You guys. My prayers have been answered. My dreams have come true. I’ve finally found a way to tone my body with minimal amounts of effort. I love my pilates class, don’t get me wrong, but this is something that I will be able to do even on those mornings when I just can’t seem to wake up for that early morning reformer. I could hit snooze and possibly reap even more benefits than going to a gym. I don’t have to leave my house. Shit, I don’t even have to leave my bed. I must have dreamt about rainbows last night because I can’t even believe the pot of gold I just discovered…and yes, I am going to share it with you.
Put on your pj’s, people. And get yourself a weighted blanket.
Yep. There it is. You’re welcome.
I got a Calm Blanket for Christmas, and it’s definitely one of the best gifts I could have given myself. Seriously, thank you, Me. I actually heard about weighted blankets a year ago after the holidays when I was home visiting my sister. My brother in law got her one, and when she draped it over me it instantly felt like a full body hug.
When I got home and did a little google on the weighted blanket, I found out it actually IS supposed to feel like a hug. It’s purpose, with gentle pressure, is to provide calming, stress-relieving, anti-anxiety benefits, in addition to improving quality of sleep. I needed one. I wanted one. But for some reason, it took me a year to finally get myself one.
For the past 6 weeks I have cozied up with it on the couch when having coffee or watching a movie, but wasn’t sure I wanted to sleep with it holding me down. I was a little nervous about being constricted and honestly, I like the fluffiness of my down comforter. It makes me feel hidden and safe when I can’t see over my blankets. Also, I thought it would be hot!
Wrong.
Earlier this week I was having some trouble sleeping so I moved my comforter over and tried a full nights sleep with my weighted blanket. After 4 nights, I’m sold. I slept longer, woke up less, and actually woke up in a better mood! I’m a morning person in general, but it just felt different.
I also noticed that my body was feeling a little sore, but it was different than after a normal workout. Then it occurred to me! When I did move in my sleep, under a 15 pound blanket, I was having to use core muscles and lift this thing up in order to even roll over. And, if I did get a little warm or need some air, just pulling the thing down required some strength from my sleepy little arm. Uhhhh, hello, tank top season is around the corner and a little extra tricep attention never hurt anyone. Get cold? Pull it back up. Biceps, done.
There you go. Full body workout AND quality sleep. At. The. Same. Time.
Obviously I’m no expert, and I certainly don’t claim to be anything more than a gym fearing, uncomfortable-with-weight-lifting, workout avoider. I get my cardio from the Fitness Marshall and I consider wine a seasonal sport – right now I’m on team red. And, while I do love pilates, I can’t wait to tell someone I workout like Lionel Richie…
***
I’d like to dedicate this to my trainer Jake. I haven’t worked out with him in two years but he’s still my trainer because, well, just because. And, he wouldn’t expect anything more from me. Love you, Muscle Glasses.
xo
erinjallday 