This post is sponsored by adidas.

So, as a personal trainer and someone who regularly threw around heavy weights 4-5 times a week pre-pandemic, it’s safe to say that my workouts have changed drastically in the past few months. As in, they’ve all but stopped. If you’ve been here for awhile and/or follow me on Instagram, you know that’s a big change from the active lifestyle that I regularly shared with you.

Since moving to North Carolina, the only real working out that I’ve done has been walking, hiking, exploring the woods, and carrying Miles around. It’s a big departure from my previous routine, but one that I know is temporary and also what I need right now. My first trimester was rough in terms of exhaustion and nausea, so I did what I could and just tried to survive on other days. It’s a temporary time and there’s no use beating myself up over it. I’m growing another human and that is work enough!

We are working on finishing up our shed gym, which should be done sometime this month. We have all our equipment, but realized once we moved in that we would need some reinforcing of the floors and other minor tweaks that we are working with a contractor to finish up. Once that is done, I’ll share the befores and afters with you, but for right now, I’m adjusting to our move and new life here with a slightly more simple routine:

Walking

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Tank

We live in a large neighborhood with winding roads and nature all around. Every morning there are people walking and running, which also inspires me to get out and at least take a walk around if nothing else. It’s always nice and relaxing to get out and explore the area with a walk. I’ve discovered new places and secret trails into the woods that make me so happy. 

Hiking

I’ve been taking Miles on adventures a lot of afternoons and although I’m waiting for it to cool down a little bit more, I try and take him on short hikes to experience nature. I’ve been so happy to get back into the woods and water and I’m trying to introduce him to those things as often as I can.

Dressing the part

Shoes

Regardless of how much I exercise, workout clothes are always my favorite to wear. You can find me in leggings and a workout tank virtually every day, and the signal pink line from adidas has tons of cute and comfy options to choose from. Putting on workout clothes helps get me into an active mindset no matter what activity I’m doing.

Listening to my body

I’ve been active for a lot of my life, with periods of activity ranging from low to high. Because of my own experience with my body, I’ve learned that things ebb and flow. I know that sometimes I need a break and that my body will let me know when it needs more of a challenge. Forcing myself when I’m not mentally or physically ready can often lead to resentment and burnout — two things that can keep me sidelined for even longer.

I’m also pregnant again, and while you know I had no issues maintaining my Crossfit routine with my last pregnancy, after becoming certified as a postpartum corrective exercise specialist, there are a few things I’ve decided to do differently this time around. I still plan to incorporate strength training once our gym is finished, but I don’t feel the same need to go as hard as I can and I’m simply enjoying the process right now.

Letting go of guilt

It can be so easy to get down on ourselves for what we “should” be doing, but the honest truth is that there is so much going on right now that we HAVE to give ourselves a break. We are in unprecedented times and there is so much unknown, that we need to really sit and think about what’s best for each of us individually. The only person to make you feel bad for not waking up at 6 am and running or for taking a nap because you feel overwhelmed is you. While physical movement is important, so is your mental and emotional health, so work on finding the balance that works for you.