Being Your Best You: Strength

Welcome back for week 3 of the July Challenge link-up! 

Today we're hitting one of the more important pieces of your training plan - Strength. 

So you've been wanting to get strong, you've been wanting to get lean and you've been wanting to see muscles, right? 

You want it, but you may just not know how to get there.

You don't know what to do with the weights in the gym, you don't want to be the only girl in the weight room, you don't want to invest in your own equipment at home and you really just don't know where to start! Believe me, I didn't know either. 

I switched my focus from running myself into the ground to a strength, conditioning and lover-of-trying-new-things  attitude and I've never been happier.

Being a short on time 20-something I've been hot on the search for workouts that I can do quickly and efficiently. Last week Brooke sent me a note and said that I should download the 12 Minute Athlete App and I am seriously hooked. 

You open the app, select what equipment you have (or don't have) and it puts together a list of exercises for you to do. 

The format is 12 minutes total - 30 seconds on, 10 seconds rest, and on to the next 30 seconds of work in a circuit form. 

If you like what you've been given - awesome you're going to rock it! 

If you don't like it, shake your phone and it will give you a new set of exercises. 

If you're comfortable with some and not others, all good - you can modify it to fit your needs. 

For example - if I can't do "Reptile Push-Ups", I do a modified regular push-up version instead! 

No time? It's only 12 minutes.

No equipment? There's a "no equipment" option.

No experience? Modify. Practice. Improve.

Want to use a kettlebell? It lets you select that in your options.

Loved a workout and want to save it? You can do that too!

Plus, there's this great animation and there's example videos for every. single. exercise. 

 

From experience, my health, confidence, fitness and overall strength have completely improved once I decided to focus on my muscles.

Go get after it and find out for yourself!

Chelsea, Rebecca and I would love to hear what you do to make yourself stronger, both inside and out! 

Being Your Best You: Energy

Wake up! Wake up! I need you to get excited with me for just a few minutes. 

I know that's a lot to ask considering that it's Thursday and we are already looking forward to no morning alarm on Saturday morning, but I have another important topic in this month's July challenge. 

To me, energy is like currency. You can earn it the same way that you can spend it.

At the end of the day your energy is something that you can manage if you want to, and something that you can then choose to spend whichever way you'd like to as well.

"Earning" energy is different for everyone and I truly believe that it comes down to your personality type. Introverts recharge through alone and quiet time. Extroverts recharge in the loud and obnoxious company of others. Many of you have never met me, but I'm an introvert through and through so I'm going to share the ways that I, as an introvert, earn energy and refill my tank. 

:: Rest

Seriously, sleep. Get the sleep that you deserve each and every night and get the non-sleep rest too. Netflix binges count.

:: Say "No"

This goes back to our balance conversation that we had last week. The more you say "no" to things you're not 100% wanting to do, the more time and 'energy' you get to put back into your life and the things you find to be the most important and meaningful to you. 

:: Nourish your body with clean and healthy foods

I've never finished a bag of potato chips and thought "Wow, I have so much energy now."

You can avoid that gross-all-the-time feeling by sticking to healthier foods like vegetables and good proteins while avoiding empty calories and "bad foods" that we all know aren't good for us. For me, meal prep is the key ingredient to this effort - but that's something we can talk about a different day!

:: Work out

Okay so I know this sounds like it's a way to spend energy - but it's also a way to get the blood flowing and to "get the fuzz out". If you sit around all day, chances are you're going to feel a little lethargic. Try moving your stuff for at least 30 minutes a day and see what it does for your energy levels and overall outlook on life!

Then from there, spend your energy however you choose! Whether that's being social with friends, going out dancing, putting in a little extra effort at work or going hard on reading blogs!

Chelsea, Rebecca and I would love to hear how you energize yourself in the comments and on your own blog in the July Challenge link-up!

Don't forget, there's more opportunities to join the link-up each Thursday in July!

July 24: Strength

This week is all about health and fitness. Share your favorite workouts, tips, tricks, and ways to reach your peak strength. 

