It has been three months since my body was available to exercise. I do it at home so the pandemic will never stop me. My workout usually starts and ends with yoga, then HIIT and abs, plus a mix of arms, legs, and glutes, depending on the day.
A week ago, I decided to update my routine with weights! This is radical for me since I prefer bodyweight exercises over anything. The change proved refreshing. It gave me enough novelty and challenge to keep my workouts interesting.
Mainly, I enjoy HIIT because I have no time to be bored. That, or I need to jump around like crazy because I eat too much dessert. This is the current program I follow and I add a cardio plus side abs routine every other day just because I like this kind of exercise. This was the last program I did.
Three months in, I feel good, no injuries. I had a slight resurgence of irritation on my left wrist last month but I have adjusted successfully by avoiding direct weight bearing on my wrist. This means I do most floor exercises on my fists or forearms, like push-ups, planks, mountain climber variations and so on. It is not ideal, I have dark callouses on my knuckles, but I have decided to do it this way to avoid repeating my injury (I have a colorful history of injuries).
My physical activities take around 1 1/2 to 2 hours every day. Do not ask me how I find the time. I don’t. I make the time because this is important to me. Exercising clears my head, gets my blood moving, and keeps my spirits up. It is either murder or working out. Some days it is an easy choice, other times not so much.
On my off days, twice a week, I only do yoga to feel good. Restorative and Yin classes are the best!
If you are curious about my weight loss, unfortunately, I cannot report any numbers accurately because we do not own a scale, but this has never been the point. The improvements I measure by how light I feel doing the movements, my endurance, and stamina. I am happy about everything, since the movements are the same as with my HIIT exercises, only with weights this time and I am able to do it without hating myself.
How do you feel about exercise or sports and how are you going with your own workout routine?
Markus + Micah 
Thanks for the post! I need to add yoga to my routine
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The best news is it is easy to add yoga to a daily exercise routine. You can take 10 minute-classes up to an hour depending on your availability, and there are tons of free classes on YouTube from lovely yoga teachers. Good luck and welcome to our blog!
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Have to get back on track…I get going and it lasts a few weeks then I stop, but have to get started again and stay the course 🏊♀️🤸♀️🧗♀️⛹️♀️🤹♀️
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Yes! I think the most important thing is we try to get in there and do our best. Ups and downs are normal but it is the general trajectory that makes the difference. Cheering for you! What exercise are you doing now?
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Thank you ..I mostly ride my stationary bike, and started using my stick, ball and exercise bands…😊 ..appreciate the encouragement
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These sound fun! I hope you enjoy working out. When we feel like it is play, we become more excited to do it, right?
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I like doing exercises at the gym because there are different machines for that.
I have tried some yoga exercises as well, like 5 Tibetan Rites.
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Yes, everyone has a fit and what matters is we choose an exercise that we like and where we do it. Are gyms still open where you are?
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Yes, there’s a gym still open where I go to 🙂
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nearly 2 hours of home workouts a day? I admire your dedication, I would get too distracted to exercise that long at home. Nice name by the way!
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But it is so much fun to workout! Like I said, it is like play for me. And at home, I am less distracted than when there are people around. I know I would be talking to people or looking at beautiful men and women when I should be working out. Do you workout in the gym then or what is your routine? Nice name back at you! Thank you for visiting us and welcome to our blog. I clicked on your blog but found an error?
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I’ve been swimming 6 days a week for the past two months and its 30 minutes walk to the swimming centre so I’ve been doing great exercising. However, with the second lockdown announcement I’m devastated and trying to figure out ways to keep my fitness up so all my hard work doesnt go to waste.
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That sounds awesome! Your cardio must be super. Sorry to hear about the second lockdown. Is it bad again? What are your ideas on keeping up your fitness routine?
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It’s quite bad again – concerns about the health service not being able to cope. But lockdown is set to be 27 days so I was thinking about making a running target – maybe getting a bit further everyday? I hate running and especially in the cold but I’m feeling determined to not let the fitness go!
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I also hate running, but it is a good goal to try, especially because it helps breakthrough mental blocks. Really interested in learning how you go with this. Please let me know when you have started. Cheering for you.
