Ever since I interned for a health & fitness publication in college, I’ve been interested in eating clean and staying fit. I feel so much more confident about myself when I’m getting exercise and feeding my body whole foods. I try to make working out a priority every week… but I’ll be the first to admit that exercise can be really hard to fit into a busy schedule! Today I’m sharing my workout routine with you. This is just what works for me, but you should adjust your routine to what works best for your schedule and your body!
Since I moved to Charlotte, I’ve been attending Jazzercise classes two to three times per week. I like to go first thing in the mornings to go ahead and get my workout out of the way… that way I can shower, get dressed and then go on with my day. Jazzercise is really great because the classes consist of 45 minutes of aerobic activity and 15 minutes of strength training. It’s not a “dance” class, per say, because it combines dance moves with yoga, pilates and kickboxing, and also includes exercises using hand weights and the stability ball. I love it because the instructor switches up routines every day and they always play really good music. Most people think I’m a 60 year-old woman when I tell them I love Jazzercise… but it really is an insanely good workout!
I try to attend Jazzercise on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (sometimes I’ll skip a day if I’m super busy with work!). On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I aim to get in physical activity by either walking or running for 30 minutes. I’m not a very good runner so sometimes I’ll do intervals – run for 2 minutes, walk for 5, run for 2, etc.
On these days I will also do abdominal and arm workouts on my own. I am OBSESSED with YouTube videos, especially the 8 minute abs video. Yes, it’s hilarious and from the 80s, but I swear it works. Before a beach vacation, I’ll start doing 8 minute abs several times a week because after two weeks there is a noticeable difference in my stomach – it’s much flatter! I also do the 8 minute arms video using 3 pound weights, which tones your arms without making them bulky. I swear by these videos. Every spring I incorporate them into my workout routine to prepare for bikini season and always see results!
Although Saturdays and Sundays are rest days for me, I try to stay as physically active as possible. I love hiking, going on walks and playing tennis, so sometimes I’ll try to incorporate these activities into my weekend. Even making simple changes such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator can make a huge difference!
Swoozie’s monogrammed sun hat // purple bathing suit // light blue bathing suit (sold out in that color)
Working out releases endorphins, relieves stress and builds muscle. It also gives you confidence to look and feel your best this summer. My annual family beach trip is officially one month from today, so I’m going to be amping up my workouts and clean eating (and buying new bathing suits, see above photo evidence!). If you’re interested in some recipe posts on my clean eats, let me know in the comments!
Thanks and have a great Wednesday, everyone!
Thanks so much for sharing this! I'm trying to work on my workout routine. Love the suits!
http://www.madeintheshadeblog.com
I will definitely be using the ab work out videos you suggested!
This is great I would love to see some of your clean eats! Inspiration! p.s. jazzercise is amazing and they post super fun stuff on Facebook!
Hi Cait, I have been on the clean eating/working out wagon since two years now I would change it for nothing. I also like to exercise first thing in the morning before work when I can, it is one of the best way to be sure will get a workout done. The purple bikini is super cute, Maaji's swimwear quality is amazing, I own 2 of them. Xo, Alexandra
http://www.glamoclock.com
I adore your purple bikini!
http://www.loveandclothing.com
Those bikini's are completely adorable!! Yay for workouts and clean eating!!
xoxo,
Ashley
Afternoon Espresso
Love love love this post, Cait! So happy I could finally see this workout video that I will be trying TONIGHT. I can't wait to bookmark this post and go back to it every time I am needing motivation 🙂 Love you sweet thing!
hey girl! I live in Charlotte and have to highly recommend that you try Pure Barre – there's one in Myers Park right next to Panera and it's highly addictive and even more effective! would love to hear what you've got in the rotation as far as clean eating goes – I'm with you on clean foods making you feel SO much better!
great tips! I've been trying to stick to a routine to get ready for Summer! I always love video suggestions. Just clicked on those and you are right, they are so 80s haha!
Thanks for sharing your routine!! I've been taking a Zumba class a few times a week, but need something to fill in if I can't make it to the class or on the 'off' days. I like that you mix in some strength and toning. I don't do enough of that, but think it's equally as important as cardio!
I would love to know your fav clean recipes. I am trying to lose a few pounds in the tummy area and I know my diet is what's keeping me at my current weight. Any tips would be helpful!