July 31: Total Package 

With this being the end of the month and the last day of the link-up, share with us how you define being the BEST version of you. Get creative; anything is fair game here! 

Being Your Best You: Balance

Balance is such a tricky thing, isn't it?

If you're anything like me, you want a mixture of the following things in your life:

:: Do well in your job and make all the money

:: Have great relationships with friends/family/significant others/pets

:: Eat right and get/stay in good shape

:: Make people laugh everyday

:: Perfect hair / nails / wardrobe / accessories

:: Indulgence and entertainment

:: Relaxation and binge-watching Netflix sessions

:: Blog & read all the blogs.

:: Happiness

There's more, but I think you see my point. 

You want it all. 

But doesn't having it all sound a little bit exhausting? 

I've always been a do-it-all-or-die lonely kind of person. I sit on the Type-A side of the fence, but I think you knew that about me from my tales of running 100 miles a month for 4 years, three college degrees in 4 years, writing two blogs, working a high-profile job, stressing over things I can't control. 

Those are all sad examples of the way I've always been hungry for "more". 

Over the past year I've learned the valuable lesson that doing "more" doesn't make me a better person. It makes me tired. It makes me a worse friend. It empties my tank and takes away the opportunities that I have in front of me to become my BEST me. 

The important lesson I've learned is that balance makes me the best me.

Balance is different for everyone, but for me it boils down to filling my world with the things that I feel are important to my overall physical, mental and spiritual health and happiness. 

:: Filling the tank

:: Laughing

:: Making time for myself

:: Working smarter

:: Asking for help when I need it

:: Finding the good

:: Exercising

:: Connecting

:: Dancing

:: Smiling

:: Saying "No" and meaning it. 

I feel that last one is the most important to me in terms of achieving balance - with the amazing part about saying "no" is that I've mostly only had to say it to myself. Not so scary after all. 

Pretty awesome concept isn't it?

What do you do to create some normalcy and balance in your healthy and beautiful life? 

Chelsea, Rebecca and I would love to hear from you both in the comments and the July Challenge link-up!

Don't forget, there's more opportunities to join the link-up each Thursday in July!

July 17: Energy 

What gets you going when the tank is running on empty? Share what kicks your energy levels into high gear. 

July 24: Strength

This week is all about health and fitness. Share your favorite workouts, tips, tricks, and ways to reach your peak strength. 

July 31: Total Package 

With this being the end of the month and the last day of the link-up, share with us how you define being the BEST version of you. Get creative; anything is fair game here! 

July Challenge - Being the Best You!

Guys, remember back in May there was a link-up for favorite workouts hosted by three amazing ladies?

If you weren't here, Chelsea, Rebecca and Kait asked us to share our favorite core, arms, legs and blogger's workouts. It was a huge success.

I had a blast and asked when we could do it again. If you're wondering too, here's your opportunity! I'll be helping Chelsea and Rebecca host an amazing series lined up for you each Thursday in July. 

Check out the descriptions for each Thursday below as written by the beautiful and talented Chelsea.

July 10: Balance 

What brings balance to your life? A favorite workout? Book? Specific location? A person or animal? Share with us how you bring balance to your life. 

July 17: Energy 

What gets you going when the tank is running on empty? Share what kicks your energy levels into high gear. 

July 24: Strength 

This week is all about health and fitness. Share your favorite workouts, tips, tricks, and ways to reach your peak strength. 

July 31: Total Package 

With this being the end of the month and the last day of the link-up, share with us how you define being the BEST version of you. Get creative; anything is fair game here! 

This link-up is a chance to join, motivate and share with one another all things health, fitness and life to be the best version you.

Come back tomorrow and link up!

The Bikini Photo

This isn't so much a confession.... but it kind of is because I'm posting a no-filter bathing suit bathroom selfie for all of the internet to see. 

There have been times in my life where I wouldn't have taken $10,000 to do something this scary.

This weekend I went shopping with the mission to find a bathing suit. Temperatures have been getting warmer and I am feeling that invite coming along any time now for a friend to ask me over for a swim. 

