“Sweat, Snacks, and Sunshine: A Fitness Buddy Kind of Day”

My friend Ann and I proved today that everything truly is better with a fitness buddy! We kicked off the morning at the Wulf Recreation Center, focusing on resistance, strengthening, and stretching exercises to get our bodies moving and feeling strong.

As a personal trainer, I recommend incorporating resistance training at least two to three times a week. While having a workout buddy is highly encouraged, sometimes scheduling that accountability means hiring a personal trainer to stay committed. A wise woman once told me that! 🤗 (You know who you are!)

Everyone’s schedules are different, and life gets busy, but having someone with similar goals makes it so much easier to stay consistent and motivated.

During our gym session, Ann and I worked on different exercises, which was perfect for our individual goals. For me, it felt amazing to get back on a schedule. However, I was mindful of my injuries, listening to my body and making adjustments when needed. I didn’t push heavy weights this time around because my muscles have atrophied during the process of managing pain. Now that I’m ready to start working on myself again, I know this journey will be a slow and intentional process. Just like I tell my clients, progress takes time, and you have to go through the phases to ensure a safe and effective recovery.

If something doesn’t feel right, I adjust by reducing the weight, doing more reps, or skipping the exercise altogether. Building a rhythm and healthy habits requires patience and consistency. Most importantly, you need to have fun and stay safe—when you enjoy your workouts, you’re much more likely to stick with them.

I know for many people, the gym can feel intimidating, especially with all the machines and equipment. That’s where hiring a personal trainer makes such a difference. We can guide you, help you build confidence, and establish a plan that works specifically for you. My favorite part of training clients is equipping them with the tools and habits they need to work out independently—or even better, with a workout buddy!

I also understand how hard it can be to ask for help. Most of us know what to do, but it’s the doing and the keeping on doing that’s the struggle. That’s why I always recommend reaching out to a personal trainer, whether it’s me or someone else who matches your personality and needs.

After the gym, we took a quick break and enjoyed a simple yet satisfying midmorning snack of apples, almonds, and cheese.

Then it was time to get outside! Ann and I headed to Three Sisters with the dogs, soaking up the sunshine, enjoying the stunning views, and getting in some cardio on a beautiful day.

To top it all off, we treated ourselves to a relaxing soak in the hot tub, replenishing our bodies with plenty of water and reflecting on the amazing day we had.

Days like this remind me how much more enjoyable and motivating fitness can be with a friend by your side. Whether it’s hitting the gym, exploring the outdoors, or simply unwinding after a good workout, sharing the journey makes all the difference!

BETTER WITH A BUDDY!