LIVE MORE BETTER, MY DAILY FITNESS ROUTINE

Since starting Clark + Aldine full time fitness has become an essential part of our lives. It is the first thing we do together in the morning…after meditation and coffee, of course, and sets us both up for a successful day. As much as our bodies may be crushed from the previous day’s, screaming for a break, we continue to push because we know it is what’s best for us. And we have no excuses since we built a home gym. Movement is the ingredient that fuels our body and mind, and that is why we created the Live More Better Lifestyle Journey. 

Some would think that a builder and general contractor gets quite a bit of movement in during the work day. They would be right in assuming that. However, just because one is in a role where manual labor is an essential part of the day to day does not mean that the proper movement is being conducted. I know that my body and mind need more and wage a safe bet that yours does too. 

I used to hate working out. Wanted absolutely nothing to do with it. I think somewhere in my head that was the driving force to my becoming a goalie in soccer and hockey during my youth. I certainly used it as the basis for arguing my coaches every time I had to do laps or drills. Why would I, someone who stands and only reacts if something is being drilled at him, need to run or skate laps? Guess how many times my argument was valid…zero. 

WE DON’T HAVE TO WORKOUT, WE GET TO WORKOUT. 

– Jess Sims (Peloton)

Embarking on a fitness journey should not be seen as a chore, but rather a blessing that we get to experience. If we have the ability to move our bodies we are indeed blessed. And we should respect the fact that we get to move and do all we can to ensure we are able to move for as long as possible. So I ask you to repeat this statement every day when it comes time to move your body – WE DON’T HAVE TO WORKOUT, WE GET TO WORKOUT. 

MY PERSONAL FITNESS ROUTINE

In case I didn’t hammer it home enough, I workout in some way shape or form every single day. Monday – Sunday, and then right back at it on Monday again. I do not skip days. And every day is different. I will stress the importance of listening to your body and having an open mind to pivot should your planned workout routine just not feel right that day. Some days my legs are completely shot and I intended to do a bootcamp on my Tread. So, instead of throwing down on some high intensity interval trailing (HIIT) I may elect to do upper body, core (abs) and a long stretch. A very purposeful and impactful set of exercises. 

In a perfect week this would be my breakdown of workouts per day.

• Monday: 10 min warm up run, 30 min tread bootcamp, 10 min core and 10 min full body stretch
• Tuesday: 10 min warm up bike, 30 min hip hop bike ride, 10 min core and 10 min full body stretch
• Wednesday: 20 min Tabata run, 30 min upper body (chest & back), 10 min core and 10 min full body stretch
• Thursday: 20 min HIIT bike ride, 10 min bike cool down, 20 min upper body (arms & shoulders), 10 min core and 10 min full body stretch
• Friday: 10 min warm up run, 30 min tread bootcamp, 10 min core and 10 min full body stretch
• Saturday: 30 min full body workout, 10 min core, 10 min full body stretch and 30 min outdoor family walk 
• Sunday: 30 min full body workout, 10 min core, 10 min full body stretch and 30 min outdoor family walk 

Now, I understand that we do indeed have the ideal scenario with a home gym equipped with both a Peloton Bike and Peloton Tread, and all the weights and accessories we need daily. But for the longest time we had nothing other than some adjustable weights and yoga mats and still found exercises that made us pour sweat. Body weight exercises are insanely challenging and cost no money at all. So find what works for you, with what you have and just start to move!

THE IMPORTANCE OF RECOVERY

I was the worst when it came to recovery. I thought all I needed was a post workout protein shake and I was good to go. I still have that shake every day, but if you notice above I have incorporated daily stretching into my routine. A 10 minute full body stretch is like the feeling of a really long morning wake up stretch that just keeps going…for 10 minutes. I am also a big believer (and lover) of salt baths and take one at least twice a week when my back is feeling it. So take the time to recover. Your body will thank you. 

Need a little extra sumn’ sumn’ in your life? Follow along with us on the Live More Better Lifestyle Journey. You’ll be happy you did…we promise. 

-much love