Busy Girl Fitness Tips

I used to hate working out. And I would love to say I have changed, but I still don't love working out. I do love fitness though. I also used to eat like a giant garbage can - I have been naturally thin my whole life so I never really thought about what my body looked like. Until that all started to change. Let me explain...

 I come from a dance background and have always had a naturally slim figure. I didn't have to work to keep myself in "shape," so I didn't. I became "skinny fat." Where I looked thin, but was super unhealthy and super soft. After my former manager called me "kind of pudgy and not that cute" (I'm not lying - a post on that alone is coming soon), I decided to do something about it. So I went to Target and bought a Fitbit and started down this year long journey of creating a body I was proud of. Now don't get me wrong, I still drink way too much wine and eat far too much spaghetti, but I am more confident that I have ever been because I took my body into my own hands. I am glad to tell you that that has lead to a confidence I didn't know I could feel. Do I have a six-pack? No. Do I have a thigh-gap? No. But am I proud of what I look like? YES! It hasn't been easy but here are my fitness tips for the unfit.

1. drink water

Not only can it help improve skin, mood and digestion, water is the thing most of us are lacking most and the easiest change we can make to our diets. Drinking water helps maintain balanced body fluids, can help repair damaged or overworked muscles, allows for good digestion and balanced body temperature. Water also can help with calorie intake - if you're "hungry" (and it isn't mealtime yet) drink an 8 ounce glass of water first - sometimes we can't tell the difference between the "I'm hungry" and "Im thirsty" trigger. 

• get a glass or aluminum water bottle and take that bad boy with you everywhere (I have a set of glass ones I keep in the fridge and just grab-and-go when I need one) Make sure your bottle isn't plastic though to avoid BPA and other toxic chemicals (also, they just aren't that sturdy).
• Set alarms in your phone to remind you to drink water - I try to drink a bottle an hour when I am somewhere that has easy flowing water (at home, the gym or the office)
• Switch out one beverage for water a day - I already only drink black coffee, water and wine so I didn't have anything I could really switch out so I just upped my intake. If you drink soda or juice, try switching it out for sparkling water - La Croix anyone?!

2. track your activity

I write down in my day planner (yes, I still use a hand-written day planner) at the start of the week when I will be working out. If I have a day off, my fiancé and I will go on a long hike and we plan that in advance so I write it down. I highlight all "fitness" related activity in blue in my planner so I can clearly see when I am getting my fitness in. It also lets me know when I need to step up my game and do more.

3. switch up your workouts

Are you always running? Try weight training? Do Zumba everyday? Take a barre class. Switch up they was you are working out to ensure your body doesn't get stuck in a routine.
My go-to workouts:
Monday - Bodyworks + Abs
High intensity, high cardio, high reps, medium weights
Tuesday - Pilates
Breath to body work, core work, micro-muscle toning
​Wednesday - Hiking
Cardio and lower body - (I like to get outside at least once a week and workout)
Thursday - Zumba
Cardio, lower body and some upper body.
Friday - Bodyworks or Zumba 
Whichever class I can make at the gym
Saturday - Hiking
Usually with my Fiancé - we will take this time to explore amazing hikes in LA
Sunday - Kickbox cardio
Arms, Cardio, Core

Abs are made in the kitchen

You've heard that saying before, right? That your diet is 80% and the gym is 20%? I used to think that was a load of crap until I became vegan. Pay attention to what you are putting in your body - just because it says "low fat" or "no sugar added" doesn't mean it's good for you. Also - just because it's vegan doesn't mean it's good for your (hello Oreos). I try to avoid highly processed food and eat a plant-based diet. I am working on cutting down my sugar... bye bye store-bought marinara. 

get enough sleep

This a big one. Sleep affects so much of how we feel and how we act. Sleep is our bodies' repair time and without sufficient sleep we can do irreparable damage to ourselves. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute "Studies also show that sleep deficiency alters activity in some parts of the brain. If you're sleep deficient, you may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, controlling your emotions and behavior, and coping with change. Sleep deficiency also has been linked to depression, suicide, and risk-taking behavior."

treat yo' self

You won't get anywhere if you feel deprived. So yes, have a piece of toast or a glass of wine - just keep it all in moderation!

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional - this is meant as a suggestion and based on my personal experience.