Back to Fitness Tips

I think Fall is a favorite season because I think most people love getting back into a routine. It’s also the perfect time to get back to fitness and undo some of the damage that occurs in the summer. I’m not talking about weight gain as much as I am about over-drinking, over-eating and skipping workouts. If you’re like me, you’ve probably done all of these this summer. I’m lucky that I have to show up to teach my classes at MaZi, but even I get derailed. Here are some of my go-to back to fitness tips!

Prepare Your Snacks in Advance

I’m not a huge snacker, but sometimes I accidentally skip a meal because my plate is so full! Pick-ups, deadlines, classes, shopping, writing, wifing, self-care, oh and eat! Making time for balanced meals is critical for getting back to fitness and so are wholesome snacks. I stick to fat/fiber/protein balanced snacks. You may have seen in this post where I describe the approach in detail. Some current faves:

1. Bob’s Red Mill* Granola – as you know I love their bars and these are an extension of their delicious oats with no added sugar. I put it on full-fat greek yogurt
2. 2 whole eggs and a corn tortilla with a spoonful of avocado
3. Apple with 2 tablespoons of sunflower seeds (seeded)
4. Banana with Egg White bites from Starbucks
5. Bulletproof coffee with Bob’s Red Mill peanut butter and jelly bar

Make an appointment with yourself to move

I teach often at MaZi but not every day. So the days that I don’t teach I have to fend for myself and my workout! The only shot I have during the week to workout is at the crack of dawn. Or, on Sundays, the whole crew will go for a run. I do it no matter what. If I don’t, nothing feels right. Of course, there’s times where it just doesn’t happen! The most important thing is to be consistent, and not let more than 2 days in a row go by without working out. On day 3 of not working out, I make it happen.

Find your Happy Place

I love to dance, as you can probably gather from my blog. 🙂 To me, it doesn’t feel like a chore, it makes me happy and keeps me interested. For some, it’s hopping on a bike next to a stranger and going at it for a race! Honestly, it doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you leave with a smile on your face. That smile is what will keep you coming back. If you have never found this so called “happy place”, don’t give up. My mom found a workout she loved at 64; tai-chi. 🙂

Motivate with Style

You don’t have to be a fashion person to get super excited about working out in your new clothes! There are so many options. Things to keep in mind: 1) don’t do trends, do comfort, 2) don’t buy workout clothes that will fit once you start working out, buy what fits you now! 3) Invest a bit. You don’t have to spend a fortune but try new brands that have amazing materials and designs. It will change your life! Here are some of my picks for this season. You can get 20% off your 1st purchase with code: ZIBALEN50 on this entire site!

Music is Key

I’m a firm believer that if you have good music, the moves will follow! Everyone’s music tastes are different but Spotify has really nailed it as it comes to serving you music YOU love. All you have to do is start listening to stuff you like and slowly new music that will get you going will be suggested to you. Like magic! If you need a place to get started, here’s our studio channel and playlists. I use them for my dance fitness classes every time!

Hope this info was helpful! Please let me know if you have any fitness questions! I’m happy to answer! XO, Z