If you’re anything like me, your diet went right out the
window Easter weekend. Those damn Cadbury
eggs and chocolate bunnies get me every time!!
With Memorial Day weekend and the kick off to summer just
around the corner, I thought today’s post could be geared towards getting motivated,
overall fitness, and showing off our best selves.
Below are my top 6 essentials (in no particular order) for getting into shape. Let’s support each other in this get-fit journey and pack away those beach cover ups! We’re ready to show off our best most healthy self!
The Outfit
 | |||||
| Shirt - Sports Bra and Pants - Sneakers |
Picking out the right outfit is key. Having good support, feeling comfortable and
wearing the right size is so important to optimizing your workouts. A good outfit is also good motivation. If you’re just starting out – it’s a reason
to buy some new clothes. Think about how
great you feel when you put on a new piece of clothing – it changes your
mindset! :) Nowadays, they have so many great workout pieces, in a variety of colors, your
options are endless.
To start, it’s important to find a quality sports bra
that offers the right support. You don’t
want to run the risk of tearing any ligaments and/or having your “girls”
sag. Lift those babies up in the right
support bra – I promise you’ll notice a difference in your work out.
Having the right sneakers is also very important. As you work out, you need to have the right shoes. You don’t want to run the risk of your hurting
your feet or causing injury to other parts of your body.
The right shirt/tank top and pants/shorts is key. When you’re exercising you don’t want to be
tugging and pulling at your clothing. If you are, you won’t be as effective in your workout.
A Good Playlist
Having the right playlist is essential. Think to yourself – what music makes me want
to get out of my seat and dance? Make sure whatever song(s) just came to mind is on your playlist!
Music has the ability
to empower you through that last mile of the race, last minute on the
elliptical or last song in cardio class.
Here are a few songs that appear on my playlist, and that get my booty in
gear:
- Pharrell Williams - Happy
- Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines
- Pitbull - Shake Señora
- Kid Rock - All Summer Long
- Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe
- Dave Matthews - What Would You Say
- Cascada - Evacuate The Dancefloor
- Black Eyed Peas – I’ve Got a Feeling
- Shakira - Hips Don’t Lie
- Aretha Franklin - Respect
Switch it up! Do not do the same workout day in and day out. Your body will get use to the workout and
you will not see the results that you were hoping for.
For me, I combine running, walking and taking gym classes (Zumba and
Kickboxing). Interval training is also a great option, see some examples here: Womens Health Magazine
If you run one day, work with weights the next. Another great source for variety is “on
demand”. If your cable provider offers
an “on demand” feature, often times they have a fitness section. From dancing,
to your core, to total body, there are a ton of fitness options for FREE! These programs also vary in length from 8
minutes to 1 hour. There is something for everyone.
A Good Support System
Find support in your friends and family. Having a gym buddy is a great way to get
fit. You act as motivation for each
other and can share in the accomplishments of your weight loss / getting fit.
Can’t find a gym buddy? No sweat! Share your goals. Call a friend or post to
your social network your plans. This
keeps you accountable.
For me, I also find motivation in things that I read. Quotes like the below keep me
going. Print them out and read them when
you need that extra push:
Eating Right
Working out is very important, but you won’t see the results
you want if you don’t pair working out with the right food.
This point needs its own post as there are so many ideas for eating right. To start,
look to the internet for great ideas.
There are a ton of fun recipes out there.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring.
Here are a few resources to get your healthy chef
juices flowing:
One last healthy eating tip, write down everything you eat
and drink. You will be surprised at what
you intake in a course of a day. This
will help you make observations about the type of food/drink you’re having, how
many calories you are consuming, and will help to identify changes you need to
make.
Goals
Whether it is to be a certain weight or to fit in an old
pair of jeans – keeping your goals in sight is important to your fitness
success.
Also remember that when you're starting out your goals don’t have to be
huge. Make small, attainable goals that
will eventually lead you to your overall end goal.
For me, my goal was to run a 5k. I am by no means a runner so this was a large
goal for me. I started making small
goals for myself. Run a ½ a mile, run one mile, etc. until I eventually worked
my way up to a 5k (3.2 miles). Signing
up for a road race was also great motivation.
Knowing I had committed myself to a race, forced me into training. If
running 5k is also a goal of yours, the Color Run is a great 5k (http://thecolorrun.com/)
to start with. It’s a fun, less
competitive road race for all ages. Below is a picture of my first 5K Color
Race with my Aunt. I am also taking part in the Boston run this May with my girlfriends!
Last but not least – don’t forget to treat yourself for any
small and big wins you make while on your fitness journey. Buy yourself something new or treat yourself
to something good. Once in a while it is
okay to cheat on your diet. Whether it’s having a small piece of chocolate or a
glass of wine. These are all okay as
long as it is in moderation.
I hope you found these tips helpful! Are there any other tips you use to stay
motivated? I’d love to hear from
you. Let’s add to this list and support
each other! Happy exercising Chickies! xoxo
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