Tips for Minimizing Friction Around Workouts
For Dr. Shannon Humphrey, the 360° approach is not only the foundation of her practice, but of her personal relationship with aging. She fundamentally believes in the mind-body connection, and knows that the pursuit of aesthetic harmony through the span of a lifetime is most meaningfully achieved with a combined focus on a holistic wellness routine, which includes nutrition, stress reduction, sleep, dental, personalized aesthetic treatment, and fitness.
When it comes to the latter, Dr. Humphrey feels that she can’t show up in this world as her best self if she doesn’t move her body daily. But of course, life is busy, and if we put up too many barriers, we may never be able to actually move our body.
Dr. Humphrey’s advice? Don’t overthink it. Here are her best tips for minimizing friction around workouts.
Remove logistical barriers
When scheduling your workout, remove as many logistical barriers as possible. Choose a time that consistently works with your schedule, and a convenient location with easy parking. Dr. Humphrey sees patients until 3PM daily, and faithfully schedules her workout at 3:30PM. She found a gym located between the clinic and home, because going home first makes it far less likely she’ll workout at all.
Keep your pre- and post-workout skincare simple
Whether you’re engaging in high-intensity exercise or a leisurely workout, proper pre- and post- skincare practices can help mitigate the effects of sweat, oil, and environmental pollutants on your skin, but keep it simple!
It’s not a nice feeling to be sweating with makeup on, so before her workout, Dr. Humphrey washes her face and uses a light moisturizer (recently she’s been enjoying SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture). Post-workout, she quickly rinses her face and adds the same moisturizer to prevent heat rash and irritation from sweat.
Preserve your blowout to save time
Dr. Humphrey swears by silk Slip scrunchies and Batiste dry shampoo to save time and preserve a blowout.
Eliminate wardrobe stress
Dr. Humphrey loves fashion in her daily life, but when it comes to her workout attire she prioritizes form and function. She keeps her workout attire black, which makes choosing workout clothes a breeze, and springs for fun or vibrant footwear–updating her runners to freshen up her workout look.
Find movement you love
It’s so important to find a form of movement that brings you joy. For Dr. Humphrey, that includes working with her trainer Janella David at The Firm Athletica. She is also a lifelong yogi, and is currently training for the Whistler half marathon.
Fitness brings immense joy to her life. She considers it a privilege to take an hour of her day to prioritize herself, and to leave feeling strong. Finding something that evokes these feelings for you is the key to consistency.
Remember, keep it smart and simple–and personal to you. Like all true 360° plans, your workouts should reflect your preferences, beliefs, cadence and unique self. Dr. Humphrey looks forward to learning about your workout plan at your next appointment!