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Super interesting post! I am truly impressed by the time you dedicated to exercising each day, and I wish I could do more than what I currently do (which is close to nothing so it shouldn’t be that hard 😂).
I also really love yoga and I try to stretch every day, even just a bit because my body needs it so much!
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Even a little bit counts! I find that many people do not start because they think they need to do it for an hour or something daily. I mean, if we maximize time and effort, five minutes would be enough and 10 minutes plenty! I would say it is all about progression and consistency. A little here and there would total to a lot, no?
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I totally agree! A little goes a long way, and even five minutes are better than none! 😊
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Yes, and so, I am cheering for you!
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I’m good with yoga. I practice 3 times a week.😍 And it really feels good after every practice. Nice post. Thanks for sharing..
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Agree! Yoga is such a treat. It always feels good in mind and body. Are you able to visit a studio or do you practice at home?
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Usually I practice after my office hours. When I’m stress at work it really helps.😉 How about you? You both travel + yoga?😊
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It does help a lot. There is no better way to relax the mind and body. How long have you been practicing? I practice everyday. If I don’t, I will be in trouble! I workout a lot, I suppose two hours is a lot, and yoga ensures I have zero aches and pains. Mainly, I do deep stretches since I already work a sweat from exercising. Yes, travel, yoga, retreats, plants, good food, and so on. We aim to live a good life.
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This really inspires me – to live a good life through travel, yoga, plants, good food. I practice yoga since 2017 but not that consistent because of my job and studies (Masters). This was the time I started my blog too. Yoga+Blog.😍 Only this time that I become consistent on the mat. And I enjoyed it very much. I’ve started to invite my friends to practice yoga too with me.😊
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Thank you. You seem to be on a good wave, too, balancing many things that you enjoy. Happy to hear you have a regular practice now. It does make a big difference, no? My brain fog usually lifts after. And yes, there is nothing like practicing with people that we like. It is so much fun. Actually, this is one of the things I enjoy most about teaching wellness retreats. The people are just so beautiful.
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So you are both teaching wellness retreats? This must be good. When I can’t practice yoga, it seems like my body is heavy, tired.😁 I’ll become moody and sensitive. Haha
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Yes, we do retreats here and in Bali. We incorporate yoga with philosophy, science, and spirituality to help participants focus on creating a life you love, connecting with the present, and inviting more joy and calm in life in practical ways. I think before the pandemic we have done 10. You can see some photos from our retreats on Ig @thrivingliferetreat. And I totally understand, it is like we have a brain fog when we do not get to practice. It is worse when we are already stressed everywhere else!
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This is Nice. I’d love to join your retreats someday soon. Am I qualified, by the way? Haha.. you do retreats for teachers? Or students?😍
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Of course, our retreats are for everyone. We get participants from everywhere and all ages, too. It is a unique experience, and we are very proud of it. The feedback always humbles us. Our retreat this year was supposed to be in Bali in May but the pandemic cancelled it. Hopefully next year!
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❤️❤️❤️ Bali is a good place too for retreats.
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Oh, we love Bali. And it is a joy to show people the Bali we know. It is so different from what tourists experience. There is just a magic about it that helps you connect more.
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That’s good!😍😍😍 Bali is a paradise. I saw it through YouTube and the place is so inspiring and motivating.😊
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Yes, the island is big though. We always stay in Ubud. We like the slow vibe and our friends are there. Markus has seen most of Bali but I have only been to Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu.
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Ah okay.😍 Good for Markus.
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You are amazing! I need to start a routine!
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Thank you, Diane. I think it is useful for us to exercise so we can keep eating lovely food! What do you think? I mean, if you give me a tub of your cream cheese frosting I just might eat it all.
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Hahahaha I would be happy too!
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I always have a hard time working out at home, having gotten used to doing it in a gym my whole life. I do think with how the pandemic has been growing, I’ll have to reorganize myself to do it from home going forward. Thank you for sharing! 😀
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I see what you mean. Yes, I have seen some people transition and even set up their home exercise space. It can be fun, especially if you are really looking for a sweat. Or just workout in open spaces. Thank you for sharing and welcome to our blog!
