What is your favorite fitness day/activity?
My favorite activity is running. I do enjoy my strength conditioning day, though, because I end up feeling like a total badass when I’m done.
What is your favorite fitness routine?
On strength conditioning day, I run 3 miles and then complete a circuit (3x) that includes some iteration of:
- curls
- lunges
- rows
- squats
- tricep extensions
- kettlebell swings
- medicine ball throws
- Russion twists*
- planks with finger taps*
- push-ups*
- burpees*
(*these are the ones that change, the rest are usually the same)
Why do you choose to stay fit?
I stay fit for several reasons. The principal reason I became fit was because I was overweight and sad after having my son. But I continue to stay fit because it makes me feel great. I’m also setting a phenomenal example for my children, and by staying healthy and fit, I’m fighting the scary diseases that are unfortunately in my blood line from long ago (heart disease, certain cancers, etc.).
Aside from physical exercise, what other ways do you incorporate healthy choices into your life?
My family is 98% vegetarian. We choose a whole food, plant based diet to fuel our bodies and we are healthy and happy. The times we do eat meat we choose organic, free-range poultry and grassfed, organic beef. We also limit sweets and processed and refined foods. Unfortunately for my sweet tooth, staying away from sugar is much harder than it should be but I allow myself a treat every now and again so I don’t go crazy in the candy aisle!
What advice do you have for someone just beginning their journey into healthy living and/or exercising?
My advice is to keep moving forward and never be too hard on yourself. If you’re on calorie restricted diet, for example, and you feel like you’re having a hard time with it, allow yourself a snack here and there that you normally wouldn’t have. Give yourself a break — you’re only human.
Likewise, don’t lose sight of your goals. I’ve found that if I have a concrete goal, it is much easier to stay on track and make progress than if I have nothing set forth in front of me.
Don’t, for one second, compare yourself to others. It will be hard and there will be times that you will, but whatever journey you’re on is your journey. It’s not mine, it’s not your friend’s, it’s not your mom’s. It’s yours. Take hold of it, own it, and do it. You’ll have plenty of people to root for you on your way.
Good luck!
