So things have changed quite a bit around here over the past couple of years, haven’t they? For more reasons than one, obviously (I could go on for days on how much things have changed, and maybe someday I’ll take the time to do that), but today I’m talking fitness.
As someone who used to blog almost daily about my fitness routine and various exercises, I feel like that’s a subject that barely scratches the surface these days. Yeah, I’ll occasionally mention a workout or two here or there, but that’s pretty much the extent of it.
I mean, I suppose since I’m not working in the industry anymore and am not taking the time to come up with super-duper, Pinterest-worthy workouts, it’s bound to happen. But it is still a subject that I’m really hoping to be able to touch on more. I guess the question is…how?
Fitness and exercise have really evolved so much for me over the past couple of years, due in part to what was first gearing up for pregnancy, then being pregnant, and now having a baby (ahem, almost toddler…say what?!) at home.
A couple of years ago, I was also only working a few part time jobs here and there, and devoting a big chunk of my time to the blog, so I had more than enough time for creating and testing out all sorts of fun, new, and exciting workouts.
(The above workouts can be found here, here, here, and here)
But over the past month or so, I’d say that I’ve just finally begun to get in to a real groove with my workouts once again, and it feels great. But it also feels different. In a good way. I mentioned a while back that it’s my goal to get 2-3 early morning workouts in each week and so far, I’ve stuck to it (otherwise, it’s just not happening in the evening).
And I legitimately enjoy them. Not dread them.
It’s nothing crazy – anywhere between 20-40 minutes of some form of cardio, weights, or yoga. Most of the time, the workouts come from a DVD or the Nike Training Club app, since I really just don’t have the brainpower to have to think too much about what I’m doing…I just want someone to show and tell me what to do.
Some favorites lately?
- 10lb Slimdown Xtreme (can be found on YouTube!)
- 10lb Slimdown (for shorter, 20 minute workouts)
- Yoga Bootcamp (from Exercise TV when it was still available)
- R.I.P.P.E.D.
- Nike Training Club app workouts (30 mins or a 15 min focus workout + cardio)
My definition of “workout” has also expanded way beyond what was once labeled as an “acceptable” form of daily exercise for me. Afternoon walking breaks at work are one of my favorite forms of exercise (at one point, this would have never “counted”…are you kidding me? What was wrong with me?) Extra running around with Lucas gets my heart pumping, and that totally counts as exercise.
I enjoy feeling like I’m finally doing something good for me again…like, actually moving and (sometimes) working up a good sweat. I’m not gonna lie though…I also like to exercise because, well, I like to eat.
So yeah, no big, crazy fitness goals over here…I just want to feel good, and I want to be able to eat Heath Bar Trifles, ice cream, and chocolate on the reg and not gain 100 pounds. And if there’s something wrong with that, then I don’t wanna be right.
It’s checks and balances, people. 
So like I said before, I’m really hoping to be able to begin incorporating the fitness talk around here a little more often, but I’m curious…what would you guys like to read about? I mean, there’s already a bajillion people out there creating pin-worthy workouts, but I do enjoy sharing them now and then. So I guess I’m just opening it up to you guys to see if I can get some ideas. Or I suppose I can just carry on about how sore my chest muscles are after doing 3 sets of 1 minute of pushups. On my knees.
I’m so happy you wrote this post . As someone who was an advid exerciser, my workouts slowed way down when I struggled to get pregnant and have again now that I am. Walks have somehow become a workout for me as well and my once 5-6/days have turned into 3-4/days a week. I’d love to hear how you incorporate fitness, suggestions and just an honest take on balancing everything.
I really enjoyed this refreshing post. Sometimes we have this mentality that every workout has to be a hardcore sweat-fest. But, walking, cleaning, everyday activities can be just as good. I think it’s just about being active.
I’d love to see great, effective shorter (20 min like you said) ideas for workouts! I too recently have cut back on the intense workouts I used to do. I realized it was just too much for my body to be in the gym pushing it hard for an hour and a half every day. And I ended up dreading it. I cut back on exercise and I actually lost weight! Imagine that! And I totally get what you mean by walking “not counting”. I totally used to have that mindset…
I just recently started following you and, honestly, I’m not sure that I would have continued if your blog was solely about hard-core fitness and diet. I have a four year old daughter, I eat pretty healthy and use Leslie Sansone DVD’s for keeping fit. I continue to face the same obstacles as you, mainly not having the time to do everything the way I originally planned it (i.e. Taking 30 minutes to find a missing toy instead of exercising. :)). Your blog reflects, for many of us, “real life” and I, personally, find that refreshing.
checks and balances – you said it right! can’t wait to find my balance soon… not much fitness going on over here lately – lots of walks with the occasional pushups and lunges!
