I am admittedly terrible at sticking to a workout routine. I love schedules, and yet I can’t seem to follow them!! Between pre-k, appointments, sicknesses, weather, it’s impossible for me to stick to one thing. I am probably way harder on myself than I should be, but I really feel like a better human being when I sweat on a regular basis!
I FEEL a million times better when I workout and I also eat a lot better too. My goal is to workout 5x a week. If I end up moving more than that, great!
I did invest in a membership to the YMCA. I think it has done wonders for the kids to get out, play with other kids, sweat it out in the “Mystery Cavern” and for Bradley to be around other grown ups.
It’s also incredibly nice to have an hour or so to myself where I can blast gangster rap, listen to a podcast or just zone out to You Tube.
What if I don’t want to work out?
Just go walk on the treadmill. If you’re going to watch a show, then why not burn a few calories by walking? Even 30 minutes of walking will probably make you sweat a little, and you may be inclined to walk more.
I don’t have time.
None of us do. We just have to make the time. If it’s 5 minutes here, or 15 minutes there, it all adds up. Start small and increase as you become stronger.
Check out this article via Prevention magazine; it talks about the benefits of simply walking! Walking Benefits
I have zero motivation.
I will totally admit when I have an event to attend, a vacation to go away for, or Summer…I am certainly way more motivated than in the dead of Winter (now) when we are covered in layers upon layers and leggings. Oh those damn leggings with the elastic waist! It’s great until you try to zip up a pair of your favorite jeans…
You can also make your friends hold you accountable; it’s much easier now with the fitbits and Apple watches. Join an actually accountability group, hire a coach or purchase from a Beachbody or AdvoCare coach. These things work people! Only if you want them to of course.
Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t workout.
I need this one right now. It’s been over a week since I went to the gym. On Saturday I did a 20 minute yoga flow and truly felt my shoulders burning, but I haven’t done much else other than walk the dog a bit.
Find a workout you LOVE.
For me it’s a mix. If I could do Zumba every day, I probably would, but that’s not in the cards for me! I try to go every Tuesday at the Y. Sometimes I miss it, but man when I get my dancing in for the week, I am a happy happy girl!
I try to workout based on my mood. Some days I really want to lift weights, other days I’m really into yoga. There are even some days I just want to walk with the kids outside or run around at the playground. At the end of the day, and even at the end of the week I think it’s important to look back and just see that we have exercised in some sort of capacity.
Get Outside.
I hear ya sister, it’s cold and probably not sunny all of the time. I am such a hermit when the cold weather hits, but when it’s at least 45 and sunny? I really try to make an effort. I do attempt to play in the snow with the kids too, but I’ll be honest I am more beach bunny than snow bunny. My dog sure doesn’t mind a little cold, so on Sundays if it’s not too bad out I’ll take her for a nice long walk.
Try a pre-workout drink.
I am obsessed with pre-workout. I love both Beachbody and Advocare’s. I find the energy uplifting without a crash and it DOESN’T bother my belly! Yay! I will even drink this stuff if I need a kick in the pants and need to function…I can’t drink coffee, and green tea only does so much for me. This is made with a green tea leaf extract and I think it’s mixed with a magical potion to create a perfect balance of ‘get-er-done’ and zen. Odd, I know. Trust me on it though!! Spark is too rough on me and I just love the taste of this. I add one ice cube and sip that baby like it’s my morning cocktail of energy. {You can get your pre-workout here.}
Take photos.
I can’t tell you how many times I will sit there feeling sorry for myself and I don’t wanna workout bla bla bla, and then I’ll scroll through some of my old insta-story photos and instantly become motivated. I didn’t want to workout then either most likely, but I did it, I felt good and I know that I can do it again. I also think it inspires other people, which I always enjoy doing too. It’s also nice to see progress happening, whether it’s a flatter tummy, more defined arms or clothing fitting a little nicer. With all of our social media options, find a place to hold yourself accountable and share your photos. Or just take them and store them in your phone.
Reward yourself.
I had been dying for a pair of LuLulemon yoga pants for quite sometime. I vowed that once I dropped my baby weight (the second time around) and stayed at a consistent size/weight I would treat myself to a pair. Warning: They’re addictive! Hands down, these are THE BEST and most comfortable pair of pants. I could live in them daily. Maybe it’s a spa day, a manicure, a new pair of sneakers….dangle some sort of carrot in front of your face, so that you stay motivated to achieve your goals.
Motivation doesn’t last. It ebbs and flows, some days I am ready to kill it and others I want to pull the covers over my head and stay there all day. What works best for me is to remind myself that my overall health is what’s important. Yes, I want to feel and look good but ultimately I tell myself I have this one body and I must take really good care of it. We are not meant to be sitting all day; we need movement and to feel the oxygen going in and out of our lungs. We have to push ourselves and also enjoy exercise.
What are your tips for staying active? Do you have a favorite workout?