You know…today’s post is one of those that I’ve had in the back of my mind for months now but am just now getting around to it. It’s about one of my favorite words: active.
Walking home from school with my kiddos.
I get asked a lot about my workout routine. I would say it’s one of my most frequently asked questions. Whenever I get asked, I always redirect people back to THIS post I did last May where I showed you guys my week in workouts. During that particular week, I only went to the gym one time. And do you want to hear a secret? That happens more than you might think…but I don’t get stressed out about it because my whole lifestyle is very active (even when I’m not at the gym).
So, today, I’m going to share my favorite tips and tricks to being active during the day. These are things I do alongside going to the gym, things I do when I can’t go to the gym or just little things I do to keep me going all day long.
Before I get started, I want to share one little family secret…my sweet mama has never, ever, ever in her life had a gym membership. She has never technically “worked out”…but you know what? She is so darn active during the day that she has been able to stay fit and in amazing shape not because she kills herself on the treadmill (I really doubt she’s ever in her life even stepped on to a treadmill) but because she’s just active all day, every day. My mom has taught me many wonderful lessons, but getting up, getting out and getting going is one of the greatest. She works in her yard every day (lifting big bags of mulch, planting, digging, building, moving), she walks around her neighborhood all the time, she takes her grandkids to the park and doesn’t sit there but plays with them, she does a ton of quote “guy stuff” around the house because it keeps her sharp, strong and active (like one time, she painted the trim on the outside of the entire house…not because my dad couldn’t but because she just knew she could…so she did). I could go on and on and on about how she incorporates activity into her day…but just know, that most of my tips are learned from her.
So, I’ll share my tips and then please share your tips too!
So, I’ve had a gym membership since I was fourteen because I really just love the dynamics of a good group workout class. I find it motivating and encouraging to workout with a bunch of women, so I’ve always been inclined to attend group classes. I also love that group classes have a set time. This way, I go, I push myself for that hour and then I leave knowing that I did the whole class and am done (because when I work out at the gym by myself, I watch the clock, am always wondering if I’ve done enough and find it hard to be motivated). For the last five years, I’ve done the same classes at my gym: they’re hour long cardio/strength classes. After all of this time, I still find them challenging and am always sore the next day. I try and attend two classes a week…but that’s not always possible. When it’s not, I have to improvise.
One thing I love to do around the house is use apps or videos for an at home workout. I have been practicing yoga for years and years and now, even my big kids like it too! Here is Kensington doing some yoga at home. My favorite yoga instructor is Kristin McGee. Her MTV Power Yoga video must be almost 20 years old but I still do it! I’m actually on my third DVD because I have burned through the other ones over the years. I’m not exaggerating…I bet I’ve done that yoga video hundreds of times. She has an app you can download with other workouts too and I’m always doing them. Here are some other YouTube workouts I’ve done recently…
Blogilates Abs, Butt and Thighs
Fitness Blender No Equipment Upper Body Workout with Cardio Kickboxing Intervals
Yoga By Candace’s Power Yoga
Fitness Blender Cardio & Total Body Workout
Blogilates Total Body Pilates
These are all free on YouTube and very easy to do at home.
We also invested in a stairmill, so on days when I can’t hit the gym, I can hit that…
Do you know what motivates me to climb up there and workout? A good show that I’m binge watching. Yes ma’am. Give me a good show (right now, it’s Gossip Girl) and I’ll hop up there and the time will fly by!
But…I don’t always have the time for the gym or an at home workout, so I’m always looking for ways to be on the move. I’m not saying these things are better/equal to an actual gym workout but they keep me moving on days when it’s just not possible for me to hit the gym (or I do them on top of actually working out to keep me extra active!).
