I’m three days into #GetFitSeptember and here’s what I’ve learned so far: I LOVE LOUNGING AND EXERCISE IS HARD! But also and more importantly: it feels really, really good when I get off the couch and move my arse body. And the feeling afterwards, that combination of exhaustion and satisfaction- it’s addicting. But it’s amazing how out of shape one can get after a few months of neglect. Ok, almost 8 months of neglect. So I’m in the pushing-through phase. Pushing through each workout that feels like such a struggle knowing that in a couple of weeks it’ll be much easier, pushing through the moments when I just want to quit and have a cookie, pushing through the times when I’d love to choose The Bachelor Pad on DVR over my yoga mat. You know, that fun stuff. So here are a few tips to help those of you joining me and pushing through too…
1. Make your 30 minutes as fun as possible by choosing workouts that you love (or at the very least like better than others). I’m always happy to pick up my yoga practice again. The first few times back on the mat are rough, I can’t lie, but after a week or so I fall in love with it all over again. Same with running (I’m using a couch to 10K app to help get me back on track).
2. Music is everything. I have a playlist for every type of workout and it makes all the difference! There’s nothing quite like Ol Dirty Bastard’s “Got your Money” to get me moving!
3. If you are really struggling to get motivated- put your workout clothes on and start stretching. I’m always amazed how if I can make myself commit to doing just that somehow the extra little bit of energy I need to get through a workout magically appears. Not always, but enough of the time. And when that fails- well I’m already dressed and ready so it’s that much easier to dig deep and motivate.
4. Set up a reward system (that doesn’t involve food!). I’m going to treat myself to a fancy massage at the end of my 30 days, a congrats for sticking to the promise I made to myself (and you). And at the end of two weeks I’m treating myself to new workout clothes to keep me motivated while I get back on track.
5. Keep track of your progress! Whatever your goals may be- gaining strength/endurance, losing weight, toning up- find a way to track your progress so you can feel accomplished and recognize that your hard work is paying off! I’m trying to tone up and shed a tiny bit of the cookie/slacker weight I put on this year, so I’ve got a pair of jeans that I love and am just squeezing into these days that I’ve got in the closet to try on again at the end of the month. So cliche, so true.
6. HAVE FUN!! It’s all about attitude and making the best of it. I’m probably never going to be one of those people that just lives to exercise. But I’m going to keep trying to be. And more importantly, I’m determined to have as much fun while trying as I possibly can. Even with a sweat mustache.
i’m totally on the same boat sarah. i was so good about working out until the end of june…but this summer seemed to get the best of me! busy schedules made it hard for me to keep up with basically ANYTHING other than work (blog, exercising, etc.) i’m rededicating myself to the gym starting this week 🙂
Horray! It’s a fresh start and a chance to get back on track. Good luck Molly!! 🙂
These are great tips. Getting a friend involved helps too! Either to work out with or be accountable to! I love group exercise classes when I’m not feeling super motivated. They are at a set time, usually super fun and you can make some great friends! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks Sam! You’re totally right, having someone else to be accountable to is SO helpful! And I love group classes too. I haven’t found any locally that I’m crazy about but going to keep trying! 🙂
100% – getting yourself in your gym clothes eventually gets you motivated to hit play on that PIYO dvd, hit the gym or pavement for a jog. I get those clothes on, and start wandering around my house – then viola! I’ve decided on giving PIYO a try so I can really strengthen my muscles around my joints and get toned using my own bodyweight – which is, a lot right now. Cough. And for ‘fun’ I joined a friends ‘SQUATEMBER’ Facebook group, 30 day to take you from 50 to 250 squats. Fun little health tips and activities to keep you interested and accountable. I’m on my rest day – thank Zeus.
Thanks for a great post!
Margaux
Margaux I just googled PIYO, I’d never heard of it. Looks like fun (and like a seriously intense workout!) Keep me posted on how it goes!!! 🙂
Love this post! Thanks for the advice, I am in the same boat and have recommitted to exercise this September. Who would have thought a good workout is actually more energizing than a nap! I’m finally starting to make the right decisions and move forward!
Thanks K! It’s crazy how much better I feel when I work out and how much more energy I have in general. I’ll try to not spend to much time wishing that chocolate would have the same effect! HA! 🙂
great tips, sarah! i’m happy that you are pushing through the tough time and finding ways to stay motivated. it will get easier the longer you stick with it 😉
Thank you Caitlin!!! The encouragement is SO helpful!! xx
Love this post! Come to San Diego and take a barre3 class! We’ll comp you a class! xo
You are so sweet Krissy, thank you!! Maybe when I’m feeling a little bit more fit. I’d be embarrassed at the moment! HA!
I really need to get back on the fitness wagon! I’ve been working out, but no where near how I was before my wedding and I really liked how my body looked then.. I exercise on my lunch hour at work because I realized I can’t get motivated once I get home. I also LOVE Tone it Up because of their weekly schedules and tough workouts! You should check out their website and try some of their workout routines. You will definitely feel it the next day!
Thanks so much for the rec Hanna, I’m definitely going to check it out! Those two are in amazing shape, I remember their show on Bravo! 🙂
Thanks so much for the rec Hanna, I’m definitely going to check it out! Those two are in amazing shape, I remember their show on Bravo! 🙂
I love, LOVE, LOVE this post. You have articulated exactly how I feel about exercise on every level and it’s nice to know I’m not alone.
Thanks Jenny! 🙂 xx
killer photo! so true about getting dressed. when i don’t feel like running, i lace up my running shoes and get out of the house by telling myself all i have to do is go for a walk. once i’m out the door, i usually end up running.
Thank you Kristin! I’ve found that about getting out the door too- I get antsy on my walk and next thing I know….. 🙂
Love the photo Sarah – what gorgeous scenery!
All good ideas. I like to treat myself, too, after sticking with it for a certain amount of time, but it’s so hard for me to get motivated because I don’t have a lot of time. I know 30 minutes a day should be easy to find, but it’s usually at a time of the day when I don’t feel like exercising hard (a walk would be OK before bed, for example, but not a run). I also have a hard time getting the motivation to exercise when it’s so hot outside. My runs turn into long walks.
What are you wearing? Is it work out gear? It looks super cute!!
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Wonderful pic!
XO
Jeanne
http://fashionmusingsdiary.blogspot.fr
The only time that I can work out is early in the morning before my children wake. Whenever I have trouble getting out of bed, I remind myself that I have never regretted getting up early to work out but I have regretted lost opportunities to get out of bed, move my body, and feel the endorphin rush. It helps me crawl out from under my blanket every time.
Setting up a reward system that doesn’t involve food will be the hardest thing!! On the bright side, for the past week, I’ve been swimming every morning 🙂 -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
Since my daily job means sitting in front of a screen, i was thinking to do a little something every day, mostly to clear my mind. But it’s hard, so thank you for your motivation! 🙂