My Workout Routine and Why

I thought I’d share what my typical fitness week looks like. My workout regimen has changed over the years. My focus is on what my body needs and what I enjoy. I’m done with workouts that don’t make me happy. I love my routine and look forward to my workouts instead of dreading them.

IMG_1393When it comes to our workout routines, people can have strong opinions about what we “should” do. Regardless of what we hear, we each have to find an exercise routine we enjoy, that gives desired results and is sustainable. Remember, just because Susie Q. does a certain workout, doesn’t mean it’s right for you. I know many people who run marathons and enjoy that type of training. That’s great for them! Super long running doesn’t do it for me. My idea of a perfect run is anywhere from four to six miles. I’m not a happy camper beyond that, and my body pays a price that I’m no longer willing to pay. I also know people who are into lifting heavy weights. If that’s your thing, go for it! Lifting heavy hurts my joints and the weight room can be a lonely place for me. Instead, a group fitness strength class is my happy place. I’ve found the sweet spot for working out for ME and I urge you to find what it is for YOU!

Being a fitness instructor, one of the first things we learn is that when we teach, we should not be focused on getting our own workout. Instead, we should teach. When I lead a class, my first priority is to give my students a top-notch workout while keeping them safe and providing some fun, too. When I teach, I pour my whole heart into my class, and, inevitably when I’m finished, I’m just as tired as my students. I do the workout right along with them, so I can understand what they are feeling and how hard I should push them. I don’t enjoy going to classes where the instructor is walking around and yelling at me to go harder. As an instructor, I am going through the battle with them, and my students seem to appreciate that. Because of the way I teach, I count my own classes as my workout. Trust me, they are tough workouts and my body doesn’t need any more on those days.

My routine is made up of cardio, strength training, and flexibility training. Cardio keeps my heart in shape, keeps me lean, and just makes me joyful. Strength training keeps muscle on my body (we begin to lose muscle during our 30s), which keeps my metabolism up. Strength or resistance training keeps me strong and toned and is also good for my bones. Flexibility training keeps my muscles feeling great, helps prevent injury. and relieves stress.

Susan Bell shares her weekly exercise routine.

My routine:

Monday– Yoga, Zumba

Tuesday– Body Shaping Class (resistance training), Zumba

Wednesday– Yoga

Thursday– Body Shaping Class, Zumba

Friday– Rest

Saturday– Zumba

Sunday– Rest or running (depending on how my body feels)

I like to have one full rest day and one active rest day (example: Wednesday yoga) per week. Some weeks I may take two full rest days and one active rest day if my body needs it.

Since my job is fitness, I get more exercise than the average person, but it works for me. Find what works for you and don’t worry about what others are doing or telling you to do. Have a fitness routine that you love and look forward to. If you do, working out won’t feel like “work” at all!

Author: Susan Bell

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