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
I totally agree with getting a personal trainer and just getting your butt to exercise. I started working out with a trainer again about 3 weeks ago and I progressed so much faster than I would have without a trainer. Plus you’ve made an appointment already, so unless it’s an emergency or illness (like the flu that’s disrupting my workout schedule), there’s no way to back out.
Gloria´s last blog post..Jennifer Aniston at "He’s Just Not That Into You" Premiere
You can go to active.com and they provide you a free workout calendar if you sign up. Plus they can give you a list of fitness activities around your area (marathons, 5Ks, etc.). You should check it out! Thanks for sharing your tips 🙂
PS. I love the idea of rewarding myself once I get a certain number of workouts in. I need to try that…but that means 5+ workouts a week! Eeeek!
A. Rose´s last blog post..Random [Wednesday] Rants
Karen-
I totally agree with the workout buddy and the personal trainer. My mom and I were both going to the YW to exercise and we were both doing great. She had a personal trainer and said that it helped her get on the path, correct her form, and stuff. I also need to get my but in gear so I’m not huffing and puffing like the Big Bad Wolf this summer! Oh and I TOTALLY think that Christopher Meloni is WAY WAY hot. When I heard that C-Bale rant remix I thought of you! I also laughed out loud and was rockin’ when I saw it. Happy Thursday!!
Thanks for the great tips, hopefully if I follow you’re advice I can get fit for April when I have to go on an activity weekend with friends.
Good tips! I am lucky because we have a really nice free gym at work so I get my bootie down there before the lunch time crush and get it over with! If I wait until after work, I will never, ever do it!
Vampy Varnish´s last blog post..China Glaze Summer Days, Summer 2009
Great tips ! Its been SO COLD that I dont wanna get out and move my A$$ to the gym 🙁 I really needed this…especially the point about reminding myself why I want it….
Indian Girl´s last blog post..LUSH Ocean Salt Cleanser : Review
I’ve been getting back to going to Aikido on a regular basis, and most nights I am definitely in the “just do it” camp (I always feel better when I do)! I’m also lucky in that Hubby is a fantastic workout partner/enforcer. He’ll walk up to me, put a plate of dinner in front of me and my dojo bag beside me and say “Here you are, eat and get out!” LOL!
P.S. This week, I am so sore!
Hi Gloria,
That’s great. What do you and your trainer work on? Weights or cardio?
Hi A. Rose,
Thank you for letting me know about that site! I am going to start my calendar. 🙂
Hi Tania,
Ha! I was totally bumping the remix! I could’ve sworn I saw Tabs bobbing his head, too.
That’s so cute that you and your mom go to the YW together. What kind of exercise do you like to do?
Hi Alison,
That sounds like fun. Will you guys be going hiking or camping? 🙂
Hi Vampy Varnish,
I know! I am so jealous of your gym at work. My old corporate job never had anything cool like that. The closest thing they had to a workout facility were the stairs (it was a very tall building). Oh, there was also rumor of a shower being somewhere in the basement but I never wanted to find out if it was true.
Hi Indian Girl,
When it’s cold and rainy I have a hard time getting to the gym, too. Hmm, how about buying some exercise DVDs to keep at home for those chilly days?
Hi Glosslizard,
That’s great! I am glad that you are getting back into it because I know you’ve mentioned that it’s something you love to do. 🙂
I am going to try to start consistently going to dance, too, so I will be with you in workout spirit.
I told my hairdresser not give me a haircut until I’ve lost my goal weight. I am in desperate need for a cut & style! This motivates me to keep working out and hopefully I’ll reach my goal weight in 2 months.
My hairdresser told me what happens then if my hair is down my “cankles” LOL
Awesome tips Karen!
Marisol´s last blog post..Currently, I am…
Thanks for the shout out! 🙂
Audrey´s last blog post..This is what I’ve got to say about The City… SAT style