I would love to know some of your favorite clean eating recipes!
Loved this post!! I have always felt really discouraged because I am TERRIBLE at running, so it's nice to hear that I'm not alone in being someone that does a combo of walking and running!! 😉 I do need to get better at working out though, it's so hard for me to balance everything during the school year!
Like you I also love to hike and play tennis!! 🙂 I'm hoping for plenty of opportunities to do both of those things this summer!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
This is an awesome routine! You look great <3
http://www.shallwesasa.com
Love seeing what others are doing health wise! Great post, and can we talk about how fantastic that monogrammed sun hat is?!! LOVE!
Thanks for sharing this! I just got back into the habit of eating better and working out and it really does make such a difference!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
Thanks for sharing your workout routine
Thanks for sharing your tips! Fitness is so important and if you love what you do (jazzercise) it makes it SO much easier. I'm personally a barre and yoga fanatic but I'm trying to get back into running.
xo, jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
Great post thanks for sharing! Making the time to workout is always the hardest part for me, but I try to!
laurenroseprep.blogspot.com
Great routine! I've been doing T-25 for a couple of weeks now. I just get up at 6:30, do my 25 minute video and am DONE for the day. It's so good to get it out of the way. We're trying to get preggers so I'm really trying to strengthen my core before baby, so I might check out that 8 min abs on youtube too. Jillian Michaels also has GREAT, quick DVDs.
ahh that's so fun!(: I think I'll be trying that(:
aswestumblealong.com
Great post and I would love to see some clean eating recipes!! 🙂
i will definitely be trying those ab and arm videos since i am currently trying to tone up and get in shape for a best friend's bachelorette in vegas coming up in a month!
i would love to see some of your recipes, always looking for easy and healthy meals!
xo mk
goldhattedlover.com
I'm so glad you posted those 8 minute video links! My cousin is getting married in 2 months and since we're the same age and I'm very single I want to look extra hot at the wedding. I'd love to see some recipe posts too!
From Mississippi With Love
I love the 8 minute videos. They're such a great workout and it always cracks me up how '80s they are. I'd love to see your clean eating recipes. You should check out my Food Friday posts – I like to switch things up between super healthy and super indulgent!
thegradventurer.blogspot.com
These are such great work out tips Cait! Jazzercise sounds like a great time 🙂 I'd love to hear more of your clean eating recipes- the avocado/egg bake post you did ages ago is STILL a fave breakfast recipe of mine 🙂
Great routine! I take Zumba classes once a week and it's a fun workout too!
"Hey gang!" That guy cracks me up.. but hey I'm always down for quick abs. And I have been eyeing that Maaji suit… so jealous!!
Kristina
http://www.medicineandmanicures.blogspot.com
I always feel so much better when I am exercising a lot too. I am addicted to yoga. I've never tried Jazzercise but I know people that do it love it! Would love to hear about your clean eating recipes! I am always looking for new recipes!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
So great to see a manageable work out schedule! There are so many great tips and schedules out there, but I always find it hard to fit with my 8-5 job… And I'd love to see some clean eating recipes! and by the way, that purple bikini is a.m.a.z.i.n.g!
Love this, thanks for sharing! I definitely need to up my workout game before summer gets here!
xo
Tara
shoesillneverhave.blogspot.com
and let's not forget that endorphins make you happy and happy people don't just kill their husbands ;D
&& i'd love to see some of your recipes!
Awesome! Thanks for the inspiration, I know it works because you look amazing! I would definitely be interested in some "clean eating" recipes, so please do share! 🙂 xoxo
I love this top! It is so cute! 🙂 Where did you get it?
Loved the post and I know about Jazzercise, my mom did that for a while and every now and then I went with her, it was REALLY fun and a great workout! I personally am I spin fanatic with a side of running, but if you can find something you like do that makes all the difference!
I would love to see some of your clean eating recipes, I am constantly gathering up recipes to try!
I've been doing hot yoga and I love it! Jazzercise sounds fun though! And those bathing suits – to die for!
http://emilyahlbum.com
Great routine! I love bootcamp class, they are the best stress reliever for me. Those bathing suits are so stinkin' cute.
Wow you are looking very innocent thanks for share
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