Here are some active things that I try to daily incorporate into my life…
Over the summer, I picked up golf. Or at least I made a big attempt to play and not look like a complete idiot. Ha! So, my kids started playing with Andrew and I quickly realized that I better learn or else I’d be left behind, so I took lessons and am learning. Please note, I have a long way to go…but I’m working on my game. Getting out there and playing 9 holes with my kids is a lot of work! By the time I’m done, my Apple Watch tells me that I’ve walked a lot, burned a lot of calories and have gotten my heart rate up. (Plus, I’ve spent some quality outdoor time with my family!) There are probably a lot of sports/activities you could do with your family: golf, tennis, swimming, hiking just to name a few.
Golfing with my peeps!
Another thing…
…we bike. My kids love to ride their bikes but we realized that they can’t ride off without us, so either they had to bike in circles on the driveway or Andrew and I had to hop on bikes and go with them. This has been one of the best things we’ve ever done as a family! We love going on bike rides together!!! Even the little girls join in and come along in their buggy (pulled by Andrew). We now bike all over our little area and it is just so much fun! Another thing you could do that is similar is rollerblade as a family. Just get out there and go!
My big kids love to bike to school on pretty mornings!
My own little biker gang 😉 .
This one right here is a very popular one in our house…
…we swim. I take my kids to the pool in our neighborhood almost every single day during the summer and then we swim again at night with Andrew after he gets off work. During the summer, we live in the pool. Now, as much as I would love to sit under an umbrella and read a book…I have four small kids, so that’s not happening. I’m in the water most of the time being active. Sometimes, I even get crazy and jump off the diving board 😉 .
Poolside at home with my babies.
One more way that I stay active…
…I walk. I used to be a runner…but I’m not any more. I realized years ago that I prefer the relaxation and mediation of walking much more. And with little kids at home, this is a great way to build exercise into my day! My kiddos love to go on walks! Sometimes, we use the wagon or I push the stroller, but we love to get out and walk. We talk, we point things out, we blow bubbles (that’s what Ashby is doing above)…we’re just outside enjoying together and mama is being active.
Now, those are some of the bigger ways that I stay active without actually going to the gym. Here are a few more things I do…
1: I work in my yard. I learned from my mama to get outside and tend to your yard. Here I am checking on my veggies. I just like being outdoors and if that means pulling weeds or whatnot, then I’m game (my quads and calves are always sore the next day from all of the squatting and standing back up!).
2: I try to walk my kids to school or pick them up by walking when I can. This isn’t always possible, but I love to walk home with them. They share so much on that little walk! It’s a great time for all of us.
3: I stand up and do something when talking on the phone. If a girlfriend calls to chat, I stand up and find something productive to do while I’m talking. I’ll fold laundry, empty the dishwasher, put away stuff that’s around the house…I just get up and move. This way, I’m killing three birds with one stone: I’m chatting with my friends, doing a chore that would otherwise be mundane on its own and getting up and moving around.
4: I go on walking dates instead of coffee dates. I love a good coffee date as much as the next person, but if the weather is nice, I’ll suggest a walking date instead. A lot of times someone I know will call me up and want to chat at Starbucks for an hour about say adoption…and I’ll suggest we walk instead. I love doing this with my girlfriends! A good walk and a good chat is the perfect remedy for anything.
5: I wear play clothes at home. As much as I love wearing jeans, booties and a sweater, when I get home, I put on my comfy clothes (almost always workout clothes) or in the summer, a swimsuit and cover-up. I find that it’s just easier to hop out on the driveway and shoot hoops with my kids if I’m already dressed for it. If someone says they want to walk down to the creek and over the bridge, if I’m wearing my booties, I’ll probably say no…but if I’m already dressed down, I’ll most likely say yes.
So, those are a few ways that I stay active during the day. I do rely a lot on my Apple Watch to help me gauge when I’ve been too still and not moving enough. I also give myself grace because there are just seasons when it’s harder to be active than other times.
So…what do you do to stay active throughout the day? I just know you have a bunch of really good ideas that we’re all going to love. Please comment and share!!
And another little thing…one of my very favorite Pinterest boards that I have is this one on Health & Fitness. I find pinning stuff like this very encouraging and motivating, so if you do too, click HERE to see my board.
Alrighty! Happy Monday friends! Don’t forget about this…
…What’s Up Wednesday is this week! Our bonus question is: What is your “can’t live without” beauty product?
