2008 -- Enjoying the Costa Rican Scenery
Born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, I have always been exposed to outdoor activities and the importance of exercise and eating healthy. I played soccer and softball as a child and upon entering high school I moved on to cheerleading and competition dance. I first started going to the gym at the age of 14 — 24 Hour Fitness — and continued that membership until I graduated from San Diego State. In 2004, I moved to New York and got an all-access membership to Equinox and loved every second of it. In 2009, I made the move back to San Diego and back to 24 Hour Fitness.
After spending many of my days sitting at a desk in front of a computer, I have realized more and more the importance of staying in shape, stretching properly and keeping up my posture and of course, eating healthy and nutritious foods. I make my way to the gym 2-4 times each week and make the effort to walk to work…weather permitting. Fitness is not just a way to stay in shape, it’s a way to find peace in your hectic schedule. When I engage in physical activities, I feel happier and more energized for my day-to-day routine.
Because many ways in which we work out have come from other parts of the world, I feel fortunate enough to travel a lot, which has given me the opportunity to experience yoga in India and Kung Fu in China. Traveling or not, I always find a way to stay active and tend to make a workout out of every activity—doing butt lifts walking up stairs, working my obliques while sitting at a counter on a stool, or doing calf raises while waiting on line. When I’m at home, I choreograph dance routines around my apartment, practice cheerleading kicks or attempt to improve my handstand. It may sound odd, but I honestly see the results.
I have always been somewhat of a healthy eater, but I live by the motto of “I eat whatever I want, within moderation.” And this seems to work for me; I have maintained the same weight for many years. My at-home diet consists of veggies, grains and fruits, but I really do LOVE French fries — if you deprive yourself of those favorite snacks or carbs, you will eventually go on a binge, so it’s important to incorporate these foods into your diet, but not to go overboard.
I will be a lifelong member of a gym because it’s important for me to have access to a workout facility at all times, but I have to mix in different types of exercise or I get bored and my muscles memorize the routine. Whether I’m doing my own thing at the gym, trying a new class or taking yoga, I take advantage of what’s offered outside, e.g. riding my bike, snowboarding or running along the Hudson.
So, after many years of working out and eating in a healthy manner, I decided it was time to share my views on gyms, classes, my workout routines and ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.