Workin It

Last week I mentioned that I've been running and loving it more.

A few of you said that you wanted more tips and information on working out.

I am, by far, no expert but I do enjoy working out and getting a sweat on.

Here is what works for me:

--Making Time: This is #1 and most important for me. If I don't schedule out the time, working out won't happen and I will find a million excuses not to lace up my (bright pink) tennis shoes.

Whether that be getting up 30 minutes earlier in the morning or doing it after work, I make sure I have a block of time set aside, even if it's just 30 minutes.  I promise you can work up a great sweat in just 30 minutes.

--Switch It Up: I generally don't do the same thing every day.  Doing the exact same thing for every work out is a sure fire way for me to give up.  

I try to run a few days a week and lift/strength train the others.
I've told you guys before that I love the Tone It Up routines.

I am also a big fan of these Be Fit work outs, TRX routines and random YouTube work outs.

Whatever you do, keep it interesting; your body will thank you.

--Eating: Making sure I have enough protein, substance and water in my body in order to work out is very important to my routine.  If I don't have enough in my system, my work out is completely worthless.  I've tried to work out on days I haven't eaten much and it is a total waste of time.  Your body needs fuel!

--Keep Going: Whether this is in the middle of your work out and you want to quit or in the middle of the week and you feel in a rut...just keep going.  I promise you will happy with the results!! Seeing results is so motivating to me and helps me get right back in to it the next day.  It is very encouraging to me to know that I am making my body stronger and healthier every day.  It isn't always just about your clothes fitting looser.  I promise the more you stick with it, the better your results will be!! 

--Set Goals (and rewards):  Recently my goals have been running focused (10k, maybe a half...) but I also love challenging myself with strength training.  For instance if the routine says 10 push ups? I think I'll try and do 12! You may not be able to do it that on the first day but with practice and persistence you will get stronger!  Just knowing that you can do more than you used to be  able to is very encouraging.

I think it's also important to have rewards for reaching your goals! You are working hard, you deserve a little something ;)  For me, it's usually work out clothes! I love getting new ones (Target had adorable ones right now) and I also love they are practical at the same time.

 (tank: Meijer, headband: Lulu - the one and only thing I own and can afford from there)

And as counterproductive as it may be, ice cream is also a reward for me.  When I run long distances, Mister always treats me to a new ice cream place in town.  So in essence, I run for ice cream...and I'm okay with it.

--Get the Gear:  When I run, I have to have music.  As in I can't run 10 feet with out some jams.  So for me, an iPhone/iPod holder and headphones are 100% necessary.  Also headbands, great shoes and the right clothes make all the difference when you are getting your sweat on.  

Along those same lines, there are some great apps out there for exercise.  For running I use Map My Run and LOVE it.  At every mile it gives you your time, distance ran and your splits and it plays easily over my Pandora.

**As far as dealing with this crazy heat and humidity; my best advice is to make sure you keep hydrated, go slower and take breaks if you need it.

Like I said, I am no expert but above is what works for me.

What works for you?

Any questions, fire away!

Linking up with Shanna!