Bernadine says
So true, thanks for the reminder. How is your little veg garden doing?
Mix and Match Mama says
I shut it down during the winter, so right now, it only has green onions growing. I can’t wait to plant again in spring!!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I love doing little things here and then during the day to stay active too, since I’m not much of an exerciser! I know the walk home from work and the constant climbing of staircases are worth it though.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Megan says
Love this post! My mom is also one of the most active people I know. Group classes are my favorite because a specific start timeholdsme accountable for showing up and getting started.
http://www.lettinginthelightblog.com
Erika Slaughter says
Whew! Is it weird this post made me tired? 😉
Nicole says
Love this! Could you do a daily diet one too? 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I have that written down as a topic to post!!
Emily Burke says
yes please! 🙂 and food ideas for kiddos!
ELizabeth says
Love this post! Kensington looks adorable practicing her yoga!
Xo
Elizabeth
http://stripesandsolitaires.com
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Great post Shay! I think it’s easier to focus on being active then having a strict workout schedule. Kensington is so cute practicing her yoga! I always make sure to take the stairs in anything that I do during the day, whether I’m out and about or need to get something upstairs. I don’t hesitate, I just go. I also love the 7 minute scientific workout on days I need an extra boost. It was in the NYT a few years ago about how all you need is 7 minutes of these exercises to stay healthy.
Xo
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Emma @ from my little pink couch says
Love it all!!!!
Bailey Bryant says
Your mom sounds similar to mine. One of my mom’s favorite things to do is cut the grass. I think it’s because nobody bothers her for 2 hours. 😉
http://www.myboymom.blogspot.com
Tara says
If your kids enjoy yoga, check out cosmic yoga on you tube!
Michelle says
Good Morning. Do you have a step goal everyday or an average?
Mix and Match Mama says
At least 10,000! Some days I can get over 20,000 but I aim for at least 10k and then anything over that is icing on the cake.
Narci says
I love this post! It is all so true! Great tips, friend, on being active! I’m going to be trying those YouTube videos very soon!
Sarah says
Great tips!!!! I have to say I totally agree that staying active all day long is key! A few other things I do is have dance parties in the kitchen with my girls, run up and down the steps a few times instead of walking up or down just once, do crunches and push-ups during work meetings (I work at home, haha!), etc. Anything to stay moving!!
Hope you have a great day!!
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
Emily says
Starting a couple years ago, I always park in the back of the parking lot….. like all the way back where employees park! It’s not the most convenient when I’m in a hurry or it’s cold out, but that just means I have to walk faster! Ha! It’s just a little way to get more movement.
I also do calf raises while I brush my teeth morning and night. Maybe I’m just weird! Ha!
Lizzie @ This Happy Life says
Love this post Shay! I recently just got a fitbit and now am obsessed with hitting at least 10K steps a day on top of my workouts. I know I’m in good shape but I want to be in even better for my kids. Thankfully those 3 little people help keep me active everyday too!
Tanya says
Yard work and walking are my go-to ways to stay active. These are such great tips, and the focus on just staying active is so healthy. Thanks for a helpful post.
Lane says
Hi Shay! What are your step and active minute goals on your Apple Watch? Thx so much!
Mix and Match Mama says
I try to hit 10,000 steps and at least 30 active minutes…that being said, it’s only 7:22 AM and I’ve already hit 49 active minutes today (morning workout!).
Lane says
Super helpful thank you!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Shay, this is my favorite post!! My favorite thing is that you said you wear play clothes during the day so you’re already dressed for activity! That’s the best advice ever! And my mom is super fit too because she never sits down.
MeetTheShaneyfelts
ANIEL YU says
Hi Shay.. how many times a week do you do laundry? Love this post by the way 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Basically, two loads a day. Sometimes only one, but typically two.
Sheaffer Sims says
Lots of great tips! Just get active and get going!
Crissy Talley says
Have you tried any Barre exercises? BARREAMPED by Suzanne Bowen is my favorite and her story is amazing! It is so gentle yet so very powerful! I highly recommend it!
