Finding A Workout You Love

Want To Know The Secret To Creating A Consistent Exercise Routine? Find a workout you love! Most people assume I have always been athletic – and that is only partially true. I have always been active because when I was younger my parents required it, but in my mind I never considered myself an athlete when I was growing up. Activity in my youth started with swimming, gymnastics, and dance – all of which I loved but I never had the mindset or determination to take any of those any further than just checking the box and doing my best. I won ribbons and competitions but I certainly didn’t push myself to excel at any level greater than what I was naturally able to accomplish. In high school I found aerobics. My PE teacher my sophomore year introduced choreographed workouts to our high school I was instantly hooked. I learned about warms ups and cool downs, beats per minute, and how to choreograph a class. At the age of 13 I became a certified fitness instructor and taught classes through my 20s. I worked in various gyms and at my college dorm teaching step aerobics and high low classes. It was such a fun job plus I got my workouts in while I taught! When I was in my 20s I discovered kickboxing and boxing classes and again was instantly hooked. I like the empowerment of it, mixed with the choreography and the powerful music. I had an incredible trainer who taught me the form for the punches and kicks, and I continued taking MMA classes through my mid 40s!

Find A Workout That Fits Into Your Life. When we moved to Vegas, I discovered the beauty – and benefits – of hiking. There are so many incredible trails in Las Vegas, in addition to Red Rock and Mt. Charleston I have a ton within walking distance from our home. Every time I go hiking I feel blessed to see parts of Vegas that most would never even think existed. During the pandemic, I discovered walking because the four gyms I belonged to all closed (some permanently, some temporarily). Three years later, I still walk 5 miles every morning and it has become the best start to my day. I go and come home before most people are up for the day, and it is like church, therapy and a workout all rolled into one. And most recently I have become yoga a student of yoga. I have tried to enjoy yoga on and off for years, and finally with the right instructor and content for me, I learned to embrace the practice and have increased my strength, calmed my mind and furthered my exploration of the sport/art.

What do all of these have in common?They all filled a space that I needed when I needed it.  I tried other workouts – strength training with a trainer, pilates, training (and completing) a Spartan race, but ultimately these are the activities that made me feel the best, the most complete, the strongest both mentally and physically. A lot of the connections had to do with the instructors who taught – influence makes a big difference. So don’t just try one class one time – try a few until you find the type of class(es) and instructor(s) that you connect with. Ability is also a factor – I like workouts where I feel accomplished and when I feel like my limits were pushed. There is a feeling of satisfaction after a workout like that. And for me, killer music is always a welcome bonus.

Here Are Some Tips to Help You Find The Workout(s) You LOVE To Look Forward To!

Listen To Your Body And Brain. Different workouts may work for you in different moods or different phases of your life – Listen to your body and your brain and embrace those seasons!

Use The Three-Trial Rule.When you try a new workout or take a class with a new instructor, go three times. The first time just get through the workout without any judgment. The second time, listen to your body and take note of how you feel before, during and after the workout. Note what you enjoy and what you don’t like. The third time, take steps to enhance what you like and to minimize or adapt you didn’t enjoy – then make a decision about continuing on with that workout or if you need to find another option to try.

Know The Importance of Timing.Schedule your workout at a time that works with your schedule. If you feel stressed about when your workout is you won’t be able to be fully present and realize all of the benefits of the session. Some people enjoy early morning workouts and some prefer midday or in the evening. There are benefits to each time of day so finding the time that works best for you will be the best option.

Align Your Workouts With Your Fitness Goals. Looking to have some fun and move your body? Find a Zumba or hip hop class. Looking to build strength and lean muscle? Check out HIIT or crossfit. Want to incorporate a mix of cardio and strength? Try different workouts in combination with each other!

And Above All, Remember This: The Best Workout Is The One You Enjoy! The best workout is the one you enjoy, will commit to consistently, and that will help you achieve your goals so find workouts that check those boxes and you will be “exercising” best options for success! If you need help to create a fitness plan that works for you  reach out to me here. I would love to help you reach your goals!