I was skinny for most part of my life and I could eat anything and everything but never gained weight, so I never even thought about exercising, though sport had always been part of my school life. I was an athlete from primary school through high school. I ran long distance races, I did high jump, long jump and swimming, so I never had serious weight issues.
Things started ‘falling apart’ when I turned 30 though. I started gaining weight easily and It felt like even just looking at food made me gain weight, so I seriously considered incorporating workouts in my daily routine. I started running though not consistently in the beginning.

My colleague introduced me to INSANITY WORKOUT, created by fitness trainer, Shaun T but I didn’t like it because it was too intense and long (60 Minutes). After one trial, I told Christine, I wasn’t going to do It again because the following day I was walking like a duck. She then suggested I try Focus T25 created by Shaun T too . It’s a10-week high intensity workout program and Its only 25 minutes. Its less intense but intense enough to make you sweat buckets….I was instantly hooked and I love It! Its become my go-to workout next to Max 30, (shorter version of Insanity) and I’ve done a few rounds of T25 and I am actually on It now for the 100th time :-). I always do either T25 or Max 30 from fall through winter because even though I love running, I don’t enjoy running in the freezing temperatures, so I opt for indoor workouts.

If you looking for a workout that will guarantee results in a short time, T25 is the one for you, It really works if you are consistent.
The most important thing is to find something you like. We all can’t run, do insanity, skip or swim, find something you enjoy doing, something that will become part of your daily routine.
why do I work out?
- I work out for weight loss
- I work out because I love my body and I want to take care of it
- Working out improves my mood
- Exercise helps strengthen my body
- It helps to keep my brain active
- It improves the health of my skin
- It helps improve my sleep quality
- It energizes and rejuvenate me
- It lowers my stress levels
- Exercising regularly also helps to keep chronic diseases a bay
- I want to look younger than my age 🙂
- working out keeps me sane
What I don’t do:
- I don’t starve myself, I eat everything I want but in moderation.
- I don’t count calories but I do portion control
- I don’t believe in denying myself yummy things like ice cream, a cookie, cake or chocolate, If I feel like eating any of that, I eat it BUT I know I have to run a 5km the next day or workout.
- I don’t compare myself to anyone, Its my journey, I am doing this on my own for myself, It’s not a race,
- I don’t do something because everyone is doing it, I do what I like and what works for me.
- I don’t do quick fixes, I prefer to so something sustainable because fitness is a life style. Fade diets can do more harm than good to your body. Skinny is not the goal, fit is.
- I don’t comment on people’s weight whether skinny or big because its a very sensitive topic unless they ask my opinion.
What I try to do to stay healthy:
- Drink a lot of water
- Exercise at least three times a day
- Eat balanced healthy meals
- Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep
- Try to avoid stress (though sometimes its unavoidable)
- I listen to my body…I know my body can handle anything but I don’t push It when I feel exhausted, I rest when I feel need it because resting is part of the fitness program.