Lisa says
Love reading about all your active tips! My Mom, age 78, is amazing too. She used to swim a lot, now she walks the dog two miles every day, rain or shine. My husband loves his spin classes at the gym. He rides outside during the good weather but winter in Colorado is just too cold to bike outside. I walk a lot, usually by myself for a good prayer time, but sometimes with friends. On miserable days outside I just do stairs at home — up and down the basement staircase a bunch of times with music turned up! I’m 56 and stay pretty active. It really helps my mood stay positive.
Heather Bramelett says
Love all these tips!! I am trying very hard to be more active this year!! I can’t wait to get back to working in my yard and planting a garden!!
Kelcie says
You should do one about when you worked in the office… like maybe what your days looked like or how you stayed active during the workday. I find myself sitting way longer than i should be and by the time I get off work im done for!
Mix and Match Mama says
Good idea! I did workout first thing in the morning before work and then walked my dog every day after work. Also, before I had kids, I would sometimes do classes after work with friends too. Plus, that’s way back when I was a long distance runner, so I ran 4 days a week (three mornings and on Saturdays).
Kelly says
I LOVE hearing about your mom cause it gives insight into how she raised such a wonderful family! You guys are Just so organized, active, loving etc! This post is a great reminder to just keep moving! Thank you for the motivation ?
Jen says
Hi Shay! I LOVE this post! Thanks for always inspiring me to be a better mom and person! With that being said we are looking at getting family bikes! What brand of bike do you have for yourself?! Thanks!!
Jenna says
I loved reading this post. You have some great tips. I liked the one about wearing active wear. I am the same way, if I have it on I am more likely to say “yes” to adventures with the kids. Thanks for sharing.
Lindsey says
I wear a garmin watch and get at least 10,000 steps a day. I aim for 1000 before I leave for work. I work at a preschool and try to get 4-5,000 there. I rarely sit down at work and even walk laps around my classroom while the children eat at snack time. Sometimes I leave there with 10,000 if it is a busy day, and that is awesome because I still have a lot of time left in the day to get more steps. I also run around the house doing chores, take a while load of laundry upstairs to fold and take each individual pile separately to where it belongs. I like to pull out my dumbells and do a quick arm workout, but that is something I am working on. I like a challenge and having my accountability right on my wrist every day is great! After we eat at our local Mexican restaurant, we head over to the large Wal Mart and walk off our dinner by walking around the store. My daughter plays club volleyball and the tournament days are usually early morning with long days of playing. I walk between games and get my steps and blow off steam if needed!!!! I love to be active too!
Debbie K. says
What kind of bike do you have? My husband and I are looking for a new one for me. Mine is an old style 10 speed that he bought me for our first married Christmas. I need one that is easy on the behind and comfortable for hands and wrists now. I have a Fitbit Alta and do daily and workweek competitions with co workers to get us moving while teaching everyday
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t know off the top of my head what brand it is. It’s pretty much like a basic 10 speed though!
Susan Thomas says
Great tips! My parents are super active people as well, so that’s my preference! It makes it easier on myself being active with my kids because they can get their energy out too, and I’m not constantly on them about something!
Megan Butler says
Love this!!! I really don’t work out but we do try and stay super active all day long! I like what you said about dressing down. I’m going to tell austin that’s why I never get “dressed”. Ha!! (Which really is why! I like to be ready!) but never heard it put like that!
Beth Miller says
I hate group workout classes, and I refuse to pay for a gym membership. So I do my workouts early in the morning and use DVD’s. Beachbody is my favorite! I’m currently doing PiYo. Great tips on staying active. I love the walking chat idea!
Rebecca says
YouTube also has a lot of cardio dance videos that I do when I can’t make it to the gym! It’s not quite the same as being in an actual class, but it works in a pinch.
I also have an Apple Watch that makes me move much more than I did before I had it to track my movement. I have an obsession with closing the rings!
