Hi! Keri here, from Outshine co. That’s me in the cover photo, playing at a yoga event last summer.
Since embarking on the start-up journey back in July, I often get asked what I do, and my answer is always:
“whatever needs to get done”
As you can imagine, there is never a slow moment.
Getting in my fitness is super important – it is where I do some of my best thinking, and it helps me to keep my ever-increasing stress levels in check. Working with a start-up means preparation is key. Schedules can be a bit messy & to-do lists often get scrapped for more pressing issues. Add to the soup that I am also a fitness instructor, who teaches AM yoga classes, and you can see where things have the chance to get complicated.
If you are like me & are seeking to find that illusive balance in your work day, read on for a few of my tips on how to get your work out into your work day without losing your mind.
1. Choose your work out carefully: Sometimes you need a good sweat sesh, but the clean up afterward is usually time consuming. On those days when you need to run from the gym to the office, skip the cardio & try a less sweaty alternative. Barre, yoga or pilates workouts all help to increase strength & provide mental clarity without the sweaty after effects. Tip: hot yoga isn’t the best alternative if you are trying to skip the sweat, so check your gym’s schedule in advance to ensure you know the temp you’ll be getting bendy in before you arrive.
2. Plan your toiletries: Your hair is more absorbent than your skin, so a travel sized dry shampoo is a MUST. I really love Batiste- and its really inexpensive. At $3.99, (at Ulta.com) you can choose your scent and at 1.7oz its compact AND TSA compliant. Try also packing a pack of body refreshing wipes like these from bliss (click here) or floral water (try this one) to quickly clean-up & refresh the skin post work out. And please- don’t forget your deodorant!
From a make-up perspective, try using long wear/ water resistant cosmetics. Take a peek at these 15 products that are gym proof- per Elle UK.
3. Become a Quick-Change artist: Try working some of your work-out wear into your work-day ensemble. Start with a great pair of black leggings. If you aren’t too sweaty, incorporate your work out tank UNDER your jacket or sweater, or pack a quick change of that item along with your jacket or sweater. We love this look from lululemon- and it’s a great transition from work out to work.
Try swapping out your shoes & adding jewelry to create a work day appropriate look out of your work out wear so you can dash out of the gym & head straight to the office. Looking for great leggings? Try Carbon 38- and as an added benefit, use this code from our friend and style maven, Melanie Knoepke, for 20% off (see below for their famous Takara leggings): https://www.carbon38.com/invite/MELANIEKNO20
4. Manage your meals: The old saying is “you cannot out-run your fork”, so planning your meals is more important than planning your workout. Healthy lifestyle begins and ends with nutrition. I love this chicken/quinoa salad, and it can be prepared the night before. Consider keeping some homemade protein balls around to bust your hunger, and don’t forget to hydrate hydrate hydrate. Not only does this keep your nutrition in check, it also allows you to skip the check out line at your local grocer, and keeps you from undoing your good work by running through the drive in.
What are some of your favorite tips to get that work out in?