Tips for making the most of your workouts

I have always been a fitness-oriented person. Growing up, I was very active on a competitive cheerleading team so at least 5 days a week I was “working out” in some form or fashion. As I’ve gotten older with a busier schedule, balancing fitness with the rest of my life can sometimes be a challenge.

I get it. Days are short and there is only so much you can fit in (especially with working full time, a spouse, kids, cooking dinner, folding laundry, running errands…and so on)! But over the past few months, I’ve really tried to put a refocus on my fitness (and overall health & wellness), and I have found that when I follow these tips for making the most of my workout, I am much more likely to stick with it and see results.

 

Start early.

Ok, this is usually a lot easier said than done.  But think about what a good workout does for you mentally. I don’t know about you, but whenever I work out, it inspires me to make better choices the rest of the day (drinking more water, eating healthier). Imagine if you could get your workout in first thing every day.  It truly sets the stage for the entire day, allowing you to keep that healthy mentality all day long.

Find an accountability partner.

I’m not saying you have to meet up to workout with someone (but bonus points if you do, because you are way more likely to not bail on a workout if you’ve planned to meet up with someone). But just having a buddy that you can communicate with, to cheer on (and vice versa) and to, well, hold you accountable is so beneficial! There are so many different ways to accomplish this these days.  Join a gym together. Join a Facebook group. Setup a text group and announce once you’ve completed your workout for the day (and share what you did to give others ideas!). Find some neighborhood buddies who also want to get fit and go for walks together or meet in a driveway and do your workout.

Plan your workout in advance.

I cannot tell you how many times I have shown up to a gym (without a plan), only to stop after 15 minutes because I just don’t know what to do. The single most effective thing I’ve done to get the most out of my workouts is to have a plan – and for me, that plan was joining Beach Body On Demand.  They have 1000’s (literally) of workouts to choose from, all available to stream on an app from your phone. For $100 for an entire year, I’ve got all of the workout programs I could ever need and can take them with me wherever I want (or do them from the comfort of my own home).

By starting a program (I love LIIFT4), I have my workouts planned out for 8 weeks!  I don’t follow it exactly as it is laid out, I do the workouts on the days that work for me.  But most importantly, when I walk into the gym, I know exactly what I’m going to do and how long it will take (most are right around the 30 min mark for this program) and it makes it that much easier to stick to the plan.  Attainable goals, people!

Dress for success.

Sometimes you just need some new workout clothes to restart your motivation!  Every so often, I will clean out my workout clothes drawer and add in a few more new pieces to my wardrobe.  My favorite brands for workout clothes are Lululemon, Zella, and Target.  When I’m feeling splurgy, I go with Lulu.  My hands-down favorite pair of leggings I’ve ever owned (and I’ve gone through LOTS from every brand) are the Align pant from Lulu.  Not only are they great quality, but they are high-waisted and cover a lot of my stomach.  I even wore these through both pregnancies…all the way to the end!  They are an investment but worth their weight in gold!

Zella is more mid-range, especially since you can find some great things at Nordstrom Rack. And Target, of course, when I go for one thing and leave with 40….I may peruse the activewear section and occasionally leave with a top or two.  Actually most of my athletic bras are from Target (champion brand).

Here are some of my current favorite items!

Invest in some gear.

Don’t want to/can’t join a gym? Don’t need to.  Just get some basic equipment for your home, and you have your own gym.  Doesn’t need to be fancy or state of the art — basic equipment will get you very far with little investment.

My must haves:

• A set of light weights, medium weights, and heavy weights. For me right now, that is 10, 12, and 15. For the LONGEST time, I only used 5 lbs and 8 lbs, but finally pushed myself to up my weight and I have definitely recognized the difference!
• A yoga mat – this one is $15.99 and comes in 9 colors
• Exercise bands – this set is $7.99 for 5 different bands (bonus: one day delivery).

 

Schedule your week intentionally.

I have much more success when I actually plan out my week.  On Sunday night, take a look at your week ahead, the exercise class schedules, and map out your plan.  I actually add my workouts to my calendar as an event to block off time and as a reminder that I need to go!  On the weeks I wing it, I am far less likely to achieve all of my goals that week.

 

For me, working out is not just a vanity thing. Sure we all want to look good. But especially after becoming a mom, I realized how important it was for me to be the best version of myself.  And that means mentally and physically.  When I don’t exercise on a regular basis, it has a direct impact on my mood.  Not only that, but I have two rambunctious kids that love to be chased, carried and held all the time, so being strong and healthy is non-negotiable.  What are some of your favorite ways to stay motivated to exercise?

 

Shop this Look

xo,