Besides being Rustico's Wholesale rep. and a member of the Sales Team, Keleigh Walbrecht is our resident fitness enthusiast and workout queen. We asked her to talk about how she stays fit, records and tracks her goals, and advice she has for making healthy lifestyle changes.
1. Tell us about yourself? Family, hometown, favorite activities to do, etc...
I grew up in Virginia where I graduated high school, went to college and met my husband. It holds a very special place in my heart. I love Utah, but there’s a lot I miss about the South. It’s so beautiful there in its own, unique way.
My family consists of 5 girls with me being the oldest. Even my dog was female… my poor dad. We always had so much fun together though. There’s nothing like a sister bond.
I have always had a love for the outdoors and adventure. We used to go on family camping trips all the time. Those are memories I will cherish forever. Hiking has always been one of my all-time favorite things to do. I don’t do enough of it anymore, but when I do it brings me back to my childhood and I love it!
Sports was also a pretty big part of my life growing up. I participated in volleyball, soccer, track, and gymnastics, but gymnastics is what I spent most of my time doing. In the 9 years of doing it, I learned a lot physically, emotionally, and mentally. It taught me more than I ever thought it would. I wish I could say that I am still as flexible as I used to be but unfortunately I’m not.
2. When did you start regularly going to the gym and realized you enjoyed staying fit?
I started working out consistently in 2016. I remember wanting so badly to find a passion that would allow me to “find myself.” I was into sports growing up but never really “loved” exercising and I never thought about what I was putting into my body. It was after I got married and moved to Utah where I got a gym membership when I got more serious about where I wanted to be physically.
The first few months of working out, I was scared to death at the thought of picking up a dumbbell in front of other people. I started watching workout videos on YouTube and getting tips and help from my husband which helped me become more comfortable.
3. What does a typical routine at the gym consist of? Days you go, how long you spend, etc…
My typical routine consists of working out 5 days a week. I dedicate 3 days to lower body and 2 days to upper body. I usually spend around 1 hr-1 hr 30 min at the gym depending on what muscles I plan on isolating that day. I could do everything in 30 minutes but the gym is my happy place so I love being there as long as I can. I know- I’m weird.
4. How important is nutrition and what does your diet look like esp. pre and post workout?
They say it’s 80% diet, 20% exercise and I 100% believe that. What we put into our body really matters. My lunch is usually chicken breasts with green beans and potatoes or a delicious sandwich from my local farmer’s market.
5. How do you maintain healthy eating habits and keep your goals while traveling?
I try my best to eat healthy and exercise when traveling but it doesn’t always happen, unfortunately. You just have to take it day by day and time to plan ahead as best as you can. If I don’t plan my workouts, it is sometimes hard to stay committed.
One thing I always bring when I travel is my resistance bands. If I don’t get to make it to the gym, I’ll do a few exercises with my bands to get my heart rate up and stay on track for goals I’ve been working towards.
6. Do you have a trainer/mentor or workout “buddy”? If so, how does that help you stay motivated?
I bring along my husband to help motivate and push me. He is the one that really supported me in finding my passion for working out. He continues to encourage me to push beyond my limits and go the extra mile. I have really amazed myself with what my body can do with his help.
7. What helps you stay on track to reach your goals?
Something that really helps me stay on track is writing down or journaling the progress I’ve made and what milestone I’m at. When I write down where I am currently with each exercise it helps me assess where I’m at and where I want to eventually be.
8. How do you use your journal to record notes about each time you go?
In my fitness journal I write down each exercise I did as well as how many sets and reps and how much weight I used. I also write my current weight, my feelings on the workout and where I want to be the next time I do that specific workout.
9. Do you have some favorite brands when it comes to apparel and equipment?
My top three favorite workout apparel brands are Gymshark, Lululemon, and Fabletics. When it comes to shoes, it depends on what day it is in the gym. If it’s upper body, I usually wear Adidas. If it’s a lower body day, I wear my Nike weight trainers. I usually prefer Nike’s to workout in because they are so light.
My gym bag is my best friend at the gym. I carry it with me and it holds everything I need which includes: protein bars, protein, shaker bottle, jump rope, an extra pair of shoes, resistance bands, special equipment for certain machines, my barbell pad, hair ties, and bobby pins. This list could go on forever.
Most of my equipment including my gym bag is from Amazon. I like ordering from their website because they have everything in a variety of brands to choose from.
10. What do you do to keep your mind healthy as well? Sound body, sound mind, right? :)
Having a healthy mind is just as important as having a healthy body. Some things I do to have a healthy mindset is set aside time to be reflective. This is usually when I’m in my car by myself on my way home from work. I think where I am in life and what I can do to better myself. Another thing I do is surround myself with positive people. There’s a quote I love by Steve Harvey that says “People you choose to associate with determine a lot of where you’re going in life.” One more thing I try and do is have gratitude. Even though it can be hard sometimes, I try to embrace the little things in life that make me smile. In doing this I’ve become a much happier person.
11. Do you practice meditation or yoga and in what ways?
Before I start my workout, I always stretch and warm up. I try to focus on my breathing and really connect my mind to each muscle. In doing that, it allows my mind and body to become one therefore really focusing on my purpose of why I’m there and what my goals are.
12. What's some advice you have for someone that wants to start being more active and developing a healthy lifestyle? Diet, exercises, sleep schedule etc...
Take it day by day. A lot of people think that results should come the next day but it takes time. I have found that bettering yourself physically is a big test of patience. I wish I had started taking some transformation pictures sooner but they really do make all the difference in your attitude through the process. Seeing how far I’ve come pushes me to keep going.
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We'd like to thank Keleigh for taking the time to answer some questions about her fitness routine and how she journals and records her results.