Courtney, I don’t think you need to change a thing! I love your blog(always have) but especially now because there is a “realness” to it! It’s obvious that you are fit(just look at ya!!) and I don’t think you need tons of talk about it. I do love to hear what you are doing(like videos and such) but like you said, there are plenty of pin worthy workouts out there already. Keep being you and bring real because that is what is FUN to read!
Whatever you post is great! I love that you are so real and your blog really reflects that :) Just keep doing what your doing!
Keep the quick, intense workouts coming for us fellow moms! Your motivation is ours!
Having a baby definitely changes things! And the truth is people evolve and change, anyway. You should be very proud that you’re doing what’s right for you and your family. ;)
feels like you read my mind….
I think it would be interesting to read a post about healthy eating for a baby/toddler! As a mom there are so many things to do and it’s not only important to make sure that we are fueling ourselves with healthy things but also our kids too! Just an idea! :)
Love this idea too!! My son will start on solids in a couple months. I’d love to hear more about what you feed Lucas as he grows.
As a long, long-time reader I really enjoyed this post. While I have tried out many of your workouts and love them, I love your blog as it is – no matter what you post! I always find it very refreshing to read your blog because you are so sweet and down to earth. Just keep doing what you’re doing, because you’re good at it! We will enjoy anything you post. :)
I have a four-month-old now. Before him, even all during my pregnancy, I worked out 5 to 6 times a week, for at least an hour at a time, and was also walking my dogs pretty much daily. To say it’s been an adjustment having a baby at home is an understatement.
BTW, I totally agree with you that an “everything in moderation” attitude is the way to go. Yes, you can have treats, but watch the rest of your day’s meals. Or make sure you get in a good workout so you can splurge on pizza and beer/wine. Life’s too short to skip the fun stuff and/or spend all your free time at the gym.
I wouldn’t mind reading more about short, effective workouts. Unfortunately, I can’t work out in the mornings. I’m already getting up at 5:30 and that’s with showering at night. If I worked out in the morning and had to shower, I’d have to be up by 4:00 and that’s just not going to happen. So I have to exercise in the evenings and when I don’t feel like doing it, it’d be nice to know I can get in a decent workout in just 30 minutes. Something’s better than nothing.
My exercise plan for tonight? A long walk with the dog. Like you, I didn’t really count that before but now, you better believe it counts!
Yes, Yes – what ^^^^ she said! I’m in the same boat. I used to LOVE my morning workouts, but a high risk pregnancy & having an almost 5 month old now, has quickly changed all of that. To say the least, lol! Like the poster above, in order to get a morning workout in, I’d have to get up at 4am (and that’s with showering at night), so yea – not gonna happen!
So, I’d also appreciate quick workouts routines that I can squeeze in at night. But honestly, I’m ok with whatever you post. Like many have said, I find all your posts so refreshing and so much more relatable! Keep doing what you’re doing!! :)
I’ll have to see what I can come up with – thanks for the ideas, ladies!
So this blog was a big reason I started working out consistently at home. I was at a point where I was reading a lot of “healthy living blogs” and trying pretty much every class around, spin, yoga, hot yoga, zumba, but with work & my kids just couldn’t get it together. Seeing your posts and that you just worked out at home(!) when you made time(!) really inspired me, as simple as it is. I adopted my motto as “no excuses”, meaning, I don’t need a gym membership, classes, or anything else for me to be “fit” (not that there’s anything wrong with that, just don’t have the time/funds right now!), and they only excuse was the one I made up myself. Well, I am currently training for a full marathon since finding my “true love”: running (with yoga a close second!) while of course, balancing family, work, healthy eating, and fun in there as well. So many of us women work towards that balance, (and STRESS when we feel we can’t find it!) and you inspire us just by simply doing what you do & being honest about it! :)
A child changes priorities for sure!!! Thanks for the update, great to hear your more relaxed about it these days! Nike App is so damn handy!
I continue to read your blog because of posts like these — you always keep it real and it’s so refreshing.
