Ugh, I hate days like this. On days like this, I want to be a bright spot on the internet and a safe place for everyone to rest their eyes from the heaviness that is the world, but also on days like this (I’m typing this on Monday at 12:56 PM after I’ve already written the post below and am now back in here to figure out what to do), I want to turn off my computer, drive to my kids’ school, check them all out and keep them inside forever. My heart is absolutely broken for the parents, students, teachers, faculty and community around Covenant School in Nashville. I’m just sick over this. Below is the post I had already written. This world is so dark. I’m just so sad over this. Love you all. I love this community. xx
Happy, happy WORKOUT TUESDAY, friends!
One of THE MOST suggested blog post topics each and every year is always for me to share more WORKOUTS IN A WEEK.
This is the third year in a row, I’ve documented this for you. You can catch 2021 HERE and then 2022 HERE. I think the best post about me staying active though is THIS ONE HERE where I break down how I’m active throughout the day.
Over the last 10 days, I’ve documented my workouts each day to report back to you. Of course, I had *plans*, but weather/life got in the way, so things didn’t exactly ‘work out’ each day as planned (pun intended 😉 ).
A few things to note:
- Below you’ll see that on some days, I did great at documenting my workouts in detail and then other days, I totally did not.
- At 41 years old, my goal is to be active every single day. I give myself grace on days when it doesn’t happen and don’t beat myself up, but I’ve stopped scheduling it in like an occasional thing to do each week. Instead, I just get up assuming I’m going to do it (just like I don’t schedule in eating each day, I just wake up and assume, I’m going to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner). I just feel better if I’m active each day. My body feels better, I sleep better, my brain (which is always going non-stop) gets some much needed rest while I workout, it’s just great for my overall health, so I do *something* every day.
- If you’ve read this blog for any length of time (going on 16 years now!), you’ve seen various stages of life and all the different ways that I’ve exercised. From pregnant me to new mom me, toddler mom, young kid mom, working fulltime mom to now teen mom with four very active kiddos, I’ve done a million different types of classes, gone to gyms, had a private trainer, done classes, worked out with just Erika…I’ve done it A-L-L.
So what am I doing now?
This year started off wonky because I had surgery in August and couldn’t workout for six weeks. After that, I traveled quite a bit and my kids’ school schedules were all over the place (between two different schools, we had three different ‘start’ times), and Erika had the same batch of problems at her house, so we decided to just jump in and workout when you could squeeze it into your day. I was out for a run by myself one day when another mom I know ran by and so we started running together. She told me about some classes she loves to do during the week, so I looked into them. I’ve since joined a few different studios around our area where you can pay for classes one at a time instead of buying a big gym membership. It’s been new, it’s been different, I’ve met some new friendly faces to see each week, and I love it! Right now, I’m toggling between those classes and working out at home. Right now, it’s working for me. I’m sure next school year, when I have four kids in three different schools (holy cow!), things will change all over again.
Whew!
Here we go, it’s time to actually share last week’s workouts. Ready, set, run…
Saturday, March 18:
It was early, early on Saturday morning, so I decided to wake up before the kids’ sports stuff and do…
…the dreaded stairmill at our house. I hate the stairmill. I would MUCH rather be outside, but I did this instead.
I did 30 minutes of intervals while watching Netflix (the only plus to the stairmill)…
Sunday, March 19:
Day TWO! On Sunday mornings, I love to walk or run outside before heading to church.
On this day, I took a very brisk walk. It was chilly outside!
Monday, March 20:
Good morning, Day THREE! I had signed myself up for a strength class. I’m really into any class that’s hot. This is a heated strength class…
…which left me nice and sweaty and sore after.
Tuesday, March 21:
On Day FOUR, I woke up ready to RUN!
When I went outside though, it was so windy (I HATE WIND!), that I ended up punting and…
…walked 3.12 miles instead. I would rather ANY weather condition over strong winds.
Wednesday, March 22:
Day FIVE, and I was off to hot yoga. Yes, please!
Thursday, March 23:
Day SIX, and I’m ready for Power Yoga. Two yoga classes back to back? Why not?!
