Fitness Journey & Motivation with Lindsey McMeen
Happy Thursday everyone! If I’m being completely honest, today was the FIRST day I’ve done an organized workout in 7 days – that’s a LONG time for me. I’ve been traveling, busy, jet-lagged, etc. but I needed to listen to my body, get a few things done and SLEEP. Throughout my fitness journey, it’s always been a struggle to just listen to my body when it needs a break. If you’re ALWAYS going, you will have no time for recovery at all.
I found this interview with Lindsey, who is a Barry’s Bootcamp Trainer and ACE Certified Personal Trainer SUPER eye opening. It’s hard to believe that at one point, Lindsey got derailed in her journey and hit 215lbs. BUT – the biggest thing to pay attention to is just LOOK at where she’s at now – killing it in the fitness world. Now, if that isn’t inspiring, IDK what is!
Read on to learn a bit more about her journey, her advice for getting out of a fitness rut, fueling your body for fitness, beginner tips for (intimidating) cycling classes and more! Enjoy!
Meeting Lindsey & Her Fitness Journey…
Q: Hello!! I was introduced to you by my friend Kim, who swears that you’ve been one of the best FlyWheel Instructors, Barry’s Instructors and Personal Trainers that she’s ever had. Talk about a jack of ALL TRADES! Can you give the readers a bit more background on who you are, your fitness journey and your certifications?
A: I love Kim! A little background:
I was an all-state athlete in high school, from a small town outside of Madison, WI. In college I let all of my healthy habits go and ended up at 215 lbs entering my senior year. I took my entire last year of college to lose 70 lbs and begin a healthier lifestyle again.
Fast forward 10 years to find me working in New York City in investment management and knowing that I could do something more meaningful with my life than help other people make money. I earned my personal trainer certification and got a front desk job at Flywheel Sports effectively leaving my prior job behind. Within three months I became an instructor for two years before relocating to Chicago with Flywheel. Within two years here I received the title of Master Instructor.
About eight months ago I started working part time with Barry’s Bootcamp – it had been a dream of mine to work for Barry’s for years. They offered me a full time position in February and I decided after almost 5 years with Flywheel to make the leap over to Barry’s and start a new chapter. It was a major decision but in the end I feel the right one for me and for my future. As for certifications, I hold the following: ACE Personal Trainer, ACE Pre/Post Natal, ACE Therapeutic Exercise, ACE Weight Loss Management.
Q: That is INSANE! Good for you. And just goes to show, everyone starts somewhere and can have ups and downs in their fitness journey. Speaking of fitness, being certified in multiple different areas of fitness, you have to be a fan of variety and changing it up. Can you tell the readers a bit about your philosophy on ‘changing it up’?
A: I love changing up my workout routine. Not only does it ensure you won’t get into a fitness rut and become bored with what you’re doing but it also is better for your body to incorporate multiple types of workouts every week. Essentially it keeps your body guessing, it keeps your muscles on their toes, which in turn helps change your body faster. And, it’s so fun to try new workouts!
Q: True! I’ve been trying to schedule new workout studios vs. happy hours with my friends and it’s so fun! Always teaching and keeping up an IMPRESSIVE online community has to be time consuming. What does your typical weekly sweat routine look like?
A: I’ve had to reinvent my weekly sweat routine since leaving Flywheel and, to be honest, I’m still figuring it out. Ideally I like to do 2-3 Barry’s/heavy strength workouts a week, 2 outdoor runs a week and something non-impact like a Flywheel or yoga to balance out my other workouts.
Q: Always all about balance! I try to maintain the same type of schedule with one day of sprints/abs, two heavy lifting days and two low-impact days such as a yoga sculpt class. Thinking of all of the different workouts that I love: People do this with food ALL the time, so I’m switching it up to workouts. If you could only choose ONE workout for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Barry’s. Hands down.
Some Fitness Inspiration…
Q: I’m right there with ya. LOVE me some Barry’s. We’re coming into Summertime Chi, thank goodness!! But for all of those colder months, we all know it can be hard to keep up with your fitness routine, especially in the frigid temps. How do you stay motivated year round?
A: Oh gosh – I am such a summer girl so staying motivated in the winter is TOUGH! Honestly it’s the way I feel after working out that keeps me motivated. I feel like absolute crap if I go a few days without movement, sluggish, tired, puffy, you name it. Why would I want to feel that way when I know if I just get out the door and into a class I can feel (and look) so much better?
Q: Totally! You NEVER regret a sweat, that’s for sure. In terms of motivation, what is your advice for clients when they start to ‘plateau’ or get stuck in a fitness rut?
A: Have a conversation with yourself about why you think you’re in a rut/plateau. Is there something going on that might be hindering your nutrition/workouts? If not, what can you do to spice things up a bit whether with food and/or workouts? Have you been eating the same thing every day for the last month? Yes? Okay, lets look at how we can switch it up and still stay healthy. Have you only been doing one or two same types of workouts? Yes? Okay, lets get you booked into something totally different! Sometimes a simple quick convo can make all the difference.
Q: Very true! Small changes make a huge difference. I absolutely LOVED the FlyWheel experience when I’ve gone. Sometimes the fancy bikes can be intimidating! Can you give some first-timer advice and insight on what to expect at their first class?
A: Indoor cycling can be very intimidating, absolutely. Some things to keep in mind: everyone had a first time in the stadium so you are not alone in your feelings, there are staff members there to help you so ask from the moment you get there for the assistance you need/want, the instructor will walk you through every little thing so you should never feel lost, AND you’re there to have fun and get a workout so try to let go of the stress you feel and just enjoy the moment!
On Fueling Your Body for Fitness..
Q: All amazing reminders!! Health and wellness isn’t just what you eat and I’m a BIG believer in starting your day on the right foot and with a HEALTHY, nutrient-rich meal. What’s your go-to breakfast?
A: Plain oatmeal made with vanilla almond milk with a Vital Proteins packet mixed in.
Q: Speaking of breakfast, what are your thoughts on eating before a workout vs. working out on an empty stomach?
A: I think it’s totally preference based. Some people need a little something to help them get through the workout, some don’t. Feel out what your body needs. If you’re finding yourself crashing mid-workout then maybe you need half an Rx Bar or some almonds and half a banana 30 minutes before you workout. Your body will tell you what it needs, listen to it.
Keep in Touch with Lindsey!
Q: Very good advice, and goes back to it’s not one size fits all. Last but certainly not least, where can everyone find you and follow you?!
A: Right now you can find me at both of the Barry’s Bootcamp locations, River North and Lincoln Park, every day of the week except Sunday. I also run group personal training sessions five times a week out of Lateral Fitness in River North as well. Check out my website www.trainmcmeen.com for more info on my personal training services! Follow me on Instagram @trainmcmeen, and feel free to shoot me a note a trainmcmeen@gmail.com!
I don’t know about you guys, but I’m super inspired by Lindsey’s suggestions to always switch up your workouts! I haven’t done a cycling class in a minute, so I may consider booking one next week! If you are as obsessed with the Barry’s Bootcamp phenomenon as I am, consider checking out my interview with Matt Dye here, on how to keep workouts fun!
Keep on keepin on you guys!
xoxo
Alysia (Purely)Pope
