How to Fit in Fitness with Personal Trainer Krista

I’m usually up around 4:50 a.m. I do a barre workout, get ready for the day, and then make sure my kids that go to public school get out the door on time. Then I get a start doing work for one of my small businesses. Sometime later in the morning or early afternoon as time allows, I do 3 miles walking or running either outdoors (my preference) or at a local indoor track. I take my homeschooled daughter to her choir class around noon, then I’m back home in the afternoon for more work! Dinner happens around 5:30, and then I may continue to work, or, if I’m all caught up on projects, I hang out with my husband and kids until bedtime, usually no later than 10.

Describe how you currently fit fitness into your busy days.

The FIRST thing I do every morning is work out. In fact, I usually sleep in whatever clothes I plan to work out in the next morning! The fact that I’ve made working out a priority for most of my adult life helps me stick with it. I have this guilt trip thing too – if I don’t work out, and later in the day I see somebody walking or running outside, I feel REALLY guilty!

Has fitness always been part of your routine?

Yes, for at least the past 30 years. Probably the only times I didn’t make it a priority was when I couldn’t for health reasons – mainly when I was pregnant and for a little while after giving birth. I rarely miss a workout, and when I do, it’s because I REALLY need the break (i.e., I’m running a fever).

How did adding fitness to your routine have a positive impact on your life—beyond just helping you look cute in your skinny jeans?

Hmmm…skinny jeans. I don’t worry so much about them. But here’s what is important: My attitude and energy level. I am DEFINITELY cranky if I don’t get my workout in. And with all that I have going on, it’s important that I have energy. My kids have busy schedules that I’m usually involved in somehow (at least as their “taxi driver!”). They also love to try new things – maybe a new sport or a new crazy ride at Disney World. I never want to be too tired or out of sorts to do these things with them.

Do you always stick to your routine 100% of the time? How do you feel when you miss a day or two, and what do you do to get back on track?

Honestly, I’ve been working out for so many years that I don’t have much trouble sticking to a routine or getting back on track if I miss a day or two. What does happen, from time to time, is that I get burned out from the routine I’m doing. When that happens, I may try something new, or maybe back off on “killer” moves to something more gentle until I’m feeling myself again.

What advice do you have for other women who feel too busy to make fitness part of their lives?

YOU are more important than anything on your schedule, and you need to do this for yourself! It doesn’t have to be a drag – do something fun! Something you’ve always wanted to try. Seriously! If it’s not fun or interesting for you, you won’t make it a priority.

What action step do you dare readers to take to start fitting fitness into their routines, no matter how busy they may be?

Here’s some easy stuff to get started: While watching TV, stand up during every commercial break. During the first break, march in place the entire break. During the second break, do front kicks. During the third, do knee lifts. If there are more breaks during the show you’re watching, repeat this sequence from the beginning until the show’s over.

Do you have a quote or mantra you live by?

I am constantly on the lookout for new, inspirational ideas. I have one, however, that I always go back to, especially when I’m fearful of venturing into something new:

“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” From Eleanor Roosevelt.

It applies everywhere!

Leave us with some added inspiration (doesn’t have to be related to fitness).

Let me tell you about an experience of mine where I almost missed out on something that has turned out to be really incredible. For me, it’s about running, but it can be about anything you want to do.

Way back when I was younger, I wanted to be a runner. However, I wasn’t fast (I’m still not). My knees turn in, so I looked funny when I ran (pretty sure I still do). I made the mistake of listening to others who made me think I COULDN’T be a runner. Result: I didn’t run. I did a lot of other stuff, but I didn’t run.

Skip forward several years.

A couple of people in my family did a half marathon and finished. These weren’t Olympians. They weren’t professional athletes. They were family members!! I’ve celebrated holidays with them! Huh.

Another light bulb moment – I found literature from a former Olympian by the name of Jeff Galloway. He told me (through his books) that I could be a runner WITHOUT actually running every step! I could run a little and walk a little. Not only could I be a runner but, psst – I could even do a MARATHON! Really?? ME???

Skip forward again. It is January in Florida. I’m doing this thing at Walt Disney World called the Dopey Challenge. For those not familiar, it’s four races on consecutive days: 5K Thursday, 10K Friday, half marathon Saturday, full marathon Sunday. Finished them all. Got the medals. I’ve done 5K’s, 10K’s, half marathons, and one other marathon before and since. I am a runner. And I’m loving it.

You can do it. Anything. ANYTHING!