It’s officially spring and since summer is just around the corner, we decided to chat with one of our favorite girls, Madison Mealy to talk about her love of fitness, the sun, and adventure. We’ve been following Madison for a while and hope she inspires you as much as she has inspired us!
Q- Tell us a bit about yourself — where are you from? What are your hobbies, interests, passions, etc?
Hey there! I’m Madison, I’m 20 years old, and I’m married to my best friend, Blake. I grew up moving all over but spent high school in Florida. I have a passion for working out, singing and playing guitar, and lately, have begun dipping my toes in photography and painting!
Q- What inspires/motivates you?
My motivation comes from the way that my body feels after I give it a good workout. Progress is another huge motivator. It’s so cool to see changes and see all of your hard work paying off. My biggest fitness inspirations are Whitney Simmons, Heidi Somers, and Taylor Chamberlain!!
Q- How did you get into fitness?
Growing up I was always the skinny girl. I was told daily that I needed to “eat a burger.” I had girls in high school make fun of me for having “no butt.” I have a bad back and knee problems and always told myself that going to the gym wasn’t an option for me because of my problems. One day (I don’t even remember who said this) I saw one of my fitspo girl’s Instagram post and my whole outlook was changed. She explained that because of her hip problems, she couldn’t squat or deadlift (2 “must-do” lifts). She explained that fitness is different for everyone, that there is no perfect way to workout, and that you just have to find what works best for you. I started doing just that and realized it was okay to start out slowly and use lightweight.
Q- What’s one of your favorite workouts to do when you have limited on time?
Quick Glute and Hamstring Workout
This workout is best performed in a gym with weights, but just fine at home using body weight as well! If you don’t know what any of these lifts are, bodybuilding.com has simple instructions on each movement!
*SS= superset. A superset is 2 workouts combined without a break. After completing the superset, take a 1-2 minute break.
Stretch entire body well and do a quick 5-minute jog/jump rope before beginning.
- 12 Barbell (or bodyweight) squats SS with 12 jump squats x 3
- 12 Straight leg deadlifts SS glute 12 kick-backs x 3
- 12 Bulgarian split-squats (alternating legs) x3 (if at home, use couch or chair as bench)
- 24 walking lunges SS with fire hydrants
Finish with another 5-minute jog and nice long stretch!
Q- What are some of your goals for the summer and how do you plan on accomplishing them?
This summer I would love to work on moderation. I beat myself up too much when I don’t get to a gym at least 5 times a week! I know physical and mental breaks are good, and I’d like to start taking more of them without freaking out and thinking I'm going to lose all of my progress!
Q- You’re going back and forth between Hawaii and Florida — what do you love most about living in the sun?
I am such a sun worshiper! I feel so lazy on gloomy cloudy days, the sun gives me energy! I love being able to drive just a few minutes and be in the ocean!
Q- What’s your favorite healthy snack to make?
I make these babies at least 3 times a week. They are quick and filling, and curb my chocolate chip cookie cravings!
PB balls- (1 serving- about 5 small balls)
1/2 C old fashioned oats
2 tbsp peanut butter
2 tbsp honey
Dash of sea salt
Small handful of chocolate chips
Coconut (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Roll into small balls. I like to freeze mine for a few minutes before I enjoy.
Q- What is your favorite workout playlist or song to jam to while working out?
Lately, I have been obsessed with Flume and Alessia Cara. I am guilty of jamming out to the Moana soundtrack on the treadmill.
Q- What’s the most adventurous thing you have ever done?
After my now husband and I had only dated 1 month in person, and 1-month long distance, I moved out to Hawaii (5,000 miles away from my home in Florida) to be with him…. also because it’s Hawaii. It was crazy, but it worked out nicely.
Q- If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
New Zealand. I feel like there is so much beauty there and I just wanna hike those beautiful mountains!! Also.. go be a nerd and see LOTR sights.
Q- What’s one fitness product you couldn’t live without?
I feel like I have upped my game so much since I began using resistance bands. Adding them to my routines has spiced up my lifting routines and adds nice tension to so many lifts, especially squats!!
Q- Advice to anyone wanting to get out and get active and be healthy and happy!
Even if you have never been to a gym in your life, just TRY it, and give it a real chance. If you try weight lifting and find it’s not your thing, give kickboxing, yoga, or even cross-fit a try! Find what fitness is for YOU!
Q- Advice to make Social Media a more positive space.
I was scared for a long time to open up on my Instagram and be myself. I feel like there is a mold that everyone is trying to fit on social media. Once I started putting my personality into things and adding a little more “me” into my page, I noticed such a difference! Don’t be afraid of people judging you, there are a lot more people out there wanting to cheer you on and lift you up than there are ones wanting to bring you down in my opinion!
Have any questions for Madison? Leave a comment below or head on over to her Instagram page and say hello!
