For the last 18+ months our world has been anything but ordinary. In many respects, it’s been terrifying. But as COVID vaccines and breakthrough treatments rolled out and infection rates fell, it did feel like we could finally breathe a collective sigh of relief. With Thanksgiving around the corner and Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa coming up, I want to celebrate with family and friends. In person, not virtually. And I’m sure you do, too. So unless we are forced into lockdown, I’m not going to panic, I’m going to mask up, and I’m going to do whatever I can to find my balance throughout whatever comes our way.

For me, staying active does a lot more than keeping me fit. Staying active keeps me calmer, happier, more focused, more energetic, more optimistic. It’s gotten to the point that I almost feel guilty if I take a day off, because there’s always an option — from intense to easy — to get up, get going, get out there. And I feel so much better after I do. Keeping my athleisure wear comfortable yet chic is also a great motivator. Like this Antiqued Cheetah Star Sweatshirt and Reach the Stars Leggings from MONO B, a brand previously featured in this post.

MONO B is a female-led, Los Angeles based athleisure brand that believes moving your body and having a balanced lifestyle is a necessity not a luxury. And I would agree. Especially when fashion and function coexist with stylish prints and colors, while never sacrificing fit, quality or value. From street to sleep, and even a Zoom or two in-between, MONO B is the true versatile wear. Some pieces are designed for high-intensity workouts while others are for relaxing, so it’s fun and easy to dress based on your momentum and your mood.

Here are a few tips that help me stay active, stay accountable.

Own your activity. I have an app that tracks steps and more, but I also like to physically record my workouts in my (old school) desk diary. Seeing It in black-and-white really does add to a sense of purpose and accomplishment. I aim for 5-6 days on every week, with 1-2 days off.

Mix it up. I gave up running several years ago after a bad fall resulted in a separated and fractured shoulder. When I’m in Jersey City I typically hit our gym’s treadmill twice a week at a fast walking pace and increase the incline every 5 minutes or so for a total of 35-45 minutes. On those days, I’ll also include some Ab work as well as some Sciatic Stretches. I love my 3.5 mile loop along the Jersey City waterfront, so I do that on sunny days. From geese families to a surprise proposal, it’s always inspiring to see what’s going on around my town. I’ve recently gotten back into Yoga at least once a week, and I love it. And combined with some lighter aerobic activity, I work out with free weights or kettle balls twice a week, too.

Up at our cabin, I have 3 favorite walks, including our driveway which if I do it up and down twice is equivalent to climbing something crazy like 50 flights of stairs! We also have weights, a bench and a rowing machine in our garage, so that’s a good gym alternative. And there’s always the 7 Minute Scientific Workout wherever you are!

Work out your brain, too. I’ve never been one to watch TV or read a magazine while I’m on the treadmill, but I do love listening to podcasts. If I’m doing a 3-4 mile walk solo, listening to podcasts almost feels like I’ve got a friend along with me. From comedy (though watch out for laughing too hard, especially on the treadmill) to true crime to politics to pop culture to the latest documentary series, my mind is as occupied as my body. Some of my favorites are: Juicy Scoop, Cover to Cover, So Bad It’s Good, Watch What Crappens, Hot Off the Mess, A Little Bit Culty, Queen of the Con, Dirty John, Dr. Death, anything Wondery!

I don’t want to alienate anyone, but I really, really hope all of you are fully vaccinated against COVID, and if eligible for a booster you’re on it. This life-changing, world-changing Pandemic is not a hoax or the flu. It’s a global crisis that’s killed over 5 million people worldwide and over 765,000 people in the United States. In less than two years! Together, we can beat it. Divided, well, I don’t want to even think about that. Please stay healthy, stay hopeful!

Sweatshirt: (MONO B) Also love this, this (party worthy!) and this.

Leggings: (MONO B) Other fun options here and here (under $12!).

MONO B is having their biggest sale of the year from now until Nov 28th. Get 25% off everything on all orders $100+ from new arrivals to sale items with code BF21.

Sneakers: (Adidas Superstar, lots of cute combos to choose from!)

Photos by Kristin Moore-Gantz @artdirectthis. Rooftop Chess @dvoralife.com.

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