Here's a look inside look at one of my gym sessions. I wanted to kind of talk about what I like to do to get fit, and how doing multiple styles of workouts and well rounded nutrition has gotten me in the best shape of my life. It's about balance.
I get bored and if I don't enjoy something anymore, chances are I will cease to do it. So I do a mix of bikram yoga, vinyasa, kickboxing, running, crossfit, and lifting. I also like to mix in more sporty activities like swimming, rockclimbing, and hiking when I can.
When I go to "the gym" this below is usually what it looks like... or something similar.
I always start out by running a bit. I'm kinda tired of all of these girls being like "I never run, I just lift heavy to lean out"
Ok.. well running isn't only about "getting skinny, or burning fat" It actually ia quite good for your health in other ways. Cardiovascular ways, stamina ways, mental ways. And since my blog is all about HEALTH, not just physical beauty; I'm all for running.
You don't have to be a marathon runner.. But a mile or 2 per workout, or at least a few times a week, isn't a bad idea.
I always start out my workouts with running at the gym before I lift. That or the elliptical/ jump rope sometimes. Some people that do run with their weight training like to do it at the end. They feel it's best to put all of your energy into the weights instead of using it first on running. But honestly I can't run at the end because after weights I'm pretty much done and my muscles are shot.
Running first is also good to sort of "wake up the muscles" like the glutes before lifting or squatting. This helps to promote correct engagement.
As far as lifting- I actually prefer to use less weights, and do higher reps. This seems to work better for my naturally thin body type, and I can do more longevity wise... plus it's easier on my joints. I sometimes mix in heavier weight- just not every day; depending on how I feel.
There's nothing wrong with lifting heavy with lower reps, I think it just depends on what feels good to you and your body!!
So here is a small example (sped up of course- the real deal is about an hour and a half) of a few things I like to do on "gym days".
Stay Sweaty!! xo,
Vox