How To Actually Enjoy Working Out
Hi friends!
“Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.”
No burpees. Big results anyway. And because fitness isn’t just muscle-deep, we’re throwing in mindfulness hacks and stress-busting moves to keep your head clear and your vibe right.
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Building a Strong Fitness Foundation
It's that time of the year when we all make fitness resolutions. So, let's get our workout on! Here are some practical exercise tips that will help you crush your fitness goals:
1. Set achievable goals: Start with small, realistic milestones that can help build confidence and momentum. Even if you can only squeeze in a short burst of activity daily, it's better than nothing. Remember, consistency is key!
2. Break down your fitness goals: Instead of overwhelming yourself, break down your fitness goals into manageable steps and focus on building a routine that aligns with your lifestyle. This will ensure you can achieve long-term success and avoid fizzling after a few weeks. Keep it simple!
3. Define your fitness goals: Whether you aim for increased energy, stress reduction, or a specific fitness milestone, defining your objectives is essential. So, picture yourself in your dream body and go get it!
4. Incorporate healthy habits: From balanced nutrition to quality sleep, these habits can help support your overall health and keep you on track. So, eat your greens, sleep beautifully, and stay hydrated!
5. Find motivation: If the gym sounds like a nightmare, bring the workout home. Pilates, bodyweight moves, or a couple of budget-friendly tools (think resistance bands, mini weights, or a sleek yoga block) can crush it. No giant machines or crazy gadgets required. Trust me, your living room is the new fitness hotspot.
Remember, friends, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to fitness. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you! You got this!
Running on fumes? Read my no-sleep survival guide for a calm, hormone-friendly plan that actually works.
10-Minute Stacks That Actually Work
Pick 1 to 3 blocks per day. Stack them back-to-back for 10 to 30 minutes total. Set a timer. No excuses.
How to use this:
• Choose a block based on your energy and space.
• Do the reps slowly with good form.
• If it hurts in a bad way, stop.
• Walk for 3 to 5 minutes after meals when you can.
Morning Reset 10
Goal: wake up your joints, core, and circulation.
Cat-Cow x 8
Glute bridge x 12
Dead bug x 8 per side
Standing calf raises x 15
March in place or walk around the house for 2 minutes
Repeat the circuit 2 times.
Desk Break 10
Goal: undo laptop posture and get a mini cardio hit.
Chair sit-to-stand x 12
Counter pushups x 10
Wall angels x 10
Fast stair climb or hallway walk for 60 seconds
Slow breathing for 60 seconds
Repeat 2 rounds.
Lower Body 10
Goal: legs and glutes with minimal equipment. Start a 10-minute timer. At the top of every minute:
• Odd minutes: Bodyweight squats x 12–15
• Even minutes: Reverse lunges x 8 per side
Rest in the time left each minute.
Upper Body 10
Goal: push, pull, core. Run 3 rounds, 40 seconds work, 20 seconds rest:
• Incline pushups on counter
• Bent-over backpack rows
• Plank shoulder taps
• Banded pull-aparts or towel row
Core + Posture 10
Goal: strong midline without strain.
Side plank hold 20–30 seconds per side
Dead bug x 8 per side
Bird dog x 8 per side
Standing towel press-out x 10 per side
Cycle 2–3 times.
Cardio “Snack” 10
Goal: quick conditioning for busy days.
Option A indoors
• 30 seconds fast stair climb or step-ups
• 30 seconds easy walk
Repeat 10 rounds.
Option B outdoors
• 60 seconds brisk walk
• 60 seconds normal walk
Repeat 5 rounds.
Tabata-Style 10
Goal: maximum sweat in minimal time. Warm up 2 minutes.
Then pick one movement and run 8 rounds of 20 seconds hard, 10 seconds rest:
• Fast step-ups
• Shadow boxing
• Bodyweight squats
Cool down 2 minutes.
Mobility 10
Goal: loosen hips, shoulders, and back.
• 90/90 hip switches x 10
• Couch stretch 30 seconds per side
• Thoracic openers x 8 per side
• Overhead sit-to-stands x 8
• Ankle rocks x 10 per side
Flow through twice.
Evening Unwind 10
Goal: calm the nervous system and open tight spots.
Wall calf stretch 30 seconds per side
Figure 4 glute stretch, 30 seconds per side
Child’s pose breathing for 60 seconds
Box breathing 4-4-4-4 for 3 minutes
Slow household tidy walk for the remaining time
Travel 10
Goal: hotel-room friendly. Do 3 rounds:
• Suitcase deadlift to row x 12
• Split squat using bed for balance x 8 per side
• Pike shoulder taps x 10
• March in place x 60 seconds
How To Stack These
• Beginner: 1 block daily, 5 days per week.
• Busy but motivated: 2 blocks back-to-back, 3 days per week.
