This week I was asked to describe my weekly workout routine. I am happy to do this, although my routine certainly isn’t the gold standard. I am quasi-training for a spring triathlon. I say “quasi” because I am getting in about one run, one swim and one bike a week. This is not really enough but all I am willing to make time for at this point. I enjoy doing the tri’s but am not super concerned about breaking any speed records.
I try to get in at least 5 days of exercise. Usually I take off Sundays and one weekday, just due to my schedule. I work out with a personal trainer twice a week. (BTW, if you are looking for an amazing trainer in Jacksonville, email me. Mine is the best!) She switches up my workouts often between low-intensity strength only work, interval training, agility work and high intensity/high rep work. As I mentioned, I like to get in a 30 minute run at one point in the week. I also try to get in at least a 30 minute swim once a week. Lastly, I either take a spinning class or do a bike ride outside. Two weekends ago I did an awesome 23 mile bike ride. It felt great. So this all adds up to about 4-5 days a week.
I get bored easily so I like to add some other fun activities to my exercise “routine”. This morning I took an aerobic dance class. It was so fun, but unfortunately I was reminded that I have no rhythm! I have also recently started playing in a beach volleyball league once a week. This special time in the week reminds me of how much I am NOT in beach shape. Whoooo, it is a workout! I love it. Some other activities that I like to throw in when I have the time are pilates or yoga or an exercise video.
My schedule is pretty unique in that every week is different. I also work at a gym which makes exercising very convenient. I am grateful for both of these factors.
If I had to sum it all up in a neat recommendation, I would say 4-5 days a week for at least an hour: 2 days of strength training, 2 days of high intensity (high heart rate) cardio, and one moderate intensity cardio day.
Lastly, one tool that I love to use when I work out is a heart rate monitor. Many track your calorie expenditure and all tell you your heart rate. This helps you determine your intensity/exertion level and ensures you are working efficiently. I love my Polar watch. www.polar.com
Happy exercising!
