Reflecting a Healthier + Happier Me in 2021

This post is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Echelon Fitness. All opinions are 100% mine.

I still remember the first time I truly enjoyed a gym class. I was a freshman in high school and, since PE was a mandatory class every semester in NYC, I got try different classes. This particular semester I chose Step Aerobics.

I loved the thrill of moving along with everyone in a routine that was equal parts entertaining as it was challenging. I broke a sweat and huffed and puffed my way into a endorphin high that lasted hours. I used to say that I hated cardio, but maybe it’s only because I hadn’t found the FUN types of cardio.

Ever since then, I’ve been reevaluating how cardio fits into my fitness plan. I knew that I needed to get creative with cardio in order keep things interesting and to stick with a regimen. I recently was invited to learn about Echelon Fitness and the fun ways they help you enjoy working out, no matter whether cardio is your jam or not.

I visited my local DICK’S Sporting Goods to see the Echelon equipment in person. I immediately gravitated towards the Connect Bike EX-3. You can easily workout from home while enjoying affordable, quality gym equipment. Echelon offers other fun equipment like the Reflect mirror (what I ended up getting), Connect Bike, Rowers, and the Stride Treadmill. There’s something for everyone at Echelon!

In addition to their collection of exercise equipment, Echelon also offers a fun membership of virtual classes. There are thousands of on-demand fitness classes for each product, as well as the Echelon United & FitPass membership that includes off-product studio classes like Yoga, Pilates, and Barre all taught by world-class instructors.

You can easily switch between Echelon equipment (if you have more than one at home) using their app, and also track your progress and monitor your heart rate.

In the end, I went with the Echelon Reflect 50″ Touch smart mirror, a super cool new fitness technology that is part mirror part touch screen, allowing you to join LIVE virtual classes, or choose from thousands of workouts. Zumba is another favorite cardio workout for me, and I haven’t enjoyed Zumba since before my knee surgery and physical therapy.

I am totally pumped to try out the on-demand Echelon fitness classes for yoga, Zumba, weight-lifting and more! The Echelon instructors are fun, engaging and the best in their fields, so I know I’m in for a real treat.

When I am physically active, my life is better. I’m happier (thanks endorphins) and my stress levels are actually lower than if I were to skip a workout. Too many times I’ve told myself the excuse that I don’t have 30 minutes, when in reality I could easily waste 30 minutes mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds.

The community aspect in fitness classes is what helps fuel many of us when (let’s be honest) we just don’t feel like working out. Having people you check-in with on your fitness journey helps you stick to the program. It’s far too easy to skip a workout if no one is expecting you at the gym. Now, virtual classes are here to stay, and the Echelon Community has made it (too) easy to enjoy cardio!

The Echelon Reflect 50″ Touch is in my home office and it looks good! I will have to walk past it each morning as I go to my work desk. And my desk faces it, so it will call to me to workout if decided to hit the snooze button that morning, or if I need a little bit of yoga to destress.

I’m so excited to be a part of the Echelon community, and I look forward to having a healthier and happier year in 2021.

Be sure to visit DICK’S Sporting Goods to give the Echelon fitness equipment a spin.