If you have been following my blog, you've seen my #WWMW series. Check them out by clicking here. Today, I'd like to share with you guys how I changed up my workout routine and how I modified it to still fit a workout into my schedule!

Usually, I go to the gym four to five times a week and I lift and do some cardio (and I mean minimal). Throughout my board studying time, I found that if I did that amount and type of working out, I got way too tired and too sore and didn't make time to recover. So what did I do to change it up?

1. I did more cardio. SAY WHAT?! If you know me, I don't like cardio. But I know it's needed. So, what I did sometimes was I got on the treadmill, and either watched some videos (Sketchy, DIT, Pathoma) or did some questions, or flashcards.

2. I did more yoga. I actually really love yoga and have failed to incorporate it into my workout routine, which led to slower recovery. I'm notoriously bad at giving myself adequate time to stretch and rehab my muscles, so I'm definitely glad that I incorporated more yoga during this time (and will be doing more of it from now on). My favorite to do is Yoga With Adriene on the good 'ol YouTube. She has so many different options, as well as different lengths of videos. So if I only have time for a quick yoga sesh, I go for a 10-15 minute one! Also, this was one of my favorites to do: 10-minute Yoga For Self-Care

3. HIIT Sessions. So I did these a few times during board-study period and WOWZA. If you want to sweat, get your HR up, and get some endorphins flowing DO THIS. I just made it up as I went really but here's a quick sequence I did.
- Warm up speed walk on treadmill (5 mins)
- Kettlebell swings - 15 reps
- Air squats - 15 reps
- Knee Tucks on Bosu ball - 15 reps
- Alternating toe taps (plank formation, with feet on Bosu ball, alternate taps OFF the Bosu ball) - 15 reps each side
REPEAT this for 3 times, with 1 min rest in between.

4. Recovery with Pranamat. What is Pranamat? It's a acupressure massage mat that has these things that look like lotus flowers but are actually little spike-y massage stimulators. These help circulation and muscle aches, pains and tension. I loved using this when I come home from a whole day of studying and laying on it. I started out by using it on my bed since it takes some getting used to (be careful of the spikes and lay down gently!). Once you're on it, you will feel heat build up on your back if you're laying on it. It simple feels like all the tension just melts away! During board studying time, it helped me unwind at the end of the day especially since my back would start to hurt after sitting for most of the day. Also, if I was feeling sore from my workouts, it helped with recovery too! I would sit on it as well to relieve any aches or tension on my tush, haha! If you want to find out more about Pranamat you can click here, and if you'd like to purchase one, use LIFEINTHEMEDLANE10 to get 10% off your order!

Having to modify my workout routine was definitely challenging in a sense that I felt like I wasn't doing "as much" as I normally do, but it was still important to listen to my body and what it needed at the time. Also, something I've learned during this time was the important to giving your body and muscles time to recover, by having rest days, incorporating yoga, and using tools such Pranamat to help aid in the recovery process! Board studying time is already stressful as it is, so it's important to take care of your mind and body too!

I hope y'all found this useful, and remember to still get in some workout time - no matter what that looks like - despite the busy schedule you may have!

xoxo, Dorothy

*Thank you Pranamat for letting me try this product out!