Achieving a sustainable and effective fitness routine can often feel like an uphill battle, but according to actress Candace Cameron Bure, it’s all about finding what works for you and sticking with it. Known for her dedication to health and wellness, Bure has openly shared her insights into cultivating a fitness regimen that not only delivers results but also brings joy and consistency.
The Foundation: Make a Plan and Find Your Joy
One of Bure’s primary pieces of advice is to “make a plan” and “find the workouts you wanna do.” This emphasizes the importance of intentionality and personal preference in fitness. Rather than forcing oneself through activities they dread, Bure advocates for discovering enjoyable forms of exercise. This approach transforms working out from a chore into a fulfilling part of one’s day.
Discovering What You Love
Bure herself wasn’t always a fan of exercise, admitting she “certainly didn’t like it as a kid, as a young teen [or] even in my early 20s.” It was in her 30s that she “found the joy of fitness” by discovering activities she liked and finding the fun in it, often with people she enjoyed. This highlights a crucial element: fitness should be a positive experience. Whether it’s strength training, walking, or “sneaky cardio,” finding an activity that resonates with you is paramount.
Consistency is Key: Building a Routine That Sticks
Once you’ve found what you love, the next step is consistency. Bure states unequivocally, “Consistency is key.” This doesn’t mean perfection, but rather a regular commitment to your chosen activities.
Integrating Workouts into Daily Life
Candace is an early morning exerciser, often working out at 7 a.m. PST, allowing her to complete her fitness routine before her busy day begins. While her trainer, Kira Stokes, leads her through hybrid training three days a week, Bure also utilizes Stokes’ fitness app on other days, aiming for five workouts a week. However, she remains realistic, acknowledging that “life is life and that’s what happens” if she misses a workout. This realistic approach to consistency prevents discouragement and promotes long-term adherence.
The Power of Varied Workouts
Bure’s routine with Kira Stokes incorporates a variety of methods from The Stoked Method, including heavy lifting with proper form (Stoked Strength 360), endurance and fine-tuning strength work (Stoked AthletiCORE and Fine Tuning), and HIIT workouts that combine strength, conditioning, and mobility sequences (Stoked Shred 360). This varied approach challenges the body in different ways and helps maintain engagement. When gym access is limited, such as when Bure is on set, she and Stokes focus on endurance work and fine-tuning with smaller dumbbells and resistance bands.
Beyond the Gym: Holistic Health Tips
Bure’s advice extends beyond structured workouts, encompassing a holistic approach to health and wellness.
Embracing the Outdoors and “Sneaky Cardio”
One of Bure’s key summer workout tips is to “get out and get moving.” She emphasizes that being outside offers benefits beyond a gym treadmill, including fresh air and nature. She suggests increasing steps, parking further away in parking lots, and even “grounding” by putting bare feet in the grass after a walk or jog.
Interestingly, Bure isn’t a fan of traditional cardio like running or biking. Instead, her trainer incorporates “sneaky cardio” by keeping her moving during strength training sessions, flowing directly from one heavy lift to the next to keep her heart rate elevated. This demonstrates that effective cardiovascular exercise doesn’t always have to be conventional.
Hydration and Nutrition
Bure stresses the importance of staying hydrated, advising to “drink a lot of water.” She also incorporates electrolytes into her water, especially during warmer months.
While primarily following a vegan, plant-based diet, Bure occasionally includes eggs and fish. She focuses on a balanced diet, consuming carbs pre-workout and proteins post-exercise, and adheres to the 80/20 rule, where 80% of her diet consists of healthy foods and the remaining 20% allows for treats in moderation. She avoids white flour and refined sugar due to their high-calorie content.
Prioritizing Mental Health
For Bure, exercise is a significant component of her mental health and wellness. She acknowledges the demands of juggling family and work and relies on sweating and endorphins to maintain mental clarity.
Crafting Your Own Effective Routine
Candace Cameron Bure’s journey and advice offer a practical framework for anyone looking to establish an effective fitness routine. By focusing on enjoyable activities, prioritizing consistency without aiming for perfection, embracing varied workouts, and integrating holistic health practices like hydration and outdoor activity, individuals can build a sustainable path to wellness. The ultimate goal is to find what makes you feel stronger, healthier, and happier.
