a combination of things has me wanting to start opening up on this blog & while it may just be for me, I have this feeling in my chest that it may serve not just myself better, but maybe others too. I want something indicative of a blank slate and of who I am in this present moment. I guess this a journal for me, but if it connects me to more of you during this time that’d be pretty cool.
I left my apartment in New York City (wow I miss u) because of the COVID-19 quarantine to be safe and surrounded by family in my childhood home in PA. And ever since, I’ve watched my time spent on social media since this can be such a confusing and anxiety-provoking time. This has made me appreciate Tumblr more than ever-I feel like I can share in an open and authentic way without judgement that I just don’t feel the same about other platforms. I want to build and be a part of community, ESPECIALLY in this time in our lives.
With that, I have been really inspired lately by what I am learning and how I can share my knowledge and experiences to better shape health education. There are so many unhealthy and triggering myths that exist in the world that are perpetuated and circulated by social media. Or, maybe you’re a beginner and just don’t know where to start. Here’s the thing: I’m learning with you. I want to be a positive force, a liaison if you will, between what is clinically proven in research and practice and how we as normal, everyday, messy humans can live better, INDIVIDUALIZED, lifestyles for no one but our damn selves in our nutrition and exercise.
So to start off, my name is Olivia (no one calls me Liv anymore and I miss the hell out of it so please feel free to), I’m 22 years old, and I am currently a first year student (a 2nd year in 2 weeks!) in a Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. I am a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and am studying currently to be a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS through NSCA!). I studied biology in my undergrad years, and I am a former NCAA Division I athlete in cross country and track & field. I grew up playing soccer and tennis up until college, before switching to mid and long distance running. My current relationship with running is on the mend: I tore my hip labrum about a year ago, and after finally figuring out the diagnosis, I’m back to running 2-3 times a week. Right now I’m really into HIIT, strength circuits, and boxing. Outside of school, I worked at a yoga studio in the city and really started appreciating it! But, I am grateful for the fresh air of PA, my family, and a chance to grow.
My initial goals here are to get to know you guys and start sharing my ideas for exercises I’ve created that I’m really excited about (still gonna share chest/abs/shoulders for my distance runners out there-just gotta film)! Feel free to introduce yourself in the notes or my messages. Id love to hear what you’re up to, what you’re doing to stay active in quarantine, what type of fitness and wellness content you look forward to, and what you think is missing in YOUR daily lives that I can help provide. At the least, I’m excited to log my exercise ideas on this blog! I’m not a perfect athlete, I don’t look like a fitness model, and I won’t sell you the shortcut version of healthy habits. I’m a size 8 and content, I don’t have a killer tan 24/7, and I don’t look like a runner. But, I’m here to keep myself and hopefully you accountable, skeptical, vulnerable, gritty, and real.
These pictures are a day in my life of today. I’m taking classes online probably like most of you. Normally on Tuesday’s I have a 5 hr morning lecture and a 2 hr evening lecture. But today was for final presentations, so we were lucky enough to just have one long lecture for the day. After a morning lecture, the remaining 90 minutes were a yoga and meditations class. It felt really nice to practice outside in the sun and take things slowwwww. Running wasn’t on the agenda today but how! could! I! not! when the weather feels like that dream-like track meet? After being done with class for the day, I went on a lil 20 min slow jaunt for the day just to take everything in. Also, never thought I would enjoy running in a one-shoulder sports bra but this Fabletics top really is that! bitch!... Finished up this beautiful day with iced coffee, studying kinesiology & radiology on the deck in golden hour, and the most killer lasagna dinner with my parents. I hope today your 24 hours reflected everything your mind, body, emotions, and spirit wanted and needed them to be today :)