Carly M says
Thank you for this post! I love that you believe you don’t have to have a “workout” in order to be active. You have been my inspiration for different types of fit lifestyle activities this year.
Quick travel agency question for you, have you ever planned trips/visited the South Dakota area?
Mix and Match Mama says
Other than Walt Disney World, I don’t plan trips within the Continental US :).
Leiah says
I am going to take your advice and change into my workout clothes when I get home! Typically I will either change into my sweats or my workout clothes only if I plan on working out, but I don’t know how many times I’ve been in sweats, thought about doing a little workout, but then didn’t because it would require me changing clothes! It’s so simple but so smart because either way – workout clothes are comfy too!
Lesley McFarland says
I have the hardest time being active in the winter. I would much rather be outside doing something when it’s 90 degrees out then 50 degrees. I just wAnt to hibernate. If you are looking for some fun outdoor hiking use the All trails app. It has tons of trails in your area ranging from easy to difficult. We live in west Fort Worth and I use it all the time!
Tracy Baack says
This was a really helpful post! Thanks for the ideas!
And just an unrelated thought for you…I remember awhile ago, maybe when you were waiting for Ashby, Andrew did a “guest post” about the process God took him thru to help him realize He was calling you to adopt. I’d personally love to have him do a follow up guest post sharing from his perspective how things have gone/life has been changed and blessed after adoption. I love reading your updates about post adoption with the girls and how grateful you are for them. I’m curious to hear Andrew’s take! (Obviously I know he’s happy about it). My husband and I are in the beginning stages of discussing adoption so I think it would be neat to hear Andrew’s thoughts if he’s willing to share!
Leslie says
Shay – LOVE the dress down idea. I live in a hot climate, like you, and it’s tough to be outside during the summer heat! Can you share what your favorite “dress down and play with the kids” clothes you like best? (Other than swimwear) I have a hard time finding cute and comfortable clothes, shorts especially. And sports bras and tanks can be tough to buy online, with fabric and fit. Would love to have some feedback from you, and other blog readers, on new things to try.
Mix and Match Mama says
I basically live in Athleta stuff. Their tissue tees are so light and breezy on hot days!!
Alexis deZayas says
I love going for a walk with a friend in the morning and reading devotionals/bible verses!
Eileen McCullough says
Love these ideas – especially wearing workout clothes around the house so you’re always ready. I find with working full-time outside the home, homework and 3 kids’ activities we are not often home when there’s still daylight, or if we are I’m getting dinner on the table so we can get it the door to an activity or meeting. Hoping after daylight savings and our light is longer we can fit in more outside time. It’s something I really want to work on for myself and my family. My husband and I were both raised in non-active houses so I were working in changing habits to set a good example for our kids. Thanks for all of the great ideas!
Jennifer says
Would love if your mom wrote a guest post one day!!!! Xo
Lisa N says
Me too!!
Carrissa says
2 small things that I like to do are: park near the back of the parking lot and walk in the store, instead of circling around for a close spot (might be hard with so many littles though) and I also always take the stairs when its an option and try and avoid escalators & elevators. Or if I have to take an escalator, I walk up it, instead of letting it carry me up. 🙂
Angela Ellingson says
This inspires me so much! I’m not nearly active enough and I want to change that! So excited for spring and summer! Thanks so much for sharing! I’m curious, how far away is your kiddos school?
Mix and Match Mama says
Just next door :).
Carissa says
Has your mom ever done a guest post? She sounds like an amazing woman. I’d love to hear from her more about her daily routine, gardening, tips for staying in good health, what it was like with little children, her best parenting/life advice etc. Thanks Shay for being so inspirational and sharing with us!
Karen says
Loved this post! Your Mom looks great! Getting a dog has forced me to be more active ~ I actually enjoy walking now and exploring my neighborhood. Please do more of these “How I do things” posts……I always enjoy reading these and getting new ideas ?
