I’m sort of in a transition period with my workouts/fitness goals. From September through the middle of May I worked out with a trainer 3 days per week with 30 minutes of interval cardio twice a week. I was consistently working out 5 days per week and was definitely in the best shape that I’ve been in for awhile. You can see an example of our weight workouts here!

With a move on the horizon and a baby on the way, I’ve had to make a few changes! Obviously I had to end my gym membership which meant I had to say goodbye to my trainer, Erin (I misssss you!). *Seriously, if you are interested in making a change in your routine and want to invest in a trainer I can’t recommend Erin O’Brien at Equinox Lincoln Park enough. None of this is sponsored* However, my goal from the beginning was to be in the best shape I had been in when I got pregnant again so mission accomplished. I’m also the type of person who gets antsy after doing the same thing for awhile so a part of me has welcomed a change.

BUT, have things changed? Not really, yet. We are kind of in this weird limbo as we wait to move. It feels like there is so much to do and at the same timee we are just kind of waiting. At the moment I’m letting myself take a little break from intense exercise. The first trimester was rough for me, however I still managed to workout at least 4 times per week (my trainer always said to be active more days than you’re not!). Now that I’m feeling better and the weather has warmed up, I don’t really want to be in the gym so I’ve been coming up with ways to do my workouts outside. I still love to do my interval workouts on the treadmill but I’ve been taking it down a few notches. It just kind of feels good to not put so much pressure on myself. Let my body grow and be with Charlie while still doing some weight training and being active every day. 

If you follow me on instagram you’ll notice that I’m usually doing cardio at the gym 2 days per week. I have been steadily running for 30 minutes and increasing my speed gradually every 5 minutes or I’ll do intervals on the stairmaster for 30 minutes at a lower level (usually level 5). On the other days I’ll take what I’ve learned from my trainer (see examples here) and make up my own workouts or I’ll do a Tone It Up video!

So let’s talk about staying motivated? It’s tough, right? I’ve been told that it takes 21 days to create a habit and I definitely believe this to be true. Once you start noticing your body change, it is pure motivation to keep going! Now that I’m taking a break from my routine from the last 6 months I’m struggling to find the motivation to get back with it again. I think it is more of a consistency issue. I need something to hold me accountable. 

I’m really trying not to have pregnancy be an excuse. So here are a few things that motivate me to live a more healthy lifestyle:

• Set realistic goals. Noting happens overnight. My trainer told me it takes a month for you to notice a difference in your body. Two months for your family. Three months for your friends. Everything is a process and you can’t set yourself up for failure. Slow and steady wins the race. Know your limits. For me, I am not going to live a completely healthy lifestyle 100% of the time and that’s ok! If I put forth 100% effort a few days a week then I’m happy!
• Eat healthy 4 days a week. Like I mentioned above, make sure you’re focused and in the zone more days than you’re not. That means 4 days of the week, try to be regimented and the other three days give yourself a break. Once you start to feel good about those 4 days, you’ll realize that indulging isn’t as great as it used to be and those 3 days won’t be as indulgent. 
• Drink water. Lots and lots of water! One of my most asked about questions is about my skin and I swear this is because I drink abnormal amounts of water. I once read that Lauren Conrad drinks the number of ounces of water that she weighs in a day. So I try to drink 130 ounces. It helps keep you full, keeps your metabolism in check, aids with digestion, balances your pH levels and makes your skin glow! 
• Buy some new workout gear. Sometimes I wear workout gear all day with intentions of working out (and I don’t) but just the act of wearing workout stuff makes you feel like you need to be TIGHT. Can you relate? My favorite brands are Outdoor Voices, Alo, Nike, Zella and Lululemon. Also just ordered some stuff from Bandier and I’m excited to try!
• Give yourself some love. Limit your screen time. Get more sleep. Read more books. Drink the rosé. Go out with your friends. Get outside. Ditch your healthy meal for date night. Give yourself a break. Enjoy the process! The best thing you can do in this life is invest in yourself. You only get one body and one life to live so do it well! Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. 

So what motivates you? What inspires you to do good for yourself? 

XO