Our fit mom Danyelle Mastarone continues her fit 4 series, providing tips and tricks to reach your fitness goals.  Today’s blog focuses on creating balance in your life even when you don’t have something that you’re training for.

 

*Danyelle is also a Beatles fanatic, so you’ll also notice some hidden musical references as you go.  

 

Eat. Train. Sleep. Repeat! Team No Days Off!!

While these phrases make for great memes and t-shirt slogans it may not be the best mindset for everyone. Most of us are doing our best to balance a fit lifestyle with work, family and social obligations. Often times if we can’t put in the maximum effort we end up giving nothing at all.

When I was prepping for Fitness competitions, I know I was guilty of this mentality, wanting to train 8 Days A Week. One of my problems was the off season. I unfortunately never truly did find the middle ground when it wasn’t show prep time. I could never understand how some competitors looked so good year-round.

That is, however, the whole point of a healthy lifestyle. Looking good and feeling good all year long. When I first retired from competing, it was very difficult to not train for a goal, but rather to train for maintenance. Initially, I was a little bored and definitely felt like a Nowhere Man.

I am happy to report the happy balance I have found these last several years. Here are some tips to navigating the middle ground and feeling fit and confident in your healthy routine, no matter the Long and Winding Road.

 

woman hugging and sleeping on a boxing bag / myHMB blog 4 Principles to a Balanced, Healthy Lifestyle

Never Miss a Workout

Don’t skip your workout if you don’t have time for the full lifting and cardio session.

Own the fact that you have 20 minutes. And then, Make. Them. Count.

Twenty minutes is still more than zero minutes. Yes, the full hour is better but making the best of those twenty minutes will benefit you more than beating yourself up for totally bailing.

The all or nothing mentality leads to more mental anguish than accepting that you can actually accomplish something with shorter or fewer training sessions.

 

three woman doing downward dog in a yoga class / myHMB blog 4 Principles to a Balanced, Healthy Lifestyle

 

Find What Works for You

If you aren’t training for a specific goal, it is alright to stay in maintenance mode, especially if that fits into your lifestyle right now? This is ME!

If your goal is to run a marathon, then yes you have should stick diligently to your training program. But if you just enjoy running, take a short run through the park one day or spend more time on your favorite trail over the weekend.

If boxing gets your adrenaline pumping and releases the tension from work, find a group class once a week and destroy that heavy bag.

When it’s warmer out, I love taking a leisurely walk on the trail rather using the grueling step mill in the gym. Find something you love doing to enjoy both the flexibility and enjoyment that comes with maintenance training.

 

woman out to dinner with friends / myHMB blog 4 Principles to a Balanced, Healthy Lifestyle

 

Create a Balanced Diet

Find your happy medium with your nutrition plan. I often get asked how strict my diet is. I always respond that I don’t diet, but choose healthy, nutritious options all the time.

Just because I’m not on a competition prep plan does not mean I eat fast food and doughnuts every day. Food is still fuel for my body and I want to feed it the best nutrients.

I do, however, want to also enjoy parties and restaurants. I still make wise choices but don’t have to pack my own food or weigh each portion. At this point, I can easily decipher what is a healthy choice on a menu and eyeball portion sizes.

 

a woman looking into the mirror and smiling / myHMB blog 4 Principles to a Balanced, Healthy Lifestyle

 

Create a Positive Mindset

Positive mental health coincides with your physical health. Because you can’t write out a specific plan for it, perspective can be incredibly challenging to find balance with.

Be gentle with your mind and work to put your health and fitness mentality into perspective. Whether this is balancing social engagements with staying home to rest or loving your everyday fit body versus the competition body you once had.

This is by no means an excuse to slack, but to see the big picture of your life. Always ask first are you healthy and happy? Try letting those answers be your guide and take a Sad Song and Make It Better.

 

 

All My Loving,

D

 

Want to get the most out of your workouts?  Try myHMB.

 

MyHMB has been clinically proven to improve recovery, increase fat loss and maintain muscle mass, and enhance aerobic capacity.  Learn more.

 

team myhmb and fit mom Danyelle Mastarone

Danyelle Mastarone

Danyelle Mastarone started as a group fitness instructor and then was encouraged by a friend to try out a figure competition.  After taking home the gold at her first competition she was hooked.  Now as a mom, being healthy and fit is always a priority and a passion.

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