Beyond the Hustle

Tag: exercise

  • 8 Meaningful Steps to Close Out 2025 Strong

    As we begin to close the door on 2025, there’s this collective feeling in the air… part reflection, part momentum, part “holy crap, how is it already December?” And if you’re anything like me, you’re ready to close the year feeling aligned, grounded, and proud of the work you’ve put in.

    Here are the 8 things every one of us should be doing to finish 2025 strong, healthy, and on purpose…with a few of my personal favorites sprinkled in, because sometimes the little things are what keep us grounded.

    1. Revisit Your Wins, Even the Small Ones

    (Guys, this is sooo important.)

    We move so fast we forget to acknowledge what we’ve actually done. Pull out your camera roll, your planner, your notes app, and look at everything you’ve accomplished this year. You’ll be amazed at how much you’ve grown, even in moments that felt heavy or messy.

    Pro tip: This is also the perfect moment to light a candle, sip a warm mug of instant bone broth (my winter go-to), and let yourself actually appreciate how far you’ve come.

    2. Audit Your Habits

    Your habits tell the truth long before your goals do. What’s working? What’s draining you? What needs to stay in 2026 and what needs to go?

    This is the season for honest evaluation, NOT judgment.

    3. Check Your Biomarkers, Not Just Your Weight

    Energy, strength, sleep, stress, hormones, muscle mass, hydration, recovery…these matter just as much—maybe even more—than the number on the scale.

    And yes, this is where my bioactive peptide foundation (Fit + Lean + Hydrated) has become a huge part of my own health baseline. Getting real data and supporting your body from the inside out is game-changing.

    4. Fall Back in Love with Your Warm-Up

    We’re in such a rush to hit the ground running that we skip the part that keeps us healthy. Whether it’s your warm-up at the gym, the way you start your work day, or your morning routine, slow down.

    Preparing well is the foundation for performing well.

    And if you need a little boost to get started? Turn on a motivating podcast, lately, Ed Mylett’s “One More Day, One More Choice” has been my reset button, but there are tons of great ones available.

    5. Make One Meaningful Financial Decision

    It doesn’t have to be big, but it does need to be intentional.

    💰Increase your savings by 1%.
    💰Pay down a piece of debt.
    💰Organize your taxes early.
    💰Or finally set up the financial system you’ve been avoiding.

    A small move now sets up major ease in January.

    6. Strengthen Your Relationships on Purpose

    Reach out to the people who lifted you up this year. Set boundaries with the ones who drained you. Nurture the connections that make you better.

    You don’t need more people. You need the right people.

    My favorite tradition: picking one friend or family member each week in December to surprise with a message, a note, or even a treat drop-off.

    7. Simplify Your Wellness Routine

    The end of the year isn’t the time to overhaul everything. It’s the time to anchor into the basics:

    • Hydrate (support energy & boost metabolism)
    • Move daily (preferably outdoors)
    • Strength train (lift for longevity)
    • Prioritize sleep (this is when our bodies repair and recover)
    • Support your hormones (decrease cortisol & boost NAD)

    Your future self will thank you.

    And don’t skip little treats, we need those for our wellbeing too. So, for those cozy winter evenings, a chocolate mug cake has saved many nights for me. You’re welcome!

    8. Set a Theme for 2026 (Not a Resolution)

    Instead of a long list of goals you’ll forget by February, choose a theme—a word, phrase, or intention, that guides your decisions.

    Clarity. Strength. Expansion. Ease. Resilience.

    Let it shape the year before it even begins.

    Lastly…

    Closing out a year isn’t just about tying up loose ends; it’s about stepping into the next chapter with intentionality, strength, and self-respect.

    You don’t need perfection. You just need direction.

    Here’s to ending 2025 grounded, grateful, and ready for whatever comes next. Remember, joy doesn’t just happen, you create it through tiny choices, tiny rituals, and tiny moments that remind you who you are.

    Grab your 🎧 … I dropped a fun Christmas playlist for you. Enjoy! 🎄

    Cheers to new beginnings.


    Denise xo

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  • Why Strength Training for Life Matters!

    Everyone trains to avoid injuries, but few train to overcome them.

    Injuries happen when we least expect them (I was literally standing still)! I never truly understood the depth of injury recovery until now! One moment, I was in my routine—running, lifting, moving the way I always had—and the next, I was forced to slow down, navigating pain, setbacks, and frustration. What I didn’t expect was how much effort, patience, and consistency it would take to heal, both physically and mentally.

    Another eye-opening realization is how poorly our society accommodates those who rely on wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids. In the spirit of kindness, let’s take a moment to slow down, be more aware, and offer a helping hand when we can. Life isn’t moving so fast that we can’t make it a little easier for someone else. #humankindness

    What I’m learning through this experience is something I wish more people knew: strength training isn’t just about aesthetics or athletic performance—it’s about building a body that supports you for the sport of LIFE.

