In Chill Chat, Bustle sits down with celebs to discuss all things wellness, from their favorite skincare products to tips for a good night's sleep. Here, Callie Gullickson shares her workout routine, unexpected music on her playlist, and her go-to coffee recipe.
If you're one of Peloton's millions of subscribers, you probably know that Callie Gullickson is sunshine personified. Currently pregnant and in her third trimester, this strength, cardio and cycling coach promotes her BYOE (Bring Your Own Energy) philosophy in class and truly walks the talk.
Is there a typical example? She hasn't really changed her workout routine since she found out she was pregnant. "Honestly, things haven't changed, although I've definitely slowed down and listened to my body more," the 30-year-old tells Bustle.
That doesn't mean Gullickson — Lululemon's newest Peloton ambassador — is always excited about working out. But that's exactly how she came up with her motto. "I love my job, but sometimes I just want to sit on the couch," she shared. "That's when I told myself, I'm the one who's saying this inner negativity, so how can I change that? That's how I came up with the idea of 'Bring Your Own Energy.'"
This mentality doesn't just apply to her workouts. Here, Gullickson reveals her cozy morning routine, go-to recovery rituals, and tips for staying positive.
What does your morning routine look like?
First I had to put on my most comfortable robe. Then I would go downstairs, make myself a warm glass of lemon water, and put on an eye mask.
I would try to drink as much water as possible, roll my face in ice cubes, and make coffee. For the past few months, I've been enjoying putting a fake fireplace on YouTube on my TV screen and sitting on the couch to wake up my mind and body. Fire is necessary. If I sit downstairs on the couch in the morning and the TV isn't on, my husband thinks something is wrong.
What is your current coffee recipe?
Okay, so I'm a big Breville girl. People ask me what I like about Nespresso coffee beans, but I still don't get it. To me, they all taste the same.
I either drink black coffee or Trader Joe's Brown Sugar Oat Creamer - a little goes a long way and it tastes really good.
Do you usually work out at a Peloton studio in the morning?
Yes. I usually teach early morning or midday, and sometimes in the afternoon. I'm a morning person. I do bike camp once a week, and the rest of the time I teach strength or do the occasional HIIT cardio session.
Beyond that, what does your workout routine look like?
I lift heavy weights about two to three times a week. Honestly, it’s just about keeping me super strong so I can continue to take my classes injury-free and feel great.
In addition to weightlifting, I do enjoy Pilates on our app. I also really started walking. Maybe it's just the pregnancy, but I'm okay with it. We have a new feature on [Peloton], which is entertainment, and I've been re-watching This Is Us from the beginning. It makes the class go by faster.
What’s on your workout playlist right now?
I really like country. I was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and I used to listen to country music all the time. I'm either listening to the hits, Taylor Swift, or I'm listening to hot country music on Spotify. There's nothing better than lifting something heavy for Shania Twain or Brad Paisley.
What will you do to recover?
I love compression boots. They are easy because I just put them on and watch TV.
I have also been doing acupuncture for the past two years. It was so relaxing - I literally fell asleep at the table.
How do you respond when you feel stressed or overwhelmed?
I know it's cliche, but moving my body always helps.
When I first started dating my husband, he said, "This girl is a little too positive." Honestly, I don't let things stress me out. Obviously, there are times when I think, okay, I have a lot to do – but it’s all about mindset.
To be honest, I always appeal to my BYOE: "This is what's happening to you right now. How are you going to react? You're going to get through this because you always get through it." I just jump into that. With a positive attitude, I said, "Bye girl, you got it."
What’s the most alternative health remedy you’ve ever tried?
I did have one cold, but I haven't done it in months. I used to do this for three minutes in the morning and it was amazing.
What do you need for a good night's sleep?
The room needs to be super cold. I hate it being too hot at night. Then I need comfy pajamas – if I could live in them forever, I would. I also try not to look at my phone after a certain time.
What’s the best health advice you’ve ever received?
That “you time” is not selfish. When the third trimester hit me hard, I realized I needed to start doing things for myself. Last week, I started getting back into acupuncture more. I started pelvic floor physical therapy. I went in for a facial - so I really wanted to step up my self-care routine.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
