
Week 3: ‘Make time for things that matter to you.’
I’d first like to start this post off by saying: If you’ve read Week 1 and Week 2 of my #NoDaysOff⚡💪🏾 blog, THANK YOU!! 😭❤️ I’ll admit I was doubtful that anyone would care to keep up with my fitness journey, but your likes and comments have shown me this blog is for you guys just as much as it is for me! So, thank you, thank you, thank you! Xoxo
Now, let me tell you about Tina.
So, for this third blog I really wanted to focus on motivators: people, ideas or things that motivate and inspire us to accomplish our goals.
Now, when I started thinking about who would be the perfect first interview for this blog, it took me all but three seconds to realize I didn’t have to look far…

Tina Irizarry is an Assistant Editor at DC Refined, a proud kitty mom and a certified gym junkie. She’s my co-worker and one of my motivators! For as long as I’ve known her (about a year now!), I’ve always been so impressed by how dedicated she is to working out each week.
I wanted to interview Tina, because 1.) she’s just an awesome person, and 2.) we could all benefit from having someone like her in our life. Sure, it’s cool to look to people on social media ~in moderation~ for inspiration (I’m always saving “body goals” from Instagram 😅), but it also helps to have a person you can physically see day in and day out whose work ethic inspires you. Whether it’s a co-worker, a neighbor, or friend… find your Tina! ⚡

You go to the gym pretty often. At least 4–5 times a week. What (or who) motivated you to live a healthy life?
When I was growing up and still till this day, my parents always worked out. They pushed my sister and I to stay active in sports and it was just something that has always been important to my family. I still workout with my mom on occasion and it is something we enjoy doing together.
What does your daily/weekly exercise routine consist of?
I try to workout at least 4 times a week and that normally consists of MADabolic. If you haven’t tried it, you must!
Have you always worked out consistently or was there a time when you struggled?
I have pretty much always worked out consistently. There were times when I wasn’t working out as hard as other times (like in high school I trained really hard for field hockey and in college it was an adjustment to not having that constant discipline), but I don’t remember the last time I went over a week without working out. I think I would go crazy!

How do you balance an active lifestyle with your work week?
I think it is all about getting into a routine and making time for the things that matter to you. Working out is something that keeps me sane, it’s my one hour a day where I don’t think about anything else but getting through my workout. I wake up at 5 a.m. and I am at the gym by 6:30 most days. My job keeps me pretty busy at not normal work hours so getting up early and getting my workout done is sometimes the only way I will fit it in. If it matters to you, you will make time for it in your schedule. And it doesn’t mean you have to go 5–7 days a week, but even getting moving 3 days a week is better than nothing. Go for a walk or bike ride, it doesn’t have to be in a gym.
What aspect of your health and fitness lifestyle are you REALLY good at? What aspect could use improvement/is a challenge for you?
I am really good at making it to the gym…even when I want to hit the snooze button. Finding a healthy balance when it comes to food has always been a struggle for me. I LOVE sweets and junk food and that’s okay because what is life without a donut. So finding that balance where I don’t beat myself up over eating something bad but also knowing moderation when it comes to food.
You’re doing Whole 30 for the month of August. How’s it going and what made you want to start?
I started the whole30 right before I went on a vacation which was a STRUGGLE! I fell off the wagon a bit, but I have been back on now for 4 days and I am feeling great. I don’t think the whole30 is for everyone (no diet is) but this is my 3rd time doing it and I always feel great when I am eating clean. My gym community has been a great support because we are doing this together!

What’s your go-to workout playlist look like?
RAP CRAP! I don’t ever listen to rap but when I am working out, I am all about it.
What’s the best advice someone has ever given you when it comes to working out and eating healthy?
Do something that works for you. There is no right way or wrong way.
Any recommendations? (ie. food, classes, people to follow)
My recommendations for getting into the gym is signing up for classes that charge you to cancel. My gym, MADabolic, charges you 15 dollars for late canceling. It is very motivating, because who wants to waste 15 dollars?! Not me. Also, if you are struggling with nutrition I would recommend a meal delivery service. I use a great one called Territory Meals. They deliver to your house and gyms around the area. Use my code to get a FREE meal with your first order. https://www.territoryfoods.com/yum/TINAIRIZARRYFOOD
You can follow Tina’s gym adventures on Instagram ➡️ @tina_irizarry.

(PS: I’ve decided not to bore you guys with what I ate this week, but I am happy to report that I am officially on my 6th day of eating vegan! ❤️🎉)
