As of lately I’ve been experiencing a little case of motivational issues when it comes to exercising.
Even thinking of running makes my booootay sore and beads of sweat form on my forehead.
Welllllll maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration … But ever since I started working, my desire to get mah heart beatin flew out the window. All I want to do when I get home from work is eat, lie on the couch and eat some more.
So in order to jumpstart my fitness routine I started googling “how to get yourself out of a workout rut” and came up with this list (plus a few more that I thought of myself)!
ENJOY!!!!!
Plan a short workout that doesn’t require getting in your car and driving to the gym. It can even be less than 20 minutes. Something is better than nothing! A few of Kristin (sister) and my favorite things to do when we want to get a quickie workout in are running up and down the stairs blasting music throughout our house, and shakin what our mama gave us in the kitchen. Sorry to reveal our secrets Kristin ;).
Wear your workout clothes around the house. You might suddenly have the urge to bust out some jumping jacks or pushups.
Change up your usual (and maybe boring) routine, i.e. go to the gym at a different time, try a new workout class, run outside, go hiking …
tahoe with my loves
Hating the dreadmill? Try walking or running outside! And don’t forget to bring your dog, cat, guinea pig (kidding …) if you have one :).
i spy ...
Focus on the benefits not the difficulties. Remind yourself of how good you will feel after working out, how much more energized you will be, and how happier and slimmer you will look, rather than thinking about how hard that 5 mile run or spin class is.
my bikini bod can SO handle this hill.
Go to an exercise class! I find that working out with others around pushes me, because I compete with others in my mind (even though the instructors tell you not to compare yourself to others). This is an example of what goes on in my head: “That lady is lifting 10 pound weights … come on Kara if she can do it, you can too!” or “Wow that girl is squatting low, I bet can squat lower” or “I’m sooo sore but no one else is giving up so neither will I!” Maybe I’m the only one that does that, but I encourage you all to try it ;).
Ease into it after a long dry spell. You can’t except your body to be right back where it was before you stopped working out. Start with a brisk walk/run or yoga class and gradually work your way up to your usual workout routine.
Schedule a time in your calendar dedicated to exercise. This way you can’t give yourself any excuses NOT to go.
sorry i'm booked!
j biebs on my mind.
Make a new workout playlist to get yourself pumped up! This song always gives me a sudden burst of energy.
Buy a workout video to sweat and pant to in the comfort of your own living room ;).
Buy a cute workout top, running shorts, head band … whatever. Then go show it off at the gym :D.
got my eye on these lulus!
Reward yourself for your hard work. A piece of chocolate, some fro yo, a jar of pb (oh wait .. that’s just me), a movie night, or a massage are all great options.
Email me, call your mom, find a workout buddy, join an online forum like Dailymile.
me & my sis just doin what we do
Working out doesn’t always have to be at the gym. Make it fun and mix it up! Play volleyball, tennis, soccer, racquetball, go rock climbing, jump rope, paddle board … the list goes on. Do something you like.
Boxing or tae bo are very popular, fun and calorie blasting workouts! And it makes you feel strong and fearless ;). Many models even do it.
Make goals and give yourself deadlines to meet those goals.
Post your goal in BIG WORDS somewhere that is easily visible to you every day. On the fridge, on your mirror, directly on the ice cream carton …
inspirational!
that's the right kind of attitude!!
Recognize and accept the ebb and flow. Motivation is not always a constant thing. Realize that every day your body will tell you what it is capable of, and sometimes it might say: “Today I want to sit on the couch, eat cookies and watch marathons of Jersey Shore.” Hey, I’m not gonna deny it. But while you’re feeling like a couch potato, don’t fret, because your motivation will soon return. In the meantime, think about your goal and do some of the things on this list until it comes back.
Stick with it! Don’t let obstacles in the road knock you over. Force yourself to keep moving forward towards success. (I guess force is kind of a strong word, but sometimes I feel like I have to force myself to work out or else I will never do it. After “forcing” myself though, I always feel happy I did it.)
Remember that working out isn’t only about burning calories and losing weight. Exercise not only improves your physical health, but livens your mood, wards off sickness, raises your self-confidence and builds friendships.
that's one healthy polar bear!
So next time you are feeling unmotivated, tired, worn down and have absolutely no energy to work out, I encourage you to try something on this list!
And now, I’m going to work my lil booty off at zee gym!
Adios ❤
Kara
blondie bakes and bikes 