Hey y’all!! Here we go a new year, with some fun new Graceful Glance Interviews!!! I am so excited about this one. I have known this girl for I don’t how long now. Haha Her husband is 7x NFR Qualifier Travis Graves. Who actually went on my parent’s very first traveling team roping missionary team! To cool huh?! They have 2 adorable kiddos Tee and True Graves. Who are absolutely precious might I add! I truly admire this beautiful lady so much, not only is she an amazing rodeo wife and mom but an avid fitness buff! She also has a heart of gold that I really admire. So for this interview and starting the new year I thought we all could draw some extra inspiration from this beautiful lady! So without further ado let me introduce you to Tamika Graves!

(Tamika and Travis Graves) 

 H: What inspired you to live a healthy life style?

T: I have always loved to run. I’m not sure why! Haha Just kidding! It’s an addictive therapy for me. I feel so good while doing it and love getting better and faster at it. I love doing circuit workouts, lifting weights and Zumba, as well. I am cold natured so Hot Yoga works really well for me in the colder months. I’m kinda obsessed with it! I guess my overall inspiration comes from the amazing feeling of accomplishment after I finish a workout I never thought I would be able to complete 🙂

(That is so awesome! I totally loving running too! Although in high school I truly despised it, but now as an adult I really love the free-ness it brings!)

(Tamika getting her running game on!/ Get it girl!)

H: When working out how do you keep yourself motivated? 

T: Some days are harder than others. I honestly just love to run and workout so it’s never too much of a burden for me.

H: Being on the road a lot is it hard to workout and stay fit?

T: No, it’s not any harder and I usually welcome the change of scenery. Most rodeo grounds have a great set of stairs to run and I always love to load the kids in the double stroller and go for a jog and see some different scenery. I have a yoga mat and some weights in the trailer also.

(That is seriously so awesome! I love the dedication you have it is seriously so inspiring! See ladies we have to just make up our minds and get to it. ) 

(Tamika working out! See girls stick with it and you can accomplish anything especially this move!)

H: Do you have any tips for traveling and eating healthy?

T: I always have snack bags of fruits and veggies in my fridge. They are cleaned and bagged ready to grab. This helps me when we are driving to resist the urge to snack on junk.

(This is awesome! I think if we all took a day to do some food prep like this we would see how much it helps against the temptations! Awesome advice Tamika girl!)

H:  Does Tee and True like to try and workout with you?

T: They get all excited when I lay down on the yoga mat to do sit ups or planks.. They love to lay on me and help make things a little harder. Haha! They love to go on runs with me in their stroller. I pack them snacks and if we see a park I always stop and let them play for awhile. They love it.

H: Who is your fitspiration?

T: Rachel Woodard. She is absolutely flawless in every way. I adore her.

(Rachel and Tamika at the back number presentation at the NFR in Las Vegas) 

H:  What is your favorite way to workout?

T: I love classes but I also don’t mind to go at it solo. I watch a lot of videos on Pinterest to get ideas for new workouts.

(Pinterest has soooo many ideas I think my fitness folder is overflowing with ideas!)

H: What is your favorite healthy snack? 

T: My favorite snack would have to be one of my pre bagged snacks.. I mix red and green grapes and add blueberries. So fresh and yummy.

H: What is some advice you could give our readers to inspire them to stay or to start the work out journey? 

T: My advice would be to have a flexible schedule when it comes to working out. Sometimes a morning workout gets pushed to a 10pm workout, and that’s okay. You just have to make a plan to workout a certain amount of times per week and commit to it. Whatever it takes to get it done, Just Do It 🙂

H: What is your favorite scripture?

T: Phillipians 4:13 ” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”

(Super fitting for everything we have talked about in this interview!)

Tamika I can not thank you enough for taking the time with us and sharing your fitness journey an tips! I know I am re inspired to get back at it with some good tips to keep me going. Don’t forget readers just like Tamika’s favorite scripture says “I (YOU) can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me (YOU!)”. You have got this whatever your journey is fitness, dreams or maybe your struggling. Stay strong and don’t give up! Keep God in all you do! He cares so much about you and the things you set your hands too! Remember what Coco Chanel told us…”Everyday is a fashion show and the world is the runway!” So conquer it with some Grace & Style Girl!! Work it!
XO,
Hannah Leigh

(Tamika and Travis Graves with the beautiful children Tee and True!) 
Thanks again girl!