5 Tips For Great Workouts
When was the last time you grabbed a good sweaty workout? What was it that had you moving and full of energy? What actually GOT you to the gym? Trust me, there are times when I am not feeling it and wish I could find a better excuse to skip it altogether. Typically, to get me going, I put on one of my cuter workout outfits, pop in the earbuds and listen to a playlist I have titled “get up.” After the first song, I am ready to get my groove on. There are many ways in which we can get and stay motivated when it comes to fitness. Here are my current 5 tips to great workouts.
1. Pick your poison.
What on Earth does that mean? Well, simply put, it is your style of workout. Do you prefer a workout in the gym away from home, a home workout with basic equipment, or maybe you simply prefer a run by the beach. (Ah, yes, my favorite!) Not everyone is the same, just know what works for you and stick with it!
2. Know your most energetic time.
I know this may sound simple but it really is not. Too many people listen to the gym chatter, “You have to work out in the morning to see the most benefits.” Well, at least that is what I had always heard. But when I worked in the gym, I would have some great clients in the evening who found it easiest to work out on their way home from work. For myself, I used to always wake up and workout since that was what worked best with my schedule. This last year, I can honestly say, it just does not fit well. Sure, I may take a morning here and there and head to the coast for a run, or duck out before anyone gets up on a Saturday, but for the most part, my workouts are completed in the evening. Although, it is not necessarily my most energetic time of day, it is what fits best with my schedule.
3. Get a playlist.
Do you listen to music while working out? I do! I have more than one playlist as well, depending on what type of workout I have planned. For instance, one is called “Time to Conquer.” It is typically the list I will listen to when headed out for a run. I have a love-hate relationship with legs so I choose one of two lists: Luscious Legs or Butt Blaster. I know, crazy titles, but when I see that it is a mental note of what I am about to get. So if you don’t have one already, get that playlist. Personally, I love Spotify. I pay for the premium, monthly. This way, when I am not connected to the internet, and I have downloaded the songs, I am still able to listen. PLUS, (this is huge) no commercials – so annoying. And for the record, I still do purchase music to support the industry, but having Spotify helps out with choosing music I truly love as well as putting together playlists to share.
4. Schedule for great workouts.
Sounds easy right? It must not be since there are so many people who say they can not find the time to workout. Take a look at that schedule because I know you have an extra 20 minutes in your days. There are 1,440 minutes in a day. Subtract 20 minutes from that. You STILL have 1,420 minutes left! That isn’t even 2% of your day. We schedule doctor and dentist appointments, kids running club meet-ups, hair and nail appointments. I just scheduled date night with my husband because if I didn’t I would have never had someone to watch the kids. Do you see where I am going with this? Make it a priority because you deserve it.
5. Find a focus point.
I am not referring to a body part, I am talking about a goal, ladies. What are you trying to achieve and why are you striving for it? Is there an upcoming vacation, special date a few months down the road (Oh, I have one with my hubby in August. We are headed to see Madonna!), or maybe you are simply looking to reduce your disease risk by your next physical. Whatever it is, be sure it is your goal, not someone else’s and put it on the calendar. Work backwards from there and formulate a plan of how a workout is going to fit into your lifestyle. Stick with it. Don’t give up. Head over to my FaceBook page, and check in there. I would love to see what you are doing to reach your goal.
Ok, so there you have it. It is not rocket science although I do understand it can be challenging at first. Actually, I know it will be challenging during your transition because as moms, we are faced with daily obstacles. Let your family know and because they love you, they will support you. Cheers to you, beautiful you!