Is there anything better than ending the week feeling strong and accomplished? We don't really think so - enter, Fitness Fridays. We're making a weekly Instagram Live date with our community to tune in, have fun, and break a sweat. And you're invited!
Los Angeles-based fitness trainer Shantani Moore brought the heat to our inaugural Fitness Fridays IG Live with her 30-Minute Yoga Barre class - you can catch the workout here now. We caught up with Shantani about all things wellness, and she shared how she maintains daily healthy habits with her busy schedule. Get a peek into her life and read her 8 tips for creating healthy habits below!
Healthy Habit #1: Wake up early
I usually wake up around 5:00AM! I actually really like how quiet everything is early in the morning, even on my days off. It's nice to take my time in the morning and get myself in the right headspace for the day.
Healthy Habit #2: Start your day with mindfulness
I always start my day with some sort of mindfulness or meditation practice. Sometimes, I make it to meditation nook for a full practice, but sometimes I just take a few deep breaths before I get out of bed. Regardless, I always take a couple minutes to start the day off mindfully. Then I'll, shower, get ready, make a protein shake, and most likely head out to teach my first virtual or outdoor workout!
Healthy Habit #3: Don't skip breakfast
Typically, I'll start the day with a protein shake. It's quick, easy, and I have a sweet tooth so I can easily hit those cravings with the right recipe! I'll try adding different things to them. Have you tried adding basil or mint to your protein shakes? Try it. IT'S. SO. GOOD. Depending on how much time I have, it gets pretty creative! It's fun to try to invent different recipes and very rarely does it ever disappoint.
Healthy Habit #4: Create a to-do list to stay organized
I usually teach a workout class in the morning, so that's usually the first "to-do" on the list. After that, I'll either have a private client sessions or virtual workout session via ZOOM or IG. From that I'm usually STARVING so I'll pick up something or head home for that. I've been making it a point to make FaceTime dates during lunch to catch up with friends, since it can tough to find time to connect. I'll spend the rest of the day prepping workouts, sending emails, hosting meetings, etc. before I catch my personal PM workout for the night.
Healthy Habit #5: Refuel consistently throughout the day
Lunch tends to be around 12 or 1 and it tends to be my largest meal. I'm usually coming out of a few morning sessions so I cannot WAIT for lunch to roll around. It's usually a salad or bowl, or tacos. I. LOVE. TACOS.
This healthy tip is often overlooked but very important. Maybe it sounds silly, but even on days when I'm not working out heavily, I vastly underestimate how many calories it takes to run in and out of meetings, prep content, and all the other "non-physical" things I do for my job. It can be easy to forget the little things like simply hydrating or a grabbing a snack when you're running around. It's about keeping the steady flow of energy coming into you when you're spending all day putting it out, because once the wall hits you...it can be REALLY tough to bounce back. Sometimes, all it takes is some lemon water and a quick snack and I'm amazed at how much better I feel!
Healthy Habit #6: Keep healthy snacks on hand so you make smart choices
I love veggies with hummus or almond butter. I also LOVE the Thai-Chili Cashews from Trader Joe's. The spicy help me to cut cravings and keeps me from eating the whole bag (sometimes)!
Healthy Habit #7: Reset when you need to
My healthy tip for staying motivated on an "off" day: take three deep breaths at any moment that you need to reset. Deep breathing is scientifically proven to soothe your stress, and yet I think we take it for granted sometimes. We're so eager to force the "good" day that we sometimes make it worse. Give yourself permission to take moments of pause and feel what you need to feel. It could be before going into a meeting, before you make the phone call, before you start the car to drive away, etc. It's important to acknowledge how you're feeling on those "off" days. Once you acknowledge the "off-ness," you'll probably find yourself feeling freed up to simply do the next best thing in that moment. This could be just enough to allow you to find the motivation to keep your day going!
Healthy Habit #8: Set aside time to wind down in the evening
I like to take a hot shower, make some tea, and sit with Passion Planner to prep for the next day. If I feel called to do so, I might sit for a quick mindful moment or meditation. I've also been really working on giving myself a sort of "social media curfew" so I can start to power down for the evening. I'll make a quick post to end the night and then be done with it for the day. It doesn't always happen, but when I hold myself accountable it help me unplug and knock out pretty quickly. 
Bonus Round! Get to know more about Shantani with a little Q&A:
Bikini or one piece?
Honestly, it depends on my mood! Last summer I was all about one pieces...this summer all about the 'kini!
Dream travel destination?
I don't know why, but there's something about Barcelona that is calling to me and has been for the last few years. I'd love to start there with my backpack and see how far I can get through Europe!
Favorite type of workout right now?
BOUNCE (rebounding/trampoline cardio). From my very first class, I fell in love with this workout and know I had to teach it. It is unlike any other modality I have ever taught or taken. It's so good for your external body, internal organs, and even your mental health! It's one of my favorite ways to get a good sweat. Plus...IT'S SO FUN!
Favorite recipe right now?
I always love a good Mediterranean Sweet Potato. Roasted chickpeas, veggies, and yummy DIY lemon tahini situation on top. I found the recipe on Minimalist Baker and make it my own. So good!
What's your "L" right now?
LISTENING. I used to try to push through chaos without take the time to listen to what my heart/body/mind really needs. When life gets hard, the answers and solutions are usually quite obvious, but we don't like the answers so we don't listen or respond accordingly. Why do we do this to ourselves? I have made a promise to myself this year to listen more closely to my gut and make choices that bring me more ease. As simple as it is, it's not easy when most of us have been socialized to make decisions based off of other people's wants and opinions. Listen to your intuition. Listen to your gut. Do what makes you happy, and everything else will fall into place.
You can follow Shantani on Instagram here!
And check out her online Bounce classes here!