Let me first start by saying, as I’m getting older, it is more of a daily challenge to stay fit! I will always be envious of the people that say they actually enjoy working out. Although, I love the way I feel mentally afterward, and of course I feel rewarded when my body looks strong and fit…It is still a challenge to get myself motivated daily. Let’s just say, sometimes, I have to get in the mindset that my life depends on this workout!! Haha. With that being said, let’s dive right in.
Fitness is not about being better than someone else…it’s about being better than you used to be. – unknown
I have always been relatively slim. Although I’m a healthy eater, I still indulge from time to time like everyone else. Let me give you a bit of background on my upbringing and what kinds of activities I was involved in growing up. My Mom always kept us super active. She also always encouraged us three girls to try new things. Even though I was definitely a tomboy at one stage of my life, I never ever wanted to play sports! I wanted to do all of the girly things like gymnastics, ice skating, dancing and cheerleading. So we were kept pretty busy doing numerous physical activities growing up.
As I got a bit older, I found different forms of working out that kept my body toned and in shape. Now let me reiterate, I am old enough at this point, to understand that our body changes through the years and our workouts need to be modified to target the new problem area(s) we have acquired. (Now, those of you that are younger and have not experienced this yet) things change as you get older. Trends also change. I remember when I was in my early twenties, no one wanted to have a big, round booty! Now it’s all the rage. Thankfully, since that has always been my problem area, or shall I say, hardest area to keep firm! My workouts have always consisted of a healthy balance of cardio, light weights and strength training. Years ago, I used to spend a lot of time in aerobic or step classes. But the past 12 years or so, my cardio mainly consists of running on a treadmill or running five miles outside.
Now, please let me remind you, my current workout regime, is what works for me! It may not be exactly what your body needs. I will always remember, years ago after a car accident, I had to go to physical therapy. There was a woman one day that said to me “What do you do to stay in shape?” I answered, I basically just run. She quickly snapped back, “Oh just wait, when you get older you are going to need much more than running!” Which, now that it is twenty plus years later, she was partially right. Yes, my body type, still to this day, can get completely toned just by running alone. But I definitely like the look of being a bit more sculpted, which I get from strength training and weights. It also helps with my core muscles and helps keeps me stronger overall.
Two of my favorite all time workouts, are workouts you can do at home. Yes, I know I’m going to sound like an infomercial here. But my go to workouts are Barry’s Bootcamp and Brazil Butt Lift. I get it. You have probably seen those commercials with the Victoria Secret models claiming it works for them. Whether or not Brazil Butt Lift is actually their go to workout? I don’t know. But what I do know, is it WORKS! The Barry’s Bootcamp home workouts I do, are very manageable and very target oriented. The ab workout is better than the workout I got from a personal trainer. No joke! It completely transforms your core and ab muscles. And better yet, each targeted workout is only abound 12 minutes long.
Brazil Butt Lift, is a bit more challenging. You have to be disciplined with this workout (as you should be with any workout) But this one specifically. I would suggest you commit to the initial 60 day challenge workout to see the best results and then you can do maintenance workouts. I also like running along with both of these regimes. It helps speed up your results. The other key factor for achieving quicker results, is eating right. Go light on the carbs and your core muscles will start to show definition much quicker.
Last but not least, I love a good outdoor hike. Living in Southern California, and L.A. specifically, allows me to enjoy some of the best hiking spots! I also love what being outdoors does to my mind, body and spirit. It helps ease my anxiety at times and gives me a feeling of peace and tranquility. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, I’ll take it!
