Hi! Tell us about yourself and your training
Hi there! My name is Mariam & I’m 24 years old. I’m a born & raised New Yorker who just graduated law school. Currently, I’m spending the summer studying for the bar exam (if it actually happens, but that’s a whole different conversation).
I’ve always been active since I was a dancer for most of my life, but I got really into fitness about five years ago. After my second year at university, I wasn’t feeling fulfilled anymore and it felt like something was missing.
The summer before my third year, I created a fitness-related Instagram to help keep me accountable, almost like a fitness journal, and a few months later, while I was living abroad, it gained some attention.
Describe a typical day of training
My training routine changes pretty often, especially now since we’re all at home almost 24/7. When I first started out with my fitness journey, I was doing the Kayla Itsines – Bikini Body Guide program. It was a great program because the workouts were between 30-35 minutes a few times a week. I would say it’s a good program for those who are unsure of where to begin.
When I lived in Amsterdam, I was biking daily and doing the program at home or at my local gym. However, these past few years, I have switched up my routine and incorporated running, upping my yoga practice, and taking boutique fitness classes in NYC.
Currently, because of this pandemic and being stuck at home, my routine includes a lot of yoga, either my own flows or following videos off YouTube, and doing free Instagram lives.
I’ve partnered up with BRRRN for their BRRRN at Home Program, which meant I got their slide board sent to me. It’s so fun, and such a great core and inner thighs workout.
I miss working out in their 50 degree fridge, but it’s nice to be able to do their workouts from home. I also go on runs a few times a week.
How do you keep going and push harder?
You don’t need to have a perfect workout every single time.
When you don’t want to workout, is really when you should. All it takes sometimes is to leave your apartment, or tie up your sneakers, or blast some really good music.
You don’t need to have a perfect workout every single time. Moving your body for 10 minutes can make all the difference. If you’re not really feeling that run, why not put on your favorite playlist and dance it out? Maybe go for a long walk instead of that run. If you’re sore, a nice yoga session might help you out.
Something to think about is how blessed we are to have our bodies. Why would we not want to nourish and take care of it? One of my biggest struggles as of lately is giving my body enough sleep and staying hydrated daily. I do notice that my mental health is so much better when I get a good nights rest and really take care of myself.
How are you doing today and what does the future look like?
Honestly, I’m a bit anxious recently! The bar exam has been on the forefront of my mind and it’s scary to not know what’s going to happen with it.
Currently, the exam is going to be online in October, but I’m not confident in an online licensing exam. I’m trying to take every day as it comes and stay present, but it can be hard.
One of my biggest fitness goals has been to run the New York Marathon, but that’s definitely going to be on pause for a bit. Since I’m running more this summer, my goal is to be able to run a 10k in under 70 minutes.
I’ve been practicing yoga on and off for about 10 years now. I have such a love for it and always go back to it. One of my long term goals is to get my yoga teaching certification!
How do you recover, rest and handle injuries?
Actually, resting and not putting pressure on myself! I know myself best – if I’m feeling sore and tired, I’m more likely to injure myself during my next workout. I’m better off taking the day to recover and fueling my body the right way.
That means getting enough sleep. Going for a walk if I can’t run. Drinking tons of water and maintaining a healthy balanced lifestyle (I hate the word diet).
How is your diet and what supplements do you use?
Intuitive eating has worked for me and I plan on sticking with that.
I just follow a simple intuitive eating healthy lifestyle! I try to not deprive myself so I can avoid binging and that’s helped me a lot. I drink my coffee and tea black because I’d rather have my sugar come from dessert.
I used to wish I tracked my calories because sometimes I do find that I overeat, but I don’t want my life to be surrounded by my consumption of food. Intuitive eating has worked for me and I plan on sticking with that.
What has inspired and motivated you?
Seeing people on Instagram change their lives is what motivated me to start my fitness journey in the first place! Fitness has become such a prominent part of my life that I couldn’t imagine not working out and being healthy. I do have my moments where I’m not feeling up to it, but that just makes me human. ☺
Advice for other people who want to improve themselves?
No one is going to make this decision for you – it all starts with YOU! If you want to improve yourself, just start. There’s no right or wrong way to do it.
Are you taking on clients right now?
N/A – I’m not a trainer ☺
Where can we learn more about you?
You can follow me on Instagram, @newyorkfittie