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I stretch every morning and use resistance bands twice a day. I skipped only once in three months because the routine is so quick. John and I walk six days a week, 2.5 miles a day. This is nothing compared to what you do, but it works for me.
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Your muscles may be rounder than mine, Anne. I rarely do resistance, except with this current routine. Haha! I read that resistance training is key to muscle health. How are you enjoying your walks now that it is colder?
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We like cooler weather, preferring to add layers of clothing to sweltering. Still having our winter coats from New York means cold temperatures don’t stop us. We don’t walk in ice, rain, or deep snow.
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Enjoy your walks and the beauty of the turning landscape! I can only imagine how pretty it is.
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Being outdoors is a treat in October.
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I love restorative yoga too ❤
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It is the best, isn’t it? I feel like I am giving myself a treat every time I do it. In the past, I did power yoga and vinyasas but now I just do restoratives all the time. Haha!
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I need to resume….I have been in and off but I know I always feel better after exercising.
Your post reminded me to try again.
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It is hard to regret an exercise, right? What do you usually do? I hope you try again, even for a few minutes. Cheering for you!
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HIIT is definitely fun! It’s always been my preference for exactly the same reason!
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I keep thinking we can do a lot together – looking at plants, eating, and working out. I never get bored with HIIT, plus we can do it at home anytime. Always a plus! Do you like exercising at home or at the gym?
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You’re right! I think we’d be really good friends in real life and not just in the virtual world. My husband is talking about going back to the Philippines on vacation so if that happens I’ll def reach out!
As for working out, I do prefer doing it at home because I don’t feel like anyone is watching and it forces me to be creative with what I have 😅
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Looking forward! We will make sure we are here to meet you. Your husband has been in The Ph before? I agree with working out at home. There is no pressure. Just that it is up to us to get ourselves on the mat, which is not always easy.
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Yess!!! That was the first place we traveled to as a couple 😊 our favourite places were Legazpi and El Nido 😍
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Oh, that is super cute! Good memories? Why did you choose The Ph?
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Kuddos to you!!! 👏👏👏👏
❤️ Cindy
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Thank you, Cindy. What else do you do apart from yoga?
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life coaching, personal training, I teach boot camp, hike, lift weights, Qigong, tai chi..
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You are busy! Qigong sounds super interesting.
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I am!!! it’s all good and now writing a lot too!!! ❤️🤗
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Yes, best wishes. You are inspiring, Cindy. You show that this time can be good, too, if we are intentional.
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Thanks so much!!! I appreciate your kind comment!❤️
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Oh thank you so much and so are you!!!! This is such a true statment!!!! Thanks and have a great day!❤️
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Can’t wait to read more about your weight training experience! I’ve always been a cardio + HIIT kind of a gal – that has worked really well for me in the past but I understand that weight training has a lot of benefits too.
I’ve slowed down on my workout the last month mainly because I used to workout in the evening post work and work got hectic again. But the past 10 days I’ve begun working out in the morning and I’m excited to see how that goes. 😊
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I am doing Chloe Ting’s Get Fit Challenge. This is the one with weights and it is actually fun! Not too deadly and the moves are the same as the cardio ones just with weights. I am not complaining at all. Maybe you can try it, too? I hope your work eases soon. And it is interesting that you workout at night. It does not interfere with your sleep?
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Micah, your body is in great shape, but do you do any other workouts other yoga? If this is all yoga, then count me in 🙂
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Thank you. I can assure you weight loss and muscle strengthening and toning can happen only with yoga if you pick the right classes. Have you tried yoga before? With me, I do yoga plus HIIT and full body work. I enjoy exercising for its mental health benefits.
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That’s right!
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Maybe give it a try and see what happens. Always curious.
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I do yoga every now and again, but unfortunately, I am not consistent .:)
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Every now and again is a start, no? Do you feel nice when you practice?
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when I manage to find the time to exercise I can totally feel the difference in how I am approaching my day: either in the morning or during lunch time, it helps me feel less overwhelmed about my day! well done you for being consistent!
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Yes, exercising definitely brings sunshine. Also it is nice to eat after!
