by Beks
OK, that’s a joke. I don’t wear bathing suits. Before you jump in to say we should ‘normalize’ mom bodies (and I would agree with you), I’ve never worn bathing suits. I have never been the type that is comfortable having that much skin exposed…and I’m insanely envious of those who are.
Regardless, I always ramp up my workout game in the summer. There is something about the feel of warm sunshine and the smell of sunblock that makes me want to get active. I have had gym memberships on and off but I’ve discovered I’m more successful at working out if I make it super convenient. Lately, it’s the FREE stuff that has been working for me like:
PHONE APPS
This is by no means an endorsement (and they aren’t paying me anyway!) but I have been enjoying the Nike Training Club. I can choose the length of my workout, the intensity, and the equipment (including the option of no equipment) and boom, it’s off to the races. I don’t do well with phone app workouts over 15 minutes (I get so BORED!) so I usually do 1 – 3 throughout the day to break things up.
If I’m feeling particularly motivated, I do a Thenx workout. The trainers are TOUGH and some of them slowly teach you how to do a handstand pushup. Frankly, I enjoy the laugh as I fall, and fall, and fall repeatedly. I have the perfect ‘safe space’ in my house to practice. It’s in my tiny hallway so if I fall, I just hit the other wall and don’t injure myself (small house for the win!). One of these days, I’ll be able to do one!
The Nike Run Club is a great way for me to see how my run (or walk) is improving. I’m insanely competitive even if it’s against myself. I’m obsessed with beating my own times. This app keeps all my records in a safe space so I know when and how I beat them.
GOING OUTSIDE
As the country warms up, it’s time to go outside! I have three go-to outside workouts:
Walking! I leash up the dog and take a fast paced stroll around our neighborhood. She loves it. I love it. I get healthy and I get a nice dose of vitamin D. I do occasionally take my kids but they walk REALLY slowly so if I take them, I’ll usually end up going for another walk later to get my heartrate up or do a phone app workout.
Hiking! Hiking is my other love. I just finished the Mission Trails 5 Peak Challenge. It was an 18-mile hike across 5 mountain peaks in eastern San Diego. It KICKED MY BUTT! But I absolutely loved it and I’m already looking forward to when I can go again. This one I have to plan long in advance since I’m usually useless for at least a day or two after.
Running! I love to run. I swore I would give it up after I started last year but here I am… still going. I know it’s bad for my joints so I do limit my miles. It’s a special treat.
If you aren’t moving, TODAY is the day to start. I feel so much better after working out. Sure, I’m not always jazzed about it before I start but I’m always happy I did it and… it’s FREE!!!
Beks is a full-time government employee who enjoys blogging late into the night after her four kids have gone to sleep. She’s been married to Chris, her college sweetheart, for 15 years. In 2017, after 3 long years working the Dave Ramsey Baby Steps, they paid off more than $70K and became debt free. When she’s not working or blogging, she’s exploring the great outdoors.
Just popping in to say I’m in San Diego, too! If you haven’t accessed it before, the County Parks department has a lot of great challenges and a monthly newsletter that highlights different hikes and fitness opportunities.
How cool is that! I’m going to have to check it out!