If you're in school or have been, I'm sure you know just how WONDERFUL the last month is. Sure, teachers, pack on as many projects and assignments as possible while simultaneously reminding us how essential it is to study for finals and AP exams.
Thank you, AP Econ text, for stressing me out like no other.
WELLLLL where do I begin. The weather here in the Chicagoland area has been seriously SUCKING. It's amazing how we got 80 degree weather in March and now we're getting 50 degree weather in April. It's almost May. Mother Nature, get your crap together!
Anyways, I am really excited for the summer. I already have plans of doing a whole load of nothing, a.k.a. laying my lazy booty on the beach catchin' those glorious rays. Ahhhh, that's the life.
I find it comical how everyone is like "AHHH I need to do cardio; I need that beach body!" Me? Meh. I do cardio, but it's not hell bent on 6 days a week like it is for some people. Typically I do 1 day a week. Yup, that's it. But if I'm feeling sassy, I may do 2 or 3! And for the record, I'm not 'fat' because I choose strength over cardio. ;) What a misconception, let me tell you.
YES, if you want to be completely shredded you should add cardio to your routine. But if you want more muscle like me, you shouldn't make doing cardio so frequently a priority. Save that energy for the weights.
Also, I know many people with the goal to be 'skinny' do cardio because they want to burn as many calories as possible. This can be said for many girls my age. I really want to educate them so they know that doing cardio for 3 hours a day will get them nowhere in terms of feeling confident. I would rather be 'fit' than be 'skinny' in terms of HEALTH and not VANITY. The standard of beauty shouldn't be based on looks. It should be based on who you are as a person.
When I do cardio, I prefer doing plyometrics. They are so much more fun than strolling away on the elliptical for a mindless hour. Uh, no thank you. Get me a step and I'd much rather do some box jumps! For this reason I really like the idea of HIIT. It intrigues me more. But that doesn't mean steady state cardio should be eliminated. Always switch it up! I admit, on a very rare occasion I will go on a run simply because it is one of the BEST ways to clear a clouded mind.
In simple terms, I'm not stressin' over getting that perfect 'bikini body.' I have a pretty fast metabolism, I workout like a wildabeest 5 days a week and I'm not focused on what people think of my body. I'm focused on relaxing and not having to worry about a damn thing this summer. I don't workout for vanity, I workout because I consider myself an athlete who thorughly ENJOYS being active and weightlifting, just like other girls my age may have a hobby of drawing or baking.
Well that was a random blob of thoughts. But I hope you enjoyed! Until next time (I know, just contain your excitement) And, I am by NO MEANS an expert on any of this information; this is just what I have learned and although I know quite a lot about things in the health and fitness world, I certainly do not know everything.
Have a great rest of the weekend!
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