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definitely! 🙂
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I wish I had your youth! I’d love to touch my toes again 😂. However, I still have a morning exercise routine which gets me ready for the day. Mostly stretches and moves to help my old creaking back! It takes about 15-20 minutes and if I add a meditation then another 10-15 minutes. Many years ago I did Tai Chi which I should have continued with but with a very busy life, I just kept putting it off. For me, the most important thing is to stay mobile and as well as my morning routine I do like to walk. I find walking so uplifting!
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I agree, it is all about mobility, and finding opportunities to move. I would wager that if you practice yoga every day you can touch your toes again. I like your routine, Tai Chi also sounds good. And walking is always a good idea! I imagine it is nicer now with the landscape turning.
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Right, a walk it is. Hat and gloves on and I’m off! Talk again soon Micah 😊
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Why don’t you own a scale? Don’t you think it’s necessary? or is there a secret behind it? 😀
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The only scale I have is for baking. Does that count? Haha. I just do not see any use for it. I suppose if I was trying to lose weight then I could step on one and check. But I am not and I like exercising every day for fun. I think if you are consistent, you will see changes in about two months? I am happy if I feel lighter and can do more without dying. These are more important gains for me and not exactly numbers on the scale.
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I see, I thought there’s like a training that you follow that discourages the person to check on their weight every so often hence the absence of a scale.
I agree, apart from feeling lighter, I also notice my shoulder blades getting more pointed and my cheekbones start becoming more prominent (same when I gain weight) — I do not need a scale either, but living with someone who is obsessed with weight loss, we always have one available.
You know, I realized I’ve followed your micah blog since my old handle.. I was managing my followed sites based on date followed and yours is in between those still active blogs I’ve followed in 2015.
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I agree, there are many markers. Also it can be demotivating when we obsess on the numbers. Easier to just do it for the sake of doing it, right? You mean Micah Does blog? How cool! A lifetime ago. What was your blog then? We are meant to be, no?
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Yes that one! Hahaha could be! I am meant to find you… i don’t think you followed me because my blog back then was relatively new in WordPress (i used to be in blogger) … and back then, my blogfriends were 12 year olds! Promise! We played in tapatalk for ages! I enjoyed their youth. This blog used to be called genesisthe1st.com (lol uso pa si sofiathe1st)
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It is fun to be blogfriends with all ages, I understand it. Not sure if I followed many bloggers on that blog. Mainly I just wrote there. It lasted only a year, I think. Haha. Different life. Really glad we found each other at this time. Appreciate the blog friendship. Thank you.
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Thanks! ❤ ❤
I agree! They are the cutest!!!
Oh I didnt realize it only lasted for a year?!!! You've got a cult following!!! 😀 😀 😀
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Cult following? You are always so generous to me. I cannot remember exactly but I do not think it was very long, but I did and still do, appreciate all the people that I came across with on that blog. Many times I thought about telling them I am blogging again here, just that I do not know what will happen since that was a lifetime ago. What do you think?
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You have 2600 plus followers on that blog that lived for a year haha! And they are not ghost followers, they are actual readers and they communicate with you / and each other… it’s a gift!
LOL. I was told by my sisters that I love hot takes! Hahaha. But regardless of my hot takes, I tell the truth. 😀
I believe they’d be happy to know you’re back.
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Haha. Thank you, they are lovely people. I do not know why I got so lucky. I honestly just wrote for myself, especially on that blog, I just wrote what I did every day. Maybe I will revisit that space, we will see. I am curious. Thank you for your encouragement. It is nice to remember these things. What is hot takes?
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Google defines it as noun /
plural noun: hot takes
a piece of commentary, typically produced quickly in response to a recent event, whose primary purpose is to attract attention.
She says everything I say is a hot take but I never meant to be like that… I am literally like that haha. But I always mean what I say.
I still visit it every so often… I feel like I can get to know you better through that…
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Like a controversial comment? Yes, I am sure there are still fun stuff there. It has not been that long but it honestly feels like that was from a different lifetime.
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Somehow like that… haha
I guess the past 4 years went by really fast for most of us… were you still single back then?
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Time does fly by. When I think about it, I wonder if we are all just children with more responsibilities. Yes, I met Markus in 2017 and we were a couple after a year and a half? Not sure exactly but something like this. I told him you knew my second blog and he thought it was cool.
