Unlocking a Healthier Me – How I’ve Revolutionized My Fitness Journey with the StairMaster

Hey loves,

It’s been an incredible three months (May 2024), and I’m excited to share some of the changes I’ve made in my fitness routine that have completely transformed not just my body, but my mindset too. As many of you know, I’m always looking for new ways to stay active and improve my overall well-being, especially given my ongoing battle with PCOS (This is my first time of publicly sharing this btw). The journey hasn’t been easy, but I’ve found a combination of tools and strategies that have made a significant impact, and I hope they inspire you too!

My New Best Friend: The StairMaster

Funny enough, my journey with the StairMaster began as a challenge from a friend. She decided to create a group chat and I figured, why not? Because I truly needed some kind of challenge in my fitness life at that point in time. Little did I know that this challenge would become a pivotal part of my fitness routine! The StairMaster seemed like a good fit because it’s a low-intensity yet incredibly effective cardio machine that burns calories without putting too much strain on my joints.

When I first started incorporating the StairMaster into my workouts, I won’t lie—I was intimidated. I started using the stairmaster more from May 2024 but I had started going to the gym consistently from November 2023. The stairmaster is one of those machines that you see in the gym and think, “That’s going to be tough,” and trust me, it is. But tough is good! I began slowly, just a few minutes here and there, and gradually built up to 30-minute sessions. Now, it’s a staple in my routine, and I can’t imagine my workouts without it.

Photo Before/After – February 2024 vs August 2024 (From left to right)

Not only does the StairMaster get your heart pumping, but it also targets key areas like your glutes, hamstrings, and calves. For anyone looking to tone their lower body while also torching calories, this machine is a game-changer (I lowekey wish I had one in my house lol).

The Power of Data: Tracking Calories Burned

One of the biggest shifts in my fitness journey has been learning to use data to my advantage. I started paying close attention to the calories I burn during each workout, and it’s been incredibly motivating. For instance, according to the calorie burner calculator from Culinary Schools, my 30-minute StairMaster sessions burn about 474 calories. Seeing these numbers has pushed me to stay consistent because I know each step is a step towards my goals.

Meal Inspiration Ideas From Ella:

Supporting My Journey with the Right Tools

It’s not just about what happens in the gym—what you do outside of it is equally important. That’s where apps like Fastic, Flo, and GoodLife Fitness have been lifesavers.

• Fastic has helped me stay on top of my intermittent fasting schedule, ensuring I’m eating within a healthy window that works for my body.
• Flo has been essential for tracking my cycle, which is crucial for managing PCOS and understanding how my body reacts to different phases of the month.
• GoodLife Fitness’s app provides easy workout inspiration when I need to switch things up. Whether it’s a quick HIIT session or a targeted strength routine, I can find something that fits my needs for the day.

Why Paying Attention to Data Matters

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over these past three months, it’s the importance of being mindful (and of course demure ^^) and intentional with your fitness journey. By keeping track of calories burned, monitoring my body’s response through Flo, and staying committed to my fasting schedule with Fastic, I’ve been able to make progress that feels sustainable. It’s not just about the number on the scale but how you feel and how your body responds.

I want to encourage all of you to take advantage of these tools. Understand your body, listen to it, and use data to guide you. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your fitness to the next level, being informed and mindful can make all the difference and of course, your nutrition is equally important.

Let’s continue this journey together, supporting one another every step of the way. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Stay active, stay healthy, and most importantly, stay inspired.’=

Keep up with me on Instagram – @ellahh and I plan to start uploading a bit on my fitness page – @healthbyemmanuela. I have been very hesistant lol.

Until next time,
Emmanuela 💕