In 2012, I graduated from high school and decided not to pursue collegiate softball. For the first time, I didn’t have a set plan or direction on how to move my body. It was strange, but despite this, I naturally gravitated toward fitness.
Growing up, I had always been active, so throughout high school and after, my mom and I started walking regularly during my off-seasons. I also did at-home workouts in my small childhood bedroom, using exercise bands and workout DVDs. In 2010, I discovered YouTube and Blogilates, which was when my obsession with fitness really started. I loved how it made me feel—happy, energized, and confident. It wasn't until I joined a gym that in 2012 that it truly became a key part of my identity and self-esteem.
The Gym Phase
Literally, my two biggest regrets... 1. Never taking progress photos AND 2. Deleting all the pictures I had from this time period of 2012-2016 therefore please excuse my lousy photos (lol)
By November 2012, the colder weather made outdoor walks uncomfortable, and my Instagram feed was full of fitness influencers working out at the gym. Bored with my home workouts, I decided to give the gym a try, and instantly, I fell in love again. Between 2012 and 2016, I was consistent with lifting weights, doing HIIT treadmill workouts, taking long walks, and occasionally doing hot yoga. I felt strong and capable, and I enjoyed the variety in my routine. This was sustainable for me, and I recall feeling my best (as I could due to my circumstances) mentally, and physically.
The Party Phase and Struggles (2016-2018)
In 2016, my life took a sudden turn. I entered what I call my "party girl" phase—staying up late, binge drinking, and avoiding the trauma that built up over those years. I became what you'd call a 'functioning addict.' Fitness was my constant during this period. Long walks with my mom, HIIT workouts at home, and short runs were my therapy and kept me somewhat grounded.
Through the support of my family and my own willpower, I began to turn things around, and once again, fitness was a huge part of my recovery.
Over-Exercising and Body Dissatisfaction (2018-2020)
2018
2020
From 2018 to 2020, my gym routine intensified. I spent 2-3 hours a day at the gym, unhappy with my body, restricting food, and in a toxic relationship. I had strict rules—running for at least 45 minutes before any other workout, and I avoided lifting heavy weights because I didn’t want to look 'bulky.' Ironically, my body did begin to look bulky, as I over-exercised and underfed it. I started feeling conflicted with my identity, battling with the person I was after experiencing trauma.
COVID-19, Mental Burnout, and Weight Gain (2019-2021)
2022
Then, COVID hit in 2019, and like many others, I had no access to the gym. I turned to home workouts but kept up with excessive cardio. I began to struggle more with nutrition—eating very few carbs, sticking to a low-calorie diet, and refusing to eat more than 1,350 calories a day (I now eat roughly 2,200-2,500 calories a day depending on my activity level). Between that and the stress of working with children, I was exhausted, both physically and mentally. My workouts no longer felt fulfilling, and I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted despite how hard I was trying.
From 2020 to 2023, I continued running 6-10 miles a day, with little variation in my routine. By 2021, I started gaining weight, which I couldn’t seem to stop. I tried being a mindful eater, but I often felt overly relaxed, which led to guilt. This created a toxic cycle where I would eat too much, then restrict calories again. Stress, exhaustion, and poor food choices led to a 25-pound weight gain. I felt stuck.
However, I don't count my running days as a complete lost because I did run a half marathon in June 2023. It also led me to many adventures, seeking out new trails to explore! Although at times my obsession with running wasn't healthy or sustainable I still do enjoy running to this day, and it will be a part of my fitness routine for as long as it's meant to be.
Reflection and Research: A Turning Point (September 2023)
Current - September 2024
So, in September 2023, I began a process of deep reflection. Alongside this, I started researching and diving into podcasts, focusing heavily on nutrition. I became particularly obsessed with mindful eating, although I believe it goes beyond the principles of 'intuitive eating.' I don’t believe all foods fit, and the idea of 'eat what you want' doesn’t work for me when trying to follow a calorie-based diet to achieve results.
As I took nutrition and transformation coaching courses, I learned there’s much more to consider when it comes to food—but that’s a topic for another post, as we’re focusing on fitness here!
During this period of research, I noticed a trend: most fitness advice revolved around low-intensity, low-impact movements like pilates, sauna/cold plunge therapy, weightlifting, and a high-protein diet. That’s when I realized that during the times I was at my leanest, I had naturally followed many of these practices: long walks, weight training, hot yoga, and pilates. I also leaned more toward a diet rich in protein and fats, with less emphasis on carbs.
Carb Cycling
I started practicing carb cycling—eating around 150g of carbs on low-carb days and 300g on high-carb days, following a pattern of two low-carb days followed by one high-carb day, or alternating low and high days. I found that overconsumption of carbs led me to 'carb chase,' where I’d experience energy crashes, feel cranky, and overall, just feel awful.
Evolving My Fitness Routine
In September 2023, I slowly started reducing my cardio by 10% each week, gradually transitioning to the routine I follow today:
This shift in my routine has allowed me to reconnect with my body in a healthier way.
I had a couple people in my life ask me about Zone 2 cardio recently so, to ensure you are all in fact well versed and knowledgeable when it comes to what exactly Zone 2 training is, I've included some great resources below for you to check out!
Curiosity About Cycle Syncing
As part of this journey, I’m also exploring cycle syncing to see how it could further enhance my results, particularly for improving mental health. However, I’ve never had a regular period, so it’s been challenging to pinpoint exactly where I am in my cycle. Still, I’ve learned to recognize certain indicators like changes in my skin, cravings, and moods. These have become helpful clues in understanding how my body is responding to different phases of my cycle.
A Brief Overview of Cycle Syncing: Cycle syncing involves adjusting your workouts and nutrition according to the different phases of your menstrual cycle, which can improve energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. For example, during the follicular phase (right after your period), your body is more primed for higher-intensity workouts, while during the luteal phase (before your period), lower-intensity movements like yoga and pilates are more beneficial. Learning to sync your fitness routine with your cycle can lead to better results, both physically and mentally.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Wellness
As I’ve refined my fitness routine, I’ve also made several other important lifestyle changes that I believe have significantly contributed to my success. It’s not just about how I move my body, but how I fuel and nurture it in other areas of life as well.
Dietary Changes: Alongside reducing my cardio, I made dietary changes that support my energy levels and goals. I started incorporating carb cycling, focusing on protein and healthy fats while keeping carbs to a sustainable level. Understanding my body’s needs and how different foods make me feel has been a game-changer. I now prioritize nutrition that fuels me rather than restricts me.
Stress Management and Prevention: I learned that stress can be a huge factor in both weight gain and mental burnout. I’ve incorporated daily practices to manage stress, like EFT tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique), deep breathing, and setting boundaries in my personal and professional life. These practices allow me to stay grounded and prevent emotional triggers that used to derail my progress.
Self-Care and Mindfulness: Curating a self-care routine centered around wellness has also played a huge role in maintaining this lifestyle. Journaling has allowed me to reflect on my journey, track progress, and release negative thoughts. EFT tapping helps me process emotions in a healthy way, while mindfulness practices and becoming more self-aware have enabled me to make better choices, not just in fitness and nutrition, but in my overall well-being.
One Year Strong
I’ve maintained this fitness and wellness routine for over a year now, and I’m seeing more sustainable results than ever before—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It doesn’t feel like work anymore, but rather a part of my life that I genuinely enjoy. I’ll continue to share what’s worked for me, including deeper insights into these practices, so that others can find their own version of balance and happiness.
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