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Oh I see, that must have kept you busy 😀 😀 😀
We are in fact kids with more responsibilities. I have that same thought whenever I bring Brook in Kidzoona (those kinds of places where kids act as adults / workers) I always think that we’re basically like them… roleplaying… but can seriously get evicted 😀
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Haha. I still travel and train a lot even if I am no longer single. I still eat a lot but my diet has changed. I suppose if I tell my self then we would not be eating any more chicken wings in the future, it would be unbelievable. You know what, I wish someone told me as a child that adults are not perfect and they also struggle like kids or everyone else. I have a feeling it would give me a better view of life sooner.
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Naku, if I’d known that back then, I would be a less angry child… with no resentment at all, haha.
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Yes, and we would grow up not as confused. Haha!
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If your wrists are giving you problems, perhaps get some of those floor hand grips — designed for pushups but can be used for other stuff too. Think the gripping action activates the musculature in the arm better too…but that’s a guess!
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Aha, thank you very much. I will look into this. I do a wrist stretch routine every time but I might have developed wrist tendonitis over the years. If it gets irritated, I do not really have a fun time. How do you workout?
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Yeah wrists are worth looking after! My workouts aren’t much…got a chin up bar and a few kettlebells…+ a couple of runs a week. That’s enough for me!
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Chin up bar sounds cool! You do pull-ups, too? Man, I envy you runners! When do you run and have you always liked it?
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Never serious running but 5k runs a few times a week keep things ticking over
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Ah yes, you have told me before. I wish I can find the motivation to run like you! Are there many parks to run in there?
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I think so, but being Hong Kong it’s a bit limited. Back in NZ is much, much better of course. At least we’re near the beach so it’s not too bad!
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You are from NZ originally? We meant to come to HK last year but messed our flights so we were just in Macau. I read a blogger say you can surf in HK and I did not know that before.
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Yes, from NZ. Surfing in Hong Kong? Never heard of that. The local surf at the beach is non-existent. Maybe during a typhoon you could give it a go!
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I was also surprised. I will try to find that blog post again. Not that I am big into surfing, just that it was a fascinating info to learn.
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Perhaps could be out on the other side of HK…they may have surf there on a good day.
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I also work out from home and have been doing that for most of my life. I have a collection of DVDs and online videos. I do mostly cardio but have starting doing more weights over the last few months.
I usually work out in the morning. It gets me moving for the day. Having a well established home workout routine is something I’ve been very grateful for during the pandemic. I’ve been able to step things up and lose some weight while everyone else complains about puting on weight. 😀
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Oh wow, so happy to hear! Do you do stretches or any yoga at all? Yes, I did hear about the quarantine 15 and all that. I suppose we can all choose how we spend this lockdown and cope in whatever way works for us. Apart from working out, how do you fill your days this pandemic time?
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Yes. All my my workout DVDs include stretches and I do some yoga as well. I’m keeping busy with work. I’m lucky to work from home full-time and my job is crazy busy right now, which helps to pass the time.
I’m also writing lots of blog posts! LOL
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Good to hear! Yoga is really yummy for the body, isn’t it? And we are definitely luckier than most, able to work from home and doing meaningful things.
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First thing in the morning for me is intense running and then a cold shower
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In the lake? Actually do you do this even in the winter? Intense running sounds, well, intense. Really admire you. What is your daily distance? When I was actively training muay thai, I chose to skip rope for forever than run. I just could not get myself to do it.
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In the shower early in the morning and in the lake after work….I work by the lake 60 km away from home
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Always impressive. I know many people do not even bother showering in the colder months!
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I visited Finland a couple times and I met people who carve a hole in the frozen lake and swim in it
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Yes, crazy. I know a guy from Finland who does this, too. How is this a thing. Haha!
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Winter swimming in Italy pales in comparison…
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Exercising is so important, and there is so many ways you can exercise. I exercise in the morning, that is when my energy is high. If I don’t exercise four days a week, my body feels terrible. Great post. God Bless.
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What kind of exercise do you do? I agree, it is an easy way to feel good! Some days, I do not feel like exercising but I am always happy I did it. There is no exercise I regret.
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