Fitness, a journey.

Let's talk fitness.

I was never a "fit" girl growing up. I wasn't involved with sports through school + didn't have any active hobbies. As I got into my early 20's I gained the traditional "freshman 15" even though I didn't attend college. I never felt comfortable in a gym + I didn't have a good relationship with food or my body.

(this was me at 23 - no exercise, eating + drinking whatever I wanted.)

I tried many fad diets. Always looking for a "quick fix" + when I didn't get it I would give up. I went through phases of trying different work out classes or would periodically go on a run or hike here + there. What I lacked was consistency + knowledge.

When I moved to California I eventually took up yoga + fell in love with it. It was amazing for my mind body + soul. I joined a few different yoga studios + became an avid yogi for the remainder of my years in California. I still to this day love yoga. I have always wanted to do a yoga teacher trainer + try to keep yoga as a regular part of my wellness practice. The thing is, yoga wasn't ENOUGH for me to see enough of a physical change.

So, when I moved back to New Hampshire I hired a trainer. I shared with her my "fear" of the gym. I always felt stupid in a gym setting because I didn't know what I was doing, so I would walk in, spend 30 minutes to an hour walking on a treadmill + would leave. It wasn't until she walked me through every machine + set me up with a routine that it became second nature + that "fear" quickly slipped away.

I have been working out with @abrittroy for 2 consecutive years. We meet once a week + she gives me the push I am feeling like I need in whatever body part I feel like I slack on in my own personal workouts. We spent a long time together on leg day + have recently moved onto having her push me through cardio circuits as I feel like it's my least favorite thing to do alone/I'm lazy!

I started going to the gym Monday-Friday consistently sticking to my routine that she wrote out for me in July of this year + have dropped an additional size in conjunction with my diet change (which I will share in another post). Jeans I wasn't able to fit into in July slide on + button easily now.

Having a routine to stick to + the confidence in knowing what I am doing in the gym has helped me stick to going. Lifting has been the key in what changed my body. I'm happy to report I've lost 10lbs + went from a size 6 to a 2. I have more energy throughout my day + feel physically stronger.

If you're feeling like you're in a rut + that nothing is working for you, know that you're NOT ALONE. I have been there + I struggled with loving myself for many many years. It's important to know that it doesn't happen overnight. It is a journey, it's consistency, it's showing up for yourself every day. It's making small changes, one after the other. It's not about deprivation. It's all about balance. The hardest part is starting, but I promise once you do, it's just what you do. Like waking up + having your morning coffee + brushing your teeth.

Here's a breakdown of what a week of workouts looks like for me:

3 sets of 10

Monday : Bi's + Tri's

+ alternating bicep curls

+ tricep extensions

+ incline bicep curls

+ tricep kickbacks

+ alternating hammer curls

+ tricep cable pull downs

+ bicep curl machine

+ cardio 30 mins stair master

Tuesday: Leg Day

+ barbell sumo squat

+ smith machine back squat

+ 3D lunge

+ machine seated leg curl

+ machine seated leg press

+ RDLs

+ hip thrusts

Wednesday: Chest + Back

+ chest press (smiths machine)

+ incline chest press

+ dip machine

+ recreational fly machine

+ seated row

+ dumbbell bent over row

+ lat pulldown machine

Thursday: Shoulder Day

+ overhead press barbell

+ upright row

+ overhead press dumbbell

+ pitch + pours

+ incline front raises

+ cardio (treadmill 30 mins, speed 3, 12 incline)

Friday: Cardio Circuit with trainer.

Check out @abrittroy instagram for workouts!

I also love getting out + hiking regularly on the weekends (+ so does Tewks!)

I highly recommend getting a trainer if you have the means to do so, even if it's just temporary to teach you the proper way to workout. Get a gym buddy to hold you accountable. If the gym isn't for you, find something you love ( like I love yoga + hiking) to get out + move your body. It's about so much more than the way you look. Taking your physical + mental health into your hands + making it a priority will make you so HAPPY!

When I first saw that first photo of 23 year old me, I was honestly shocked. I don't recognize that girl. Not because I was 3 or 4 sizes bigger, but because I am so much happier + healthier being this new version of myself. Because I learned to love myself + treat myself better with the choices I was making in regards to my health.