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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6 Spring Events To Boost Your Professional And Social Networks
When spring arrives, we all want to be outside, looking fabulous, and back to socializing. And now is the perfect time to add a few great events to your calendar to get you through the quarter in order to make new friends, build new partnerships, and talk new opportunities to level up.
Spring is a high season for networking and social events for Black women, with many organizations and event entrepreneurs booking prime locations and offering dynamic experiences that you can maximize in whatever way possible. Write down your goals, and get out there. Start with a few of these events between now and the start of summer:
New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival, April 23 - May 3
The New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival is a 10-day event held over two weekends, bringing together thousands of musicians, craftspeople, and food lovers to share in common threads of culture in the heart of New Orleans. You'll get to enjoy works by artisans local to Louisiana as well as from across the U.S. and around the world.
Black Food Truck Festival, April 26-28
Hosted in Charleston, S.C., the Black Food Truck Festival includes an opening party, access to more than two dozen food truck vendors, and a time to workout with other attendees. Charleston has long been known as a Southern foodie destination, with global recognition due to James Beard-awarded chefs heading popular restaurants there and a renewed focus on Gullah and Geechee culture and food in the region. And what better conversation ice-breaker than to talk about food with a new acquaintance?
Black Women's Mental Health Conference, May 4
Hosted by New York University, this is a one-day event to tackle issues of mental wellness and health that uniquely affect Black women and girls. The keynote speaker for this year is Kim Young, MSW, LCSW, founder of Dope Black Social Worker® and host of the podcast Revolutionary Hoodrat, and leading licensed professionals in the field will offer their insights and share their experiences. And, of course, no college-led event is without time blocked specifically for networking.
Strength of a Woman Festival, May 11-12
Anything with Mary J. Blige headlining or leading is a win, especially if we're talking about women's empowerment and enjoyment. This event will be held in New York City, and beyond the performances from some of our favorites like Muni Long, Jill Scott, and The Clark Sisters, there will be a Gospel Brunch. And even if you're not able to attend or concerts aren't your thing, just being in the city during that time will mean you're bound to run into plenty of other women to network with at local bars and restaurants nearby.
Carefree Black Girl Cookout, May 4
Held in the Queen City, Charlotte, N.C., this is a day festival amplifying the voices and brands of Black women entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives. There will be vendors, glam and beauty bars, and complimentary meals for the first hour (according to the platform's website). They're hosting another cookout in Philadelphia on May 25.
Black Women Leading Live, May 13-16
Touted as an “intimate retreat + conference,” this Virginia Beach, VA event will be held on a resort and is offering a professional development experience led by Laura Knights, founder of the Black Woman Leading® program and podcast. It’s an ideal fit if you’re a mid-level or senior professional, as the topics and approach are set to cater to those levels of career experience, with coaches and speakers pouring into attendees with a holistic approach.
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