I’ve been exercising regularly for years now, that it’s become a habit I don’t think about, I just do it! It’s a non-negotiable part of my day that I schedule 5 days a week. I often don’t have the time, but I make the time for my health. Combining strength training, cardio and flexibility training with high intensity intervals gives my body and mind the best results.
My routine has made it easier to keep my appointment with my workout. When I get up in the morning, I drink 2 glasses of water to replenish and wake up my body, before eating a good breakfast containing fruit, whole grains, and lean protein with one cup of coffee. After breakfast, I get my workout clothes on and gather my gear. Most days, I get the kids off to school before my workout, which allows quality time together making healthy breakfasts and packing lunches. As a parent, I try to lead by example and show how exercise, planning healthy meals and making positive choices is important.
Since I usually eat breakfast about 3 hours before I exercise, morning snack time is 45 minutes – one hour prior to my workout. I’ll fuel up with a mini-meal(about 200 calories) containing complex carbs and protein to give me a slow release of energy for endurance and drink more water. Some of my favorite options are: a whole grain waffle with peanut butter, cheese with fruit or a few whole grain crackers, an egg with orange juice, greek yogurt with fruit or whole grain cereal, or Energy and Endurance pre-workout drink.
During my workout, I use lip balm and chew gum to help keep my mouth and lips moist throughout my exercise routine. I drink a lot of water and continue hydrating throughout the day. Post-workout, it’s important to cool down with a great stretch to increase my flexibility, and eat protein to help repair and build my muscles. I follow up with a post-workout recovery drink and Shakeology later on in the day for increase in energy, health, immunity and more.
I don’t always feel like working out, but I never regret it when I’m finished. Whether I’m doing a Beachbody home-fitness program with P90X, TurboFire, Brazil Butt Lift, ChaLEAN Extreme, RevAbs, Hip Hop Abs or Insanity or exercising in the gym, I always follow the same routine. Once I begin, my endorphins start flowing with happy, energized feelings, increasing my mood instantly. I feel less stress, anger, frustration, and I’m ready to take on my day better equipped to handle physical and emotional challenges. Starting isn’t always easy, but sometimes, it’s hard to stop! Engaging support from other people keeps me accountable and it’s fun too. Creating positive habits helps me maintain a happy life with a healthy body, mind and soul. It doesn’t matter where you start with exercise, just start! Begin with what you can do and gradually build your intensity and time up each day. Take breaks, pace yourself, but always put exercise on your schedule.
What’s your favorite exercise routine? I’d love to hear from you! Shop my website to purchase my favorite home fitness programs and nutritional products: www.beachbodycoach.com/fitwithmolly.
One thought on “Ease into Exercise with a Routine”
I can’t agree with this more! A number of family members and friends have expressed their challenges when trying to ‘fit in’ workouts into their busy lives. I always tell them the same thing – that they are going to be challenged to ‘fit it in’. It needs to become part of your day.
Once it is a part of your daily routine, you have conquered the largest hurdle in changing your life, as it relates to fitness.
The next step simply becomes choosing to start a fitness program that you will enjoy, whether that is swimming some laps in the pool, a yoga class, or a bike ride through the neighborhood. Pick something you like and get going. Once you start a routine, there is no turning back.