Since February, there’s been no shortage of celebrations—my birthday, my anniversary, my partner’s birthday, and, of course, Valentine’s Day. That’s a lot of good food and indulgence! Have I been counting calories? Nope. But I’ve been sticking to mindful eating and a workout routine that works (I hope!)—because I’m fluctuating down 6 to 9kg since my weigh-in back in October/November 2024!.. and i've been fitting into old clothes (so it's also been financially beneficial. 😀) 

But, has it been easy? Not at All.

Like I mentioned in my last post, what worked in my 20s doesn’t work the same in my 30s anymore—whether it’s stamina, certain workout styles, or recovery time. Some days are harder than others, but I’ve realised time and time again that the more I move, the better I feel overall.

And.. because accountability is key, here’s what’s been working for me lately!

My Current Workout Routine

I’ve gone back to basics with cardio, but not the usual “set a timer, do reps and sets and and go” routine. Instead, I’ve been mixing it up with:

• Tabata & Dance Workouts (GrowWithJo) – I am probably the most uncoordinated person ever, and calling myself a "dancer" would be a stretch. I use to always scroll past this style of workouts But with the many raving reviews, i decided to give it a go. I’ve read that if you stick with Jo's workouts, they actually work as long as you stick with it and be consistent—and so far, it has! The workouts make time fly, and I definitely feel the burn. The best part? Most of Jo’s routines are beginner-friendly, high-intensity, but also low-impact, with many being standing-only workouts.

• HIIT & Strength Circuits (Oliver Sjöström & SWEAT videos or App) – I mix things up with my cardio with more complex bodyweight exercises and weights. Note: The SWEAT app requires a subscription, but there's heaps of free sweat workouts online too.

What I love most about this new routine is that I can do it all from home. My weight is still fluctuating, and progress is progress—slow and steady wins the race!

When it comes to food, I’m not tracking every calorie, but I am conscious of my carb, sodium, and sugar intake. I’ve been making small but intentional changes—reducing cutting back where I can without feeling deprived.

I know my fitness journey will have ups and downs, but I’m not aiming for perfection—just consistency. Having CP means movement comes with its own challenges, but I’ve learned that staying active helps me feel stronger and more in control. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. As long as I keep moving and doing what works for me, I know I’m on the right track.

My advice? 

Always do what works for you! fitness is not a one size fits all.

 Long time no post! 

Life feels different when you hit 30 (or 30-plus-whatever). That includes how your body responds to exercise. The workouts that once felt effortless in your 20s don’t always have the same impact—especially if you’ve taken a break from regular training.

I recently got back from a cruise to New Zealand, and as expected, my usual exercise routine went straight out the window. When you’re on holiday, it's easy to let fitness take a back seat—buffets, cocktails, and pure relaxation take over. And honestly? I embraced it.

I’ll admit, staying consistent with exercise at the start of 2024 was a challenge. I managed a couple of workouts a week—sometimes skipping a few entirely. But by mid-October, I reminded myself that fitness isn’t linear, and I decided to take back control. I started small, aiming for at least three workouts a week—sometimes hitting four. Progress, not perfection.

I kept telling myself, "You’ve done this before; you can do it again." And I have. I once lost 15kg over two years just by being consistent. So, I got back into a mix of cardio and HIIT workouts, gradually rebuilding my strength and stamina.

On the cruise, I was determined to relax but also take advantage of any opportunity to move—even in the smallest ways. Of course, leisure won for the most part, but when we docked on the islands in New Zealand, I made it a point to get my steps in while soaking up the stunning views.

I explored some beautiful spots, but Tauranga was my favorite. My partner and I decided to take on a “mini hike-ish” trail walk at Mount Maunganui.

We took the "easy" walking track, which ended up being a 1 hour and 45-minute trek. Thankfully, there were benches along the way to rest after each climb. As someone with CP, these walks come with their own set of challenges—uneven ground, unexpected inclines—but I was determined to push through. We briefly considered taking a steeper track for a higher view, but after a quick scout, we realized it would be too difficult. Still, I was incredibly proud of us (mostly me, this was a breeze for my partner!)  for completing the trail. I can’t even remember the last time I walked that much, and it’s always been on my bucket list to go on a proper big walk. I've always just been conscious of my CP and the challenges.

After a break and some lunch, we stumbled upon Hopukiore Lookout. At first glance, it looked like just a few stairs—no big deal, right? So I thought, "Let’s go!" But after the stairs, we were met with a deceivingly steep hill. Since we were already halfway there, I grabbed my partner’s hand and pushed through. And I’m so glad I did.

The view at the top was absolutely worth every step. Sweaty, tired, but accomplished—I had given my CP legs one hell of a workout that day.