FunfitChgo

WORKOUT VARIATION 🧘🏾‍♀️💪🏾

Strength training will always be a major part of what I do—but it shouldn't be the only way I move my body.
A well-rounded fitness routine should challenge you in different ways.

Today that looked like Pilates with Reda at FitnessBoutique —slowing things down, working on control, stability, mobility, core strength and movements that feel completely different from picking up heavy weights.

And don't let Pilates fool you. 😂 Different does not mean easy.

I believe there's value in giving your body different types of work. I lift. I do cardio. I run. I stretch. I work on mobility. And I'm incorporating Pilates because each one brings something different to my overall fitness.

The goal isn't just to be strong in the gym.
I want a body that is strong, mobile, balanced and capable.
So switch it up sometimes. Try the class. Change the movement. Challenge your body in a different way.
Variation isn't taking away from the work. It's part of becoming a more well-rounded athlete.
And Reda definitely had me WORKING. 😂

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Not every workout ends the way you want it to.

Pull-ups were part of my coach’s plan at the end of a grueling upper-body workout, and by the time I got to them… my upper body was DONE. 😂

I tried. I struggled. I didn’t get the unassisted reps.
And I'm showing that part too.

Because this journey isn't going to be a highlight reel of perfect workouts and completed reps. Some days I’ll exceed my own expectations. Other days, I won’t meet them.

But neither one changes the assignment.

Keep training.
Keep getting stronger.
Come back and try again.

Not yet doesn’t mean not at all.

And trust me… I’ll be back for those pull-ups.

The workout isn’t over when the last rep is done.

I’ll admit it—stretching is one of those things that’s easy to rush through or skip altogether. Especially when you feel good.

But that’s the tricky part.

The consequences of constantly skipping your warm-up, mobility work and cool-down don’t always show up immediately. Sometimes it’s gradual—tightness, decreased range of motion, little compensations in the way you move—and then one day you reach, twist, bend or do something you’ve done a hundred times and suddenly… something hurts.
As I’ve become more intentional about my training, I’ve become just as intentional about taking care of the body doing the work.

Warm up before you ask your body to perform.
Cool down when the work is done.

Stretch. Work on your mobility. Pay attention to what feels tight.

And it doesn’t have to be complicated. These are simple movements, a few intentional minutes, and something we can all make time for.

Building the muscle is one part of fitness. Taking care of the body carrying it is another. 💪🏾

I’m doing both.

OVER 50 and STILL BUILDING!

Fuel the work. 💪🏾

Getting leaner doesn’t mean training on an empty stomach.
When I’m strength training, I want enough protein and carbohydrates in my system to support my performance, protect my muscle and recover well.

Today’s pre-workout: Greek yogurt, berries + granola. Simple, balanced and easy to digest.

The goal isn’t to eat less.

It’s to eat with intention.

What’s your go-to pre-workout meal?

I gotta get it. Period. 💪🏾

The goals aren’t going to chase themselves. Every rep, every set, every time I show up—it all counts.

Today was upper body, with a little leg work thrown in because apparently my best friend of 31 years and I still know how to challenge each other. 😂❤️

31 years of friendship and now we’re adding reps to the memories.

Stronger. More disciplined. More focused.
I know what I want… and I gotta get it. 🎯

They say you’re so much more than you know…

Stronger than you think.
More capable than you realize.
And becoming more powerful with every promise you keep to yourself. 💪🏾✨

Today’s assignment: GLUTES. 🍑
Incline leg press + kettlebell swings… because I'm not wishing for results. I'm working for them.

Still building. Still evolving. Still surprising myself everyday!

Why?!?! Just, why?!?!

The hardest promises to keep are sometimes the ones you make to yourself.

Show up.
Do the work.
Stay consistent.
Repeat.

No audience required. No applause necessary. Just keeping my word to myself—one rep, one set, one workout at a time. 💪🏾

Because confidence hits different when you know you can trust yourself.