The heat in Texas is sweltering in July, and suddenly, gearing up for my morning walk, I double-check my desire to work out outside.

Luckily for me, it takes about 45.427 seconds to pull up one of Lidia Mera’s YouTube videos on the Livingroom TV, and even less time than that (2.8727 seconds) to roll out a bright purple yoga mat.

Photo by Junseong Lee on Unsplash

Lidia Mera, a 25-year-old, Barcelona-born L3 Pilates mat instructor, is famous for her easy-to-follow, easy-to-finish Pilates videos on YouTube. Instead of aggressive instructions and harsh timers, her videos contain calming music alongside Mera herself showing each movement to follow.

Based in London, the YouTube celebrity has gained 1.4 million subscribers to a channel where those of us short on time and space--and short on a pricey gym membership--can practice Pilates free of charge. After a week of following Mera's videos, I felt stronger and more flexible. You can, too!

Below, you'll find my week's workout routine, designed to leave you feeling a boost of happiness and energy, and ensure you come back to the mat for more!

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My Easy Weekly Plan

Mon.

• Legs: 15MIN slim thighs pilates workout
• Tip: Repeat the video for double the challenge!

Tues.

• Full body: 30MIN full body hourglass pilates workout // slim waist + toned body
• Note: Eat something yummy like the Legendary Foods Strawberry Protein Pastry after working out to aid your muscles in recovery.

Wed.

• Arms: 10MIN slim & toned arm workout + 15MIN toned arms pilates workout
• Tip: Listen to ballet music to feel like a dancer in training.

Photo by Jessica Streser on Unsplash

Thurs.

• Booty: 20MIN abs & booty pilates workout + 10 MIN pilates booty workout
• Note: You may feel the burn the next day. (Or two.)

Fri.

• Legs: 10MIN everyday slim thighs/legs pilates workout + 10MIN EVERYDAY AB WORKOUT
• Tip: Drink water during any workout breaks to stay hydrated.

Sat.

• Full body: 40MIN hourglass full body workout
• Tip: Put in all your effort--tomorrow is your day off!

Sun.

• Rest.
• Note: Enjoy a casual stroll or start a new book today. Or do both.

Photo by Alex Shaw on Unsplash

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Yum!

After working out, I was glancing through Mera's YouTube Shorts when I heard my stomach growl. Her channel includes videos on what she enjoys eating, providing healthy and simple meal inspiration. Mera's what-I-eat-in-a-day videos made me excited to try some new ideas, so I've included two that caught my eye the most.

Crispy Chickpea Chicken Bowl

• 1/2 cup of chickpeas
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• pinch of dried or fresh dill
• juice from 1/2 a lemon
• 1 crispy chicken patty
• handful of lettuce
• some olive oil
• 1/2 carrot
• some diced cucumber
• 1/2 tomato
• 1/2 bell pepper
• spice mix: paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, onion powder

Instructions:

1. Cook chickpeas at 190°C for 20 minutes in either an air frier or an oven.
2. Sear chicken patty in a bit of olive oil on the stove until golden on each side.
3. Chop veggies and set aside.
4. In a separate small bowl, stir Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dill together until smooth.
5. Add salad, veggies, chickpeas, and sliced chicken patty to a bowl.
6. Top the dish with creamy dill sauce and serve.

The Verdict: Dill sauce is addictive and would be amazing on falafel instead of chicken when I make this dish again. 4.8/5 ⭐

Photo by dimitri.photography on Unsplash

Shredded Ginger-Apple Oats

• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 1 cup milk of choice or water
• 1 apple
• pinch of cinnamon
• drizzle of honey
• 1/2 sliced banana
• some pecans
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 2 figs
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 Gingerbread cookie

Instructions:

1. Cook 1/2 cup of oatmeal over the stove in a cup of milk or water.
2. Stir in 1/2-1 apple shredded on a metal grater.
3. Add 1 tbsp of chia seeds while cooking for added fiber.
4. Once oatmeal thickens, remove from stove.
5. Top bowl with sliced banana, pecans, figs, Gingerbread cookie, honey, and tbsp of peanut butter.

Chef's Note: If you don't own a metal grater, dice apple into small cubes. 4.2/5 ⭐.

Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash

In Conclusion, I Love Easy, Convenient Workouts

Though I wrote this article after following Mera’s videos for a week, I have enjoyed her channel for a while and will continue to follow her in the future. If you are looking for a reliable fitness influencer to follow this summer, Lidia Mera is truly one of the best!

As long as the Sun feels like it's trying to sit down on Texas, I'll be inside doing leg lifts for 45 seconds.