A Week of Workouts

A very special thanks to Athleta for partnering with me on today’s letter.

One of the most asked questions I get is: what does your workout schedule look like?

I love to focus on strength, building lean muscle using weights anywhere from 1lb to 125lbs. It changes, of course, depending on the muscle group and the workout I am doing. But I don’t believe working out has to be this exhausting thing we sign ourselves up for so we can look a certain way, or because we’re punishing ourselves.

Movement has always been a form of therapy for me. I am someone who craves a lot of input because of how I grew up naturally moving my body everyday. As an adult, no week’s routine is exactly the same to the minute, but it is always consistent because it is so familiar to me and an anchor in my life that I am so grateful for.

My routine makes me feel strong and alive, and I think that is why we should feel motivated to move at all. There is no way to say this without feeling preachy, but it truly is such a privilege to be able connect deeper into our physical bodies. To feel what we've been holding finally release.

So lately this is what a week of workouts has actually been looking like for me. Not to the minute, but this is the shape of it.

Sunday. I rest. Really rest. Specifically in these high rise cropped flare pants. I don’t squeeze in a “light something” to feel productive, and I don’t apologize for it. Having discipline means understanding that rest is not the reward for work, but it is a part of the work that we're putting in to our workout routines each week. It's how we stay showing up for ourselves. On a more scientific note it's where the cortisol comes down and our muscles can begin to repair and rest and actually build strength. I try not to think of a day off as a loss ever. It's like caring for something I intend to keep and build from.

Monday. I love to start the week off by waking up the body. I take myself through a full body workout. Targeting the arm, abs and glutes. I like to open the week strong and grounded. This wrap top is one my most worn pieces since it transforms a workout outfit to looking a bit more polished. A great top to warm up in as well!

Tuesday. Starting off the day with a long walk on the treadmill or outside depending on my mood and where I am. Then it’s time for another upper body and glute focused workout. I love to use resistance bands paired with heavier weight for my glute days. I tend to train the glutes 3x a week without getting the legs too activated. I am continuously building up the load through the month, little by little. For these more intense days at the gym or in the studio I opt for a capri legging which is so cute with a pair of flip flops for your coffee run after your workout.

Wednesday. A lighter and longer day. I head to the mat and incorporate a lot of pilates principles to my workout focusing on the deep core and mobility, coordination, and flexibility. Sneaking this day in has been so impactful with keeping the heavier days strong. Layering the buttery-soft exhale bra with the thin strap tank and of course the best capris on the bottom.

Thursday. 30 minute dance cardio and 20 minute arm workout light or heavy depending on the way I am feeling. Pretty much always layering tank tops and bras for support and I love the layered look of it all.

Friday. Lower body using heavier weight (last glute day of the week) with a full body dynamic workout. I’ve been loving a halter top to spice it up, I also love the trim detail on this one.

Saturday. Typically my most active day since I love to be outside walking, swimming, or long leisurely bike rides. Also taking myself through a heated dance cardio workout is my favorite kind of somatic release! If I am traveling or home I always listen to what ever my body is asking me for! Which is why I preface each week looks a bit different in terms of structure and I love the flexibility of that. Who doesn’t love working out in a perfectly fitted white t-shirt? I know that I spend most my weekend in one. Love this ribbed one for under $30 and this open back version as well in a gorgeous alpine green.

Thank you for reading today’s letter, this one is by far my favorite of the month!

Paloma