    What No One Tells You About Injury Recovery

    🔸 Healing Isn’t Linear

    Some days, it feels like I’m making real progress, and then suddenly, I’ll wake up feeling stiff, sore, and completely discouraged. Recovery isn’t a straight path—it’s full of ups, downs, and unexpected roadblocks. I have had to learn to listen to my body and trust the process.

    🔸 The Mental Toll is Just as Hard as the Physical

    I expected the physical pain, but I wasn’t ready for the mental toll an injury would take. Losing my independence—whether it’s training at the gym, driving, hiking with my dogs, or even doing everyday tasks like cleaning—has made me question everything. My patience, my progress, and even my identity as someone who thrives on movement. Staying motivated has been a challenge, especially while watching my friends live their full lives. I’ve had to work just as much on my mindset as I have on my recovery plan.

    🔸 Strength Training is the Key to Resilience

    I always knew strength training was important, but I didn’t realize just how much it mattered before and after injury. What I did in the gym before my injury is making my recovery easier, and what I do now will determine how strong and injury-resistant I am in the future.

    Strength training isn’t just about lifting heavy weights—it’s about:
    ✔️ Protecting joints and reducing the risk of re-injury
    ✔️ Building balance and coordination for everyday movement
    ✔️ Regaining mobility and functional strength after setbacks
    ✔️ Creating a strong foundation for long-term health

    Muscle is the organ of longevity. The stronger and healthier your muscles are, the better your chances of living a longer, healthier life. ~Dr. Gabrielle Lyon

    How I’m Rebuilding My Strength—And What You Can Do Too

    If you’re recovering from an injury or just want to bulletproof your body, here’s what working for me:

    1️⃣ Working With a Professional – A physical therapist, trainer, or strength coach can help ensure you’re moving properly and safely. Having a plan is making all the difference in my recovery.

    2️⃣ Focusing on Stability First – I’m to starting with the basics: core stability, joint mobility, and small controlled movements before jumping back into full workouts.

    3️⃣ Prioritizing Mobility and Flexibility – Daily stretching, mobility drills, and deep breathing is helping me regain movement while expanding my lungs, without putting too much strain on my body.

    4️⃣ Easing Back Into Strength Training – I’m starting light, focusing on proper form, and will gradually work my way back to heavier lifts. Compound movements like squats, lunges, dips, and deadlifts (when done correctly) are literally quality of life movements.

    5️⃣ Training For the Long Game – I’ve learned that consistency beats intensity every time. Recovery isn’t about how quickly I can get back to my old routine—it’s about coming back stronger, smarter, and more resilient. You can bet your bottom dollar (I know, mommism here) I will be fully committed to my training for the rest of my life.

    My Go-To Essentials for Recovery & Wellbeing

    Injury recovery goes beyond just rehab exercises. Supporting my body from the inside out has been a game-changer. Here are a few of my favorites that I can’t live without (links included):

    ✨ Peptides from Make Wellness – These bioactive precision peptides have helped me recover faster, improve muscle repair, calm my mind, and optimize my overall health. They are clean, safe, affordable and effective, and I swear by them! Especially Fit and Calm! Both play critical roles in my mind and body’s well-being! (psst…now through 2/28 you can get $15 off your first order with the code Share15)

    🧖‍♀️ Kate McLeod Body Stone – Hydration is key, and this solid body moisturizer is packed with nourishing ingredients that help(ed) my skin and muscles feel amazing.

    🌿 A Consistent Skincare Routine – Stress and inflammation can take a toll on my skin, so I made sure to keep up with a solid skincare regimen.

    💦 Hydration – Water is essential for cellular function and regeneration. When injured, our body needs extra fluids to transport nutrients, oxygen, and immune cells to the affected area. Proper hydration helps speed up tissue repair and reduce recovery time.

    Hydrated by Make Wellness was (and will always be) my go-to for hydration.

    🍵 Bare Bones Bone Broth – This has been a staple in my recovery—rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support joint health, gut healing, and overall recovery.

    Final Thoughts

    An injury can feel like a major setback, but I’ve been choosing to see it as an opportunity—to rebuild, to focus on passion projects (like this blog), to come back stronger, and to truly understand my body.

    I don’t just want to recover—I want to be stronger and more resilient than before.

    This experience has reinforced something I’ve always believed:
    💪 Strength training isn’t about aesthetics or performance alone.
    💪 It’s about being strong enough to handle whatever life throws at you—injury, aging, setbacks, or the demands of daily movement.
    💪 It’s an investment in longevity, resilience, and overall health.

    If you’re dealing with an injury—or want to future-proof your body—start prioritizing strength training today. Your future self will thank you!

    Need help figuring out where to start? I know some incredible health and fitness pros and would be happy to recommend someone based on your goals. Just reach out!

    (Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional, trainer, or coach. This information is based on my personal experience.)

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