Friday, March 24:
Day SEVEN and for the love…
…I’m back on that stupid stairmill. I woke up to pouring rain and huge storms, sooooo I lifted weights at home and did the stairmill for 30 minutes.
Saturday, March 25:
Day EIGHT, and I skipped my workout 🙂 . We were in Oklahoma City, and I could have worked out, but instead, I slept in, did my quiet time and read in the hotel room while drinking coffee. It was delightful.
Sunday, March 26:
And on the last day of me keeping track, I was running across the dam when I ran right into this guy here (and Smith) who were also up on the dam working out. That was a very nice surprise 🙂 .
And that is my WORKOUTS IN A WEEK!
Make sure you catch ANDREW’S BEACH READY WORKOUT #1 and BEACH READY WORKOUT #2 if you’re looking for some simple, all-over strength training this week. He has also shared THIS POST and THIS POST with some options for strength training too.
Don’t forget, if you have time, you should go back and read…
My ORIGINAL post on being ACTIVE! This post is the basis of everything I do and talks about all the ways I “workout” without ever actually “working out”.
The following year, I posted about WORKING OUT FROM HOME which was super helpful in 2020 and 2021!
Then in 2021, I posted…
…MY WORKOUTS IN A WEEK which includes A TON of information!!! I include so many specifics like…four examples (so a month’s worth) of my workouts and things you should/could have to make working out from home easier.
And then last year…
…I also posted my WORKOUTS IN A WEEK: 2022 EDITION.
That’s it, friends!
Thoughts, questions, comments? Leave ’em below, and I’ll answer!
I would love to know your very favorite way to be active? For me, it’s (ironically) running…which you only saw me do once this week. #sigh
I’ll see you tomorrow! Happy Workout Tuesday! xx
Erika Slaughter says
Get it girl!! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
Elspeth Mizner says
I love your workout posts! I always try to get some kind of movement in daily! I always feel so much better after I do!
http://www.Elspethsdaybyday.com
Elizabeth Feldpausch says
Thank you for sharing!! I always love the honesty about how your workouts change with your season of life!! What studios are you taking classes at?
Mix and Match Mama says
They do and now, with the summer approaching, it will change and then next fall with kids at three different schools, it will change again. I’m not going to share all the deets for the different studios as I’m not sure I need to give all of my whereabouts to everything for safety and such, but they’re within my town and the two surrounding. I never would have looked into this kind of class had my friend not mentioned one of them that day on our run. It’s been a great new way to explore other options without a gym membershp.
Nicole says
Thank you for sharing!! Always love seeing what you do! How many steps do you usually aim for? And your move ring? Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I aim for 15,000 a day which (for me) is pretty easy given that I run and walk my dogs. Since I sit most of the day at my desk, I try really hard to get up and get those steps in when I can. I have my move ring set at 550. I should probably increase it because I always meet it. Actually, maybe that’s what I do this next week for my own little motivation. I’m going to move it to 650. Keep me accountable, please!
Traci M says
Love it! I used to love the body pump class yA know, pre kids! But I always start my morning with bible recap, quiet time and then my workout before the kids are up. You should check out (and anyone looking for quick effective and free workouts on Amazon prime) fitness Maggie!! Best workouts in 15 min! From yoga to strength to cardio tO HIIT! Perfect workouts for busy moms!
FITNESSMAGGIE.com or search her on prime!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ve never used Prime for fitness. Why haven’t I?! Thank you for the (obvious!) rec! Looking up Maggie!
SS says
Thanks Traci,
I am going to check that out!!!
Erica says
I love to lift weights. I follow a program at home called Jen’s Get Fit. It’s 25-30 minutes of weights and movement. I love it. I have been doing it for about 3 years. I used to be a gym girl but didn’t go back after 2020. It does feel weird to go on about our normal lives when others lives have changed in an instant. I am a teacher and so scared right now. Yesterday schools across Missouri got swatted calls, which is a fake call. I don’t know how many schools were on lockdown. Thanks for being a light.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m googling Jen right now 🙂 . Have a wonderful day, Erica!
sandi says
Erica, thank you for being a teacher. My oldest daughter is in the middle of a five year Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Yesterday she was so discouraged by the events of the day… it doesn’t help that her university is very close to the elementary school where a teacher was shot a few months ago by a six year old.
