My Updated Fitness Routine – What’s Actually Working

I’ve worked hard to develop a fitness routine that’s intentional, results-driven, and sustainable. This is what’s working for me right now:

I’ve worked hard to develop a fitness routine that’s intentional, results-driven, and sustainable. I’m not following a single “expert” plan – I’ve read, watched, and tried enough to know that every body responds differently, so be sure to keep the same in mind for yourselves. With that, this is what’s working for me right now:

Cardio with Purpose: 12-3-30

I’ve been doing the 12-3-30 treadmill workout twice a week, and it’s changed the way I approach cardio. If you haven’t heard of it, the trend started when creator Lauren Giraldo shared her routine: walking at a 12% incline, 3 mph, for 30 minutes. It’s simple but forces me to work up a sweat without the burnout of long, aimless runs. For me, the real win is the intentionality – I commit to those two days, and I actually look forward to them.

Resistance Training: Less is More

I’ve moved away from trying to cram 10+ exercises into a single session. Instead, I focus on 2–4 movements for either upper or lower body, done 2–4 times a week. The goal? Reps to failure and progressive overload – whatever “heavy” means for me that day. Typically, I hit failure in 6–7 reps; if I can do 12 without breaking form, it’s time to add weight.

Right now, I’m building stability and strength in my lower body. My staples:

Leg Press (once per week)
Glute Work (three times per week), including:
- Straight-leg kickbacks with ankle weights
- Barbell hip thrusts
- Optional moves to choose from: Bulgarian split squats, cable pull-throughs, sumo deadlifts, step-ups, banded side walks

I owe some of this glute programming inspiration to @thelabootybuilder on Instagram – worth a follow if you like no-nonsense lifting content.

Mobility, Length, and Power

To balance the lifting, I mix in bursts of pool sprints for low-impact HIIT and Pilates to lengthen muscles and improve mobility. I’ve noticed these sessions keep my hips looser and my recovery smoother. If you’re interested in learning even more about my routine, check out my “Let’s Get Physical” blog.

Pilates abroad — My friend, Cindy, and I getting a Pilates workout in (even while traveling abroad)!

Movement Outside the Gym

The most underrated habit I maintain: walking for at least 10 minutes after every meal. It’s small, it’s simple, but it’s done wonders for digestion and keeping my daily step count up without forcing “extra” workouts. This routine isn’t about chasing perfection – it’s about staying consistent with fewer, more targeted moves and letting those compound over time.