Thanks to your comments on this post a couple weeks ago, I got a bunch of great new workout tips to try, yea!
I’m hoping these tips will help me get in fightin’ shape before summer, *crosses fingers*. I got a long way to go, LOL!
1. Have a workout buddy
A workout partner can be a great motivator, especially when you’re trying to get back into exercising on a regular basis after a long hiatus.
If none of your friends or family are in the mood for fitness, try to make new friends at the gym, and keep your eyes peeled for any open team activities like intramural soccer leagues or basketball.
2. Reward yourself
Set exercise goals you know you can reach, and treat yourself when you reach them. Audrey, for example, rewards herself with a little something from MAC when she logs four workouts a week. SMarie may treat herself to a drink from Starbucks or to a lipgloss. “Nothing too crazy,” she says, “just a little something to say ‘ya done good!'”
3. Just do it
We may not love to exercise, but we love the results. Sometimes, the easiest way to get it over with is just to get it over with. Briana makes herself exercise as soon as she gets home from work. “If I wait even half an hour,” she says, “I end up putting it off all night and never get around to doing it!”
4. Variety is the spice of life!
Switch up your workouts to keep motivated. Heidi used to hit the gym a lot until she started feeling like a hamster on a wheel. Mix things up. “Take a walk,” she says, “go for a jog, jump rope, or whatever gets you going. Exercising doesn’t have to be limited to going to the gym.”
5. Remind yourself why you want it
Are you working out to fit into a special dress, to build up your strength, to have more energy throughout the day, to blow off steam, to live a longer life? Shefali says her motivation this year is to look her best at two family gatherings. “I want to look my ultimate best and keep telling myself that April is going to be here before I know it!”
6. Dress for success
If you plan to try walking or running outside, shop for some weather appropriate gear and a pair of good running shoes. If it’s cold in your area, look for insulated running jackets and pants that wick. A hat helps, too. Check out Lululemon, or skim through the pages of Runner’s World.
7. Splurge on a personal trainer
Not a necessity, but a personal trainer can help. Yadiq tries to work with a trainer once a week. If you have a gym membership, ask the front desk staff about certified trainers, and then see if any of them are offering specials or discounts.
8. Take advantage
Take advantage of any fitness programs that might be available through work or school. Check with the human resource department at the office because some companies offer gym credits for employees, or call the information line at school. Most university gyms are open to all students at certain times of day.
9. Keep a workout calendar or training log
We’ve all heard this before… but take it to the uber-level! Don’t just grab any old calendar; find a pretty one, and make it your own. Decorate your workout calendar with cute drawings and motivational phrases like “You can poo it, girl!” and “Keep up the good work!”
10. Set small goals
You know what they say about baby steps. Set attainable goals that you know you can reach. If you’re just starting out, shoot for 15 minutes of walking outside or on the treadmill twice/week. Sure, you know you can do more, but start small and work your way up. Next week, try 20 minutes twice/week, then 15 minutes three times/week, etc. Above all, have fun!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
