Hey guys! It's been a few days since I joined in on the #positivechallenge hosted by 
I am lucky enough that my job allows me to have fun pretty much every day. I worked for years in retail management before I was so run into the ground that I needed to find something else to do for a living that did not sap the life out of me. While personal training definitely has some ups and downs, the majority of the time I really enjoy my work in helping people develop a healthier lifestyle. My body may be physically tired some days when I end the day, but at least I know I have done something more beneficial than just sell someone a box of note cards!
Since I enjoy my job so much, I am a firm believer that if you come in and workout with me you should at least somewhat enjoy your time, as well. I know not everyone loves working out, but I think anyone can find a way to add it in to their daily routine in a way that is sustainable and enjoyable. One of the ways to do this is workout with people you like spending time with. While most of my clients do one-on-one sessions with me, I also teach some corporate fitness classes and a lot of the other trainers that I work with do small group sessions. Working out with friend or small group can be great because you have a little extra accountability, but you can also chat a bit while you exercise or at least just find some comfort in knowing you have someone else sweating next to you. Even with my individual sessions, my clients usually converse with the other clients in at the same time or the other trainers. We try very hard to make our studio a family, not just a gym.
I also really try to encourage people to think about how much better they feel after working out. If you just focus on exercising to lose weight, it is most likely going to feel like work. Instead focus on how much more energy you have, how much better you sleep, or how you do not get as winded going up and down the stairs. There are any number of small victories to celebrate as you start or just continue a workout routine. I also love planning to eat a meal right after my workout. Gives me something to look forward to even if it's a grueling session to get stronger and/or faster. ;) Today's post-workout meal was overnight oats with coconut water, chia seeds, kiwi and cashews.
If you need a little motivation to get moving today, here is the routine I did with my 30-minute circuit class just a few hours ago. Do each of the exercises in the set for 45 seconds each, with 20 seconds rest before moving to the next. Complete each set twice then move on to the next. For the one-sided moves, do the right side the first round then switch to the left on your second round. Make sure to warmup for at least 5 minutes before starting, and cool down/stretch once complete. Consult your doctor if you have any contraindications before starting a new workout routine.
Set 1
- 1 Arm Band Row
- Slider Side Lunge
- Banded Side Steps (band around ankles)
- Punching Bag or Air Punches
Set 2
- Ball Slams
- Dumbbell Shoulder Presses
- Stability Ball Hip Bridges
- Stability Ball Hands to Feet Ab Crunches
Set 3
- Alternating Dumbbell Front Raises on the Bosu
- Kettlebell Squat with a High Pull
- Wall Sit
- Lateral Bounds (Skaters)
Feel free to adjust any exercises based on what you have available in your gym or home. If you need any explanation of exercises, feel free to ask in the comments. Have a wonderful and fun workout today, whatever it is you may be doing to get your body moving! And definitely check out the #positivechallenge if you need a little boost for your day. :)