I had to laugh at what you wrote about a walk “counting.” Oh my gosh — have totally been there with the “all or nothing” mentality. I’m not a mom, but I used to think I could only count workouts that left me dripping in sweat and took up 2 hours. (Which is… crazy talk.) I see that kind of mindset in a lot of my female friends as well, and it’s too bad. It’s one thing if you LOVE to do whatever you’re doing, fitness-wise, and another to feel like you HAVE to. Lately I decide to work out based on how I’m feeling (energetic? sluggish?), what I’m eating (lots of treats lately? pretty healthy? aka not “good” v “bad”, just a sense of moderation), and if it feels right. I still have to push myself to go on a run or get to a yoga class, but if I’m feeling like Ughhh I hate this so much, then I don’t go. And having that freedom is kind of amazing because I used to ignore those impulses, you know?
Now, a workout might mean walking up the stairs to the office, or taking the dog on a walk, or just playing around doing handstands at home. If you’re moving your body = it counts!
I’m guessing your readers will want to keep reading about your at-home workouts and especially your thoughts as they evolve regarding fitness, meals, balanced health, body image, etc. You seem like a great mom, and I love reading what you choose to share with the world!
I actually never read your blog because of the fitness aspect. Truthfully, I started enjoying it more once you became a mom (we were two months apart with our babes) because you do keep it real – and that’s why I keep on reading. I’m a full time working mama as well – and it’s nice to know I’m not alone and that it’s hard to keep EVERYTHING on track all the time!
Hands down your blog is my favorite. How real you are is so refreshing. We have babies a week a part, so everything you’re doing, I’m right there with you! Please let us all in on more of your quick, effective workouts! 30 mins is about all I can squeeze in at a time. And that’s ok with me!!
And I’m all about eating anything in moderation!! Why else would I work out, but to work off that totally amazing, mini smore blizzard from Dairy Queen I had twice last week. Just sayin. ;)
I 100% agree with you that activities I would never have counted as workouts are now full-blown workouts for me! I walked around Central Park the other night in a dress and flip flops and that counted as my daily workout!
Ah yes, my exercise routine and attitude toward exercise has tooootally changed and cycled over the course of the past couple years. It’s funny how a baby (and a desire for a baby) can do that to you, eh? ;) Personally, I feel like my mentality toward it all is much more realistic and attainable than what it used to be. I had these unrealistic expectations for myself back in the day which made my workouts boring and dreadful. Anyways, I think you should just keep doing what you’re doing and keep writing about what you like to write about. I appreciate THESE types of post that keep things real and open up to us about how you’re feeling about various topics. Some fun workouts thrown in there would be fun, but only if creating/doing them is fun for you!
I think it’s awesome that you are working out at all, considering you’re a working mom. At the end of the day, Pinterest workouts mean nothing compared to being a mother!
The balance you have now between fitness, food and lifestyle is the perfect mix, to me! I love the honesty of your blog and it is definitely the one I relate to the most!
Hi Courtney! I normally don’t comment (I had done a makeup tutorial for you once on the blog and used to write StephSnacks!) but I loved this post. It really rang true to me. I currently love how you post now.. you inspire me to eat more diversified foods (my lunchs and dinners during the week get quite boring) and your workouts are totally attainable. As someone who works in the fashion/cosmetics industry, we have such fast-paced, demanding days that workout sometimes seem like a chore! I love how you post now :) thanks for being an honest, open blogger!
I love your approach to fitness nowadays! I did a post on my current definition of ‘health’ today, and like you, it no longer includes a super intense workout regime and I’m perfectly happy to count a walk as exercise. I think your blog reflects more ‘real life’ these days, which I really enjoy reading about!
It really is amazing how our idea of fitness changes depending on what’s going on in our lives. Exercise is and always will be a big part of my life, but now that I’m pregnant things have definitely changed. My workouts have still been fairly consistent, but I’ve had to slow down the intensity and sometimes I take more rest days than I used to. I’m listening to my body now more than ever. And then once I have the babies, my exercise routine will change yet again and I’ll be figuring out when to exercise around taking care of two infants. It’s definitely something that is always evolving, but as long as I don’t shy away from it completely, I’m okay with the changes.
I have some input on the topic of what I’d like to read about. It may not be the same for everyone, but since you’re my favorite blogger and just seem so personable, here it goes.
I would LOVE to workout first thing in the mornings, however, I work at 7AM every day and getting up at 5:30 am is early enough. I don’t even show in the mornings because my hair is almost to my tail bone and it is THICK. I takes almost an hour to dry and then at least 20-30 minutes to style. What do you do about hair sweat if you don’t have time to shower?
I like reading about your daily routine. Your eats, exercises, work, hubby time, activities, etc.