I hope this motivates you to do even a 20-minute walk everyday.
Thank you for this post! I definitely need to start working out more.
xx Sara
sararentas.wixsite.com/blog/
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You are welcome! Thanks for taking you time to read it. I appreciate your feedback
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Honestly, this is such a helpful post. I really need to start exercising. Thank you for sharing your personal tips! 🙂
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Hi Mal, I am glad you found it helpful. Start as soon as you can..
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You are very welcome😊
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aside from making time to workout, water and avoiding stress are the hardest for me. mom of 3 going on 4, all 6 and under! Its crazy but I need to take care of me to take care of them!
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Exactly! You need some ‘Me Time’ to recharge. Even taking a long walk alone helps a great deal…’you can’t pour from an empty cup’. Put yourself first sometimes is not being selfish…I had to learn that..
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I could have written this blog! I was skinny my whole life too and kids and age changed that. Like you, I LOVE beachbody products! Have you done any of Chalene Johnson’s? I love TurboFire and Chalene Extreme. Your tips are great! Love your discipline.
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Age has a funny way of changing things in our lives but we can still take control. I am glad my tips are helpful. I thought people will think I lack discipline and self control lol. No I’ve never tried them. How is TurboFire?
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Thank you for this. I resonate with your experience that with age, metabolism slows down. I love that you have such a healthy and balanced way to look at weight. So much of our culture values being slim, but I prefer to think of health as feeling good and have a balance of physical and emotional and spiritual health.
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Exactly! Thank you so much! I appreciate your interaction
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I was skinny my whole life and feel like I gained fat all over the day I turned 30! Ever since then it’s been a struggle between being happy with who I am and thinking I should change.
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Wow! I didn’t realise that so many of us are struggling with this. I’ve been yo-yoing on the same weight for a while but I’ve decided I am not going to stress about it but do what I can to lead a healthy lifestyle. I don’t want to be skinny but the love handles need to go lol
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I’ve heard only positive things about t25 workouts!
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Hi Erin, its really great, you should give it a try
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I love this post! I’m the same, now I’m in my 30s, I’m not overweight but I gain weight easier. I’m going to look into that. I downloaded an app recently which lets me choose 10, 20, 40 min workouts. I also try and incorporate short yoga sessions. I can’t afford a gym but there is heaps we can do at home now with the power of apps!
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Hi Stephanie, thank you so much for your comment. Please do and the workouts on Apps are great too, I have a few too. I also don’t remember the last time I was in a gym because they are expensive and I feel the time I would use to go and come back from would take longer than a T25 workout video lol
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haha even looking at food made you gain weight, that’s funny.
http://www.thecozyme.com
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😂😂 It feels that way lol
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What is it about turning 30 that changes everything overnight?! That happened to me too, and I wish I’d appreciated my metabolism while I still had it. This is a great post, and you keep rocking it!
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I wish I knew lol. Its a mystery huh! Thank you so much for making time to read my post
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Thank you for this helpful post and am going to start working out 💪 as you have motivated me. Super proud of you 😍😍😍😍😍
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Yaaay! I am glad you are motivated to start working out👏👏👏👏👏
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I am super happy too as I know have been behind in that but now fitness must come it into my regime 💪💪💪💪
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Its important 😉
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I actually started working out a month after having my son back in September. I like how you are motivated to work out, but you aren’t comparing yourself to anyone. I am bad about judging myself and my accomplishments on how I wish I would look. Great read!
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Thank you so much for making time to read my post. Just remember you are doing it for and your journey
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Love this!! I’m a huge insanity fan, i’ve done 3 rounds! But yes! Totally agree with you on the reasons to workout!!
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Oh really? That’s great! Don’t you just love Shaun T? Lol
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I sure do! He’s my favorite!
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Mine too
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I do 20-30 min walks when I’m at work and on a break but that’s it. I plan on getting back in some more exercise really soon. Thanks for the reminder and the reasons!
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You are welcome! If you do the walks everyday, that’s already good but extra cardio would be good to. All the best!
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Great post Dee! I am glad I got you hooked to Shaun T 🙂 Keep at it… you look amazing 🙂
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Thanks Tuts!
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Thats a comprehensive list of reason why to work out….
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Thank you
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You are so right about working out. I have recently started working out and even though I find it hard on most days but I know its going to be beneficial in the long run! 🙂
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Yeah. Its important to include working our in a daily routine
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Lately I’ve been trying different workout routines to break the monotony. At first I was only running, know I incorporate other exercises to stay on my feet and engaged in physical activities. Great post!
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I do the same thing. I run most in spring and summer and in winter when it’s too cold to run, I do indoor workouts switching it up does help to keep yourself motivated. Thanks for reading
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Oh gosh, this is so true. When I was in college I had youth plus a great metabolism on my side. Then as I got into my 20s and late 20s there went the metabolism. Paired with a sit-down job, I’ve put on some weight over the years. I need to start making exercise a priority in my life. To lose weight and be healthy.
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You need to make exercise part of your routine. If you can, do it in the morning before work.
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I love a good workout! You feel kinda invincible as your sweating away! I try to workout 4-5 times a week and use different Programs. I like variety. Great post!
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Oh yes! Same here. I love it when the sweat blinds me after a good workout lol
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Wow! This is really a motivating post. I love to stay fit but my inconsistency doesn’t allows me. I feel energetic after reading your post. Thanks for sharing. I am going to give it a shot.
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I am glad you like the post and that it energised you. Thank you for making time to read my post. Give it a try. Including exercise in your daily routine is important
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