I don’t have great words of wisdom that will calm your spirit, but yesterday I reminded her that this world is not God’s intention. It is the result of many years of God being removed from schools and people turning away from church. To have to worry about this type of thing while teaching, or while trying to learn or being the parent at home worrying that the next call may be for your child’s school is very sad. BUT, the education system needs good teachers and kids need good role models. I’ve heard that “do not fear” or “fear not” is seen in scripture 365 times (depending upon translation). Admittedly that does not make me less afraid or less fearful; it does make me feel a little guilty when I do fear, but I am still fearful of things. Saddened for the parents with an empty seat at the dinner table and for those that lost a parent or friend.
Erica, know that you are prayed for and held in very high regard by many people for dedicating your life to the classroom. I’m sure there are many readers of Shay’s blog that would love to hug you right now but since we cannot, know that some of us are praying over your concerns.
polly pover says
Thank you for addressing yet another school shooting I do appreciate that you try to be “light” and leave the darkness for other sites. But, this one hits so hard, another one that hits so hard. I think the power to change anything about kids safety is with the Mommas! I know you will give your kids a bunch of extra hugs today!
Mix and Match Mama says
So many extra hugs. xx
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
These really are some of my favorite posts! I have been struggling lately with working out because I’ve prioritized naps since Banks still wants up to eat every 3 hours during the night..ahh! So what I’ve been doing is a bunch of squats and ab workouts while watching tv–it makes it much more fun to be distracted! And I know that I’ll get back to a workout routine soon enough once he starts sleeping more.
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Mix and Match Mama says
I love this! You have two babies at home, that is SO HARD!!! Good for you for being reasonable and proactive about what you can do during this time period.
Kay says
I know, Shay. It’s all just too much. But I do want to thank you for striking the perfect balance between being honest about terribly sad things that are happening, and still giving us a place to experience something lighthearted. I appreciate that so much!
And also, I LOVED LOVED LOVED the new podcast format! It’s a dark, dreary, cold, rainy, non-Springlike day outside Boston and I laughed and smiled my way through an outdoor walk with my dog. Literally!, I was talking to myself out loud saying “EWWWWW!” (macaroni and cheese ice cream) and yelling “ELVIS! She is ELVIS’ granddaughter!” Hopefully any neighbors that saw me assumed I was on a call.
Anyway, I’m a mom of three and my heart is hurting so much today too. But I do want to thank you for spreading love and cheer. Especially on days like this!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much for this feedback, Kay. You are a bright spot in my Tuesday! xx
Liz says
You go girl – health is really all we CAN control these days putting in the work now builds habits and health for the future. I spend time at a retirement community and it’s so easy to spot the people who put in the work and the people who didn’t/couldn’t. My motivation is to not be stuck in a chair or on the couch in my 70’s, want to be out and active! You are a great inspiration – hopefully people are nice to you in the comments, they should be!
Paula says
Thank you. These post are fun & light during such dark & sad times. I keep reminding myself the LORD says to not live in fear.
Question, I know you have the Peloton bike & a rower. Any reason didn’t choose those on those stairmill days? Sounded like you dreaded it more?
I too HATE windy days. And for some reason, we have had more windy days here in Tennessee than I ever remember. So windy, it has caused damage.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have a Peloton and a Hydrow. If I’m being 100% transparent, I’ve locked myself out of our family’s Peloton account. Andrew spent about 20 minutes yesterday trying to get it restored (and he did!). Our account is under his email (and then I have a profile) and well, I managed to screw that up. Agh! I love the Hydrow for pre/post run warm up/cool down. I don’t think it’s (for me) very effective for longer cardio sessions.
Allena Gurley says
I struggled so much after having kids finding my workout groove. I tried Orange Theory Fitness for awhile but it didn’t fit my work schedule. I found a small, local jazzercise studio and then the studio added a bunch of Les Mills classes, and THEN I got certified to teach Body Pump! So now I do jazzercise, body pump, yoga, pilates, and then walking around our neighborhood. I used to be a runner and realized I didn’t actually LIKE running so I stopped ha. Once I realized I didn’t need to do things just because I thought I should was very freeing!
