Hello Fit Fam! 🌊

It's a beautiful summer Friday here in San Diego, and I can practically feel the ocean breeze through my office window. There's something about summer that makes us all want to look and feel our absolute best – whether you're poolside, beachside, or living that lake life.

I've been thinking a lot lately about how technology can either enhance or hinder our wellness journey. You know me – I'm all about finding that sweet spot where tech serves us rather than controls us. So today, I want to share how I'm using technology to support my fitness goals this summer, plus some major life updates that have me full of excitement.

The Tech That Actually Moves Me

You've heard me talk about my Oura ring endlessly (especially over on my Substack), and for good reason. The activity tracking features keep me honest about my daily movement, and that heart rate monitor? Chef's kiss. It's surprisingly accurate for such a sleek little device.

But here's the thing – when I'm going hard with HIIT or cardio-focused workouts, I still reach for my Apple Watch. There's something incredibly motivating about watching those heart rate zones shift in real-time. Am I in fat burn? Cardio? Peak? The data geek in me lives for those metrics.

My Apple Watch also doubles as my iPod for those beach runs when I want a soundtrack to match the sunset. Though honestly? Most of my outdoor time is completely device-free – just me, my thoughts, and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing. Sometimes the best technology is no technology at all.

Major Life Update: I'm Going Back to the Studio!

I can barely contain my excitement about this – I just accepted an offer to start a training program that will have me back in the studio teaching fitness classes! After a year of being on the other side of the mirror, I'm returning to my roots as an instructor. I'll be on a schedule in Carlsbad this summer, and I promise to keep you posted on every step of this journey.

There's something magical about guiding others through movement, about creating that space where everyone can challenge themselves and feel stronger than when they walked in. I've missed it more than I realized.

My Current Workout Obsessions

Pvolve has completely transformed how I think about fitness. Standing for "personal evolution," this method isn't just another workout trend – they've actually conducted clinical trials to prove their approach works. The programming is specifically designed to support women's health and longevity, focusing on the trifecta of strength, mobility, and stability.

What I love most is their hybrid approach. You can find a studio near you for that in-person energy, or stream classes on demand when life gets busy. Their proprietary equipment might look unassuming, but it's incredibly effective. I've started packing some of their resistance pieces in my suitcase – they're perfect for hotel room workouts that actually challenge you.

Peloton – yes, I'm one of those March 2020 converts, and five years later, we're still obsessed. Twice a week, I'm on that bike for at least 20 minutes, sometimes 45 if I need to chase away stress or boost my mood. The instructors are world-class, but it's really the metrics that keep me coming back. There's something about seeing your output, resistance, and cadence that pushes you to compete with yourself.

Swimming remains my ultimate summer love affair. Living in a beach town has its perks, and right now the Pacific is warming up to that perfect temperature where you can enjoy a daily dip without feeling like you're in an ice bath. There's something about swimming that feels both meditative and challenging – it's my favorite way to move my body while staying completely present.

Recovery: The Unsung Hero of Summer Fitness

Here's what I wish someone had told me earlier: recovery isn't just about rest days. It's about giving your body the tools it needs to repair, rebuild, and come back stronger.

Normatec compression boots have been a game-changer. We invested in a pair four months ago, and I'm obsessed with using them post-workout before bed. The lymphatic drainage they provide means I sleep like a baby and wake up with significantly less muscle soreness. It's like having a personal massage therapist on standby.

My masseuse (shoutout to the bodywork professionals who keep us moving!) recommended a nighttime routine that's transformed my sleep quality: magnesium spray made from Dead Sea salt paired with a touch of Biofreeze on any tense areas. I know it sounds like a weird combination, but trust me on this one. I sleep so deeply now that my Oura ring is probably wondering if I'm hibernating.

The Balance Point

As we head into the peak of summer, I keep coming back to this idea of intentional wellness. Yes, I love my gadgets and apps and data points. But I'm equally committed to those moments of pure, untracked movement – the beach walks without podcasts, the swims without counting laps, the stretches that aren't logged anywhere but feel exactly right.

Technology should amplify our wellness, not complicate it. It should make us more aware of our bodies, not more disconnected from them.

What's your relationship with fitness tech? Do you find it motivating or overwhelming? I'd love to hear how you're staying active this summer – hit reply and let me know what's working for you.

Here's to a summer of feeling strong, balanced, and beautifully human.

Stay mindful, 

Madelyn

P.S. – Keep an eye on your inbox for updates about my return to teaching. I have a feeling this summer is going to be full of beautiful surprises.