I started going to the gym at 15/16 years old but I had no idea what I was doing. The ‘squat challenge’ I was obsessed with, and it’s complementary ‘donkey kickbacks’, were the only things I started with leg wise, apart from cardio. Upper body training was non existent because we were told it wasn’t ’feminine’.
I had come from playing tennis 3/4 times a week since preschool so I was already fit but there was no information out there on how to get started with muscle building. I also ate way too little food and not much protein. Genetically my actual hip bones curve out and I store most fat in my glutes, so it looked like I knew what I was doing but I really really didn’t. I’m still glad I started when I did because it set a basis of maintenance and movement for 10+ years that I would never be able to get back if I hadn’t. It helped me feel the mind/muscle connection so much more when I started my real leg days.
If I was 17 again, I wouldn’t waste time doing Pilates or body weight type exercises, I’d get a trainer and start making use of all the amazing content already out there. Literally don’t be scared of asking a fellow gym girl for help, I’m so happy when I see younger girls start their journey.
#fitness #2016 #gymgirl #wellness
My current workout ‘split’: 🏋🏻♀️🩰
1 Glute focused leg day + split exercises
2 Upper body (back, shoulders, arms , abs) + yoga
3 Cardio (5k/sprints/tennis/hiit) + yoga
4 Leg day + split exercises
5 Pilates (reformer or mat) or another class/at home workout (barre, boxing, belly dance, heels, dance)
On weekends and daily I try to get 10k steps although it’s been a lot harder with the ❄️cold so I try to do more cardio at the end of workouts or replace it with some other kind of movement. Sometimes I add an extra leg day but I personally think if you can do an extra leg day you’re not going as hard on your main two!
Small changes but it takes a lot longer than bulking/cutting
After being underweight and slightly anaemic during uni/lockdown (even losing my period), I decided to lean bulk for the first time ever and I built my dream 🍑 and legs. Finally, last year I decided to slowly go under maintenance and eat really high protein to continue with body recomposition to define my abs and slightly slim my legs while maintaining the glutes (which meant increasing my steps to 10k, doing running and tennis, and try out Pilates exercises on my rest days). Now, I’ve gone into a maintenance but can’t wait to go harder than ever in January 🖤
#bodyrecomposition #gymgirl #fitness
It’s time to step out of your comfort zone 🥊 I challenge you to go to the gym every weekday this month and if you’re already doing that then try to do one cardio or hiit session on top of that 🏃🏻♀️
Let’s build our summer bodies & maintain our mental health in the winter, however that looks for you 🧘🏻♀️
Day 1 of 365💪
Here’s 5 things you can do for the rest of this week to kickstart your 2025 fitness & health goals:
1. Set clear goals for the next 3 months – Define what you want to achieve and create a detailed workout plan
2. Prioritise consistency – Commit to a workout schedule and stick to it! Try to go to the gym or exercise every weekday for this month.
3. Fuel your body – Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods to power your workouts, aiming for 120g+ of protein and eating at least 30 different vegetables per week. Decrease sugar as much as possible and leave it for the end of your meals to decrease sugar spikes.
4. Stay hydrated – Drink 2.5-3 litres plenty of water a day to keep body performing at its best and ensure clear skin. 💧
5. Rest & recover – Get 8 hours of sleep, avoid blue light after 5pm and make sure you stretch/do yoga after your exercises (and add in a dynamic stretch before you start)
Let’s make this year the healthiest ad fittest one yet 🌟🎧
#gymmotivation #fitnessjourney #newyearmotivation