Rather than anxiety later, I decided that Memorial Day weekend sales would be in my favor as I went to look for my first bathing suit purchase in over 10 years. 

That's not an exaggeration. 

Victory #1 - I didn't cry. 

Victory #2 - I didn't settle on something "more modest"

Victory #3 - I was honest about the sizes I needed (top L, bottoms XL)

Victory #4 - I bought a freakin' swim suit (and actually bought three)

Victory #5 - That smile on my face. Right there. 

Drop the mic. I'm out. 

(ps - this was from Old Navy but I can't find it online)

Link up with Kathy, won't you?

More Fitness Confessions

You would think that coming up with confessions week after week here on the fitness blog would get tougher every time - but there's always something more that I'm keeping up my sleeve and haven't yet spouted to you in blog world!

Beginning this blog I though that it would be difficult to come up with new and exciting content, but week after week I continue to challenge myself with something new. Whether it's a different workout, youtube demo video(s) or inspiration from you guys -  this world of fitness changes each and every day!

This has nothing to do with these confessions - just my overjoy in the fact that there's so much to do, so much to learn and so many people out there with their own way of doing things.

Enough philosophy, let's get juicy with my confessions!

:: I haven't done a morning before work sweat in almost a month.
:: I skipped dance class yesterday so that I would have enough energy for my evening workout.

:: I've kind of fallen in love with the "Death by Beth" class!
:: I LOVE when people email me with their fitness story.
:: My newest favorite fitness instagram account is @prove_it. Check his videos out, now.
:: All I ate last night was meat & sriracha. Not even mad.
:: I get "kind of" sweaty when I work out hard. Do you agree?



Who said you can't work out from home?

Linking up with miss Kathy

Loving the Process

The more I think about it, the more I like this long fitness journey of life that I'm on. 

Sure, the amazing thing would be to have quick results and my dream body in less than a month. It's that which I've unhealthily sought out several times in my life, and always paid for it with more pounds back and less confidence in my ability to really live a healthy life. 

This time around my approach toward the whole "weight loss thing" is different. 

I've chosen to work smarter, not harder. I've chosen to make lifestyle changes, not quick fixes. I've chosen to toss out what I used to think I knew about fitness (run more, run farther!) and instead continue to find ways to enjoy sweating (dance class!) and how to build a stronger and more efficient body (weight lifting/T25!). 

What's been so rewarding and satisfying about this approach has been the surprising things that happen while I haven't been concerned with the number on a scale.

Just a little over a month ago I remember sending a snapchat to some friends confessing that it was the first time I'd worn a tank top in public in my adult life. That feeling of success was unlike anything I'd felt in a long time because the symbolism of wearing something that revealed one of my more insecure spots gave me reassurance that my system was working. 

The "process" has taught me patience. 

The "process" has taught me that there's some places in life where you don't want to take short-cuts. 

The "process" has taught me to not panic and fret over progress.

The "process" has taught me that a lot of little victories add up to big victories if you give them time. 

On that note, this weekend had two big successes.

1. The loose waist fit on a form-fitting tank top.

2. Successful execution of a tricep push-up (just one, but it's a big step for me)

Yes, mom and dad - I took some selfies downstairs in your bathroom, the lighting was good.

What I'm saying is that I like being surprised by these results that I'm not really "searching" for. The results that come from working one day at a time doing things that I know make me a healthier and happier person. Eating right, drinking water and sweating because I love it - not because I have to do it.

What choices are you making toward being a healthier and happier you?

I'm Not An Expert

I hope that I didn't give off the impression with yesterday's post that I have abs. 

I don't. 

I mean they're under there somewhere and they're a little tight today, but I have a ways to go until I can see them if I'm not flexing, sucking in and taking a morning photo. I'm not sure I even want that, but it never hurts to try. 

Each time I responded to a comment with a "Hey, by the way, I don't have abs" I felt like I needed to submit a retraction. Like all thoughts about the way I can blog differently - it inspired a post. 

