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20-Minute Walking Workout

Whitney Carlson7 Comments

This one is for the ladies only, sorry guys!

Most of us ladies have to deal with that annoying time of the month where not only do we feel, but sometimes look, bloated…add on top of that the cramping and other discomforts and it’s normally a recipe for disaster. As if all of that wasn’t bad enough, it tends to interfere with our workouts. Typically the last thing I can want to do while I am on my period is work out. However, I’ve discovered that working out almost always makes me feel better. This isn’t to say that I take a hard class or go for a five mile run each day while I’m on my period, I just do what feels right at the time. Sometimes I might have had it scheduled to do legs and end up just walking around my neighborhood. I don’t know about you, but I call that a win.

I’m not normally one of those “no excuses” type people but I do believe that you shouldn’t let your period get in the way of staying active or living a healthy lifestyle. If you throw all of your cares out the window while you are on your period each month, that really adds up and will definitely affect the time it takes to reach your goals. I want to reach my goals and help you reach yours too! Use the tips below to stay on track during that “time of the month”.

Tips to Stay on Track During Your Period

  • If you crave something, such as chocolate, eat it but think outside the box when making dessert. You can enjoy a piece of plain dark chocolate, make one of our “healthier” desserts (my favorite is our cookie dough!), or even see if eating a piece of fruit will satisfy that craving (you must try our honey glazed bananas!).
  • Commit to walking at least 20 minutes each day.
  • Commit to taking some “you time” each day. This should be outside of the physical activity. It could be as short as five minutes or as long as you can manage. Use this time to just clear your head, paint your nails, take a bath, etc.

We love that U by Kotex® is also committed to making things better when it comes to periods with the launch of U by Kotex® FITNESS*. They are helping us not let anything get in the way of working out, whether it be cramps or self-doubt in the gym.

Rethink what you previously thought about tampons and pads while working out. The NEW product launch includes:

  • Tampons that come with a plastic FITPAK* so you can protect your protection. Durable, compact, and discreet, FITPAK* is designed to keep your tampons ready for use, wherever you stash them.
  • Liners that have DualFlex Zones* that move with you to keep protection where you need it.
  • Ultra Thin Pads that are shaped to fit and flex with your body, to stay in place so you don’t have to.

Are you finally ready to change the way you think about working out while on your period? To make this easy for you I’ve created a workout for you to try next time you just don’t feel like working out. The base is a 20-minute walk (or run!) with a few fun exercises in between each walking portion. You can do this at the gym or outside. I would suggest that you do this outside because I really think that getting some fresh air always helps. If this is too easy for you or you are just full of energy during your period, you can always double or triple the exercises listed for even more of a challenge!

The fun isn’t over yet! I have a giveaway for you! All you have to do is comment with what exercise you prefer to do while you are on your period (cardio, strength, yoga, etc.). You have the opportunity to win U by Kotex® FITNESS* Ultra Thin Pads With Wings, U by Kotex® FITNESS* Liners, and U by Kotex® FITNESS* Compact Tampons. *Open to US citizens only - 18 or older. Winner will be selected using random.org. Leave your comment by 11:59 EST on May 14, 2017 in order to be eligible.

I was compensated by U by Kotex®, but thoughts and opinions are my own.

30-Day Walking Challenge

ChallengesWhitney CarlsonComment
30-Day Walking Challenge | He and She Eat Clean

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It's another one of those times in my life where walking is my choice of exercise. With all of the stressful events in our life lately (read more about that here), it has been almost all I can handle. I've been to the gym a few times over the last few weeks but my main source of movement has been walking. There are tons of trails near where we are temporarily living so I've been exploring them (you can find many of them on my Instagram and/or Snapchat (hesheeatclean))!

Last summer I shared a walking challenge but this one a little different. Last time I didn't specify the number of miles but this time I decided to give you an actual mileage goal. If you don't want that sort of commitment, you can certainly do the other walking challenge! Here is a link to get that challenge!

