Something I get asked frequently is…

‘How do you stay so motivated to workout?’

“How do you manage work life + parenthood+ exercise?” 

“What is your favorite workout gear?”

 

Fitness has always been a huge part of my lifestyle. Growing up, I danced from the age of 2 1/2 through college and I still taught dance after graduating. Being active was just in my blood. I’ve never been the skinny girl, the girl who can eat 10 tacos at every meal without gaining a pound. I have always had some white meat on my bones. If I wasn’t active, I wouldn’t be healthy and my taco addiction would be REAL noticable 🙂

So I put exercise and fitness at the top of my priority list. However, staying motivated doesn’t come as easy… After pushing yourself to get started, the hardest part is staying motivated. This is something even the best of us struggle with. Excuses creep into our head and tell us that we don’t need to get to the gym or that it’s just a little extra ice cream. I am definitely an advocate for “YOLO”, but I am also a firm believer that if we are going to live one life, we need to live a long and healthy one.

One of my favorite parts of the workout department is the GEAR! I could live in running tights, pullovers and sneakers 24/7. Comfy is my jam! I am sharing some of my favorite fitness essentials that are all under $100! 

Brooks Running shoes // Collagen Peptides // Nike Hoodie // Under Armour Headbands // adidas cap // Nike Tank // running shorts // Socks // dumbbells // headphones // Water bottle // Yoga Mat // Adidas Swift running shoes // Sports Bras // Leggings

Now that you are all geared up, it is time to put in the work. I have tried tons of different workouts throughout the years but my #1 is always running. I try to go for a run at least 2-3x a week. Not only is it great for cardio, it is also very therapeutic for me. I wanted to share some tips that have helped me stay motivated to be active even when I don’t want to be.

Workout/Running Tips that I live by:

 

1. WAKE UP EARLY 

 Since my day is jam packed with my full-time job, blogging, summer activities and being a mom/wife, it has is challenging to find time to workout. I found myself skipping  workouts because we are either running late from activity to activity or things just getting in the way. But life’s responsibilities have made me take steps to change my ways. I decided to give morning sessions another shot. In order for me to get a run in and my husband to leave by 6:00 am, I get up when my alarm goes off at 5:00 am. Yes, 5:00 am! When I first started getting up early it was NOT easy. However, I began reminding myself I actually love the early hours of the day. There is something special about the crisp air, the softness of morning light, and the quiet hush before the day really gets rolling. Once I hit the pavement and the juices start flowing, I don’t even realize it is super early. My WOD is done and now I have plenty of time to get ready for the day (or at least while Ridge sleeps).

 

2. MAKE A SCHEDULE & COMMIT TO IT

One of the most cited reasons to skip a workout goes something like this:

“I am just too busy at work today; I can’t make make it to the gym.”

I call BS! If you unexpectedly had to pick up your child from school and had no back-up plan, how would you deal with the situation? Cancel an internal meeting? Take some work home with you? Do some hard prioritizing? The truth is that when we really need to, we get out of the office at the time that is necessary. Make a schedule, stick to it, and remind yourself that working out is a priority worth keeping.

 

3.  GEAR MATTERS

I spent the majority of the first 23 years of my life either at a dance/cheer event or en route to my next event. I was never big on what I used to call “cutesie” workout gear.  Admittedly, I used to roll my eyes a bit at the girls who show up to the gym in head-to-toe pink Lululemon matchy-matchiness. I was always more of the girl who threw on a pair of old running shorts, a t-shirt and ran out the door. However, after getting some amazing Nike gear for Christmas a few years ago, I was shocked at the enormous difference they made in my workout and immediately started hoarding them in troves.  For me, I am all about a good hoodie and some breathable leggings! I like to sweat… it makes me feel like I am getting a great workout!

 

4.  FIT IN SHORT WORKOUTS & MIX IT UP

Ideally, we’d all have time to workout for 90 minutes a day, five days a week. However, let’s face it.

Ain’t. Nobody. Got. Time For. That.

If you know you have a super hectic week where you just can’t make your favorite 90 minute yoga class, don’t forget that it isn’t all or nothing. There are easy 10-20 minute workouts that you can do anywhere.  If you can’t schedule those full-blown sweat sessions, still schedule 20 minutes at home where you do a simple circuit of sit-ups, lunges and push-ups, for example.

In general, mixing up your workout routine is not only better for your body, but also better for your state of mind.  Personally, I can be a creature of habit and will sometimes end up doing the same workout class for weeks in a row.  However, after a few weeks I’ll get burnt out and all of a sudden feel bored of the routine, and eager to make excuses. To prevent this, find a group of workouts that you enjoy, rotate them throughout the week, and don’t be afraid to periodically throw in a new workout class into your schedule.

 

5. DISCIPLINE

The word that summarizes everything above… It’s making choices that lead to your goal, to your desired outcome, even when it is not super duper appealing…even when you’re not motivated. It’s why they call it the grind. Beyonce wasn’t built in a day, and neither are your training gains. You have to make the choice day after day. Sometimes minute after minute. You know your girl has driven to the gym just to sit in the car for 20 minutes contemplating driving home or straight up taking a nap in the car instead of pushing through leg day. I am also guilty of hitting snooze 5 times before I just get my butt up and go for an early morning run. If there is anything you get out of this post, take this word and insert it into your exercise plan.

Now to the Fitness Goals!!!

 

1. Plan:  The best way to stay on track is to PLAN! Staying healthy is already hard enough, make it easier on yourself by planning your meals and your workouts.

2. Eat Clean:  As hard as it might be, try to stay away from processed foods. Being a taco/cheeto lover, I have a hard time staying focused on the healthier foods that I don’t always crave. I try to eat clean during the week and leave the indulging for the weekends. You can meal prep pretty much everything — breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Try to choose lean meats, complex carbs, and fibrous veggies. You can’t out-train a bad diet.

3. Consistency: You aren’t going to see results right away. This takes time, patience, and consistency.  If you aren’t feeling up to going to the gym one day, try being active in other ways…. going for a scenic run, walking the dogs, etc.

4. Stay off the Scale: Cut ties with the scale. Weighing yourself every so often can be healthy and a way to track your goals, but at the end of the day, what matters is how you feel.  Also, remember that muscle weighs more than fat. Progress pics are a much better indicator!!!!

5. Hours of Sleep: Your muscle needs rest to recover, and your body needs energy to perform.

6. Be Realistic: You aren’t going to get rock hard abs in a few weeks. Small daily changes compound over time to create results.  Unrealistic goals is just setting yourself up for failure.  Try journaling a few small goals for every week! For example, meal prep this week + gym 3 times.