4 Life Changes That Happened After I Started Working Out During My Lunch Break
A few months ago, I decided I wanted to lose a couple of pounds and tone up some areas on my body.
To keep my busy work schedule intact while fitting in some fitness, I started working out during my lunch break.
The idea of working out during lunch came to me when I was in grad school and one of my peer's had an insanely fit physique. I mean homegirl's arms were looking like Angela Bassett from the Tina Turner film.
Anxious to turn my boring arms into arms of steel, I asked her what her workout routine and meal plan consisted of. In addition to scarfing down steel cut oats, salads, chicken breasts and veggies on the regular, she also worked out three times a day. She told me that she worked out once in the morning, once during lunch and once after work.
At first, the idea of working out midday seemed daunting. I would have rather devoured some Chipotle or Chinese take-out while watching the latest episode of Love & Hip Hop on my tablet during my break from the workday. However, the #bodygoals that I had for myself were still on my mind, and I knew I needed to get out of my comfort zone to get the results I wanted. How does the saying go? Oh yeah, sometimes you have to change your ways to receive change!
But in reality, squeezing in some cardio during my lunch break has been easier and more fulfilling than I imagined. Here is how I have personally benefited from my midday workouts.
I have a better body and more energy.
Although my arms are not quite like Tina Turner's and my six pack is still M.I.A., my body has changed for better. I have noticed that my legs look toner and feel stronger, and my energy level is amazingly high even midday when people normally get fatigued.
I have more “me" time.
Getting a workout in at lunchtime gave me an extra hour of sleep in the morning (no more a.m. workouts!) and more time to work on my side hustle after work. Plus, working out during lunch allows me to avoid the early morning and after-work gym crowds, instead of wasting time waiting for the elliptical.
The best part? I can take advantage of more happy hours with friends after work. After all, it's not ideal or the smartest to workout after having margaritas, right?
I save money (and my waistline).
Before I started working out during lunch, I was spending a ton of money at Chipotle or Whataburger (yes I'm a Texas gal). Looking back at my bank account statement, I was spending a minimum of $8-$10 almost every day. Spending that amount of money may seem small, but trust me it adds up.
Since I don't have time to eat out for lunch, I meal prep. So now when I need to eat a quick, healthy, and inexpensive meal, I make a quick spinach salad, eat turkey bacon and a boiled egg, or chicken breast and steamed veggies.
I'm less stressed.
We all know that exercise is proven to reduce stress so indulging in a midday workout is an easy way to blow off some steam. I work in a profession that can be very stressful at times, so since I cannot grab a glass of Tequila midday, working out during lunch has helped me “woosah" when I need it.
So what do I do during my lunch break workout?
Even though I do not work far from my local gym, I prefer to use my surroundings at work to burn calories.I love to run outside of my office, run the stairs in my building, or use the benches outside for a couple of tricep dips. I also squeeze in a few push-ups, squats and crunches.
No matter where you work, there will always be a park, field, sidewalk or flight of stairs within walking distance. To get the midday boost and benefits, you just need a quick 30-minute workout.
Whether you need a break from sitting at your desk all day or want to free up your evening for drinks or date night with the boo, exercising during your lunch break is a great option.
If you are a midday workout junkie, what does your workout consist of?
Brittani Hunter is a proud PVAMU alumni and the founder of The Mogul Millennial, a business and career platform for Black Millennials. Meet Brittani on Twitter and on the Gram at @BrittaniLHunter and @mogulmillennial.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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If you’re like many other people who are prioritizing wellness these days, then attending a wellness retreat might be something to consider. Wellness retreats are a cool way to get the relaxation you’ve been missing in a space with like-minded people who share a common goal. I descended upon my first wellness retreat, the Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat, a couple of weeks ago at the Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Zoëtry Agua is part of the Inclusive Collection for the World of Hyatt. It is nestled on a secluded part of Uvero Alto beach, which has crystal blue waters. The resort itself is picturesque, with its thatched roofs and lazy rivers that make you feel like you’re in a cute little village.