There are so many benefits to walking...you can practically do it anywhere, you can make it as easy or as hard (hills, etc.) as you want, it's mind clearing, and it's cheap! So, go get to walking!

This challenge was designed to be something that you do in addition to your normal workout (which is hopefully one of our workout plans!). We have 4, 6, and 12-week workout plans for all fitness levels! This is also totally customizable based on your fitness level, you walk as much or as little as you would like.

Stay updated on all of our current fitness challenges here. Tag us on Instagram and use the hashtag #heandsheeatclean so we can follow along!

30-Day Walking Challenge | He and She Eat Clean

Looking for a printable version of this challenge? We've got you covered! Join our newsletter and you will be taken to a black and white printable version right away! Grab the printable challenge here.

30-Day Walking Challenge | He and She Eat Clean

30-Day Walking Challenge

ChallengesWhitney Carlson5 Comments
30-Day Walking Challenge | He and She Eat Clean

WANT A FREE HIIT EBOOK?

Join our newsletter and get the instant download. We never spam you - we only bring you the best workouts and recipes each week! Click here to join now.

Note: We're on Snapchat! You can find us under hesheeatclean. We will be posting more of our meals, workouts, and money saving tips! Also, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter!

Don't miss out on our Fall Workout Challenge! Get more information and join here!

I've been going through a challenging period mentally and had the idea to start walking to try and provide a sense of relief and time for reflection, without distractions. I wanted the same benefits that I get hiking, without having to prepare or drive to hike. I am doing a combo on the Transformation/Run Builder to prepare for hiking trips we have coming so I'm not doing this as "extra" cardio but as time to clear my mind. I have been trying to snap a pic to share on Snapchat (hesheeatclean) each day though because it's so pretty and peaceful. :)

RELATED: Social MEdia & the Fitness Industry

The benefits I've received in just five days of doing this have been nothing short of amazing. After the first walk the idea came to me that I should start volunteering to work with children (girls in particular) and help them develop confidence and hopefully set them up for a life of success without body image issues. I posted on my personal Facebook, He and She Eat Clean's Facebook page, and Instagram (heandsheeatclean) looking for suggestions on organizations to join. I received a ton of responses and I've signed up to help with Girls on the Run and I also plan on volunteering at a few more places locally as well. I am very excited about this and I really think I can make a difference here!

Since walking has been such a positive change in my life I wanted to challenge all of you to do the same thing. I didn't want to have to wake up and run each morning or wake up and do something else high intensity. I just wanted to put on my shoes and walk - no pressure on speed or distance. I didn't start this for any other reason than to clear my head. It wasn't to lean out, to do extra cardio, or anything of the sort. I would love for you to go into this with the same mindset. I love listening to podcasts (this is the perfect opportunity for you to catch up on our WHAM Podcast!) while I walk. You could grab a friend or go solo. If you do take a friend don't let it turn into a gossip session, this challenge is supposed to be the complete opposite!

This is your challenge so there aren't any rules (other than no gossip or negativity!). I try to walk for an hour but sometimes that doesn't happen and that's OKAY! Remember, this is not for fitness, this is for your mental health first. I didn't want to put any rules on this challenge because I don't want you to become discouraged if you can't meet them. So instead of telling you to walk for 2 miles or 30 minutes or whatever, I'm leaving that up to you. If all you can do one day is walk for 10 minutes that is AWESOME. I haven't been tracking mine but I did want to provide the option if you are the type of person who likes to track. You can print the chart below out in black and white and fill in the spots each day. Under the thoughts section, you can list how you feel before/after, what you thought about during your walk, really anything! I do my walks in the morning just because that's when it fits in my schedule and it provides me with the opportunity to start the day off positive but you can walk at lunch, in the evening, or whenever it fits your schedule! I hope this challenge brings you positivity, joy, and lots of good thoughts!

30-Day Walking Challenge | He and She Eat Clean