Hey there. When it comes to building a solid fitness routine, I’ve learned one thing for sure. You need all three. Strength, cardio, and flexibility each serve a specific purpose, and when you train them together, you become a more capable, well-rounded, and resilient version of yourself.
Let’s start with strength training. This one is my favorite. I’ve always enjoyed it because it feels natural to me, but beyond that, it builds lean muscle, helps protect your bones, and sets you up for long-term mobility and independence. Whether you're at a gym using machines, following a streaming workout at home, or doing bodyweight moves with resistance bands, strength training should be a core part of your weekly routine. If you're just getting started, two full-body strength sessions per week is a great place to begin.
Now cardio. Honestly, it’s not my favorite, but I do it because I know how important it is. Cardio improves endurance, supports heart health, and helps you move through your daily life with more ease. If you’re brand new, start with intervals. You don’t need to go all out. Push yourself for a short burst, then recover. Repeat. Add these short sessions after your strength workouts and include two to three steady-state cardio sessions per week.
Then there’s flexibility. I’ll be real with you, this is the part I have to make myself do. But I also know how valuable it is. Flexibility helps prevent injuries, improves posture, and makes everyday movement feel smoother. My go-to recommendation is a 10-minute total body yoga flow before bed. It’s a great way to wind down and take care of your body at the same time.
We all have our preferences. Some of us love lifting. Some of us live for long runs. Others find peace in yoga. But if you want to build a strong foundation, you’ve got to work on all three. Start where you are, be consistent, and you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel in just a few weeks.
If you’re ready to build a fitness routine that includes strength, cardio, and flexibility—and actually fits your life—join me in The YLF Experience. We’ll create a plan that helps you feel stronger, move better, and live your life to the fullest.