Finding Fitness in the Middle of Everything

Lessons from a former college athlete, longtime coach, and mom of an energetic five-year-old

If you had asked me 25 years ago what fitness would look like in my late 40s, I probably would have pictured early morning workouts before work - lifts & structured workouts - and the kind of routine that college athletics builds into your DNA.

What I didn’t picture was squeezing in strength training between Zoom calls, doing yoga on the living room floor while my five-year-old builds Legos next to me, or hopping on the Peloton for a 20-minute ride before rushing to preschool drop off.

But here’s the thing I’ve learned after being a Division I athlete, spending more than 20 years coaching college field hockey, and now navigating motherhood and a full career:

Fitness doesn’t disappear when life gets busy — it just evolves.

And honestly? I think this version of fitness might be the most meaningful one yet.

From Structured Training to Real-Life Movement

As a college athlete, everything was scheduled for us.

Lift at 6:00 AM. Practice at 3:00 PM. Conditioning sessions. Film sessions. Recovery.

Then as a coach, the structure continued. My days were still organized around training sessions, recruiting travel, and long practices.

Now? My schedule looks more like

• School drop-off

• Work calls, meetings and emails

• Dinner prep

• Youth sports and after-school activities

• Laundry that multiplies overnight

If I waited for the perfect workout window, it would never happen.

So instead, I’ve embraced short, effective workouts that fit real life.

Most days my workouts are 20–30 minutes. Sometimes it’s strength training. Sometimes it’s a Peloton ride. Sometimes it’s yoga because my body is asking for recovery more than intensity. Sometimes it's a long walk around my neighborhood to get fresh air away from my home office.

The key shift has been this: Consistency matters more than duration.

The Moves That Still Work (Even on Busy Days)

One thing coaching taught me is that the basics work. You don’t need complicated workouts to stay strong.

Some of my go-to moves that I still use regularly:

1. Kettlebell swings: A powerhouse move for strength and conditioning. If I only have 10 minutes, I’ll do intervals with kettlebell swings.

2. Dumbbell strength circuits: Squats, deadlifts, presses, rows, lunges. Simple and effective.

3. Core work that protects your back: Planks, dead bugs, and slow controlled movements. As we get older (and carry kids around), this stuff matters.

4. Yoga for recovery: Six days a week would have sounded ridiculous to my younger self. Now it’s one of the best things I do for mobility and stress. Even ten minutes of stretching does my body wonders.

I’m not chasing college-athlete fitness anymore. I’m chasing energy, strength, and longevity.

The Gear That Makes It Easier

Another thing I’ve learned over the years: if fitness is convenient, you’ll actually do it.

That’s why I’ve gravitated toward simple home equipment that makes it easy to move whenever I have time.

My everyday lineup includes:

• My Peloton bike for efficient cardio when I need a sweat

• Dumbbells

  • 5- and 10-pound dumbbells for quick circuits

  • Adjustable 15-55 dumbbells for longer strength sessions

• Resistance Bands

• Kettlebells for strength and conditioning - 15- and 25-pound KBs work for me

• A yoga mat that basically lives in our living room

None of this requires driving to the gym or blocking off two hours.

Sometimes the best workout is the one that actually fits into your day.

The Mom Factor

Having a five-year-old changes everything — including your perspective on fitness.

Some days he’s doing “workouts” with me (his version usually involves jumping or his best down dog).

Other days he’s asking why I’m exercising or how much longer I'll be.

But honestly, he's one of the biggest reasons I keep doing it.

Not to chase a number on the scale. But to show him that taking care of your body is normal.

Movement isn’t punishment. It’s part of life.

What I Wish More Former Athletes Knew

A lot of former athletes struggle when their competitive careers end. The structure disappears. The motivation shifts. But fitness doesn’t have to be about competition anymore.

It can be about:

• feeling strong

• managing stress

• having energy for your family

• staying healthy long term

Your workouts might look different now — and that’s okay. Actually, it’s more than okay.

It’s real life.

Why I Started Sharing This

Between working full-time and motherhood, I’m always testing things that make life a little easier — workouts that actually fit into busy days, gear that’s worth buying, and small habits that help maintain strength and energy.

This space is where I’ll share:

• realistic fitness routines

• gear I actually use

• quick workouts that work

• stories from life as a former athlete turned busy mom

Because if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: You don’t need hours in the gym to stay strong.

Sometimes all it takes is 20 minutes, a kettlebell, and the decision to show up anyway.