Tonic and I are back with our second Motivate Monday series. Odds are if you are reading this post, you too like to stay active and most likely have a closet filled with workout gear. But are your “workout” items reserved for when you hit the pavement to sweat? Tonic and I are on a mission to change your mind on how you view that drawer filled with sports bras.
For the first time, I would like to personally share how I like stay in shape. Secret confession? I struggle with gyms. I’ve only had one gym membership in my lifetime. Mostly because I prefer to exercise in the outdoors. However, when I moved to Minnesota, I found that was a bit of a struggle during our extreme winter months.
Longing for something that would keep me interested, yet I could do on the go, while traveling, or in the privacy of my bedroom, I stumbled across a v-log that described simple workouts I could perform on a daily basis (go to YouTube and type in “workouts at home” there are a thousand). And I do them every evening. I just tell myself you are going to do this, even on the days I am exhausted, tired, and don’t have it in me. You have no idea how many nights my husband has yelled “go to bed” because I’m on the floor at 2 am doing leg kicks. But it keeps me motivated.
I have also found lifting 10 lb weights are just enough to keep my arms in shape. I also try to walk or bike the lake near our house every single day, eat a diet primarily based on fruits & vegetables, and drink a ton of water. I am a firm believer that our workout programs should not come in a one size fits all because our bodies are all unique. Tonic’s motto is Strong, Smart, Beautiful and no matter what size or shape, we should all celebrate our individuality.
I continue to be blown away by Tonic’s commitment to creating products that meet performance standards and actually fit my body. All of their products are designed and 100% manufactured in Vancouver, Canada. They stand firm in supporting their local economy, reducing their carbon footprint, and protecting the environment (it is the only one we have).
My very good friend and talented photographer Ellen Ashton and I hit the streets of Minneapolis to show off a little sportier side of C + M with Tonic. Photographed wearing my new favorite Nikita Pants from Tonic’s 2015 Fall Lifestyle Collection, these pants are super soft and comfortable. Created from bamboo, a sustainable, natural fiber that absorbs and evaporates moisture up to four times faster than cotton. Also no chemicals or silver are used in this fabric, making it ideal for sensitive skin. I paired the Nikita pants with my Tonic Transformation Bra from two seasons ago, my pumas, and a long grey cardigan to keep me covered post workout.
P.S. surprised I can do a head stand on concrete? Me too! Hope you enjoy!
Images – Ellen Ashton Photography
Hi Tamara!
Just started reading you blog! Love it! What are some of your favorite workout videos? Also, do you have any healthy recipes to share?
Thanks,
Mandy
Author
Hi Mandy – Thank you for stopping by and following along! love hearing feedback from readers and yes I love to be active. I am not the girl in the gym doing leg squats but I have found that small simple repetitive exercises not only give me the results I want but they keep me excited. I do lift 10 lb weights every day (not right now as I am still in recovery from a recent surgery) but that and lots of focus on my legs. I am not going to lie to you that I also kick up the music and just move around, dance, jump rope…being active is half the battle. I might try to make a video one day to share what I do because I cannot find the series any longer. However, YouTube is a perfect platform to find something you like and can do anywhere anytime.
Diet – I am a healthy eater but I do think indulging in small doses is perfectly fine. I hate the word diet because I think it sets you up for failure. I am a snacker I eat a lot of small meals, believe wholeheartedly in breakfast but not a massive meal like some – just yogurt every day and fresh fruit and coffee. I like salads, veggies, eat a mostly vegetarian diet filled with veggies and occasional fish (pescetarian). I think carbs are good for you but not too much, I would die without tortilla chips and salsa. Just portion control but one of my most favorite foods lately is tomatoes. Grape tomatoes chopped up on a plate sprinkle with a tiny bit of sea salt and pepper.
XO Tamara
Hi Tamara,
Thanks for responding. I would love a video of what you do. I am recovering from a running injury and trying to focus on upper body. I do go to the gym when it is too crappy out to walk (chicago weather!). However, I find it to be a bit much sometimes.
I eat mostly veggie too. I was vegan for a long time. However, it does not work for me. Plus I love fish and eggs!
I hope that you have a good recovery.
Thanks and enjoy your holiday weekend!
-Mandy