Akansha takes on Embrace the Sweat!

Meet Akansha:

Our friend Akansha is health & wellness blogger at Citrus & Gold where she writes about how to find a happy balance between nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, and growth. She was born and bred in the Bay Area and currently lives in Nob Hill, not too far from the studio. After Akansha made a Friday night Hip Hop class a total party by bring a whole crew of friends, we knew she was a true uforian!

To help us stay motivated through this year’s Embrace the Sweat Challenge, we asked Akansha to tell us how she uses a good challenge and sweating with friends to accomplish her fitness goals.

Check it out:

When it came to working out, I used to be a lone wolf. I would isolate myself at the gym: spend thirty minutes on a cardio machine, play around with a few weights, stretch, and then call it day. Eventually, I fell into a monotonous routine which had left me uninspired, unmotivated, and discouraged.

It took me some time to open up to working out with others. I was afraid it would take away from my “me time” but I was even more afraid of being judged. Luckily, most gyms & studios I’ve been to are pretty welcoming ( and uforia studios definitely has one of the most laid-back, opening environment!).

Working out with friends make achieving a healthier lifestyle so much easier. It sounds very obvious, but it took me a couple of years to realize that. My biggest tip for the Embrace the Sweat Challenge is to keep it social.

Here are a few ways you can integrate the challenge into your lifestyle, while still having fun!

I’m really excited to take part in this challenge with uforia and you all! I love how the money is going to a great cause and I can’t wait for the daily wellness tips!

Create an accountability group text message thread with a few friends to help you get through the next couple of weeks. Check-in with your workouts, ask questions, and look for motivation when you need it.
Prep snacks and meals for the week and invite your roomie or S.O. to join! You’ll avoid the last-minute Postmate orders after your workout if you have a stocked fridge. Plus, restaurant food tends to be higher in fat, sodium, and sugar so when we cook at home, we are cutting out the junk without realizing.
Now for the fun part, plan a fun workout with a group of friend. If you are looking for ideas, take Haley’s hip hop class on Saturday and then check-out Nourish cafe a couple blocks down for a delicious plant-based meal.

Are you participating in the challenge? Let me know on Instagram!