Fit Bride, Cherie // Making your Workout your Own

Within the last couple of months of working out this whole fitness-bridal plan, I have made many mistakes but also experienced many moments of success.
To be honest, as soon as I dropped CrossFit from the radar back in October I went through this odd period of withdrawal… I was at a standstill fitness-wise and barely knew how to hit the ground running again (literally).

I knew I wanted to make cardio a bigger part of the plan since my body tends to enjoy it, but low weight-high rep was also something I was keen on sticking to. I know there’s about 4.5 billion memes circulating the web that say things like ‘ha – who says lifting heavy makes you bulky – check me out,‘ but I’m a firm believer in something a little different. I’m a believer in ‘I’ve been there done that and know my body does things differently.‘

When I was using CrossFit as my main source of exercise, I ate like a mad woman, too. Lifting heavy + eating a ton translates to big traps and wide thighs on this latin body! When I went to my first dress fitting back in October, I knew immediately I wanted to look a little different come the big day. After an un-shameful Thanksgiving chow down I hopped back on track and boy do I feel great! Good news is, there are tons of way to make the everyday feel like something new.

Check out my recent fitness changes to find a littler inspiration in making the mundane seem a bit more magical! Here’s what I’m doing differently:

More Cardio
2-3 cardio sessions per week: Running, stair stepper, and good ol’ fashioned Tabata

I know cardio isn’t necessarily everyone’s cup of tea, but guys it really is good for you! The key to surviving a 20-30 minute cardio session is great music and a training buddy. For a true challenge, take your cardio outdoors. The change up in terrain and temperature will push you that much further and keep you from feeling like you’re doing the same old thing.

Walking + Yoga
Yoga at least once a week

Whether it be teaching a session or joining in on one, I’ve been trying to work in yoga at least one time a week. To warm up my muscles, I will get there about 10 minutes early and take a few laps at a brisk pace.

CrossFit with ‘lighter’ weights (and body weight movements, like handstands!)
Going faster with lighter weights at WODs

Now that I’m back in my hometown, I finally can workout with my training partner again! She’s means so much to me as a friend and honorary little sister, so getting to share in the pain of WOD together truly is an awesome experience! To prevent the muscle gain and emphasize muscle tone, I’ve been working with lighter weights and moving at a faster pace. To Rx a WOD is always fun to see on the board, but sometimes you have to take a few steps back.

Ab Exercises
Everything from planking to class flutter kicks (low boat pose with leg pulses), ab exercises are always a quick and easy add-in to any workout.

Oh an did you think I forgot about our planking deal?

I’d love to hear about how you did!

I took my plank from 1m 15 sec all the way up to 3 minutes! 

What special tweaks do you make to your routine to shake things up?