7 Easy Workout Ideas
Self-love and body positivity have become widespread over the last few years--and for good reason. When you practice saying positive things about your body and eliminating false thoughts, you actually have a better chance at becoming healthier. In fact:
“...research from Syracuse University shows that the more dissatisfied women are with their bodies, the more likely they are to avoid exercise. And simply thinking that you’re overweight predicts future weight gain, according to 2015 research published in the International Journal of Obesity.”
And while exercise can surely help you lose weight and look great, is it really all about that in the end?
I have also been brainwashed by the media into thinking exercise will make me look like a supermodel (News flash: This is actually untrue--diet is way more important!). However, I also know what other important benefits exercise gives me: increased focus and energy; glowing skin; and reduced anxiety.
Exercise has kept me from going to therapy many times by helping me manage pretty severe anxiety. Whenever I feel my anxiety creeping in again, I always ask myself “When was the last time you exercised?” Usually my answer is, “I honestly can’t remember.”
In order for people to start moving more, we need to make a collective effort to normalize exercising for reasons other than disliking your body. As stated in the quote above, negative thoughts or emotions do absolutely nothing to aid in building a strong and healthy body.
Get moving!
Want to know where to start? I’ve made a list below of some of my go-to workouts! Many of these are low intensity and can be a lot of fun. I’d much rather eat food than move my body, so I try to pick things that I will enjoy (i.e., dancing, yoga, or dog spotting walks)!
Cardio
The Fitness Marshall OR freestyle dancing
I love to dance. I danced all throughout my childhood, then danced as a cheerleader, and did musical theatre in high school. I once had to take Zumba for a high school gym class and I was in heaven. That’s why I’ve been loving The Fitness Marshall on YouTube! Caleb’s dance workouts are a blast and he always has a great selection of songs to choose from! My personal favorites lately have been Lady Gaga’s Rain on Me or Boss Bitch by Doja Cat.
Routines aren’t your thing? Sometimes I keep it super simple: get your Bluetooth speaker, turn on your favorite upbeat songs, and have at it. Freestyle dancing is liberating! And after about 20 minutes, you’ll really break a sweat.
Running intervals
I was doing the Couch to 5K for a while, but honestly? I really hate running most of the time. However… I will occasionally feel the urge to go for a run. Since I listen to my body when it comes to exercise, I like just putting on my favorite music and whenever the mood changes, I’ll break out into a sprint. Sometimes I do a 1 minute walk, 1 minutes run interval… Other times I will run for a 3 minute song and walk for 10 minutes. Going with the flow is important and sometimes you’ll actually get a better workout if you tune into what your body is telling you!
Long walks
Self-explanatory! My city is absolutely beautiful and I use these as a way to listen to my favorite podcasts or check out cute dogs on the street. Dog spotting is the main goal, but burning 400 calories and reaching 10,000 steps for the day doesn’t hurt either. :)
Strength
At-home circuit training
The routine above has been my workout for the past couple of weeks since the gyms have been hotspots due to COVID. It works my whole body and takes about 20 minutes total! I combine this with a couple Fitness Marshall videos and I’m good to go for the day!
Gym Routine
Back when I was going to the gym, I had a consistent weight routine I would follow:
Monday: Arms/Abs/20 min walk
Tuesday: Legs/Abs/20 min walk
Wednesday: Cardio
Thursday: Arms/Abs/20 min walk
Friday: Legs/Abs/20 min walk
Saturday/Sunday: Walk, Yoga, or Cardio
This helped me recover between weight sessions and also make sure I was moving everyday! However, your gym may offer classes or other equipment that makes your workout for fun for you. Whatever makes it feel like you’re not working out, do that! Since you like the routine, you’ll stick with it longer.
Five Parks Yoga Flows
Erin’s videos are some of my favorite yoga routines! Plus, she films most of her flows in Costa Rica so the backdrop is tropical and serene. Her flows make you sweat just enough, but they’re also extremely rejuvenating--a balance I like to look for when I’m doing yoga.
Her Vinyasa flows are a little more challenging, but she also offers more relaxing or slow yoga options as well. Check her out on YouTube!
