This Is How R&B Singer Miguel Uses Exercise & Meditation To Reach Prime Productivity
Miguel's fitness journey started in an unlikely way. Before going on tour with R&B superstar, Trey Songz, Miguel was determined to, "not look like the scrawny dude on tour." Miguel told Men's Health that he worked out 6-7 days a week for six months before he reached his personal #BodyGoals, but decided to keep with the practice well after the tour. Since then, Miguel says that his idea of mental and physical fitness has shifted dramatically.
Those of us who aren't world-renowned superstars know that making time to stay mentally and physically fit can be a struggle. Between adulting and fighting to find a modicum of personal time, it's hard enough to remember to eat. But Miguel's way of thinking about health and wellness may help you change your routine for the better. He told Men's Health:
"My workout regimen is more about clarity and consistency."
The keto-friendly superstar and his wife, Nazanin, share a gym, which is also conveniently their garage. This makes it easy for them to get out a quick workout routine together, or for them to have their own space for fitness as a part of their individual daily routine. Miguel says that he usually starts his morning at about 6 a.m. with a mini-meditation session.
"I try to wake up early in the morning, get my mind right, get a meditation in."
According to Miguel, true physical fitness isn't just about looking good, wellness works from the inside out. Before the singer hops into the studio or his tasks for the day, you can catch him getting in a few moments of meditation, and that's a sure thing. He said:
"All of it is like a balance for me so I meditate regularly as well. It's a part of the regimen, so that's why I like to wake up early. I get up before most people would. I like to wake up at 6:00-6:30 these days. Get a meditation in for 20-30 minutes and then kind of just let that settle in, think about what I have to accomplish for the day. Then jump in on a workout around 8:00."
Now, moving on to that bawdy. Have mercy on me. Miguel says that he keeps his TV-ready physique by working out five times a week, but these days, he's not doing it for the gains.
"I try and work out five times a week now. For me, it's more of a productivity tool. There was a time when I had serious fitness goals and aesthetic goals that I was reaching for and I think now it's more about just having a daily routine."
And it makes sense. Science says that exercise can be a remedy for fatigue and boost self-esteem, while meditation can reduce anxiety. Finding ways to keep your mental AND physical muscles strong is imperative to your productivity. What a better way to start the morning than with a sh*tload of endorphins empowering you to rule the world and the mindfulness to take your day one moment at a time. Sounds like a formula for one dope a** day.
Finally, Miguel shared that although sometimes his workouts are for clarity and require silence, there are certainly levels to sh*t when it comes to his mood in the gym. He explained:
"So, music. It depends. I'm moody with the music in my workouts. Some days I wake up and the workout is just for clarity of mind so I don't really want any music. And then other days I need a little bit of Meek Mill. I need some Drake."
Miguel encourages us to stop looking at fitness like it's a chore, and instead use it as a productivity booster. Instead of thinking of that trip to the gym as just another activity to check off of your to-do list, use exercise and meditation as trusted sidekicks that will assist you in kicking ass all damn day.
Check out the full clip below or on Men'sHealth.com!
Featured image by Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock.com
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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