A confessions post on the things that I want to clear up for those of you who are amazing and have followed me over the past month.

I am not an expert. 

I am a girl on a fitness/lifestyle/happiness/discovery journey (just like you).

I can't plank more than 2 minutes.

I'm not certified in anything fitness related.

I have "trouble areas" too.

I do like 'bad foods' too, I just choose to not eat them.

Some days I don't sweat, that's okay.

I can't do a perfect push-up.

I am still on the hunt for my soulmate workout.

I don't count calories or weigh the ounces of food I eat.

I don't always hit my 100oz water goal and can be better at that.

I do sleep in on the weekends and I do love it. 

I don't fitness shame - no matter what level of fitness you're at.

Again, I am not an expert. 

Thanks for listening to a girl who tells it as she knows it from her point of view!

Linking up with kick-ass Kathy

Abs are Made When You Walk Away From the Kitchen

So I'm taking the easy way out today because sometimes life gets in the way and you don't schedule your blogs on the weekend. Whoops!

But the good news is that I wanted to participate in the link-up I found over on Kait's blog!

Today the prompt is "Favorite Core Exercise".

Ha-ha but seriously - the best way I've found to tone up my core is to cut dairy, grains and beans out of my diet (paleo) and drink lots of water. 

But more than tone your core, you want to strengthen it.

That's why I'm sharing with you today a workout from the Tone it Up ladies that they call "The Best Ab Workout".

3 rounds of 15 reps

Scissor Crunch

Starfish Crunch

Side Slimmer

Tummy Tuck

Burpees (!!!!) because they work

Details for each exercise (and a printout) here

Go get your abs on! I smell a plank challenge coming on!

Flex Friday

Okay you guys, do you remember how last weekend I asked you for your very best #sweatyselfies?

You came, you sweat and you showed me your hard work. It was amazing and it was beautiful - but now I want more!

I'm challenging you to post a photo of yourself flexing (or just send one to me via email, text or snapchat!) and tag me @JessiFitPdx

I'll start... here's mine! 

BONUS points if you're flexing in your derby dress!

If you're looking for fitness, nutrition or motivation support - comment below to learn more about a free (and private) online group I'm running that starts Monday, May 5th!

Death by Beth

Today I'm going to step out of the ugly comfort zone and try a new workout class at work. 

Since I work at a sports and fitness company, the average classes are taught by some of the best instructors in the area - so "at work" doesn't make it any easier like you'd imagine.

Today I'm trying a class called 'Sculpt' but more widely known by the fit people who take it as "Death by Beth".

Fun right?

...right??

Three months ago I thought it was a huge leap of faith to get my non-graceful self into Zumba / Group Groove dance classes and find some rhythm in my hips. It's going to be another story to get in a room next to people who do burpees for fun (like Brooke) and probably all go for 7 mile runs as a shake-out after the class.

Since I'm on the epic quest to find my soulmate workout, I feel like it's important to sample as many new fitness endeavors as I can!

If I can get it done while I'm on the clock at work then I'm a happy girl.

A few things that will help me prepare for battle:

:: Pack an outfit I feel comfortable in.

Look good, feel good. I've always lived my this motto and have always known that confidence is my secret weapon.

:: Drink plenty of water in the morning.

Hydrate for success. Keep me accountable (with Kay) by using #100ouncesADay on twitter or instagram.

:: No morning coffee.

It dehydrates me and it makes me have the nervous potties. Not a good combo.

:: Invite people!! 

Seriously, I won't chicken out if I'm meeting a partner there.

:: Move to the FRONT of the class. 

It can be scary but it's the best thing to do if you're a beginner so that you can see everything the instructor is doing. Also, you're closer to the mirror so you can evaluate if you're doing the moves right.

:: Not worry about what everyone else is doing.

Go at my own place and not worry about this guy:

If you don't hear from me Thursday you know that I was a victim of 'Death by Beth'. 

Or maybe I just couldn't lift my arms to the keyboard to type. You'll just have to wait and see.

