What is your favorite fitness day/activity?
I actually
have a lot of favorite fitness activities. My first love will always be
running. Whether it’s for a race or just a casual run solo or with friends,
running will always be my soul sport. That being said, I have also started
incorporating cross-training and other forms of cardio exercise into my routine
to add variety and keep me excited about going to the gym for my workouts. Some
of my other fitness loves are spin and hot yoga. Both are great additions to
any runners workout schedule. I really look forward to all of these workouts
and enjoy making friends in group fitness classes.
Why do you choose to stay fit?
I think
it’s important to my overall well-being, not just physically, but mentally too,
that I stay fit. It allows me to be a better, more confident version of myself
and that helps me bring the best version of myself to the table in all
situations. Exercise is a stress release for me so I feel more calm, at ease
and able to roll with the punches life throws my way if I’m exercising on a
consistent basis.
I find that exercise is a great way to deal with anything I may be struggling
with, so I always know I’m just one workout away from being in a better mood!
It may not always be pretty getting there, but I can usually work through my
problems and emotions during a good sweat session and feel like a huge weight
has been lifted off my shoulders by the end of my workout.
Aside from physical exercise, what other ways
do you incorporate healthy choices into your life?
I never skip breakfast. I get
really grumpy if I’m not fed, so this choice not only benefits me, but those
around me too!
How have you dealt with any setbacks that have prevented you from working out, staying in
shape, or eating healthily?
When I
originally injured my knee last year, I let started to let my fitness slide. I
was overwhelmed by the thought of having to completely rework my fitness
routine from what I was familiar with and what I knew worked for me, to a new
routine that had to incorporate modifications for my injury. I gained some
weight and began to feel uncomfortable in my own skin, so I knew I had to
figure something out.
Based on recommendations from my physical therapist and some trial and error on
my part, I came up with a new routine that works for me. I switched from
running 3 times a week and doing an intense bootcamp class with heavy weights
three times a week, to a new routine that incorporates 3 spin classes a week
and a combination of upper body weights, hot yoga, TRX classes and low impact
lower body exercises to maintain my fitness level.
What advice do you have for someone just
beginning their journey into healthy living and/or exercising?
Start out
slow and work your way into a routine that works for you. The quickest way to
injury or exercise burnout is trying to do too much too soon. Listen to your
body and do what works for you. It will not be a quick or easy process, but it
will be worth it!
—
Thanks, Tricia! Look how awesome and happy she is — a glowing example for us all to live by! Follow Tricia for more — on Facebook and Twitter!
Have a great weekend! Any fun plans?
xo