Scarlett Spangler says
Typically I love at home strength training workouts… but right now I’m loving a dance workout program from BODi ondemand! It’s so fun, the 35mins of cardio flies by, and it’s easy for me to do with a 20 month old playing/dancing beside me. I am NOT a dancer and probably don’t look nearly as cool as I think I do haha, but I enjoy it.
Mix and Match Mama says
And I’m looking this up too! I’m so intrigued! It sounds FUN!
sandi says
I walk several miles with a neighbor before the world wakes up. At 55 I know I need to get back to some strength training but after the morning is done, it is difficult to fit it into the day. I’ve been wondering about the ease of stretchy bands and incorporating them into something at home… of course now I just need to do it.
This world is a dark place and many are lonely. Thank you for being a light in the darkness.
Mix and Match Mama says
The class I just did yesterday used stretchy bands the entire time. My arms are so sore (in a GOOD way!). They’re a small investment and very portable/easy to store too. Let me know if you decide to try! Have a wonderful day, Sandi. xx
Denise says
Thank you for your addendum. I’m beyond disappointed by influencers who don’t address this ongoing problem in any way. They don’t have to devote an entire blog to it but to ignore is unconscionable.
Thank you again.
Mix and Match Mama says
I appreciate this. I don’t ever want to “throw shade” to other influencers though. It’s tricky, and I always remember that everyone has a great heart and is doing their very best. They truly are. xx
Sara says
Do you still use the peloton and the peloton app for classes? I never rejoined a gym after 2020 and I still am working out at home or outside. I’ll be 50 this year and I’m finding that I need more strength classes than I used to! How many times a week for you for strength per week usually? Thanks for sharing!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love my Peloton app! I told another commenter above that I accidentally locked us out of our account for a bit (you know, trying about 50 different passwords and then ‘resetting’ to an old email…sigh), but Andrew got us back in yesterday. I use the app probably 5 times a week (even if it’s just for a quick 5 minute ab workout or 10 minute post-run stretch). I don’t use the bike as often as I prefer to be outside. Andrew uses the bike weekly though!
Carrie Rozea says
As a teacher it’s very sad to hear about another shooting. I am a distance runner and I do mix in strength, mobility, all the stuff needed to maintain my running. I did want to add that it’s so very important for women to eat before exercise, even an applesauce or graham crackers. I never see that as part of your routine. But so many studies have shown the long term effects of not eating ( esp for women) before exercise.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU for being in education, Carrie! xx
Melissa says
I live in Nashville, and the heaviness over our city right now is just hard to describe. It’s a really big city, yet still a small town in a lot of ways, and almost all of us know someone connected to this tragedy. Thank you for continuing to pray for these families. We need so much Jesus, now more than ever…
And going along with your trying to still stay light (thank you!), do you still use your Hydrow? We have one and really enjoy it! I was wondering if you’d tried any of their other workouts (strength, yoga, etc). I haven’t yet, but want to check them out.
Thank you, Shay, for spreading love and light.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m so sorry for your community, Melissa. Just so sorry. I still use my Hydrow for pre/post conditioning. I personally don’t use it for long cardio sessions though.
Andrea Morris says
Love this post! We are getting ready to move and I’m wanting to add a stairmill to our exercise room. Would you share which one you have and if you would recommend it?
Mix and Match Mama says
We have a Matrix. I think we’ve had it now for about 8 years and have never had one single issue with it!
WhittyWife (Lindsay) says
I love these posts!! Thank you!!
I’m still loving Peloton workouts, which YOU got me hooked on! 😁 If I could just do strength and not need cardio, that would be my preference. Ha! But since cardio is also a must, like you, I prefer running and walking. AND we just got the Peloton Rower, which I’m completely in love with! I wondered how it could be a fun workout with enough variety, but Peloton does such a great job with their classes!
