Balancing Busy Lives: Embracing Self-Care and Fitness for Lasting Well-Being

In this blog post, we reflect on our fitness journey while participating in the 75-Hard program. We discuss the ups and downs, challenges faced, milestones celebrated, and lessons learned. We evaluate our progress towards our goals and realign them if needed. The program has taught us about perseverance, discipline, and self-motivation, leading to mental and emotional growth.

For me, Marit, I am currently following a program that I wrote myself. I had a goal to build muscle and increase stability, mobility, flexibility, and core strength. For this reason, I split the workout plan into 5 days.

1. Back, biceps, and stability
2. Glutes, hamstrings, and mobility
3. Shoulders and core
4. Quads and flexibility
5. Chest, triceps, and cardio

During the 75-day challenge, I struggled with finding motivation as I lacked a tangible goal. Now, I still don't really have a particular goal in mind, but having this plan written down and working on different body functions helps me with purposeful training. I have only completed one week of the program but I am excited to see the progress it will bring. As of right now, I am really enjoying the program as it contains a lot of different aspects. I do think that over time I will make tweaks to the program to make it match better with what I want to get out of it.

I have noticed that it took my body a while to get used to not having to push itself to its limits all the time. I feel as if I am ready to take the next step and develop my physical health in a different way. A way that isn't built around becoming the best swimmer I could be, but more to being the healthiest human I can be. Not only have I written this program to get me started, but I am also somewhat keeping track of what I am eating. I am putting a lot of emphasis on getting a lot of protein every day as well as getting the crucial vitamins and minerals. If you're wondering about the details about my program you can either check out my fitness page on Instagram @delau.fit or send us a message! I am more than happy to share the details with you :)

For me, Leah, participating in the 75-Hard Challenge has been a transformative experience. It has taught me the importance of prioritizing my own well-being and putting myself first - something I still struggle with doing. This challenge made me realize that it's critical to make time for the things that truly matter to me, to prioritize my physical and mental health, and truly try to live life. Even though I lead a busy life, with 12-hour days three times a week and 8-hour days twice a week, I've come to understand that incorporating self-care and healthy habits is crucial.

While the 75-Hard program felt like an obligation within my current lifestyle, I have managed to incorporate similar aspects into my routine. Currently, I engage in 30-60 minutes of targeted cardio workouts 3-5 days a week. Additionally, I follow a four-day split for weightlifting: Glutes and Hamstrings, Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps, Glutes and Quads, and Back and Biceps. On days without a planned workout, I challenge myself to get at least 20 minutes of movement through activities like walking, yoga, stretching, or mobility exercises.

Moreover, I have started planning my meals in advance and engaging in meal prepping for the upcoming week. This approach helps me stay on track with my nutrition goals, develop healthy eating habits, and continuously work towards achieving my fitness goals.

This is currently only my second week in this program, but I feel more confident that this routine is more manageable with my current lifestyle. I am excited to stick to this for the next several weeks and hopefully see improvement.