only on Saturdays so…) and after a couple of cranky months I’ve decided to suck it up and make the most of the days I am in the city so I can get in a workout that I love. It makes for a late night but it’s definitely worth it.
Your review of Ellie got me curious so I went to their website to take the quiz and see what they would recommend for me and I can not find the dang quiz anywhere! Fail, Ellie!
Laura
May 17, 2013 at 3:25 pm (12 years ago)1) Okay you were not exaggerating. You really do have a lot to do! But you will get it done and it will be fabulous. BTW did you buy your rings? I forgot to do this and had to immediately leave a work meeting to run out and buy wedding rings which is not normal. 2) Your bod looks sick and I’m jealous. You are going to look amazing in your dress! And I wouldn’t worry about getting “out of shape” since you’ll be a hot bride no matter what. And 3) thanks for the blog shout out! I went to Cross Fit again this morning and really need to write my review but work has been crazy. I’m liking CrossFit more than the last time I saw you, but I still love Refine more!
Cameo
May 17, 2013 at 3:38 pm (12 years ago)Do not worry an iota about your bod. It will look fantastic in that dress. You could literally sleep from now until the wedding and still look hot. I promise. You can’t get out of shape that quickly nor will it result in puff. You are very lean. Just keep sane! That’s all that mattters! As for the “ToDo’s” I am in the same boat and I officially HATE planning events. I would never want the job of an event coordinator. I would shoot myself. I agree with Amber, in the end none of that stuff matters. I went to 12 weddings one year (yes, 1 a month for 11 months and 2 in November!) and I don’t remember shit about the decor, the gifts, the bags, the blah. All I remember is the people, the drinkin’ and dancin’. And that one time I had too much champers and stole the mic out of the Wedding Singer’s hand. But all that other stuff is just fluff. Ain’t no thang.
As for the Bachette party, I AM SO EXCITED! It’s the IDEAL day! I can’t wait. I would be jealous if I wasn’t going!
Melissa (fitnessnycblog)
May 17, 2013 at 4:01 pm (12 years ago)Dori, your wedding is going to be amazing. It’s funny that you don’t enjoy planning at all, you seem like the type who would like all the details and such, but it’s all about you marrying andy and that will happen no matter what! 99% of women on the planet want your body, so believe me, you have NOTHING to worry about!
Mallory
May 17, 2013 at 4:53 pm (12 years ago)If only you had someone in your family who LOVES to plan events!
Mariell
May 18, 2013 at 9:50 pm (12 years ago)Refine-tastic bachelorette party? Brilliant move!
Missy
May 20, 2013 at 12:23 pm (12 years ago)1. You are hot and are going to look beautiful in your wedding dress. Look at those abs. The Refine Challenge is the best thing in the world.
2. Obsessed with those Ellie Electric Love Capris. Such a nice color!
3. Can’t wait for your wedding!
Jen
May 21, 2013 at 5:36 pm (12 years ago)You look gorgeous and are going to have a beautiful wedding, regardless of the details. They’re not the important part anyway, right? LOVE the Refine Method bachelorette party idea! I have been planning on doing a workout party for my birthday this year 🙂
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