Fast forward to 2022, I competed in my first National Physique Committee Bodybuilding Show - something I had in the back of my mind for years. Being an introvert, I was unsure how I would perform - stepping on stage in front of a crowd, getting critiqued on my physique, and making sure not to trip with heels on. I received 4th place out of seven women and loved every minute I had on that stage.
A Test of Resolve
Personal health and fitness became less of a routine for me when COVID-19 shut down everything. It was an extremely tough time for everyone, including myself. I was going through a negative period in my life, and the gym was my outlet. I didn’t know what I would do without the gym – I was petrified. But I was fortunate enough to find some weights for a good price on Facebook Marketplace and turned my garage into a mini-gym. COVID taught me the importance of mental health, and I made life-changing decisions that were best for me and my overall happiness. My grandfather always said, "Better days are ahead”, and that’s something that I keep close to my heart. We may experience a bad day, but it’s just a bad day – not a bad life. Leave that day in the past and start the new day with a fresh, positive mindset.
That perspective not only helped me through the pandemic, it has impacted my professional outlook – helping me focus on finding the best ways to collaborate with my colleagues and help our customers.
Fitness Tips
My general fitness routine consists of lifting weights at the gym five times a week and early morning fasted cardio before work. I am usually at the gym in the morning on weekends so that I have free time for social activities in the afternoon or evening.
Everyone’s fitness routine won’t be the same, and it may not look like mine, but here are some fitness tips and tricks that I have found to be helpful, regardless of your fitness journey:
- Drink your water – Individuals should drink about half an ounce to an ounce of water for each pound they weigh. If you weigh 150 pounds, that would be 75 ounces of water a day!
- Adequate sleep – Sleep allows your body to recover from the previous day, conserve energy, and repair and build up muscles worked throughout the day. My best advice is to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep.
- Movement – Take some time away from your desk every hour or so and go for a walk! It helps to improve stability, balance, and coordination.
- Set short, realistic goals – Don’t overcommit or over-perform. Start out with a short goal. For example, go to the gym three days a week. Start out slow so you do not experience exercise burnout!
- Don’t compare yourself to others – Everyone starts from somewhere. Don’t compare your Chapter 1 to someone else’s Chapter 20.
About the Author
Samantha Vallone is a Senior Underwriter in Selective’s Southern region and manages a renewal book of business for the Inside Underwriting Department. Samantha began her career at Selective in the Northeast Region in the co-op program for the inside underwriting department. She is part of Selective’s Women’s Agency Leadership Initiative (WALI).