Jessica says
I don’t know if you are a “mom clothes” wearer, but I love really versatile clothing that I don’t feel like I have to change my clothes all the time in order to do the activitit’s that I love with my 4 kids. If you ever feel this way you NEED to get a pair of these pants. They are awesome, there are tons of different styles and I have converted all of my sister in laws! http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=138449052
With the extra 20% off sale today there are some colors that are a steal.
I also love these.
http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1018349&vid=1&pid=297748022
I am all about comfortable and cute mom clothes.
elizabeth hovorka says
This isn’t a workout question – but do you have any recommendations for a couples Bible study? You always have such great book recommendations, I was wondering if you had one for a couples study! We’ve already done ‘Love and Respect’ and ‘Love Languages’ so we were looking for some new ones. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I was going to suggest the Love Languages book. Boo. I wish I had another one. We typically do studies together (like Not a Fan) but they’re not specifically couples related.
Courtney James says
You should try PopSugar Fitness workouts on YouTube. You can pick how long you want your workout to be and what type of workout. Love it! Also Tone it up on YouTube has amazing quick workouts! Love the post!!
Kelly says
I work all day and I often find it hard to get up and just move so I never hit my 10,000 steps. I try to be more intentional on weekends by not sitting around hardly at all. And I love your tip on changing when at home. When I come home from work (heels, etc.) and I might go out later, I never change and then I make excuses as to why I can’t get outside and walk for a bit with the 20 minutes free time I do have. Great tips, Shay. 🙂
Patricia says
I loved reading through this post. I could work a lot of this into my day! I also went back to your post on your Apple Watch. Now that series 2 is out and it seems to address some of the things you wished your current watch has, do you think you’ll purchase one or do you feel like the one you have meets your needs well enough? My husband and I are looking to buy and I’m trying to get real world functional perspectives to justify the price. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I bought one before the holidays!! I loved my first one so much that I knew I needed the Series 2. LOVE. IT. SO. MUCH!
Jocie says
I will watch TV to unwind sometimes and on commercials I do a workout, usually sit ups or push ups! It is a good way to get a pretty lengthy workout in and that way I am not reaching for the chips!
Nicole says
I would love an update on the apple watch now that you have the new one and since you’ve had it a little longer. Do you have any specific apps you use, or just the workout app that comes on the watch?
Mix and Match Mama says
I actually use it for a lot of things…but my favorite reason for having it is still because it makes me look at my phone less :).
Lauren M says
I haven’t been receiving the email notifications everyday for your posts, but still stopping by everyday! Love this post and can’t wait to incorporate more active ideas into my daily life!
Nina says
I too, have not been receiving the email notifications for your posts. I only receive them intermittently. So if I don’t receive it, I go to the web site. Hope this is just a glitch and will be corrected. I wouldn’t want to miss my daily Shay “fix”
Robin says
Love this post! I love the idea of changing into workout gear around the house…That would help me to say ‘yes’ more to the kids! ? Great tip! And I second the idea of a daily nutrition post!
My tips: First, I am a full-time working mom so I try to utilize the time I am already away. So, three days per week I pick up a lunch time group exercise class (boot camp, yogalates and spin). The other two days per week I walk with a friend at lunch (rather than eating out). On the weekends I wake up at the same time I do during the week (or maybe only sleep in an extra half hour), I do this so that I can be done with my workout before my family wakes up, which brings me to my next tip: I invested in a treadmill, elliptical and weight bench – I find it’s much easier to get in a workout at home because it takes less time than driving to the gym! I also sneak in 1-2 workouts on weeknights at home, I plan these in advance with my husband so that he can pick the kids up after work and I can head straight home to workout before dinner.
I live in Michigan which is cold now, but in the warm months we do a lot of bike riding. If we visit my parents cottage on the weekends my husband and I will run around the lake each day for 1:1 time while my parents watch our kids, we will also walk around the lake 2-3 times per day, canoe and swim. When it’s nice outside we’re out there moving!
Great post Shay!
Kelsey says
I would love to hear how you utilize your Apple Watch. I recently got one but feel like I’m not using it to it’s full capacity especially in the “active” realm. Thanks for all of the great ideas!
