I consider myself to be a pretty fit person, and at one time I really was. However, like so many other things that change with motherhood, my pre-baby body is gone. Before having kids, running regularly was enough to keep me on target. Since having kids, all that changed. I recently decided that I don’t want to live in this state of “kinda fit, mostly not fit” any longer. So, I started my summer fitness plan. And let me tell you, it’s going great!
Gyms are not necessary for everyone seeking a new summer fitness routine, but for me with two young kids, a gym with childcare turns out to be key. So, last month I made an appointment at a gym near my house. After the tour, I sat down with a trainer who walked me through what he recommended for me in personal training.
The expense of personal training, I decided, was too much, but some of what he said stuck with me:
- Stop running, and instead put my time into building muscle.
- Cut out all foods that cause inflammation.
- Workout three to four days a week, in half-hour increments.
- My goal should be to lose about 20 pounds of fat and to gain 10 pounds of muscle.
- Expect a real transformation to take 10 months.
With this information, I formulated my summer fitness plan:
- Four mornings a week at the gym
- Find half-hour workouts that focus on certain muscle groups or the whole body
- Reduce or eliminate all foods that cause inflammation
I found some really great trainers who share workout routines on their Instagram accounts. So, each evening I sort through the fitness accounts and make a plan for what I’ll work on the next morning. In the gym, I drop my kids in the childcare room, I warm up with a 10-minute walk on the treadmill, and then I work out for 20-30 minutes.
This week has been the completion of my third week in this routine. I am loving it because I feel so much better. I feel stronger, have more energy, and my clothes are even already starting to feel a little more comfortable.
Here are the Instagrams that I’ve found to be the most helpful for my summer fitness plan.
My Workout Plan:
Diana’s workouts are some of my very favorites. They are hard and yet doable. I always feel like I’m getting a great workout from them, and working multiple parts of my body with each exercise. Diana’s story is very cool. In her thirties, she found herself as the overweight mother of three and decided she’d had enough. She began working out routinely and eating better. Now she’s in her late 40’s and super fit.
Fuel for the Soul by Kelly Puryear
Kelly is local to Tampa! She’s a certified fitness trainer and nutritionist. She shares so many good, quick workouts. She also shares excellent nutritional ideas. I just love her!
For My Nutrition Plan:
Consistent, deliciously healthy meals. Even though I’m not vegan, I do see the benefit of plant-based, whole foods as the foundation for good nutrition. This Instagram is great inspiration for my summer fitness plan.
Beautiful, healthy food. It’s easy to be inspired to eat healthy food when the plates look this good!
Not just pictures… the actual ingredients are included with each post. I’m not whole 30, but I do like the idea behind it and feel like it’s good to keep whole 30 recipes in the mix.
I’m really enjoying this summer fitness plan routine, and I hope my sharing it with you will inspire you to give it a try too. Or, if you already have your own fitness routine, I’d love to know what’s working for you. Please share in the comments.