• Feeling spicy: 3 blocks for a 30-minute full session twice per week.
Weekly rhythm idea
Mon: Lower Body + Core
Tue: Desk Break
Wed: Upper Body + Mobility
Thu: Cardio Snack
Fri: Tabata-Style
Sat: Morning Reset
Sun: Evening Unwind
Feeling inspired but don’t know where to start?
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My Wellness Without the Workout Struggle
We all struggle with our relationship with exercise at some point. There's this constant pressure to maintain a toned and fit body, and it's easy to feel guilty for not living up to society's expectations.
As a woman in my 20s, I've always felt like I should be more of a fitness enthusiast than I am. But the truth is, I don't enjoy the usual workout routines. The thought of joining an exercise class, whether in-person or virtual, makes me anxious even before the first jumping jack.
I’m not aiming to be a fitness model or kill myself with HIIT. I’m here for the “I showed up today” wins, the small moments that keep my brain clear and my body moving enough to avoid that midday crash. If you hate working out like me, permit yourself to do less but do it regularly. Because health is a marathon, not a sprint, and sometimes, the slow lane is where the magic happens.
We all know that health is wealth. That's why I work out in the comfort of my living room. No judgment, no need to impress anyone, just me, my Fitbod routine, and the determination to overcome the morning slump. But honestly, I hate working out. The burn, sweat, and struggle are not my idea of fun. So why do I do it? Because I know that I'll feel worse if I don't.
As someone not particularly fond of working out, I prefer the power of low-intensity exercises. Mornings became my go-to time, and incorporating Pilates with minimal equipment transformed my perspective. Since starting my own business, time has become a precious commodity. Quick workouts designed for busy schedules have been my jam lately, allowing me to stay consistent without compromising my other responsibilities.
And that's where Fitbod comes in, it's my workout BFF. The app customizes workouts to fit my preferences, considering my aversion to specific exercises and adapting to my pace. It's like having a personal trainer in your pocket, guiding you every step of the way. With Fitbod, I can work out whenever and wherever I want. There is no need to keep up with a class - just a personalized routine that gets me moving without the workout hassle.
You don't have to use Fitbod to make progress. Find what works for you, whether dancing in your living room, doing yoga in your cozy activewear, or embracing the simplicity of a 20-minute walk. The important thing is to move your body in a way that feels good to you.
And yes, I'm not the fittest person, and that's perfectly fine. I've come to accept that I'll never be the one doing perfect burpees or running marathons. Instead, I focus on what feels right, celebrating the small victories, like not collapsing during a plank or making it through a workout without feeling like I'm about to pass out.
It's not about being a fitness icon, it's about taking a step towards a healthier version of yourself, no matter how small. Here's to breaking free from the workout struggle! Cheers to being unapologetically yourself, tomato-red glow, and all!
It's important to remember that we're all unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Every step counts, whether it's a personal best in the gym or just getting out of bed for an early morning workout! And let's remember the importance of balance in our lives. We don't have to go full-on fitness fanatic and give up all the good stuff in life.
💪 Kacie’s Fit Girl Faves:
Kapok Floor Pillow: For the softest, sassiest yoga sesh ever. Grab it here
Fabric Resistance Bands: No slipping, no snapping. Just sculpting. Find them here
Smart Ring I’m obsessed with: Tracks my sleep and steps like a boss. Shop it here
FAQs:
Q: How do I stay consistent with fitness when motivation dips?
A: Focus on building habits, not just motivation. Create mini daily rituals (even 5 minutes counts) and schedule workouts like important meetings you can’t skip.
Need scripts to protect your workout time without guilt? Start here!
Q: Is it better to do cardio or strength training for a toned look?
A: Both work together. Strength training builds muscle, cardio boosts endurance, and burns fat. Mixing them keeps your body balanced and shapely.
Q: How can I avoid burnout when trying new workouts?
A: Switch things up! Rotate workouts every few weeks, listen to your body, and include rest days. Variety keeps things fun and prevents injury.
Q: What’s the easiest way to measure progress without stressing about the scale?
A: Track how your clothes fit, your energy levels, or how much stronger you’re getting. Photos and performance goals are way more motivating than numbers on a scale.
Q: How important is nutrition compared to exercise?
A: Nutrition fuels your results. You can’t out-exercise a bad diet. Focus on whole foods and balanced meals that support your fitness goals without being a total buzzkill.
Q: Can a beginner start hot girl moves without any equipment?
A: Totally. Many effective moves use just body weight, so you can get started anywhere without spending a dime on gear.
So, how's your January workout routine going?
Alright friend, bookmark this post, grab that yoga block, and try one thing from this list today. Just one.
And if you want more realistic wellness tips that work with your real life, join the Chronically Chic newsletter for your weekly reminder that you don’t need a six-pack to feel powerful.
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