I'm going to say these are confessions just so I can link up!

Interrupting Insecurities

If you're coming over here from JumpingJE - cool, you're ahead of the curve.

If you're here just because you love the wisdom I muster up on Tuesdays, read below:

I know that there's something wrong with my priorities when yesterday (on a day off from work) I almost skimmed over a beautiful piece of writing because at first glance it looked "too long". 

"Too long" because it only had one photo and no gifs. "Too long" because it wasn't a list and it wasn't the usual shit-show I like to entertain myself with in this carefree blog world. "Too long" because it wasn't a weekend recap.

The real tragedy was that I skimmed the first few sentences and went to the bottom where I could enter my comment and was going to say something like "Lady, you're going to look amazing in your wedding dress!".

I don't know what stopped me from hitting the "post comment" button but I'm glad I did - because I would have missed out on a beautifully vulnerable girl sharing her beautifully vulnerable story.

So, if you have a few minutes to spare today - first read what I read yesterday - then you're allowed to continue on.

The inspiration for my words, like Caitlin's, comes from trying on a piece of clothing.

A bathing suit.

Not only did I try on a bathing suit that I bought in high school this weekend, I did something terrifying...

I posted the photo of myself in said bathing suit to the i n t e r n e t.

...gulp...

It was "show your progress" day in a private fitness group I run on Facebook and time to show my results over the past three weeks. When I took the "after" photo and placed it side by side with the "before" photo, I saw the results. The results I was proud of. The results that told me I'm on the right path. The results I can feel when I put my pants on and that I can feel in my newfound energy. (Not results that a scale would have told me, by the way.)

But those results still didn't feel "good enough".

My insecurities immediately looked past the girl who had a more defined waist and looked straight to the girl who still felt like her hips were too big. The girl who has strong and beautiful arms could only see the tasteful side-boob which she perceived as the dreaded spill-over. The girl who gets complimented on her legs/quads could only see the "knee fat" that is obviously impossible to spot reduce.

The negative voice in my head crippled me.

The thought of posting the photo (to a private group) made me feel like a failure.

A failure because I looked better than I did three weeks ago? A failure because I'm not where I want to be yet? A failure because I let my mind interrupt the happy feels I should have been experiencing?

What crippled me further was the thought of what I would do when I actually have to wear this bathing suit out in public - this bathing suit that proved I haven't gone bikini shopping since high school. This proof that made me realize that high school is the last time I was in a pool in a bikini rather than wearing a sports bra / running shorts combo because I "forgot to pack my suit" or "didn't want to get my hair wet".

What bothered me most was that the insecurity I felt was outweighing the pride I was supposed to be feeling.

The pride I had earned.

So like the brave woman I aspire to be, I put it out there. I let myself be vulnerable. I took a risk.

And I still live today to tell the tale.

I'm adult enough to know that this isn't the last of my insecurities - but I can bet they'll be losing more battles than they win.

BurnCycle Saturday

This weekend before heading off for a relaxing weekend at the coast, I got the pleasure of being a "part of the pack" at a special BurnCycle blogger ride. 

(Sorry for the snapchat photos - wait, #notsorry)

I've been to spin classes before but haven't ever been to one that was as fun as the 45 minutes I spent at BurnCycle. They call it a "dance party on a bike" and that's exactly how I felt when they took our phones away, turned the lights out and turned the music up!

First, I loved that our instructor was a ball of energy with nothing but motivation glistening from her pores (and her name was also Jessi).

Second, having a ride with the lights out was perfect - no pressure to look cute, no worrying about the strained look on your face as you climbed the steep hills and zero shame in singing to the music when Nelly comes on.

Third, I loved the fact that 90% of the time we were up and out of our seats (standing on the bike). As much as I love the traditional spin class, I can't stand the soreness that comes from being seated on the bike brings the next few days. The only soreness that I felt after the class was the good kind that proves my booty was worked - not the "I-think-I-bruised-my-ass" feeling. #Win

To be honest, the most grueling part of it all was when we grabbed the 2lb hand weights and did eight minutes of arms. Never have I been happier in my life to drop 4lbs!! 