Ugh, the Stairmill. I’m not sure I can think of a worse workout. Haha! I saw your comment above… hopefully you figure out your Peloton account so you can forgo the Stairmill going forward. 🤣
WhittyWife (Lindsay) says
Oh! I also meant to ask how long the classes are that you’re taking. I hate leaving the house for a shorter class. But an hour of a heated class sounds intense! Haha.
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re all one hour. I wouldn’t object if they made them shorter, but nope…they’re one hour!
Lauren says
Loved the variety! Just curious as I have never attended a “hot” class.. what do you enjoy so much about it? Seems like entering the room alone would cause me to think I had already worked out–Haha!
Mix and Match Mama says
I know there is a lot of factual/technical stuff I should say here, but let me say what I personally think…when it’s super hot, I sweat more and the workout is harder (because it’s so hot) which makes me feel like my workout was way more effective than had I had done the same thing in a cool space for the same amount of time. I feel like I did 1½ workouts during the 60 minutes rather than just one.
Daniel Barker says
Great post! I’m always looking for new workout ideas and this post has some really creative ones. I’m definitely going to try out some of these exercises this week. Thanks for sharing!
Gina says
Would love to see your home gym! If I recall correctly that was part of your remodel after the flood but I don’t believe you’ve done a blog post on it. Do you plan on sharing that?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I do. I need to stop being lazy and just get up and take some photos. I’m going to make a note to do that before summer arrives!
Paula says
I have a question unrelated to workouts, but still somewhat health.
I know your home went GG with K’s diagnosis because it was both easier & safer. You had mentioned you had gluten maybe when you were out. Do you see a difference in yourself after eating gluten personally since you have been off so long?
Second, you’ve been to Europe several times. Do you feel differently eating the same American foods? Less bloating?
I am in an elimination diet right now. While I know your situation is different, I am always curious about others results & observations in food changes.
Mix and Match Mama says
All great questions! I personally don’t feel any different when I eat gluten or when I don’t. I think (and this is my very non-medical/dietician opinion) that it’s not the gluten (for me) that makes me feel different it’s the carbs. If I replace my normal pasta with gf pasta or my normal tortillas with gf tortillas, I’m still eating carbs…I think that makes a bigger difference (removing a lot of excess carbs) and the gluten (as I’m not intolerant) doesn’t affect me negatively. I feel like in Europe, you eat less because portions are always smaller. I don’t think the food makes me feel any different, but the portion size does. Also, you don’t see a ton of “diet”, “non-fat”, “less-fat” in Europe which also helps as so many of our products that use those words sub with extra sugar or processed ingredients.
Lyndsey says
Ok SERIOUS QUESTION…. How in the world do you walk at a 13.40 pace?! 🤣 After reading this, I tried to keep up this morning and averaged 15 min for my 2 miles! Bahahaha do you swing your arms like major fast? xx
Mix and Match Mama says
Erika tells me I walk way too fast when we’re out on a walk. Bahahaha! I feel like, since I’m a runner, I’m slowing waaaay down, but perhaps I’m still kind of in a very light jog? She would say I am. 🙂
Tish says
Love this post, Shay! You are always so motivating and inspiring and PRACTICAL for real life! Hello, fellow mom of 4 here! What time in the mornings do you typically do your workouts on weekdays and weekends? And how long do you normally workout when working out at home running, walking, peloton class, weight lifting, etc?
Mix and Match Mama says
Awww! Thank you, Tish! I always enjoy your comments too. Thank YOU for being so sweet! On some days, I could really workout longer than one hour, but unless it’s a Saturday morning, and we don’t have any plans (where in that example I could run further/longer than an hour), I limit myself to 60 minutes. If I’m really pressed for time, I’ll workout 30-45 minutes. As much as I love exercising, some days, there just isn’t the time, but I always think something is way better than nothing. My typical day is one hour, and I always do it early before my kids are up for school. Once they’re up and about, I feel like I’m 100% in mom mode.
Monica says
Shoes you have on for the stair master and shoes for running? (Maybe the same, maybe different?)
I’ve got my go-to style but was trying to branch out a bit. Looking for recommendations! Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re such oldies! I love them, but they’re not recent at all. I’m sorry!