KSL

I have a great friend who’s also a retired cheerleader. She has been reaching out to me about posting my methods of working out. Since it’s her birthday, I’ll grant that request. It might not be the best fitness advice you’ve ever received, but I’ll try my best– Happy Birthday, Amber!!!

Hehehehe, this is Amber. You can tell she’s stretchy and athletic, too.

I’m not too comfortable sharing my workouts or progress because I don’t know enough about the whole exercising thing– no judgements, please!!! The way I work out is what I think is best for me. However, Amber is very similar to my athletic ability, body type, and motivation because she’s also a national champion top girl transitioning into a normal, working adult (we’re winging it).

Here’s what I would tell Amber, but that can apply to others as well:

When I graduated college, the only exercises I consistently kept up with were stretching and handstands. I knew that stretching was super important (I still stretch everyday) and that I wanted to be able to hold a handstand forever. Although I did improve in those areas, this wasn’t enough to keep me in the shape I wanted to be in.

Disclaimer before moving on: Cheerleaders often have a skewed image of what it means to be in shape. My “out of shape” is not like most people in the world.

My worst physical shape (February, 2018) would have been ideal for a lot of people, but as a retired athlete I felt pressure from what I used to be. I decided then that I wanted to see the best possible version of myself– maintaining a tiny frame but also having defined muscles. My motivation stemmed from the naturally competitive person I’ve always been– if I am competitive in all aspects of life, why shouldn’t I use that drive to find my own fitness potential?

I bought a cheap Planet Fitness membership because I’ve never been a big class-taking person. I also never set a timeline (other than building indefinite habits) or a goal weight to achieve. I just want to be the best ksex that could ever exist.

I have no trouble getting myself to the gym every day because I only do workouts I enjoy, and I only change them once I get bored (or if things get too easy– same thing). I start with 30-45 minutes of cardio, either climbing 100+ floors on the stair machine or doing 2-3 miles on the treadmill, switching between half mile jogs/half mile inclines. Sometimes I’ll run a whole mile in between the inclines if I’m feeling frisky. I follow with the muscle stuff, switching between legs/arms/abs day. For leg day, I use machines in the stretching section. Arm day, I do pull ups/dips. For abs, I use the 10 lb circle weight on the decline bench and create a little circuit (don’t make fun of my terminology lol).

The only productive fitness advice I can tell you: 1. Cardio is important because you can’t target fat loss in specific areas. 2. Progress won’t happen until your eating habits improve. 3. Anda (US National Team trainer) would kill me if I do any squat exercises with my knees caving in!!!

I don’t know much about this whole exercising thing, but I started working out to build good habits for my future. We all start somewhere! It’s been working out well so far (8 months)– I’d say I’m almost in better shape than when I was as a college cheerleader.

Go out there, find your motivation, and get your butt moving on this beautiful day— aka my bestie’s birthday!!!!!

-fit ksex