If you’ve sat with me for about 15 minutes recently, you’ll discover that all I want to talk about is fitness and nutrition. My GOSH. When. Did. I. Become. That. Girl?
You see, I’ve never been the strong one. That’s my sister. Picture Audrey Hepburn and you have her; picture Marilyn Monroe and you have me. I’ve been the one most like to climb a tree and read. I’ve been round-ish. I’ve been curvy. But I’ve never been fit or athletic. Thanks, but no thanks, I’d rather read. Serious.
But, guys, things are changing. My sister and I are going to meet somewhere in between these two famous actress body types.
It started with me moving to Austria. When your life is flipped upside down by an across-an-ocean move, it gives you a chance to reinvent in some big ways because your pattern of living is completely interrupted. I needed happy endorphins, and I knew a quick way to find those was to workout. I already ran 2-3 times a week while in the USA, but when I arrived in Austria, I was invited to a church workout group. Young people. Weight training. German. Jesus-lovers. All in one place? So I started going.
But goodness, let’s just say I was the runt of the bunch. These kids are strong.
With that said, I realized that I might not become the strongest of the group, but I could become most improved. Begin Google Search.
For a couple of weeks, I researched online workout programs. I read reviews, and I followed Instagram accounts. I scrolled through so many #fitness pictures I’m surprised I didn’t grow more muscle and become leaner just by association. And for some strange reason, instead of feeling worse about my body, I found myself inspired by the discipline of all the people and their honest (“So craving pizza. All I can think about, but I will crush this plan.”). These self-peptalks encouraged me, too. Oh, no, I’m not cutting out pizza anytime soon.
my two favorite instagram fitness accounts:
While I researched all the different programs available to me, I used Pinterest to find workouts to target different muscle groups. You can see my Pinterest board here, but I want to warn you that it’s nothing fancy. Just a conglomeration of things I’m finding.
Finally, I was down to two different programs: Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide or Jen Ferruggia’s Bikini Body Workouts.
Kayla’s guides: These are just dang popular, and Kayla is super active on Instagram so she starts to feel like family (I know, weird). But the biggest drawback for me was the price. I wanted to be a part of her inspiring community, but $119 for 3 months of workouts? I just couldn’t fathom it (and now, I know coaches cost much more than that!).
Jen’s workouts: These are less glitzy honestly. They get the job done. There’s a Facebook group community but it’s not as pumped through of enthusiasm. The clincher for me, though, was the price of $30 for 2 months of workouts. It also offered a specific plan for working out at home with limited equipment. Financially, I could take the plunge.
I chose Jen Ferruggia’s plan, and I stuck with it for 8 weeks.
Following the eating plan proved to be a difficult for various reasons, and I eventually just opted to eat healthfully and mindfully. (Look. There’s some ice cream. I am mindfully choosing to eat this delectable dairy product.) Despite not sticking to the meal plan, I can feel and see in my body a strength difference.
I’m still the runt of my workout group; however, I can now do a 12kg kettlebell snatch (BAM), hold a free handstand for 3-5 seconds, and balance a yoga crow pose for a few moments (before I get so excited I fall over). I know. I know. I should have picture evidence. But here’s the thing, I am such a sweaty mess during these workouts that the last thing I’m thinking is “Oh, can you take my picture?”
Now I’m at the end of my 8-week workout program.
This is yoga week while I figure out what’s next (Shout out to Yoga With Adriene, my favorite online instructor!).
I did this video this morning:
BUT ANYWAY. At first, I wanted to hire my own nutrition and fitness coach, but once again, when faced with the prices, I realized that I wanted to prioritize my money in other directions. I know that I would improve greatly if I used the expertise of a coach, but I’m also a self-starting, self-learning researcher.
So BRING it.
My plan is it to read up on as much nutrition and workout knowledge as possible and develop my own sustainable, healthy lifestyle. Thankfully, my workout group’s trainer has agreed to be my human reference point, and he’ll look over my plans as I brainstorm them together.
After 6 months of somewhat accidental results, I’m ready to achieve my goals of a walking handstand and chin-ups.
I’ve always wondered if Paul meant “bodily exercise is of little value” or “bodily exercise is of a little value.” The difference is significant and the Greek is ambiguous. However, I’m sure you know which side of that I live on. So bravo, Barbara.
Ha! Christian, you always make me smile. Yes, you would be rather proud of my fitness ways these days (unlike while I was in college). I still don’t *like* exercise, but the benefits are too amazing to pass up on!