(Did you miss our Q&A #1 & Q&A #2)
Describe your weekly workout routine.
H: Right now, my workout routine is a little different than normal since I am 36 weeks pregnant. Currently, I am just trying to make sure I MOVE each and every day. I am down to about 4 hard workouts a week: mostly lifting and HIIT. I do a lot of walk/ runs on the other days.
When I am not pregnant, I am usually also training for some sort of race. I workout about 5-6 times a week. My workouts vary between running, heavy lifting sessions, and HIIT classes. Each week is different for me. I have a hard time mixing in my heavy lift sessions and it is my goal to make them more of a priority after I have the baby. I teach Group Exercise classes at our local YMCA anywhere from two to three times a week.
J: I try to stick to 6 days / week …off on Sunday’s (my “day of rest”). I’m at our local YMCA Monday through Friday doing various group fitness classes incorporating both cardio and strength (Turbokick, PiYo, Athletic Conditioning & Strength + Endurance). I’ve also recently fallen in love with Les Mills Body Pump, so I take that class at another location on Saturday mornings. I teach a group fitness TRX class at a local martial arts studio 1 night / week.
What is your all-time favorite workout?
H: I really do not have one favorite workout. I LOVE running and training for races- working towards a new PR and the competition within myself makes me love it. I also love a group exercise class that combines HIIT with free weight intervals- it is my favorite type of class to teach too.
J: That is a REALLY tough question because I really enjoy SO MANY types of workouts. Group fitness is where it’s at for me, so anytime I’m with my friends sweating – I’m happy! A few faves are: Turbokick, PiYo and Les Mills Body Pump.
What motivates you to keep up this lifestyle?
H: Exercise is my anti-depressant… REALLY! Coming from a family history of mental illness, it truly helps me physically AND emotionally. I feel much better about myself and the things around me when I take an hour a day to move and fuel my with clean, whole food. My family and friends really help me keep up this lifestyle- it really helps to live a healthy lifestyle when you surround yourself with like-minded people. I am so blessed that I have a husband who also makes exercise a priority and likes to stay active even while on vacation. Claire (and this baby on the way) is the number one reason I strive to live the healthiest life I can. I not only want to set a good example for them, but I want to be able to chase them on the playground, run alongside them at their first 5k, and go for bike rides with them on vacation.
J: I’m SUCH a happier wife, mommy, sister, daughter & friend when I’m working out regularly and fueling my body efficiently. My husband knows IMMEDIATELY if I missed a workout or haven’t had a chance to workout because I’m GROUCHY! Also, being healthy for my family is the true “reason” I keep up with this lifestyle. I want to set a good example for my kids & hang around for as long as possible!
Tell us about your healthy eating philosophy.
H: I believe sticking to a lifestyle that is sustainable for your family, shopping the perimeter, and sticking to whole non-processed foods…. 80% of the time. There are so many “diets” out there to follow or try, but I believe you have to adopt a healthy lifestyle. You have to choose something that is sustainable and works for you. I try my best to prepare mostly clean meals, many which fall under the Paleo guidelines. I would never I am on the “Paleo” diet, but I do use a lot of Paleo meals because they are clean, non processed foods. For myself, I try my best to limit dairy because I don’t like how it makes me feel. With all that being said, remember it is all about balance and I do enjoy my fair share of wine, sweets, and popcorn… but I shoot for only 20% of the time.
J: I try to stick to a clean diet as much as possible – I avoid dairy, as I have a diagnosed sensitivity to lactose, gluten (as much as possible as it just really affects my stomach), and too much sugar. I’m a salad LOVER and could eat one for lunch and dinner daily! They can be so versatile! I also kick off each and every day with Shakeology – – it’s truly my “Mommy Fuel” & I rely on it for my “daily dose of dense nutrition.” I like to say I’m 90/10 during the week & 80/20 on the weekends – I CERTAINLY believe in living a little! All that said, I’m a foodie blog LOVER and find tons of inspiration for NEW and healthy recipes via so many great blogs!
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