Workouts

For a long time, I believed that having a rigid training plan was the only way to make progress. I clung to my workouts like a lifeline. Every set, every rep, every rest day was accounted for. If I missed a workout, I felt off. Like I’d lost control. Like I wasn’t doing enough. Back then, structure gave me something I craved: progress, purpose, identity. It helped me build a consistent habit, see measurable results, and feel like I was doing things “right.” But over time, something shifted. Fitness stopped being a thing I did and became a part of who I am. Now? I train hard — but I don’t obsess. I move daily, not because I’m chasing a specific goal, but because movem…

Hint: It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Let’s be honest: even when you love fitness (like I do), you’re going to get bored sometimes. You’ll wake up and feel meh about your workout. You’ll go through the motions. You’ll wonder if something’s wrong with you — or if you just need to switch it all up completely. I get it. I’ve been there too. But here’s what I’ve learned after a decade of training, competing, and showing up no matter what: Boredom isn’t a red flag. It’s part of the process. Why Boredom Happens — Even When You Love Training Most people start working out because they want change. They’re excited. Motivated. They’re chasing a goal, a version of…

There was a time in my life when all I wanted to talk about was fitness. I was obsessed. I read every book and study I could get my hands on. I tracked my workouts, filmed my progress, and poured my energy into building a brand around movement. I wanted to be a “fitness person” — not just for myself, but because I thought that if I could prove I was disciplined and inspiring enough, maybe I’d finally feel worthy. Fitness gave me structure when everything else in my life felt messy. It helped me survive. And I’ll always be grateful for that. But lately, I’ve noticed something strange: I don’t feel the same urge to talk about it all the time. Don’t get me wrong — I stil…

I started working out after college with my very first push-up—and I haven’t stopped since. Since then, I’ve trained through just about every phase: calisthenics, boxing, circus arts, gymnastics, and now, jiu-jitsu. My interests have shifted. My body has changed. But one thing has stayed the same: I want to be the best athlete I can be, for as long as I can. And I actually want to enjoy it along the way. You can plan for longevity, no matter your sport or training style. You don’t need to peak at 25. You don’t have to slow down just because you hit 35, or 45, or beyond. Here are 7 lessons that have helped me keep going—and might help you, too. 1. The Little Things Ar…

If you’ve ever skipped a workout because you “just weren’t feeling it,” you’re not alone. It’s easy to think that motivation is the secret to consistency. That people who train regularly must be naturally driven, disciplined, or hyped up all the time. But the truth is, most of us — yes, even seasoned athletes and coaches — don’t always feel like working out. Motivation is great when it’s there. But you don’t need it to move. In fact, building a habit around movement has much more to do with identity, structure, and action than it does with how inspired you feel. Here’s what to focus on instead: 1. Stop Waiting for Motivation—Start Building Momentum Motivation is fle…

Growing up, I believed I just wasn’t athletic. I wasn’t the fastest kid in gym class. I didn’t make the sports teams. I was “average,” and I figured that was just how I was built—some people were naturally athletic, and I just wasn’t one of them. What no one told me back then is that athleticism isn’t fixed. That effort changes everything. That with enough consistency, I could actually get stronger, faster, more coordinated—and yes, more athletic. I wish I’d known then what I know now: you are never stuck where you are. Most of us have heard of the concept of a growth mindset—the belief that you can improve with effort and time. But when it comes to fitness, people te…

15 years into training, and I still get excited when I see a pull-up bar. There’s something magical about calisthenics. No gym required. No machines. Just you, your body, and gravity — in a random park or parking structure or wherever you can hang and move. And honestly? It’s fun. I just love feeling strong, free, and capable — especially when I’m traveling. That’s why I’m always hunting for new calisthenics parks, especially in different cities. (Bonus points if they’re outdoors with a good view.) Here’s one of my go-to quick sessions when I find a new park. Try it out and let me know how it goes! Here’s a quick video to see it in action: The Workout: Full-Body…

Fifteen years of working out, and short, efficient workouts are still the foundation of everything I do. In fact, 12 Minute Athlete was built on this exact idea: that you don’t need a gym, fancy equipment, or an hour-long workout to get strong, fit, and confident in your body. You just need a little time, some focused effort, and a willingness to keep showing up. This approach has carried me through busy seasons, injuries, travel, and countless life changes—and I know it’s done the same for thousands of others in this community. Because the truth is, most people don’t have hours to spend training every day. And even if you do, it’s often not the amount of time that mat…

Fifteen years. That’s how long I’ve been training—through injuries, life changes, burnout, breakthroughs, and everything in between. And here’s the truth: I have no plans to stop. Yes, I train seriously. I compete in jiu-jitsu, and I push myself hard. But I don’t do it for the medals or the accolades—I do it because I love it. Because it makes me feel alive, strong, capable, and grounded. And more than anything, I want to keep doing the things I love—like rolling, handstands, hiking, adventuring—for as long as I possibly can. Movement Is a Long Game Somewhere along the way, I realized that fitness isn’t just about the here and now—it’s about the long haul. It’s about l…

Let’s be real: most people start working out because they want to look better. I get it. When I first started working out after college, that was my main motivation too. And hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s a great thing to feel confident in your body. But what I’ve learned since then is that the real magic of consistent exercise has way less to do with your abs—and way more to do with how you feel, think, and show up in your life. If you’ve ever finished a workout and felt more grounded, more clear-headed, more confident—you know what I’m talking about. And if you’re struggling to stay consistent, it might help to remember what you’re actually getting out …