For a long time, I thought having my “dream body” came down to working out more.

But the truth is, the biggest transformation I experienced had nothing to do with doing more—and everything to do with doing things differently.

Growing up, I was always active. I ran track through high school and did ballet until I was 15. I wouldn’t say I was especially “healthy”—I just worked out a lot, and my body reflected that.

When I got to college, things started to shift.

I began as a track athlete, but my lifestyle started to change. I was drinking more, trying to build a social life, and struggling to balance everything—training, school, and friendships. Eventually, I made the decision to quit track.

And that moment stayed with me for a long time.

It was the first time I felt like I had truly given up on something. I didn’t feel supported, and I carried a lot of shame around that decision. For years, I told myself a story that I was no longer disciplined, no longer successful—that I was someone who quit.

But over time, that began to change.

I realized the only way forward was to stop dwelling on who I had been, and start taking responsibility for who I was becoming.

So I started again.

I started paying attention to how I was eating, how I was moving my body, and how I was feeling—physically and emotionally. And what I found surprised me: that strength and athleticism I thought I had lost was still there. I just needed to reconnect with it in a different way.

That’s when I discovered reformer Pilates.

It brought me back to how I used to feel as a dancer—intentional, controlled, and deeply connected to my body. I wasn’t just moving to burn calories—I was learning how to move with purpose, and actually sculpt my body through slow, controlled movement.

I fell in love with it.

At the same time, I started taking cycling classes. It gave me that same high-intensity, rhythmic energy I loved from track, but in a way that felt fun, freeing, and aligned with where I was in my life.

It felt like I had finally found balance.

And that’s when everything started to shift.

Building a routine that actually sticks

It’s extremely important to create a routine that feels authentic to you—something that fits your lifestyle and feels natural to maintain.

That takes time and intention.

You have to get clear on your goals and ask yourself why they matter. Are you chasing external validation? Or are you building something you genuinely enjoy and can stay consistent with long-term?

For me, everything shifted when I stopped forcing workouts I didn’t love and started leaning into movement that felt aligned to the goals I had for myself.

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What My Daily Routine Looks Like

My routine might seem intense, but it’s what makes me feel my best—strong, confident, and energized.

I wake up at 4:45am and start my day early. I’ve always been an early riser, so this feels natural to me—but this is where it’s important to customize your routine. What works for me might not work for you.

I typically start my morning with a 5:30am reformer Pilates class.

I love beginning my day this way because it’s low-impact, slow, and controlled. It allows me to clear my mind, ground myself, and connect with my body. It sets the tone for the rest of my day and reminds me of my strength and discipline.

After Pilates, I often head to a 7:00am CycleBar class.

This is where I get my high-intensity cardio in. It’s energizing, fun, and reminds me of running track—but with music and a sense of community that makes it even more enjoyable.

Movement for me isn’t just physical—it’s emotional. Feeling connected to myself, is really important to me.

Another key part of my routine is walking.

I take long walks after work—usually 45 to 75 minutes—and aim for at least 10,000 steps. Sometimes I listen to podcasts or music, and other times I walk in silence.

These walks are non-negotiable for me. They help me reset, clear my thoughts, and recharge my energy.

I also teach classes at Hilliard Studio Method, 4-5 times per week, which has been a huge part of why I have such a strict routine that I stick to. I want to be able to put my best effort forward when teaching and to feel confident in my own ability to give a great class where clients will leave feeling fulfilled.

Knowing that I’m showing up for others pushes me to show up for myself first. I want to feel confident and prepared every time I step into the studio, and that accountability has strengthened not just my fitness—but my confidence in every area of my life.

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Nutrition: Keeping It Simple

Nutrition has been the area I’ve struggled with the most.

I love food, and in the past, I didn’t always make the best choices. But over time, I shifted my focus from restriction to fueling my body for energy.

Some habits that helped me most:

• Meal prepping on Sundays
• Prioritizing protein in every meal
• Keeping ingredients simple and consistent
• Drinking more water
• Taking vitamins and electrolytes daily
• Starting my day with a protein shake

There are so many diets out there, but I’ve found that simplicity works best.

Instead of trying to create elaborate meals every day, I focus on foods I genuinely enjoy and can eat consistently. It makes the routine sustainable—and that’s what actually leads to results.

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Consistency Over Perfection

Consistency isn’t always pretty.

It’s not always exciting or aesthetically perfect. But it’s what creates real, lasting change.

When you show up for yourself day after day—even in small ways—you build confidence, discipline, and trust in yourself.

And over time, that becomes your new normal.

If you take anything from this routine, let it be this:
Find movement you love, simplify your nutrition, and stay consistent.

If you resonated with this message or you would like to learn more about how you can optimize your daily routine, reach out to me below!