There was a time when fitness posts were a more regular thing around here. Oops!
I guess I’m more likely to blog about my exercise routine when there’s a routine to talk about. Ever since my half marathon, my workouts have been a mix of a little bit of this and that and a fair amount of running. And I’ve honestly kind of enjoyed the freedom of not having a set plan and just being active.
The idea of being active was an easy one to grasp with Brickell Key in my backyard. At the very least, I could always count on a beautiful evening walk.
St. Petersburg is a little bit different. We live in a walkable area, but I’m not super comfortable venturing out on my own just yet. The gym in our apartment complex is amazing, so there’s that. Lots of equipment/cardio machines, free weights, and space. So far, I’ve been able to squeeze in a few gym workouts and an outdoor run with Vishnu.
But here’s the thing. Even though I don’t want a super structured routine, I still want to have a general idea of what I’m going to do every day. So here’s what I’m thinking…
The first thing I want to focus on is getting my 10k steps in a day. My day job requires me to be glued to my laptop and phone all day long, so this one’s going to be a bit of challenge. Vishnu suggested taking a short break every hour and walking around for a few minutes. I think I’m going to try that and see where it gets me!
With the outdoor running thing on hold (unless Vishnu wants to wake up super early and come with me…hint hint!), I’m resorting to the dreadmill for now. It’s been so long since I’ve regularly ran on a treadmill so we’ll see how it goes. Hopefully, I can find a good outdoor running route soon!
In terms of strength training, I want to get back to a 2-3x a week schedule. Again, not following a specific program or anything, but just doing something and challenging myself with different workouts. I’ve been pinning workouts like crazy and can’t wait to try them out! Follow my Fitness board on Pinterest if you’re interested!
In line with my strength training goals, I also want to gain a bit more core strength. BUT I absolutely despise core work. Go figure. The one thing I don’t totally hate is the plank. I actually enjoy plank variations and coming up with different timed sequences to complete. And the best part is that I can do my planking in the evening while watching TV or before going to bed.
And if all of the above fails me, I can always look for a gym/studio in our neighborhood. I really don’t want to go down that path though because Vishnu and I have some pretty solid savings goals right now, and a $50-100 gym membership is not going to help!
Well, just thought I would share where I’m at in terms of my fitness goals and workout routine. It’s nothing out of the ordinary, but like I always say, every little bit counts!
Happy Friday and thanks for reading!
What does your fitness routine look like right now? Do you prefer to run outdoors or on a treadmill?
“Dreadmill” is right – am not a fan of treadmill running either – but, if I find a good movie, then it isn’t so bad – Outdoor running wins hands down though – even with no music!
Parita, is there a “YouFit” or Fitness 19″ gym near you? They are a lot cheaper – running at around $7 to $9 a month – if you have to go that route.
Happy Friday!
Great idea, but unfortunately we don’t have either of those close to us. Thanks for the idea though!
Currently I’m following a 6 week program by Ivanna from Petite Heartbeat. I’m loving it because it’s giving me focus and it mixes up cardio, HIIT and weights to keep it interesting. I tend to get stuck in routines and I don’t see any results. I’ve definitely been feeling stronger since following her plan.
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Excited to hear more about this program, P!
I think it’s great you want to change things up and find out what works best for you! That’s honestly the best thing you can do to really personalize your routines/workouts. I usually try to take a break every hour or every two hours at work to walk around the block, or down to a nearby store or go visit my hubby at his building on campus. Doesn’t always work. Right now I work out about six days a week at that fitness studio I’m always instagramming 🙂 I do bootcamps 3-4 days a week; 3 of them are straight up circuit training and one of them is strictly weight/strength training. I also do a kettle bell/TRX/battle rope class, another cardio class and then yoga. It’s a lot, I know, but now it’s routine for me to go there every night at 6:30 and do whatever class is happening that day. Since two of those are I’m doing two-a-days, I rest Fridays and Sundays 😀
send me some of that energy and motivation dear.
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LOLz. A lot of it is REB literally pushing me out the door and telling me to go work out so I don’t do what I’d rather do: snuggle the dog, read a book and eat cookies.
You are hardcore, my friend! Love that you found something that works for you and with your schedule. Love it when that happens!
i have been doing more walks and some classes at the gym lately..i want to get myself a schedule or some sort of a routine but with work/life it has not been working out quite well..
dixya | food, pleasure, and health recently posted…5 Simple Ways to Clean Up Your Diet
I hope once things calm down at work you’re able to find that balance. But until then, walking is a great way to move!
Have you tried Class Pass? Several of my friends love it because you get to try all different types of classes in your local area at any time that works for your schedule. I also think it’s good to sign up for like a 5k or some fitness activity coming up in your area. We finished our first official 5k yesterday and it motivated me to try to get my running in on a weekly basis so I could meet my time goal at the event.
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So, last time I checked, Class Pass is still ~$100/month. I think I may look into it when we move to Chicago though!
And Vishnu and I were just talking about signing up for a 10k. I think that would be the perfect way to motivate us to work out regularly!
I can relate, my routine hasn’t been very structured here in Brazil. I do most of my workouts at home, using either The Body Project or Jessica Smith TV on Youtube and I’m actually really enjoying it. I love the variety. I follow Jessica Smith’s plug and play rotation – strength training three days a week (hard for me because I only have very light weights but I do what I can), two days of focused cardio, one day of yoga/pilates inspired work and one lightly active rest day. She also encourages lots of walking to supplement, aka getting those 10K steps. I have actually been doing those cheesy indoor walking workouts every few hours to keep from just sitting all day. Back in DC I was a gym rat, and I do miss my zumba I must admit, but I actually like the freedom of this approach and not always feeling guilty for paying for a pricey membership if I don’t make it as often as I’d like.
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Our apartment is not conducive to at home workouts – otherwise I’d be all over that! And I miss Zumba too – I think out of all the classes I took, that one was my ultimate favorite!
That’s great that your building gym facility is fully stocked. Good luck finding a running trail. Maybe you could ask some neighbours if they know of a trail.
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That’s actually a great idea, Charlotte! Thanks!