I know you say you don’t post everything you eat — and I’m not asking you to — but how much DO you snack? I have a feeling I far exceed expectations in this category.
If you post about your meals, can you post serving sizes? I’m definitely above average here too.
How frequently do you drink water?
If you post workouts can you post some for people on the go? I work 2 jobs and it takes up my day from 5:30AM – 6:30PM. I need something fast. Oh and one of my jobs is retails so I stand on a concrete floor for 4-8 hours and my feet are legitimately screaming by the time I get home. I have no time to cook and no desire to work out.
Hey Lindsay! Ok, to answer your questions…
I always make time to shower…if I know I won’t have time to shower, I nix the workout. If I don’t have time to try my hair, I just throw it back in a bun and let it air dry.
I definitely don’t post everything I eat (especially since I really don’t even post my eats more than 1-2x a week). The amount I snack TOTALLY depends on the day, so it’s really hard to answer that one. For example, yesterday I wasn’t really hungry for snacks because I had bigger meals. Today, I’ve snacked on a banana, celery and peanut butter, a cookie, and a Quest bar…I’m all over the map!
Serving sizes? I’m totally above average here too, you’re not alone. 1/2 cup of ice cream is NOT a serving size…am I right?!
I drink water ALL day long. I rarely do not have my water bottle with me.
I’ll try to see what I can do about putting together some ideas for workouts on the go, good idea! :)
I started reading your blog at the beginning of the year while I was in my third trimester. I started following you b/c you’re a new mom, you’re a working mom, you like to eat good food and also healthy food, and you try to fit in exercise. Pre-baby (and even throughout my pregnancy), I worked out 5-6 days a week. I ran half marathons. Now I’m lucky if I squeeze in 3 work outs a week, and running hasn’t come back to me the way I hoped it would. It’s nice to see how you fit exercise into your schedule and the kinds of workouts you do. I love your blog just the way it is – a mix of daily life, food, exercise, and your adorable baby! Don’t change anything!
Thanks, Kristin! :)
I agree – it’s all about balance. And with my busy 2 year old = morning workouts are a great time for me to get in my workout and alone time before the crazy day begins again! :)
I read all kinds of blogs. Blogs devoted strcitly to recipes, blogs that post workouts, blogs that post daily eats, and blogs like yours that tend to post everything including daily life. I just really like you as a person & your blog so I would continue to do what your doing! Your readers will stay to enjoy the ride :)
That’s really sweet, Nicole, thank you so much for reading :)
I think it’s great that your definition of “workout” has expanded! I do consider going for a walk as a workout too. Anytime I’m out of my seat and moving my body is considered a workout to me. Often times I forget to count those things!
I love this update! Personally I don’t care too much for the pin-worthy workouts, I usually scroll right past them. However I do really enjoy posts like this one where bloggers talk about their relationship with exercise, what their current routine is, motivation tips, etc. I think the personal side of exercise, and connecting with each other over shared triumph/slumps is much more interesting!
I love your blog because you keep it real! Keep doing that please. :)
Also, I am almost done with my first round of T25 (I know you did some of those workouts before), and if you need some more structure, I highly recommend you give the program a chance! While my results haven’t been dramatic, I 110% think my fitness level has increased a whole lot. Annnd it’s 25 min a day (I’ve been running on some days as well).
Thanks, Parita! It’s funny you mention T25 – I was just talking about it with my friend last night. I’d love to try the program again, but then I always wind up with exercise ADD and only get through like a week or two before I want to switch it up, haha.
Actually, I like posts like this a lot. Where balls to the wall fitness isn’t an everyday thing, but enjoyable exercise is. I often feel like I’m not doing enough if my workout isn’t super intense. I like intense workouts, but the only way I have been able to stick to my routine is that it’s more enjoyable (and that means easier!). I like a blog that makes me feel better about that. :) We all have different styles.
I’m totally in that same boat. I never counted walking as exercise and if I only ran a couple miles, that usually wasn’t enough either. I had to do big long sweaty workouts for them to count. Now days, I pretty much do exactly what you are doing and I don’t worry too much about it.
Isn’t it great?! What was wrong with us, haha? Crazy!
Oh girl, I hear ya! I mean, I’m a stay-at-home mom, but it still isn’t easy to workout. I like squeezing in a 30-minute home workout during his first nap, but since he usually just naps 30 minutes in the morning, I have to be dressed and 100% ready to go as soon as he konks out. I pay for childcare at the gym, but he has decided he HATES it. About 20-30 minutes into a workout, I’ve been getting called on the PA system to come get my screaming child. Ughhhh… gonna have to cancel that extra gym fee.
