My Current Exercise Routine & Workout Playlist!

I feel like the overall theme on the blog lately has been inspired by the overarching themes January provides such as fresh starts, positive changes, and kicking off a new year on a healthy and strong foot. Since the start of the new year, I have really been trying to kickstart my workout routine and get back on track with my own health and fitness goals. If I do say so myself, so far so good!

I feel like I am getting back into a great routine, with a mixture of different workouts throughout the week. It is so important to add variety to your workout routine so that it doesn't get stagnant, you don't get bored, and so you are ultimately more likely to stick with it. More importantly, I have always believed that you have to find what works for you and what you like and enjoy. Key words right there. If you are doing something you really dislike there is just no way you are going to enjoy yourself or stick it out for long enough to get the benefits exercise provides. The beautiful thing is there is such a wide variety of different exercise classes, programs, and paths that can be taken to achieve your fitness goals. There really is something, or a variety of different things, for everyone - it's just a matter of discovering it!

With all that being said, I thought it would be fun to share an example of what my current exercise routine looks like (& share a fun workout playlist!). It is what I have been doing for the past month, and it is something I feel I will be able to keep up with in the months to come. Of course (disclaimer), this is what I have discovered works best for me and aligns best with my own fitness goals. I'm sure there will be people in the fitness world who disagree with me or who would tell me it's too much this or not enough that. Too much cardio and not enough strength training is what I'm sure they would tell me, however, this is what works for me. It keeps me in what I think is pretty decent shape, it makes me happy, and it is a combination of things I enjoy doing. I don't think it gets any better than that!

So as far as the actual workouts go - I have been striving for five workouts a week, with two days off to rest/recover. This however is flexible depending on your own needs. For instance, last night was supposed to be my day off, but I was feeling pretty good physically and in need of a little mental release so I decided to do a quick run on the treadmill followed by a Pilate's class. At the same time however, some weeks you might need to take a third day off because your body is just extra tired or sore, and that's okay too. At the end of the day just listen to your body and do what's best for you!

As I mentioned before, I like to have variety to my workout routine so I'm not doing the same exact thing everyday. I know it's important to do both cardio and strength training so I've been doing two days of cardio a week and two days of strength training. For strength training I'll do upper body one day and lower body they other - if you're interested in hearing exactly what I do for those feel free to send me a message! We all know I love my spin classes, so that's what I designate as my 'cardio' days, even though I feel like I'm getting much more than just cardio. If I had it my way I would spin everyday- seriously the best! As far as that fifth day goes, I've been doing a long run and core work. For me a long run is at minimum four miles, but I typically try to shoot for five or six. Making a point to get in that long run each week helps me maintain my cardiovascular endurance, so that once outdoor running season rolls back around, I won't feel totally out of running shape.

So there you have it! Although I didn't go into details of what exactly I do for each workout, I hope you have still enjoyed it and maybe gained a little workout inspiration as well. Below is an example of how I would spread out my workouts over the course of one week. Check it out and enjoy!

SUNDAY

Off - Rest Day

MONDAY
Lower Body Strength Training
15 Minutes on StairMaster

TUESDAY

Three Miles on Treadmill
Upper Body Strength Training

WEDNESDAY

Spin

THURSDAY
Off - Rest Day

FRIDAY

Spin
Pilate's

SATURDAY
Long Run
Light Core Work 

Special shoutout to BMACadelic for the suggestion of a workout playlist! There is nothing better in my opinion than a killer playlist to motivate a workout. Thought this was the perfect post to share a fun new playlist with and there is such good new music out. Check it out below & enjoy (and go check out my friend BMACadelic - you won't be disappointed!)

Next to a killer playlist, new workout gear is probably the second best motivator. Nothing gets my bum to the gym quite like a hot new pair of workout pants! See some of the workout gear on my wish list below!

xo. G