Ten years ago, I was a complete couch potato. I never exercised. I mean… NEVER.
Aside from walking across a SuperTarget parking lot (moaning and grumbling the entire time, of course) I lived a very sedentary lifestyle.
I hated gyms. I hated yoga classes. I thought that people who cared about health and fitness were “airheads” and “bimbos.” Back then, you could have offered me $1,000 to hit the gym for an hour, and I would’ve been like, “No thanks. I’m good. Law & Order: SVU is on in five.”
Needless to say… a lot has changed since then! The change happened very gradually. About eight years ago, I started doing a daily walk around the neighborhood. Just 20 minutes or so. Walking turned into jogging. Jogging turned into running. Running led me into 5K, 10K, and half-marathon racing and eventually, cross-training and weight lifting.
Today, I can’t imagine what my life would be like without physical movement. It’s become such an integral part of my day. At 44, I feel like my inner athlete is fully awake, and I feel stronger than ever before. (Also, how ‘bout dat ass tho?)
If you want to start moving your body a little bit more… or a lot more… or if you want to mix up your current fitness regime… or if you just love discovering new workout #inspo, today’s email is for you!
These are my personal workout essentials—music that gets me pumped up, snacks I always keep in my purse, must-try classes. All the good stuff. Enjoy!
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My top 5 workout songs
24K Magic by Bruno Mars
Formation by Beyoncé
Church Clap by KB/Lecrae
I’m the Best by Nicki Minaj
Club Can’t Handle Me by Flo Rida
My favorite athletic apparel brands
I love my Brooks Pure Cadence running shoes! Seriously, do NOT buy cheap running shoes. If you’re pounding the pavement or a treadmill, you need good support.
Lululemon makes awesome running and yoga pants. I also love Carbon 38 for cute and edgy workout gear.
Side note: fiiiinally, apparel brands are starting to make cute workout clothes designed for curvier ladies. Here’s a list of 15 companies that make clothes for gals with big, beautiful boobs, butts, and thighs. So many great options. (This company looks especially cool!).
My favorite workouts
Running! I go for a 5 mile run 4-5 mornings a week. Sometimes solo. Sometimes with my BFF Frances.
Running is definitely my #1 fav workout, because you can do it anywhere, anytime, and you don’t need any special gear.
I also love lifting weights. I usually hit the weight machines about 3x a week. Sometimes by myself. Sometimes with my trainer Eli. And sometimes we do this.
Once in a while, I’ll try something totally new… like, on a recent trip to NYC, I went along with some friends to a Pon De Flo class, which is basically a Caribbean Reggae-inspired Zumba dance class. It kicked our asses! Super sweaty and super fun.
My favorite workout fuel
My fav food is… anything I don’t have to cook myself. LOL. Or anything that can be whipped together in less than 20 minutes.
These no-bake pumpkin energy bites are delish.
Baked breakfast egg cups for the win!
Heirloom tomato and avocado toast. Yes please.
Chia Health Warrior bars are great for a quick snack.
And I’m kinda addicted to Spark. It’s a powder you mix into water and it’s full of vitamins, minerals, and a tiny boost of caffeine.
People who inspire me to move, sweat, and give my body tons of love
I’m obsessed with Lux ATL. She’s a super fit feminist and badass pole dancer… with a PhD. She defies stereotypes, and she gives women permission to express their sexuality any way they damn well please.
Ashley Graham is gorgeous, inside and out. I love her message of body-positivity: love yourself and rock your style at any size.
And lastly, here’s a quote that always inspires me to take excellent care of my body, even when I’m really busy, and even when I don’t totally feel like it…
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” ~Jim Rohn
That’s the truth. Your body is the house that holds your spirit. That’s why I call your “body” your “God Pod.” Please take good care of your God Pod because it’s the only pod you’ve got. Give your God Pod plenty of love today, and every day.
PS. If you want to stop dieting, stop obsessing about your size, clear stress out of your life, and feel stronger on every level… check out my BARE™ coaching program and (coming later this year) BARE™ Daily: a new online community with daily inspiration for your body and your life! You can sign up here to be the first to know when the doors open.