Ugh, oh no! Major bummer!!
I am with you on redefining workouts. Im a 38 weeks pregnant right now and I call it a win if I get my 10,000 steps in a day versus my normal teaching 2 classes a day and doing my own workout. I love reading how real mom’s balance, work, fitness, and family. Keep up the great work girl!
And YOU keep it up, girl! 38 weeks is no joke, so props to you for getting in your 10,000/day!
Thanks for being honest and real about your fitness routine as a “new” mom. I have an 8 month old and my thoughts are almost identical to yours. Before and during pregnancy I exercised 5 or 6 days a week and would’ve never considered walking or functional activities a “workout.” I’m also a LesMills instructor and that kept me active as well. Nowadays, I work out at home early in the morning or late at night. I can’t remember the last time I went to the gym. Making it to a group fitness class is a thing of the past. Teaching them is on hold. Forever? I consider anything between 20-40 minutes a good workout and some days I’m thrilled if I simply get a stroller walk around my neighborhood. Like you, I want to be active because it feels good and, well, I like food, too. :-) I also want to be a healthy role model for my girl. It’s funny how life completely changes and, yet, I can’t imagine ever going back to how it used to be!
It certainly is funny, isn’t it?! I totally, 100% agree with your last sentence there, Heather!
Honestly, I started following your blog because of you, not because of your workouts. What makes me come back to a blog is someone who can just talk about the everyday stuff, making it very relatable and even entertaining. A recipe, fitness tip, workout playlist, etc. is nice every once in awhile, but it’s the person behind the blog that really matters in the end:)
That’s so nice of you to say, Kristen. Thank you!
I’ve been reading your blog for almost 2 years now and I have to say that I enjoy it more now than ever before. Don’t get me wrong – I loved reading your fitness posts and learning different, new-to-me moves. In fact, I picked up quite a bit about being fit and eating better from your blog! However, I can relate to your blog so much easier now that fitness has taken more of a backseat. Though I admired your motivation to work out hard almost every day of the week, I knew that sort of routine was FAR from something I could keep up with. I was often comparing myself to you and your workout schedule, which we all know is a very BAD thing to do. I can see now that you’re perspective has changed so greatly from those earlier years, and it is clearly apparent in your writing that you’re much happier for it. I mean, the stress of working out “balls to the wall” everyday catches up with you after a while and at some point, you realize it’s just not worth it anymore. Thank you for writing this post … I think many women will benefit from it when they realize that they don’t need to be fitness “buff” in order to feel good about themselves.
As far as blog post ideas, I think you should just stick to doing what you’ve been doing all along. If you have a fitness-related post to share, go ahead and share it. Otherwise, write about what you’re passionate about – and if that’s your family (particularly Lucas), we’ll all still be here to (excitedly) read about it. Oh … and please do continue to write more posts like this one – I’d especially love to read more about how your views on fitness, eating, and life in general have changed over the years. Those are some of my favorite posts for sure!
Wow Stacey, that is quite a the compliment. Thank you so, so much!
I love this post. I have a 4.5 month old, and I am (was) a NASM personal trainer as well. Still certified, but not practicing. I used to have to work out in the gym for at least an hour, and get a good sweat going to consider it a workout, and thought I needed it to lose weight. Now, I have lost the baby weight (and had gained 55 lbs!!), just by walking with the baby an hour or so a day. She loves it, and I love it because I can enjoy the beautiful weather, and get some exercise in. I am nowhere near as fit as I once was, but I will not sacrifice time with my new baby to workout. The time is too precious. It is amazing to go from having to get to the gym everyday, to this new mentality. I would love some exercises to do with the baby at home- that would be fun to do!! Thank you for having a great blog- It is very refreshing and real.
Thanks so much, Katie, and congrats on your new baby!!
My favorite thing about this post is that it is realistic. Sometimes fitness changes, and we lost track, but then we can always come back and figure out how to start working out again, and feeling those glorious endorphins!
One of my favorite things about your blog is watching how you balance healthy living with working and a family. You seem to have it down pretty well and I’m inspired by your approach. I also love that you keep it real. You don’t come across as someone who has a perfect diet (that sounds like a backhanded compliment, but what I mean is that I agree that life is too short not to have things like ice cream!) and I love that because you’re still healthy and making healthy choices every day.
That is such a great compliment to receive. Thank you, Stephanie!!