One of my most frequently asked questions is about my current workout routine. Since adjusting to motherhood and new routines, I almost exclusively work out at home because I like to work out first things in the morning (ideally) before the kids are even awake. Over the years, my mindset on working out has changed, and now I exercise to take care of my body, not for a number on the scale. It’s a self-care moment in my day rather than anything else…and I think this shift has made being consistent so much easier because I appreciate the opportunity/time to myself to push myself and enjoy the challenge versus approaching the task like I have to do this to look a certain way, etc.
My Weekly Workout Routine
In general, I try to work out 6 days a week. In my mind, I hope to exercise more days during the week than less; this way, it’s just part of my everyday rhythm. Usually, it ends up being 4 days of more rigorous exercise where I get my heart rate up, and 2 days a week, I focus on strength, stretching, and toning. One day off, usually Sundays, so I can sleep later and give my body a break.
Monday — 3-mile run (starting slow, then getting faster each mile)
Tuesday — 3-mile run (sprints-ish — I’ll do one song at my jogging pace, one song at a pace that’s really pushing myself, and then repeat until I get to 3 miles)
Wednesday — Pilates / Melissa Wood Health Workout (MWH). I’ve been doing MWH for almost a year and can not recommend her enough. Her workouts are gentle but effective, and she will help strengthen your mind and body. Her workouts feel like you are “cheating” because they are fun, but the results are fantastic. WIN WIN in my book! If you haven’t tried her yet, she has a free 7-day trial, and then it’s only $9.99 per month (cancel anytime!), and that is a STEAL for how good her content is. And you get to do it in the privacy of your own house, which is another WIN because I can’t handle the scene that is a workout studio (EK, maybe one day I won’t be so intimidated!)
Thursday — 3-mile run (whatever I feel like, just get in the miles)
Friday — MWH Workout
Saturday — Long(er) Slow Run — These days, that means 4-5 miles. — I don’t focus on time, I just want to get in the miles and enjoy the time to think and reflect.
Sunday — Day off
How I Make It Fun
Since a lot of my workouts are on the treadmill, and honestly, I LOVE running on the treadmill, but I know that’s not how everyone feels, so I figured I’d share a few of the things I “do” while I’m running to help mix it up.
+ I’m not sure why this works, but I “bribe” myself by letting myself watch a show/movie. We rarely watch tv/shows, so I’ll let myself watch a show people are talking about while I run. This way, I get in my workout and feel part of the cultural conversation.
+ I make a running playlist with my new/favorite songs and only listen to it when running. I have such a bad habit of overplaying songs, so this way, I get to look forward to my run and listen to some of my favorite new music.
+ I have a YouTube Playlist with videos that motivate and pump me up. I usually play this when I’m dragging or feel like I need to reset my mindset. It’s a mix of sports motivation videos and commencement speeches. I’m such a nerd, but I find commitment speeches so motivating. LOL!!
+ Again, since we never have the TV on, sometimes I’ll watch CNBC or SportsCenter to see what’s happening in the “world.”
Whatever “media” I choose, its purpose is just background noise. Running is so therapeutic, and when I do some of my best thinking and work through anything on my mind, I don’t want to be watching something that I need to pay attention to every second because I’m usually zoning in/out!
How I Stay Consistent
+ HABIT TRACKER — I have a HABIT TRACKER, where I set a quarterly goal for myself in a few different areas — including working out. So, I track daily how I’m doing against my workout goal. Filling in the little box helps motivate me and drive consistency. But, again, it’s not the workout itself but the opportunity to commit to myself and hold myself accountable/challenge myself to reach that goal. It’s also fun to look back at it and be proud of myself for reaching my goal(s).
+ GIVE MYSELF GRACE — When Millie and Welles were really little, and we were getting up at night a lot, I would give myself grace and fit the workout in when I could. Sometimes this meant after I dropped them at school, during their morning nap, during TV time, or I’d do it while they played at my feet. These days, it’s softening into the reality that some mornings, my kids will wake up and want to come out of their room before their lights turn green and play in the basement while I’m still running. This used to derail my entire workout, but now I use it as a reminder to myself to practice having patience and (try to) inspire them to also (hopefully) fall in love with sports/exercise/moving their body.
+ REMEMBER THAT IT’S SOMETHING I GET TO DO — I always remind myself that moving my body is something I GET TO DO. Not something I HAVE TO DO. It feels good to move your body — even if it’s “just” 10 minutes and even if it’s “just” a walk. When Millie and Welles were first born, I made sure I went for a 20-minute walk around our neighborhood daily. I wasn’t cleared to work out yet, but I knew I needed the fresh air and would have much more patience and energy if I moved my molecules. Whatever season you are in, I hope you’ll embrace the gift that moving your body truly is. IT’S A GIFT, REMEMBER THAT!
+ JUST DO IT — Listen, as much as I love working out, there are mornings I don’t feel like doing it, but I know I will be so much happier once I do, so I just do it. I put on my clothes, lace up my sneakers, and press GO. Sometimes you just have to put in the work — and it will feel like work sometimes — and that’s okay because if you put in the work, the results (mental and physical) will follow. So focus on the drill, not the score.
Workout Essentials
While I don’t have a ton of workout essentials, I wanted to share what I use in case it’s helpful. I’ve always loved running and pilates because it only requires a little gear/investment.
FOR RUNNING —
+ GREAT SNEAKERS — I’m (still) a Nike girl even though there are a million + 1 other brands on the market. What can I say? I like what I like and feel loyal to the brand that has “carried” me for 3+ decades!
+ WORKOUT CLOTHES — I’m either in the LULULEMON ALIGN LEGGINGS ( I like the 28″, but if you are on the shorter size, take the 25″) or recently have become a massive fan of BEYOND YOGA LEGGINGS and WORKOUT TOPS. They feel like butter and are just so comfortable to work out in. I always start in THIS HOODIE, and then once I get sweaty, I start peeling off the layers. Since growing up in the islands, one of my least favorite feelings is being cold, so I like getting hot and getting a good sweat when I workout..so in the winter, I start with a few layers and then take them off. And I feel like it’s important to say I don’t believe you need to have cute workout clothes to build great habits. I’m often in an old t-shirt and 10-year-old leggings and still have a great workout, so don’t let yourself fall into the trap of telling yourself I can’t start until I spend money on x,y, or z. Let getting a new pair of leggings/top be a reward you treat yourself to if you stay consistent for 1 month, etc.
+ A TREADMILL — You can always go outside or join a local gym, but I don’t like the cold/darkness in the winter, so I’m often inside. They don’t sell my treadmill anymore, but my twin has this one, and IT’S A DREAM. I legit look forward to visiting (for many reasons!), but one is definitely enjoying a quiet, cushioned run on her treadmill. Or I know a few friends that love their PELOTON TREAD if you have a little bit more room in your budget.
FOR MWH PILATES WORKOUTS —
+ 1 LB ANKLE WEIGHTS (these are currently 20% off!)
+ SPACE HEATER — Again, I don’t like being cold, so I let myself turn on our SPACE HEATER so I can wear the proper clothing (read: yoga top and leggings), so I have the movement I need and still work up a sweat.
OK, there you have it! That got long quickly, but I love moving my body (and cheering on my friends/family when they move their bodies!), so wherever you are, I hope this post inspired you along your journey.
What is your current workout routine? Why do you work out? I’d love to know!
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