After becoming a new mom this summer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) Major Accounts Executive Ashlie Peters looked at her health in a completely different light.

“Health has always been important to me, but more so now as a new mom,” says Peters.

“I’ve always enjoyed exercise,” says Peters. “It’s my zen, if you will.”

From playing intramural sports in college to running numerous half and full marathons post grad, Peters has lived an active life.

Peters first started incorporating exercise into her daily routine 15 years ago when she joined Farrell’s Extreme Body Shaping Gym in Lincoln, Nebraska. This fitness program is a combination of kickboxing, resistance training and weights.

“I found myself living at this gym,” says Peters.

When she moved up to Omaha, Peters started teaching kickboxing classes at the newest franchise of Farrell’s.  Eventually, an opportunity presented itself for her to take ownership in the gym. Peters ran the location for eight years before selling it in March of 2021.

“I hit a plateau with kickboxing, and I wanted to try something new,” says Peters. “Since then, I have been able to incorporate new workouts into my repertoire. This cross-training has been amazing for my body—as well as a break for my mental health. Owning a gym is a big responsibility.”

While she no longer works for the gym, this hasn’t stopped Peters from incorporating her passion for fitness into her routine. Despite her busy schedule, she always starts her day with a workout. Whether she runs on the treadmill, rides her spin bike or completes a HIIT workout, an hour of morning movement fuels her energy for the remainder of the day.

Her workout routine isn’t the only routine she follows.

“I follow an 80/20 lifestyle—80% healthy, 20% indulgent,” says Peters. “I try my best to keep it clean during the week and treat myself to a cheat meal over the weekend. On Sunday, I restart. This has been my routine for the past 15 years.”

From working full-time to juggling the responsibilities of a new mom, an attainable, healthy lifestyle is all about balance—both at the gym and in the kitchen.

“I want to be there for my kids—even though they are only 6 months old,” says Peters. “As they get older, as well as myself, I want to be able to play in the yard with them. I want to be around and be their mom for as long as possible. I look at my health completely different than I did six months ago.”

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