Because Sometimes You Just Need a Little Fitspo

Maybe you’ve been in a little bit of a rut lately. Or maybe not at all. Maybe you simply just don’t enjoy exercise and need a little motivation to get active.

We don’t all have upcoming nuptials or a tropical vacation to spark that desire to hit the gym.

And we all don’t need to shed a few lbs either. Some of us simply just need to get active again to stay healthy. Even those who are gym rats can get into lulls.

Sure, there’s tons of “Fitspo” Pinterest Boards out there filled with photos of the hottest babes in bikinis…. I’d be lying if I said that doesn’t inspire me to workout… but it’s probably most definitely not the most mentally healthy way to get inspired.

I enjoy the gym… I do… but my god! I effing hate cardio. And for both, even after a long time of being consistent, I need a little spark to keep going or push further. When that happens I have a few go-to tricks that always work for me.

 

PODCASTS

These work in two ways:

1. Listening to a podcast episode related to health and fitness can really ignite that fire. What I love about podcasts is that it’s almost like you get to be part of this conversation that you otherwise maybe wouldn’t have had. You’re kind of eavesdropping. And after having or listening to a convo about fitness you’ll definitely feel like hitting the gym.
2. They’re a great way to kill time!! I love music and all… but it get’s boring. I will throw Lily in the stroller, turn on a podcast, and head out for a walk. I will get so wrapped up in what I’m listening to that I want to finish it.. so I just keep walking. Before I know it, I’ve done 8Km. I get a fantastic walk in, some great exercise, and my mind is stimulated and learning something. (this was much easier to do when Lily was smaller and still liked her stroller….)

TREAT YOURSELF

Call me materialistic… basic bitch…. whatever. We’ve all got that side to us. Sometimes all it takes is buying a cute new sports bra to want to go to the gym again. Sometimes even just a new pair of running socks or headphones. Any excuse to use your cute new item…. and maybe even feel less guilty for buying something you probably don’t need.

But think about it… whenever you’ve had to buy a new pair of runners… you probably didn’t skip the gym ONCE that week. Right?

 

Buddy Up

Having plans to meet someone at the gym will make you less likely to skip it. If someone is relying on you to be there, you’ve gotta go. It also makes the workout more fun AND can bring more to the table… it’s so easy to get stuck in the same routines and plateau. A friend can maybe throw a new exercise into the mix or help you to amp it up.

Get it OVER with

Go in the morning. After you wake up. Before you have time to eat something heavy and make you tired all over again. Before you’ve showered. Before you can convince yourself you have ANYTHING else to do. Just get up and go. Pack your bag the night before. Sleep in your gym clothes if you have to.

Do it for the Right Reasons

Don’t focus on shedding pounds or being sore afterwards. Don’t even focus on breaking a sweat if you’re really not feeling it. Just get out for your health. Go for a walk. Even a little 20 minute walk around your neighbourhood. Clear your mind, get some fresh air, be alone with your thoughts. Wear your cute new shoes, listen to your fave podcast, and don’t think about how many calories your burning.

 

 

Another thing that helps me is being surrounded by like minded people. On days when Tyler goes to the gym and I don’t.. I feel SO guilty. We get almost competitive, bragging about how great our workouts were. Who’s was better. We’re kind of assholes, but it helps! Being with or around someone who makes exercise part of their daily routine make it something you almost don’t even think about, and just do.

XO