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Elle Woods said it best: "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy!" And honestly, she's not wrong. But we also know what it's like to dread getting started (or re-started!) on your fitness journey, and finding the motivation and discipline to continue forward. Luckily, we were able to get some good tips from someone in our Ellie community: certified personal trainer and yoga instructor, Julie. And pssst...there's a workout video you can follow along to!
Julie is wearing Ellie November outfit, Deep Cover.
How do you hold yourself accountable to working out?
I know how I feel when I miss a workout. When clients first get started with me, I hear all the time that they don’t understand the feeling, but that changes after two months! For someone who is just beginning their fitness journey, I would say take your 'before' photos and hang them up near your mirror. As you are getting ready in the morning, say an affirmation while looking at your photo. Get a good trainer and let them lead you on your journey.
I know how I feel when I miss a workout. When clients first get started with me, I hear all the time that they don’t understand the feeling, but that changes after two months! For someone who is just beginning their fitness journey, I would say take your 'before' photos and hang them up near your mirror. As you are getting ready in the morning, say an affirmation while looking at your photo. Get a good trainer and let them lead you on your journey.
What inspired you to start your fitness journey?
I was depressed for 3.5 years after having my son. My hormones just went nuts. I had to do something. I weighed more than I wanted, I wasn’t happy and I couldn’t live like that anymore for my family or myself.
How do you get ready for a workout?
I put on a cute outfit, grab a bottle of water and my yoga mat. I make sure I have all I need to make my workout successful. I don’t want anything to pull me away from my workout.
What is your go-to workout?
My workout is any core routine—bringing more stability and strength to your body that is needed for everyday activities.
Is there a certain schedule you have for working out?
Absolutely, I have it all written down. Each day I rotate among different workouts, and each week I change it up. Doing this helps me keep my body on track for what it needs.
How has working out helped you have a healthy mindset?
Working out releases endorphins that cause a positive feeling in your body. At first it might not feel that way, but give it four weeks and I promise you will start to realize that exercise is needed to feel amazing.
Julie is a Certified Personal Trainer with 6+ years of experience and a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500) but she doesn't stop there: she's also working on her nutrition certification! Her passion is to help others with self-care and self-love (which, by her definition, is eating healthily, working out, and practicing yoga). Her goal as a trainer is to educate her clients on not just what type of exercises they're doing, but also why, giving her clients the confidence and knowledge to eventually continue their fitness journey on their own. You can find Julie on Instagram @julshaynes, TikTok, or on YouTube.