Mindy, Body, + Sol Retreat was hosted by Koya Webb, holistic health and wellness coach and yoga instructor, and it also featured other wellness practitioners who combined provided the ultimate gift of relaxation and getting back to oneself.
The first night was a Welcome Dinner that featured a five-course meal and an opportunity to meet our companions for the next three days. The food was impeccable and the only downside was that I wasn’t able to finish it all. The next day, however, was the official start of the classes, and I was ready to dive in.
Aura and Chakra Reading
Aura and chakra reading
Photo courtesy
My first class was an aura and chakra reading led by Laura McCann and James Levinson, an Asheville, NC couple. I’ve had chakra readings before, but never like this. There was a computer, a camera, and a scanner, which I placed my hand on for the reading. After two minutes, I received a 15-page report explaining my aura and chakra reading.
It breaks down what the colors of your aura are and what your chakras say. My main colors were green and yellow, which were defined by a variety of things. The top of my aura was green, meaning I have a social mental state and I’m a natural healer. My aura on my left side was yellow meaning my energy flowing is optimistic and light and so on.
After James discussed the findings with me, I then met with Laura, who gave me aromatherapy oils from their ADORAtherapy line that represented each chakra. She further explained the results of my chakra reading and shared how each oil can assist. Chakras are the energy centers in our body, and there is a total of seven: root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown. All of my chakras were high except for my heart chakra, which I have since been working on. I may follow up about that in another article.
Sound Bath
Sound bath class
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Next was the sound bath class. It was located in the spa, which was indoor/ outdoor and the perfect setting for this kind of experience. Andrew Francis and Carrie Bailey of Zenden Meditation were the co-pilots in transporting attendees into a place of tranquility. I laid down, closed my eyes, and allowed the sounds around me to bring me into a relaxing state. From the singing bowls to the wind chimes, I was in heaven. I even fell asleep and got some of the best rest I’ve had in a while. It was a beautiful experience. However, remember when I noted it was an indoor/ outdoor venue? I forgot to put on bug spray and woke up pretty itchy. But it didn’t stop me from enjoying the moment.
Tea Party
Art of Tea Ritual Tea Party
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The last event of the day was the Art of Tea Ritual located in the resort’s tea garden. It was everything you could want in a tea party. Delectable treats such as cookies, cakes, and white chocolate-covered strawberries, which are my fave. And, of course, tea. While I got to sip tea, I also got to make my own tea blend. There were many different teas to choose from, like hibiscus to your regular black tea. I decided to mix rose and mint and I called it RoseMint. I didn’t get to try my tea blend until I got home, and I’ll be honest, it’s probably the best tea I ever had. The tea herbs taste so fresh, and I love how fragrant it smells.
Breathwork
Breathwork Class
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The next morning was all about breathwork. If you exercise regularly, then you probably know the importance of breathing. But there’s more to it besides remembering to breathe during your workout. Margaret Townsend is a breathwork facilitator who helps people achieve wellness by consciously changing their breathing patterns. In her class, I learned to change my breathing pattern for energy as well as for relaxation. While I know that breathing is a relaxation tool, I was blown away to learn that it can also energize you. Because it was a different breathing pattern, I was also able to stay present and keep a steady pace.
Yoga
Koya Webb's yoga class
Photo courtesy
The final class of the retreat was evening yoga with Koya Webb, who, as I mentioned earlier, was the host. Her class was held beside the beautiful Uvero Alto beach, which made for a stunning backdrop and the perfect way to end the retreat. It was important for me to get back into my body after not doing yoga for a few weeks, so I was really focused on nailing the moves. However, Koya kept the energy light and fun, evening cracking a few jokes throughout, which made it easy for me to relax and enjoy the moment. She ended the class with a dance break and hugs from our classmates.
The Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat reminded me how important it is to take time to love on myself. Each class was an opportunity to be present and get reacquainted with oneself in the most loving way. Being surrounded by individuals who encouraged my journey was what I needed, and I am so honored to have had this experience.
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