A couple of weeks ago, New Balance hosted their second Girls Night Out event of the year. If you’ve been an F&F follower for a while, you’ve seen me both attend and host these events in the past. I say it every time I recap, but these nights are just the best. If you’re new to the NBGNO world, the gist is that you get fitness, inspiration, socializing, delicious healthy treats, cocktails, and shopping all in one night. What’s not to love?

I carpooled into the city with my gym friends Mary and Ashley. When we got there, we hopped (more like sprinted) in to the line to check in and register for one of the workouts. Our options were either an outdoor spin class or a fun run through the city. Since I helped lead the fun run at last month’s event, I really wanted to take advantage of the spin class this time around. I was psyched when there were still bikes available for us!

Before the night officially kicked off, everyone mingled and chatted. My gym friends and I also met up with Slesh, and we had to laugh because Slesh and I showed up in matching New Balance pants. Something only best friends do by accident, I think!

Once everyone was checked in, the festivities kicked off. Steph, the blogger behind I Train Therefore I Eat, was our host, and she briefly introduced this month’s theme of shaking things up. Alongside Steph for the night was the amazing Aly Ramer, Boston based New Balance fitness ambassador and the lead indoor cycling instructor at B/Spoke studio.

After a few introductory words, we were off to our workouts. I don’t think I can find the words for what an incredible experience cycling outdoors in the middle of Copley Square was.

Look at this view:

Aly Ramer’s class was amazing. I was promised a dance party on the bike, and a dance party on the bike is what we got.

Unfortunately my bike had a broken pedal (I was bummed I couldn’t try out my new indoor cycling shoes!), and the handlebars wouldn’t adjust, but I made do and still got a great workout.

Once everyone was done spinning or running, everyone reconvened in the NB store and got ready for Steph and Aly to come back up and speak a bit more about the night’s theme. They both encouraged everyone to think about the importance of shaking things up, whether it be making a change in our fitness routines or in our professional/personal lives.

Steph shared her experience of being someone who used to solely focus on heavy lifting, but after being invited to run the Falmouth road race through New Balance last year, she actually discovered she enjoys running more than she thought she did! She also said she’s recently tried some spin classes in the city, and they are helping her get out of her weight room only comfort zone.

Aly shared Steph’s sentiments but focused a bit more on how we can shake things up day to day. She encouraged us to take two personal trips a year to simply get out of our usual environment. Two vacations? Yes please! She also said we can shake things up by always learning something new and being open and willing to meet new people.

I loved the night’s theme because I think it’s very easy to fall into a rut when doing the same things over and over again, not seeing progress, or just feeling bored. I know I’m feeling this BIG TIME lately, both professionally and a little bit in my workouts, hence why I joined ClassPass and announced my goal yesterday to refocus on fat loss over the next few months.

The rest of the night was spent hanging out with my friends and catching up with some fellow bloggers I haven’t seen in a while. So fun!

If you’re in Boston, I encourage you to check out NBGNO. It’s free, it’s fun, and a great way to connect with other like minded women while being active and making a positive choice for yourself. The next event is coming up in June. They fill up quickly, so stay tuned on the blog and on my social media channels – I’ll be sure to let you guys know the minute I hear anything!

Readers, let’s chat! How do you shake things up in your workout routines, professionally, or in your day to day lives? Did you attend the May NBGNO event?

For my blogger friends’ recaps of the May NBGNO event, check out:

• New Balance Girls Night Out: Shake it Up via Blonde Bostonian
• Recap: New Balance Girls Night Out – Shake it Up via I Train Therefore I Eat
• NBGNO Shake it Up! via Fun Fit Flavor
• Shaking Things Up with New Balance via Burpees to Bubbly

For past NBGNO event recaps on F&F, check out:

• Sharing My Body Breakthrough at NBGNO
• NBGNO: Self Expression Through Fitness
• New Balance Girls Night Out: June 2014