Capris • Under Armour | Tank • Under Armour | Sports Bra • here, similar here and here | Shoes • Asics

As passionate as I am about fitness and trying to get in, or stay in, shape, putting this post together is really hard.  Not the subject matter – I can write about it easily.  Honestly, it’s about choosing and posting pictures of me working out and wearing the gear.  It’s just not pretty.

There is a reason why most of the workouts I’ve done over the last several years have been in the privacy of my home.  Summer workout gear especially can be so revealing.  All the body imperfections are right there on full display. Luckily many companies such as Under Armour have some great pieces with coverage that don’t stifle you in the heat.  These capris are part of their Heat Gear collection and have been great when I’ve been doing outdoor workouts in 115-degree heat.

I had to take a step back and come to terms with a few things. I don’t look like an athlete or a supermodel but I can still share my thoughts on being fit and healthy.  And I can share a little of what I do for fitness in case you’re looking for some variety in your workouts.

So, about my workouts. . . First of all, I’ve scaled back a lot in the last couple of years because of time constraints. I’ve learned I don’t always have to put in a full hour or more to get a good workout.  And if I’m not having fun, I won’t stick with it for very long.  I do a lot of different things so I don’t get bored and because I believe variety is best for all around fitness.

I also believe in a good sports bra and the right shoes.  My sports bra above is La Isla, a brand I found through Amazon.com.  The support is outstanding and the price is amazing.  You don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune to get a good sports bra.  The right shoe is critical.  Asics are the only shoes I wear.  I’ve tried others over the years but Asics work best for me.  None of this is sponsored today – these are the things I wear without promotional consideration.

I do some weight-training for muscle and bone strength. Years ago I hit the weights hard but I’ve scaled back considerably.  I like Shaun T’s Insanity and T25 DVD series for cardio, strength and endurance.  T25 is especially fantastic because all workouts are 25 minutes long.  Shaun’s Insanity and Asylum DVDs have been the toughest workouts I’ve ever done.  Asylum is geared more to athletes seeking to improve their sports performance which is more hard core than I need.

I do Pure Barre to shape and tone in completely different ways. These workouts are non-cardio but will work your legs, buns and abs until they burn and then some.  Sometimes I just play music loud a dance for 30 minutes.  A few months ago I started working out twice a week in a small group with a trainer.  That’s been a lot of fun.  I think some of the best ab work you can do incorporates tuck jumps, burpees and plank work, all of which are most effective if you’re holding your abs in as you do the work.  I also get together with a friend for a hike in our local hills one or two times a week.

It sounds like I’m exercise-crazed but I’m really not.  I don’t work out every day.  I’d like to, but I get so busy with long hours at work and it doesn’t always happen.  I’ve learned not to beat myself up about it.  I work out when I can and I try to release the guilt when I skip.  The trick is to do something and do it often.  Keep it fun, wear the right gear and know you’re doing something that’s good for you.

Have a great weekend!