It’s been over a month of self-isolation and I’m finally getting into the grove with a new workout routine. I always try to find the silver lining in difficult times because it’s good to keep a positive outlook. I’ve been telling myself for a for the past couple of years that I want to workout more and have discipline when it comes to self-care but I always let work and my passion projects take over (#workaholic). Our new normal has given me the opportunity to refocus, reset and to give myself some much need self-care. There are so many amazing tools, resources, streams out there right now but this is what I’ve been doing. 

Home “Gym”

Abs on the mat: There are a few ab workouts that I do on the mat that I really like – 3 sets of bicycle crunches (30 reps), Russian twist (30 reps), mountain climbers (20 reps) and bent-leg sit-ups lifting a 10lb weight (10 reps). Recently, I’ve discovered Emi Wong and have been challenging myself to do her 15-day lower abs & intense belly fat burn program. Her transformation is amazing and I love all of her other videos!

Arms & shoulders: I do a mix of this upper body pump and shoulder workout by @Kayla_itsines.

Legs & booty: I’ve followed @CaraLoren for a number of years now and she has some really great workout videos on her Instagram for legs. I also really like this @Meghanroup leg sculpting combo. When I want to switch it up, mix in a bunch of squats and lunges using my Peach Bands (love them!).

Zumba: My sisters, cousin and I have been going to Zumba Ko for a while now. Karen (sister) was the first one to get on-board, I believe 8+ years ago, and end up bringing a following. We used to go every Wednesday together but ever since the self-isolation, Zumba Ko has now been streaming 40-minute Zumba workouts on Wednesday evenings & Saturday mornings. It’s so much fun to blast the music and dance around! You really work up a sweat.

Nicole Steen: On Saturdays, we usually follow up our Zumba workout with some ab workouts on the mat but one day we had the energy to do some more dancing and stumbled across this 30-Minute cardio Latin dancing workout on Youtube with Nicole Steen by POPSUGAR Fitness and loved it. It’s already a lot of the same moves that we know from our Zumba class so it was easy to get into it. Even if you’re just starting out, this one is a good pace and she gives clear instructions/steps that are easy to follow. Try it out!

Ryan Heffington: Been hearing his name for quite some time and so many of my friends have been raving about his #SweatFest virtual dance parties. I gave it a try for the first time today and I’m hooked! It was so much fun and Ryan just has the best energy. It was non-stop dancing for a solid hour. Catch his next one (Tues/Wed/Thurs at 1pm, Sat/Sun at 3pm) and dance like nobody’s watching. 

Meditation, stretch, and recovery: I love doing some simple yoga poses on the mat after my workouts to wind down or when I need a light meditation break. It’s also nice to get in some stretches before and after a workout. Since I’ve been working out more and sitting around a lot too, I find that my muscles can get really sore so I use my foam roller to do some muscle recovery exercises throughout the week.

Outdoor Playground

I have a new-found appreciation for the things that we used to take for granted. 

Walk: It’s so important to go out for walks and get fresh air. I’ve been trying to keep up a 10k steps a day streak and over the past 5 weeks the longest streak I’ve had was for 5 days. I’m so happy that I got my Fitbit this year, it has really pushed me to stay active. I talk about my Fitbit in an earlier post here.

 Jog/Run: I’ve never been a runner but in the past years  I’ve always felt amazing and saw results the times that I’ve tried adding it to my workouts. The weather hasn’t been consistently warm yet but on the days that have been a bit warmer, I’ve gone out for a light jog/run – feels so refreshing! 

Skipping: Got a skipping rope to do some skipping, it’s such good cardio. It’s way harder than I remember it to be.

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