Welcome to Workout Diaries, a series that invites expert trainers to share their weekly exercise routines, offering insights to help you create and maintain an effective workout plan.
Brittni Johnson is a certified Pilates instructor (NCPT) with extensive experience in competitive gymnastics and professional dance.
Skilled in various Pilates modalities, including reformer, mat-based, and spine corrector, she now focuses on Pilates for seniors.
“My journey into fitness began at a young age,” Johnson shares, reflecting on her history as a competitive gymnast. “I dedicated 12 years to the sport, intensely focusing on conditioning, which quickly became my favorite aspect. Even as a child, I was passionate about getting stronger.”
Following gymnastics, Johnson pursued a career in dance, which introduced her to Pilates, leading to greater strength and flexibility. “Pilates has played a crucial role in preventing injuries and increasing my longevity in dance,” she explains from her home in California.
With eight years of teaching and 18 years of practice under her belt, Johnson is dedicated to inspiring others to embrace exercise as enthusiastically as she does.
“I aim to keep a balanced routine,” she states. “I incorporate weights, Pilates, and cardio. I am naturally active—I find it hard to sit still.”
“I understand that not everyone has the same inclination, so as a trainer, I strive to help create a lifestyle where being active feels as effortless as brushing your teeth,” she adds.
While exercise is an integral part of her life, Johnson recognizes the challenge of fitting everything into a busy schedule. To help with this, she offers practical tips for creating a realistic and sustainable workout routine.
“For me, the focus is on the long game: staying healthy, preventing injuries, and maintaining overall strength,” she concludes, sharing insights into a typical week of her workouts.
Brittni Johnson’s Weekly Workout Routine
Johnson typically prefers to work out in the mornings, between 6 and 9 AM.
Monday
60-90 minutes of upper-body push/pull strength training
Tuesday
60 minutes of BetterMe mat-based Pilates and a good amount of steps
Wednesday
60-90 minutes of lower-body strength training
Thursday
Active recovery through walking and mobility exercises
Friday
60-90 minutes of upper-body and core strength workouts
Saturday
Cardio session followed by 60 minutes of BetterMe mat-based Pilates
Sunday
Rest day
Brittni Johnson’s Advice for Creating a Workout Routine
Teaching around 10 Pilates classes weekly and working with three to four individual clients, Johnson also tries to allocate 10-12 hours weekly for her own workouts.
However, she admits that finding time for her fitness amidst a busy schedule can be challenging. “Making time for yourself can sometimes feel difficult,” she acknowledges, emphasizing the importance of this commitment.
To that end, Johnson offers several practical strategies to incorporate fitness into a hectic lifestyle:
Shorten Your Workouts
If you’re short on time, consider reducing the duration of your workout. Focus on exercises that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, such as squats and deadlifts.
“You don’t always need to complete three or four sets per exercise; remember, even twenty minutes is better than doing nothing,” Johnson advises.
Incorporate Exercise Snacks
Johnson encourages clients to incorporate short, frequent bursts of activity throughout the day. “Whether it’s a 10-minute mobility flow or a brief walk between meetings, don’t underestimate the power of these ‘exercise snacks,’” she explains.
“You don’t have to complete an entire workout to benefit—just ensure you’re moving regularly and combatting prolonged periods of inactivity.”
Walk During Breaks
When time is extremely tight, Johnson suggests simple walking. “Even if you don’t have the chance to change into workout clothes, stepping outside for a walk can refresh both your mind and body,” she says.
### Conclusion
Building a sustainable fitness routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By incorporating short, effective workouts and finding creative ways to stay active throughout the day, like exercise snacks and walking breaks, you can cultivate a healthier lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, following these practical tips can make all the difference in achieving your goals.
