We don’t regularly talk about fitness around these parts, but we all know it’s on our minds, especially this time of year! Even though I’ve always prioritized staying in shape {when you grow up being an athlete it’s kinda ingrained!}, no matter how good your habits, you can still fall off the workout wagon.

This definitely happened to me in the last year. Despite my best intentions, fitness went to the backburner. What used to be a huge part of my daily routine got skipped for work, travel and all too often, a lazy night on the couch with a good glass of wine! And you know what’s funny, I didn’t feel adverse effects right away…that crept up on me slowly. But little by little, I stopped sleeping as well. I felt more stressed out. I started drinking more coffee, not eating healthy…by not working out I actually felt more tired. I even lost weight, but not in a good way. That was just any muscle I had saying, see ya.

But still my running shoes just sat there, taunting me. And I know I should know better – I worked as a personal trainer after college!

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Sometimes you just need a little extra motivation – or better yet, accountability – to make you kick your excuses to the curb. This is where a friend comes in! This year, I promised myself to maintain a realistic, but regular commitment to fitness. I don’t have to be a gym rat or be training for marathons to maintain a healthy lifestyle. And time’s awastin’. As I stare down my mid-thirties, I know it’s only going to be harder to stay in shape the older I get.

To ensure I actually get my butt back in gear, I teamed up with Julia from Gal Meets Glam! You don’t have to join an expensive gym or throw down a ton of money on equipment to get in shape. All you need is good ole fashion perseverance {corny, but true!} and a good friend to drag you out at your most unmotivated moments.

I went {way!} back to my training days to create a little workout for Julia and I to try – and for you too.

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I have three key rules when it comes to putting yourself through a workout:

Work harder not smarter: It’s true, the more intense the workout, the more effective it is. It increases calorie burn, it boosts your metabolism and it takes less time!

Change it up: Always try new things to keep your body guessing.

Add a little weight: I know weights can be a bit of an intimidating thing, but muscle is what burns calories. You’ve got to add a little if you want to lose a lot!

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So without further ado – here’s our Start Fresh Workout!

Warm up – Begin with five minutes of movement that gets your heart pumping {this could include fast walking, jogging, climbing flights of stairs, jumping jacks, high knees – just elevate that heart rate!}. After five minutes stretch lightly.

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I like to work in circuits for three reasons. You’re always doing different movements so the workout doesn’t get boring. You use various muscle groups, a.k.a. you burn more calories and it’s highly efficient – i.e. it takes less time! I’ve got three circuits for you to try below. Do each circuit making sure you move from one movement right into the next. Do the entire circuit three times. You can do this workout in your basement, your living room or, if you’re lucky to live somewhere that’s having a heat wave like we are in San Francisco, head outside!

Circuit One – Sculpt your Booty

Hold a weight in each hand {use body weight if you’re just starting out, or feel free to go all the way up to 15lbs if you’ve been working out for a while!}

Walking Lunges (15 reps on each leg)
Standing squats (5 wide stance, five shoulder-width, five legs together)
Step ups with a kick back(15 on each leg)
Cardio – 60 secs
Mountain climbers

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Circuit Two – Shape those Arms

Have hand weights again (3lbs if you’re just starting, up to 10lbs if you’ve been working out for awhile!)

Angled Push-ups (10 reps)
Dips (15 reps)
Bicep Curl to Overhead Press (10 reps)
Cardio – 60 secs
High knees, run up a hill or climb stairs

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Circuit Three – Chisel those Abs

Stomach crunches with med ball (10 reps)
Bicycle crunches (15 each side)
Straight Arm Plank (hold for 60 secs)

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what i’m wearing: Old Navy sweatshirt, 2-in-1 tanktop, compression leggings, Nikes, RayBans

I loved working out with Julia. It’s so much more fun to have someone to joke and laugh with, even while we were huffing and puffing!

Plus she pushes me to up my workout style game – did you see that amazing side-braid?! We both rocked workout gear from Old Navy. It’s nice not spending a fortune on something you’re just going to sweat in. And I can never have too many cozy sweatshirts! Be sure to stop by Julia’s blog for the details on her look.

And let us know if you try the workout! I also signed myself up for a 5K in April. Guess it’s officially time to put those running shoes to good use!

This post is sponsored by Old Navy.  Check out Old Navy’s latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting posts that keep Apartment 34’s doors open!

original photography for apartment 34 by Emily Scott 

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6 Comments

  1. this was really helpful. i was looking for a few excersizes to go with my running routine!