Those of you reading from Portland (and those who are coming to visit me!!!) - you'll want to check out BurnCycle and become a #CardioGangsta yourself!

You'd think us bloggers would have a better idea of which camera to look at, but this photo is evidence of the contrary (borrowed from @AgathaAasch).

We finished off the fun event with mimosas across the street where I got to meet some of the other Portland bloggers and finally met Kayla after months of blog-stalking and daily snapchat conversations.

I love how blogging and fitness have connected me with so many wonderful new people in my life.

Keep it coming!

A Weekend Challenge

How many of you look forward to the weekend for no reason other than not having to set an alarm for Saturday morning?

For me, that's what the weekends are for. No plans - just time to relax, focus on myself and re-energize for the week in front of me. I'm thrilled to be whisking off to the coast this weekend to spend some quality time with my family and most importantly: unplug. 

Before I sign off for the weekend I have a challenge for all of us that takes just three simple steps. 

1. Work up a sweat.

2. Take a selfie.

3. Post it to instagram and tag me! (@jessifitpdx)

Sweat is beautiful and I want you to feel comfortable in it. I don't care how you get there, just make sure some sweat drips from your forehead and your cheeks are a little red.

If you're shy, you can email the photo to me as well! (jessifitpdx(at)gmail.com)

Happy sweating! 

Ignore the Obstacles

What I love about Tuesdays around here is our serious conversations about where we are both mentally and physically in our lifelong fitness journeys. 

I truly learn a lot from you - your excitement and feedback pushes me to put a little extra focus into this post. Hopefully I'm returning the favor by teaching you something about me and the way that I approach my goals that you can translate into your own life. If not - let me know how I can because this blog is all about you! (yes, you!)

Today's topic comes from some wisdom I gained over the weekend while reading one of my personal development books - Push by Chalene Johnson. The chapter that got me inspired was "Destination Fixation" and was all about creating the habit of ignoring the obstacles.

On your fitness journey it's so easy to get distracted. You have doubts, you have fears of failure and you see the million little speed bumps that stand between you and your goal. Holidays on the horizon, office parties, birthday celebrations, weekends, sporting events, co-workers with candy trays... I could go on and on.

All of these little things are nagging at you because subconsciously your doubts distract you and keep you from reaching outside of your comfort zone. The unfortunate thing is that thinking of these distractions causes you to fixate on them and you only start heading back toward them. You steer toward them the same way that you'd drive toward a cone in the road if you were staring at it. Why do you think horses wear blinders?

I know this isn't something easy and is going to take a little work, but what can you do today to get the negativity out of your head and create a crash free environment for yourself? Does it mean having a serious conversation with your family and friends about the healthy lifestyle you've chosen? Does it mean listing out all of your possible obstacles, crossing them out with a bold red marker and hang them up someplace meaningful because they don't rule you anymore?

Here's what I did recently:

I removed the scale from my bathroom. While a great measure of my relationship with gravity, the real issue is that it was telling me lies that were hurting my mental wellness. I see my body getting slimmer, more toned and more beautiful every day. For the first time ever I went to H&M and had to size down after trying something on - rather than do the walk of shame out to get a bigger size.

I know I'm getting results and I know I'm feeling amazing. So, what good does it do me to step on it every single day and watch as water weight fluctuates up and down? What good is there from worrying about a number that doesn't define my worth, my intelligence, my beauty or my strength?

Absolutely nothing - it's just a distraction. And I'm done with distractions.

Put your blinders on and race toward your goal with nothing standing in your way.

Tell me - what are your goals? What are you going to focus on to reach them?

15 Minute Easter Hop

Well it looks like we made it to Friday!

I loved all of the feedback you gave me this week on drinking water, on when you prefer to work out and why you love the idea of being crazy productive over the weekend. 

I'm planning to do a round-up of all the water drinking comments that you thoughtful ladies sent through to me - and I loved having a water drinking buddy with my new blogger / snapchat friend Amy! 

