Fitness

New Year fitness routine 2026

 in Fitness  tagged fitness / fitness tips by

pictured: water bottle / sneakers / leggings /

New year, new fitness routine! I am a little bit mad at myself. In 2025, I really got off track. It was hard for me to stick to my fitness routine, and it was also difficult to watch what I was eating. I am not going to list off all of my excuses. They should not have been used, and they were totally lame to be frank. So, as a result, I gained over ten pounds in one year. Yikes!

So, in 2026, I am getting back to business! I am, once again, skipping sugary snacks and dessert. In addition, I beefed up my workout routine for the new year, and I am making sure I stick to it. No excuses!

Since I am beginning this new fitness routine in the middle of winter, everything will be inside; with the exception of neighborhood walks on nice days. Bonus workouts! Love that!

I looked back on my previous fitness routine and decided I wasn’t getting enough cardio. Also, actually showing up to the gym helps too. Sooooooo, on that note. . .

Here is my revamped fitness routine for the new year, 2026!

  • Monday: Step + Core (25 min)
  • Tuesday: Mat Pilates
  • Wednesday: Spin + weights
  • Thursday: BodyCombat + Core (50 min)
  • Friday: 30 min walk, weather permitting + rest
  • Saturday: 30 min walk, weather permitting + rest
  • Sunday: Spin + weights

There it is! My new fitness routine for the new year. It has a mix of cardio, strength, and interval training. What are your new year fitness plans and goals?

Thanks for stopping by, and let’s get fit together in the new year!

XOXO
Cathy

National Hiking Day 2025

 in Fitness  tagged hiking / hiking gear / outdoor fitness by
castle rock state park hiking trails

pictured: Castle Rock hiking trails / Zinfandel Trail in Cupertino / (below) Muir Woods /

Happy National Hiking Day! Today is the perfect day to go out and hit your favorite trail! Or, if you are bored of your favorite trail, try a new hiking trail!

Hiking is an amazing activity. Not only do you get exercise, you can enjoy nature, the beautiful surroundings, fresh air, and more! Plus, you can go with your friends and socialize while staying healthy. Love that!

My favorite hiking gear:

So, what are you waiting for? Close your laptop, put down your phone, and go for a hike!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

Visiting the butterflies

 in Fitness / General Fashion  tagged fall 2025 / hiking / outfits / santa cruz / staycation by

wearing: sunglasses / statement earrings / lightweight jacket / long sleeve tee / classic jeans (old, also love this pair) / nail polish / water bottle / east/west handbag / sneakers (also, also love this pair) /

It’s Monarch Butterfly season! Every year, from mid-October to January, the Monarch Butterflies visit Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz and dazzle us with their beauty.

The butterflies gather on trees and enjoy the natural foliage around the area. Although there were large groups hanging out together on trees, my iPhone camera was too far away to get a good photo. That being said, I was able to get the up-close picture you see above!

Natural Bridges State Park offers an easy hiking trail, made up mostly of a wooden bridge, through the area where the butterflies enjoy gathering. This allows for the perfect view of the butterflies.

The parking lot is conveniently positioned between the butterfly trail and the beach. So, you can do both on the same day without moving your car. Love that!

After we viewed the butterflies, we relaxed on the beach and watched the waves and surfers. The view of the ocean at Natural Bridges State Park is fabulous. If you are local, it is a must-see!

After our visit to the beach, we went to downtown Santa Cruz and enjoyed a delicious meal at El Palomar. The food was top notch, and the service was friendly, fast, and beyond expectations. It’s my new favorite restaurant in Santa Cruz! Love!

So, if you are local or visiting the area, I recommend this fall/winter activity. You will love seeing the butterflies and relaxing on the beach!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy