Changing our Ways to Become Happier and Healthier Versions of Us

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Life Time Athletic.  All feelings, thoughts, opinions (and sweat) are mine own. 

The holidays seem to be swooping down on me.  I have felt overwhelmed with the whole work/life/mom balance of getting it all done or even just getting anything done.  One thing that has been a huge saving grace for me has been the ability to forget the pressures of it all for a few hours and head over to our new home away from home Life Time Athletic.  I don’t know what it is but the moment I walk into Life Time Athletic all the worries in my mind just seem to clear out for a while and I get to escape it all.  Between the cardio machines and now I am doing some weights (this is so exciting for me) I really am finding time to reset myself, get back to me and I walk out feeling ready to take on life’s challenges again.

It’s been a month of my quest for a healthy way of life and I am still on track (phew!) It’s Monday, back to work and time to remember to stay motivated! Plus, how awesome are my Nikes from @sportsauthority #lifetimefitness

A photo posted by Sarah (@finnegan_hughes) on Nov 30, 2015 at 4:55am PST

I cannot even begin to explain the full extent that our family membership at Life Time Athletic has changed our lives but I will try.  Some may think, but it’s just a gym stop exaggerating.  It’s not!!  It’s a place where my husband is now meeting with a trainer to get back to a healthier way of life, to lose weight and he is focused and committed.  That alone makes me want to cry. I love him so much and have worried about him approaching 40, needing to lose some weight and the effect it could have on his heart health.  Now I see him trying so hard and I know he is doing what he can to live a longer and healthier life.

It’s Friday Night and we are in the spot! Kids are so psyched to swim all night with their friends at @lifetimefitness #hwol #healthywayoflife

A photo posted by Sarah (@finnegan_hughes) on Nov 13, 2015 at 2:48pm PST

For my children, they literally wake up saying “Can we go to Life Time today?” They LOVE the Kids Academy where there is an indoor jungle gym (it’s awesome), education games on iPads, a gorgeous art room, a gymnastics room and so much more.  They take Sports Skills classes, Derek would take 5 in a row if we let him, Cheer (tumbling), Dance, Zumba, Basketball, Art and more.  There are times when I will be found sitting on a comfy chair just waiting because the kids asked to take an extra class and don’t want to leave yet.

Friday Night Swim

A photo posted by Sarah (@finnegan_hughes) on Nov 27, 2015 at 3:56pm PST

The swimming pool and basketball courts have become a huge source of entertainment for our family. Hayley is now swimming!!!  This girl refused to even try for years and now she is jumping in the pool, swimming and wanting to go to the pool every day. She is a fish!  Derek wants to join the swim team at Life Time and yes, it’s December in the NorthEast!  We get to swim all the time thanks to gorgeous indoor pool.  I will admit to sneaking off during swim time, leaving the kids with Rob and going into the hot tub (and steam room too…fine, I admitted it!!)

This is how we do Sunday’s!!!!! A photo posted by Sarah (@finnegan_hughes) on Nov 22, 2015 at 10:07am PST

As for basketball, we ALL shoot hoops now!! I even played a little one on one half court game with Derek and OH MY!!! I didn’t last long but it was fun.  Derek never ever wants to leave the basketball courts.  He is obsessed with basketball, watching the older guys play, trying to learn tricks and more. Rob goes to Life Time some days just to shoot hoops, clear his mind and listen to music.

Shooting hoops post swim #hwol #lifetimeathletic

A photo posted by Sarah (@finnegan_hughes) on Nov 8, 2015 at 11:39am PST

It’s been almost 2 months since our family joined Life Time Athletic.  When I met with the general manager he said “It’s like a Country Club based around fitness” and he wasn’t joking.  The facilities are pristine with gorgeous details all over the club.  It’s immaculate and the staff is top-notch.  I really feel like Life Time Athletic will be a part of our routine for the rest of our lives.  I love that we can give our children the opportunity to grow up seeing a healthy lifestyle the normal way of living…as it should be!