I saw this on Tina’s blog and thought it would be fun to write about. I have been exercising since I was about 16. I started going to a women’s only gym with my mom. I did some classes, elliptical machine, treadmill and some light weight lifting exercises. I mostly took a break in college for my freshman year because our gym was AWFUL but a couple times a week I would use the track, run or walk. (My diet was NOT in check then, so I put on the typical “freshman 15…okay 20.)
What do I know about my self in regards to fitness?
I can do the same thing over and over and over again. I LOVE a good routine, which is great, but problem you need to switch things up every once in awhile. This is why Best Body Bootcamp is great for me. It’s a routine/plan but changes every 2 weeks.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE cardio but I’ve changed my ways. I can do cardio until the cows come home. I’ve talked about it before, but even though I’m still a cardio queen at heart, I’ve veered away from my past ways. Now I run 3 days a week (4 miles 2x and 5 miles 1x) and the other 3 days I do 20 minutes of walking with a weight training routine (from Best Body Bootcamp). (I used to do 35-45 minutes of elliptical/biking/spin on weight training days pre-baby when I went to the gym.) This didn’t just happen overnight. I know there are a lot of cardio queens out there who feel like they have to do XXX amount of cardio to feel like it “counts”. I’ve BEEN there. I honestly mostly changed when I got pregnant and didn’t want to over-do it. While I was pregnant I SWORE my legs has less cellulite on them and I attributed it to doing less cardio and keeping up with weights. Post birth sealed the deal for me mostly because I didn’t have the time. I also wanted to see if doing less cardio would help stop burning muscles and I really think it has had a positive effect.
I love doing intense workouts. I get stupid excited to do things like 180 burpees on a Friday. I also have a new love of tabata. So intense and it’s short.
I don’t have a gym membership and I don’t miss it. Occasionally I’ll miss going to a spin class, but honestly I barely think about it. Once again I’m a creature of habit, so I do my thing and don’t really think about anything else. I LOVE working out at home because it’s so convenient. One day I’ll get a spin bike and bosu ball but for now I’m good with my weights, exercise ball and treadmill. I also would like to get possibly a 25# and 30# weight.
I love running, but I don’t really have any desire to go longer, harder or faster. I mostly go with my mood. I switch up my treadmill workouts based on how I’m feeling but I don’t really feel the need to be improving my speed. Yes, I like to challenge myself but there’s no crazy fire under my rear to run a 7 minute mile, run a half marathon or race against anyone. I’m happy where I am and most of the time that’s on the treadmill in front of Willie Geist and the rest of the Today Show.
I LOVE the early morning, but not usually for workouts. I can be a 5 am worker-outer but I’d way prefer 8:30 or 9 when Liv goes down to take her nap. I much rather get up, have coffee, do some work, eat breakfast and hang out w Liv for a bit before working out. If I have early plans, then you’ll find me getting it done before I go. One thing’s for sure I DO NOT workout at night. Any workout beyond 11 am is 99% not happening for me.
I ALWAYS schedule in my workout. If I have something to do, I work backwards to figure out what time I would have to start working out to be on time.
Going with the last one…I’m sometimes (ehh…maybe more than sometimes…) late because I don’t schedule in enough time to shower/get ready to go where I need to go….although I AM better about this now that I have Liv because I always add in extra time to get her and I ready.
I know I’m a fitness lover at heart and I’ll always make time. I know it may not always be easy, especially with more kids, but I know I’ll always plan to make it happen…even if that means going back to the 5am workout.
Thanks to Tina for the inspiration for the post (and to Julie for inspiring her!)
What are your fitness quirks/lessons you’ve learned about yourself?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve learned you I like to run. The weight room as always my favorite spot, but after really giving running a try I’ve come to enjoy it.
I am a cardio-queen. I know I need to do more weight training…but I hate it haha
I also used to be the queen of cardio – but have added in strength training and love it. I feel so much more balanced!
I love your fitness assessment of yourself! You seem so balanced! I definitely slack on the balance and end up doing so much running and not enough strength and flexibility based fitness. I too never leave enough time for a shower! My poor husband:)
So funny how different our fitness selves are. I LOVE working out at night and I can’t live without the gym. I love it! You look amazing so whatever you are doing is working for you !