So it's Easter weekend and you finally get to dig into that bag of mini eggs that you've had locked up for the past 40 days, right? Just me?

I know that you don't want to be fitness-shamed on Good Friday so I'm going to keep this post short and sweet. I only ask that you do two things....

1. Dig into those amazing brunch foods
2. Drink one more mimosa than you think you should have.

These are my mottos for the weekend!

But you came here for fitness so I'll leave you with an idea for a quick 15 minutes of sweaty. 

Here are examples of the exercises:

Jumping Jacks

Air Squats

Alternating Lunges

Sit up & Press

Plank Walk Up

Happy sweating!

Morning or Evening?

Many of you aren't alone when you worry about what time of day you're supposed to work out. 

Is it morning, is it night? Will you get better results on an empty stomach, after a protein shake, after you do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around?

Are you a "better person" if you wake up and do it in the morning before work?

Somehow I always feel this overwhelming pride when I tell people that I woke up at 5am to get my workout in. Like I was more dedicated, more motivated - more something. 

And yes, it's because I feel wonderful to have already broke a sweat, but it's a little hard on myself to put the pressure on my schedule when sometimes I just don't feel like a morning workout. I don't feel like washing my hair. I don't feel like fetching a clean sports bra out of the dryer (because I didn't feel like folding the laundry over the weekend but whatever). 

From my non-expert opinion and personal experience, the best time of day to work out fits in the perfect balance between the following factors:

+ What time will you actually work out?

When is it possible for you to get your sweat, live your life and do all the other things? Where is it on your priority list and what are you willing to sacrifice, your sleep or that happy hour or your favorite re-run of Friends?

+ When do you feel best?

Here we go talking about more feelings, but honestly - are you routinely exhausted at the end of the work day because you've been stuffed in a cubicle all day? Or are you one of those people that bursts with energy the moment you leave the doors of your stuffy office building? (If you're the latter, I'd suggest we start a job hunt immediately). 

For me - the time of day that I feel best can change day to day. One thing I know about myself is that I can't work out right before bed because when the blood is flowing I stay awake counting sheep all night with my fitness playlist fresh on my mind. 

+ What can you sustain and be consistent with?

If you're just starting out and trying to gain a rhythm, this is a very important piece. They say it takes 21 days to make a habit. 

If you're just starting out, I challenge you to pick out your "golden hour" of the day and make that your time. Tell your family and your friends that it's your time and make sure they respect your new fitness journey. Set the consistency and set the habit - you'll see yourself making a positive change. 

In no time at all you'll be familiar with the way it feels to lace up your tennis shoes and it won't matter what time of day, as long as you get it in and you feel great while doing it.  

While this is my first post on the topic, it will not be my last - good luck finding your happy zone! 

Fitness Journey Confessions

Happy Wednesday, my fitness friends!

Something I love doing on my other blog is Wednesday "Humpday Confessions". It's an opportunity to wash myself of all the dirty little secrets I keep in my sweaty 3rd day hair and present it in a humorous manner. Some days it's a gif party, others it's a list load - some days you're going to get one long and lean post about just one topic.

If we're clear on the rules, how about we jump right in?

+ This Jolly Rancher Lollipop (from Valentine's Day) is not Paleo.

+ Some days I don't want to work out either, but I often find the motivation in my "Why" to do it.

+ I'm one of the worst at drinking my daily quota of water. Tips on how to, please?

+ Sometimes I can come across as fitness obsessed - I'm really just life obsessed!

+ I realize now how much time I wasted in four prime years of my life focusing on only running.

+ I'm tempted by office sweets, too.

+ I think dance class is my soul-mate workout. However, I couldn't do it in heels.

+ I can't do all of the push-ups in my workout DVD's but I'm getting there (little by little, day by day)

+ I'm the annoying co-worker who takes a section of the fridge with my prepped lunches.

+ I like to sweat. Oh wait, you knew that already.

Want to play along next week?

Linking up with my fitness inspiration, Kathy