Seasons and Exercise

This week I was thinking about my behavioral patterns with exercise and had an epiphany that I go through seasons…with the seasons. In the Spring and Summer, I’m more into tough, hard workouts – whether it’s High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) or lifting weights – I’m up for a good sweat in 90 degree weather. Yes, I’m weird and love the heat. In the Fall and Winter, I feel like I go into hibernation mode and grin and bear the actual act of putting on workout clothes. This time of year is when I kind of slow down and do much more low impact exercises.

Pre-pandemic, I had a gym membership, but, too be honest, I didn’t really use it to it’s fullest potential. I’d say the thing I miss the most is the bike and eliptical, which really gives me a good sweat during the colder months, when it’s hard to get outside. For the past year, I’ve just relied on YouTube videos and a few paid/subscription programs. All that to say, I thought I would get into more about my “seasons” of exercise and the resources I use for each.

Winter/Fall – Pilates and Long Walks
I recently discovered Pilates, and it has been an amazing practice for me, especially this time of year. Pilates is a low impact form of exercise that is perfect for me during the cooler months when I don’t feel like doing a lot, but still want to move my body. I suffer from really poor posture, and I’m pretty sure I have some slight scoliosis or imbalance in my stature – although, never formally diagnosed. After doing a pilates routine, I feel so much stronger in my core and have never found something that makes me stand so much taller after a session.

The program I started using is The Balanced Life with Robin Long. Robin is a great instructor and really emphasizes practice over perfect. She is a mom of 4 (with a set of twins!), so, as you might imagine she doesn’t have a lot of time in her day. And because of that, her workouts are short, yet effective. I think the longest workout I’ve done from her program ranges around 30 minutes, and the shortest around 8 minutes. If you can’t fit 8 minutes into your day, then I’m not sure what to tell you (other than stop scrolling and get off your phone – speaking to myself here too 😉 )

While she has some routines on YouTube, you will get the most out of her workouts if you join “The SisterHood”, which is a subscription based program. The program includes a library of exercises, as well as a calendar with a new routine each day. I enjoy this because, I don’t have to think about what routine to choose for the day – it’s already done for you. The subscription also includes recipes, encouraging monthly missions, and a great community of women that you can communicate with via the community chat within the program or the designated FaceBook Group. Bonus: Most of her workouts take places on the sunny beaches of Santa Barbara, California – sounds weird, but the location really is a mood booster. 🙂

A few times a year Robin opens up the subscription program to join “The Sisterhood”. If you are reading this at the time of posting, Robin will be kicking off a FREE 5-Day Feel Good Pilates Challenge this week, starting March 1st. You can read more info about it here. If you are a busy mom, or don’t have a lot of time in your day, I encourage you to check it out. It’s a great intro into what the subscription program looks like.

In addition to Pilates, I’ve been taking long walks during the Fall and Winter – I mean A LOT of them since the pandemic. I try to get in a long walk at least a couple of times a week, usually after work to let my mind decompress before moving onto my evening routine. My walks usually range from 2 to 3 miles, and the route I take has a few hills, which helps get my heart pumping. Walking may not seem like a total exercise routine, but I’ve read it can have alot of great benefits. Something is better than nothing!

Spring/Summer
As I mentioned above, Spring and Summer is when I like to turn up the heat (pun intended) with my exercise routine. I like to get out and SWEAT. HIIT Training and/or lifting weights are my go-to’s, along with more running/jogging than walking to get in some extra cardio.

I don’t have a dedicated space for just working out, so I have to resort to my bedroom, hallway, and/or living room to get in my exercise. It’s not ideal for jumping around, doing lunges, etc., but I make it work. If it’s a nice day, I’ll do them outside. I don’t have any stationary equipment (although, I’m thinking of getting a convertable bench/step), and I store all of my weights, bands, etc. under my bed, behind a chair in my bedroom, or in my closet. Again, my dream would be to have a dedicated space, but you work with what you have – it’s totally do-able.

For my at-home HIIT programs or weight-training exercises, I, again, turn to YouTube. What would we do without YouTube. 🙂 There are so many great resources on there, it’s just a matter of finding the trainers and programs you jive with the most. Below are a few YouTubers I like to follow. I usually do one of their workouts followed by jog/walk around the neighborhood.

BodyFit By Amy – Amy is probably the one I’ve followed the longest out of this list. She has a huge library with a variety of workouts. Minimal equipment is needed, and I’m always feeling it the next day – in a good way. 🙂 She gives you alternative moves if you would like something more advanced or more beginner, and if you are pregnant or postpartum she’s got you covered.

Caroline Girvan – I first came across Caroline’s workouts early in the pandemic. What I like most about her workouts is that she includes a timer on the screen for each exercise. She also gives a short rundown at the start of the workout and then doesn’t speak during the rest of the routine, which might seem weird. But, I like it because I can play my own music and still follow along. If you watch one of her videos, you’ll get a better idea of what I’m talking about. I stick to her 20-30 minute workouts. I tried to a longer HITT routine once, and I about died! Maybe one day. 🙂

Sarah’s Day – I came across Sarah’s YouTube Channel a few years ago. In addition to some workout routines, her account also includes alot of wellness routines, healthy recipes, skincare, lifestyle, etc. She also recently bought and renovated a house, with her fiance Kurt – which was a fun series to watch. I’m not really sure what keeps me coming back to Sarah – as a late 30-something I’m not sure I’m exactly her primary demographic. But, there is something about her channel that I enjoy. First, she is from Australia, so that in itself is fun. I feel like I get an inside scoop on life in Australia. But, overall, she is just a very upbeat and positive person, and her videos are motivating – especially if you’re a creative who also enjoys learning about and implementing healthy habits.

In addition to some workouts on her YouTube channel, Sarah has developed two workout E-Books. She put them on sale at the start of the pandemic, so I snagged them at a discounted rate. I really got into them during the Spring and Summer – “Sweat” is in both of the titles, so it was only fitting. 🙂 I’m not gonna lie, these workouts are tough for the average person. I had to modify a bit, but I definitely pushed myself and I liked the challenge. I also started to see a bit more muscle development after doing them for a bit. But, once the colder weather started settling in, I fell off track. I’m going to challenge myself to get back into them as the weather begins to warm.

I think the best part about her e-books as that she developed an app, “The Sezzy Timer”, to go along with the workouts. The timer is automatically programed to her specific workouts, so you just select which one you are doing and go – the timer will tell you when to switch exercises. I would also suggest checking out Sarah’s Spotify account. She developed playlists for each of the workout types. If you like to listen to rap/hip-hop during your workouts, these will get you going. I should also add that there is no equipment needed for the first e-book and minimal for the second – definitely a plus for those with small spaces.

Do you have different “seasons” of exercise? What are your favorite go-to exercise routines?