Kristin says
This isn’t related to your post but I respect your opinion so much and I’m wondering if you’ve ever posted about sleep training your kids? Or how you get them to sleep through the night? I would so appreciate your input! Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I believe I did an entire post on sleeping years ago when K and Smith were smaller.
Crystal says
Oh girl if you love yoga, you should check out this channel! I just randomly found it and love her! https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene
Deena says
Loved seeing your secrets—- we did a blog hop today on the same topic, would love to have you link up!
http://www.theblendedblog.com/2017/02/nuggets-for-new-year-working-out.html
Southern & Style says
I love the Blogilaties workouts too, they’re so great and she has some really quick ones too!
xoxo, SS
Southern And Style
Whitney Pegram says
Great tips!! The weather has been incredible here in NC lately so we have been taking full advantage!
Sandy says
My favorite piece of advice is, changing into play clothes when you are home. Seriously, so simple yet I know will make a huge difference. There are plenty of times that changing seems like a big deal to be able to do some things, this will totally change that! Thank you! Guess I need to buy some more “play clothes!”
Sarah says
Shay, I’m not receiving the email notifications for your posts anymore either! Might be something for you to look into. thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
You might need to sign back up for them!
Kelli says
This was such a good post and fits into my life so well right now. This year I decided to do an active streak; my goal is at least 100 days of being active. Today was day 51 so I’m over halfway! This was such an encouraging post and a good reminder for me. It’s not always about making it to the gym but to get that heart rate up and be productive. I do have a gym membership to LA Fitness and love all of the options for me to complete a workout. Thanks for your posts!
Colleen says
If you enjoy yoga, Yoga with Adriene on YouTube is AMAZING. She has thousands of free videos! Fitness Blender is also a favorite.
Nicole says
Could you do a post soon of some of your favorite (and current) Athleta clothes? 🙂 I always love your recommendations!
Leslie says
Thanks for the post! I knew there were free videos out there, but didn’t know where to start. Thank you!
Krystal says
My daughter loves to play outside in the yard too. Now that we’re in McKinney, a lot of our neighbors warned us about chiggers during the summer/fall since we back up to a green belt. Have y’all had any issues with them?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes, yes and yes.
Krystal says
Oh no 🙁 What do you do to prevent/treat them? Does it happen often or at certain times of the year? I just want to be prepared.
Mix and Match Mama says
They can spray for chiggers but other than that, you just need to avoid areas where they’re concentrated (creeks, thick grass, etc).
Krystal says
Thank you!
bethany says
Voted!
Walking WITH coffee is the best =)
Maryz says
Love this so much! I’m in the process of changing my mindset of just being active instead of always feeling like a failure since I didn’t make it to the gym 4 times a week. I have a puppy who needs to be walked twice a day every day and sometimes there is just not time to hit the gym too! Thanks for this great reminder!
Jen says
What apps do you use on your Apple Watch to track your activity?
Mix and Match Mama says
To track my activity, I use the activity app which counts my steps, calories, active minutes, minutes standing, minutes on the move, miles walked, etc.
Lauren says
Hi Shay! Love your active tips. I also noticed your swing set in the background of one of your photos. We’re in the market for a new swing set and the options are endless. I was curious if you are happy with yours and if you don’t mind sharing the model name. Also, does yours have monkey bars? My big kids love the monkey bars but I find it’s harder to find them in swing sets today. Thanks so much!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ours does not have monkey bars. I am going to have to go look and see if I can find the brand. I don’t know it off the top of my head!
Christy says
What kind of bike does Kensington have? My little girl is outgrowing hers, so we’re looking at getting her a new one. LOVE THIS POST!!!!
Jennifer says
What kind of stroller is that you are using on your walk?
Mix and Match Mama says
A double Bob :).
Katie says
Omg Shay…I still do MTV power yoga too! I swear I thought I was the only one. And yes, I’ve done it so many times I could say everything right along with her. But I still love it! Thanks for sharing all this!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! I can do it on mute now and listen to something else! Hahahaha! It’s the BEST!