Day 21 and 7 Motivational Tips!

Today is Monday, which means phase 1 workout 3 is done. What is it about Monday's that makes it so hard to get motivated? I think the worst part is Sunday is my rest day, so getting back to the workout routine is tough. This got me to start thinking about what motivates me to keep going, when it's so easy to just throw in the towel.

So here are some of my thoughts on how to get motivated and stay motivated....

1. Surround yourself with at least a few people who are into health and fitness. You don't even have to know them in person. I have quite a few online friends on Facebook and myfitnesspal that are working hard towards their goals. This encourages me to get out there and get what I want done. This also gives me a sense of community, knowing that I'm not alone in this.

2. Join a website such as myfitnesspal, where you can track your food, calories, exercise, post questions in forums and keep track of your progress. There are other sites ive heard of too like spark people, weightwatchers, fit day, live strong, etc...

3. Start off small. If you haven't worked out in a long time than start of small. You quickly notice if you need to amp up your workout or slow it down. I know from experience it can be really discouraging trying to run that mile you used to run with ease and you can't even make it half way before you feel like throwing up. So start small and build up...aka try morning or evening walks :)

4. Find activities that you enjoy doing. If you once enjoyed bicycling as a teen or kid why not give it a try now? If you used to swim in your 20's, go ahead and check out some classes at the pool or free style it doing lengths. The possibilities are endless here people :) as for myself I found jogging/running.

5. Download some apps for your phone, some music to listen too, a podcast to enjoy...something that will encourage you to get out the door. This tip really helps me big time! If I didn't have my apps and podcast I doubt I'd run as much as I do.

6. If I start feeling down about myself or my progress I try to imagine what I will look like when I get to my goals. What will that bathing suit look like on me in 3 months? Or how confident will I feel tomorrow if I just work hard today :) it works for me every time.

7. Track calories burned! My favorite piece of workout equipment is my polar heart rate monitor. It motivates me to push harder to not only increase my heart rate, but to get a great calorie burn! It's so amazing to see how hard you've worked at the end of a workout.

Those are my top 7 that I use either daily or quite often to keep my head in the game. A lot of people use other things such as a reward system, setting small goals, entering some sort of event to train for, thinking about the future with their kids or grandkids, reading success stories, etc...

There are just so many ways to stay motivated, but to be honest you will know what works for you and you just have to stick to it!

Day 9

Today was all about cardio, cardio and more cardio! Thank goodness to because my muscles are sore today! It is a pretty hot here though and we don't have AC. I knew I would get sweaty during workouts...but not this sweaty! My 5 year old said I looked like I dunked my head in water.

Speaking of my 5 year old, I had so much support from him during the workout. He was incredibly sweet, encouraging and told me to "do what the ladies are doing on the TV mama! You have to raise your arms higher." That was in reference to those "mummy kicks" she makes you do. My arms and legs always burn out on those. Anyway, my point being that sometimes the support and encouragement from someone really does help. It's just wonderful surprise when it comes from someone so young.

Plus right now he LOVES to run, exercise, jump, swim, and he has fun while doing all those thing. What little kid doesn't right?! :D I'm taking a lesson from him in that I shouldn't see working out or running as a chore to do. Making it fun for myself is what is going to make me stick to it in the long run.

To end the day off we went to the park and played Frisbee with our ultimate Frisbee disc. Those things can fly! It was so nice to be able to run around and play like a kid again, without feeling out of shape.

~Maggie

New fitness purchases under $10

I bought a few things that have made me really excited to workout, so I thought I'd share!

1. Zombies, Run! App for my smartphone. I have an iphone, but this works on androids too! It's an awesome, fun app! It cost $7.99, which had me hesitant to purchase it at first. This app is really worth it though, they put a lot of hard work into it and it will last you quite a long time. It's basically an app you turn on that has you following a township that is trying to survive during a zombie apocalypse. You become one of the "runners" that picks up items and evades zombies for the township. You learn a huge story line that leaves you hanging after every run. After your run you get to apply the items you picked up to different areas of the town. This app is very detailed so you wont get bored, yet it's really simple and easy to work. It also syncs with your music or whatever else your listening too!

2. New weights! I needed a new weight set for my workouts with Jillian. I currently have 5lbs, 10lbs, and 20lbs. I typically use the 5 or 10lbs, but I found i'd burn out fast with the 10. Sooooo I went and bought myself some spiffy 7lbs weights, which im super excited to use today! Each weight was $7.00..which averages to a 1.00/lb :)

3. Candian Runners Magazine for $4.99! I never buy magazines because I typically find them full of advertisments and information i could find online. This purchase was different though, it made me feel like I was a runner! I felt like hey this is a specific magazine just for me :D It was motivating and inspiring to buy it and start reading it.

4. New workout t-shirts for $10. I found myself in the athletic section and couldn't help but buy myself a new workout tee. It's a dri-top..which supposedly helps with all the sweating during those tough workouts. With summer finally being here I hope this helps too!

All these purchases really help motivate me to stay in the game. I can't afford to treat myself every week like this, but this was just too jumpstart my game ;) Once in awhile it feels good to budget a few things like this into your workout routine!

And remember online is full of great resourse for free motivation...like this one, it makes me laugh every time ;)