Keeping the Motivation & Weekend Things

Hi guys! Hope you’re all having a wonderful weekend. Mine has pretty much flew by…as always.

Yesterday, I got in about a 7 mile run and this quick ab workout {which I really liked}. I’ll probably do the same workout today, but unfortunately I won’t have Biggest Loser and Grey’s Anatomy to watch.

I also made my weekly run to the grocery store and then Alexis and I went to see Les Mis with my parents. I’ll probably get a lot of disagreement on this one, but I thought it was just okay. I personally don’t like to sit and watch or read depressing movies or books and the whole thing just seemed really depressing and loooooonnnnngggggg. Don’t get me wrong the acting and music were phenomenal, but I could have done without seeing it.

Today, we have a gymnastics meet on the books and maybe a run by Costco. Landen’s meets are usually pretty long, so Brad and I always take a little grub with us. I’m planning to make these Arugula Chicken Pesto Wraps to take. Brad’s personal fave!

On to the subject of working out and motivation…..

Sometimes it’s so hard to keep myself motivated to get my workout in. I’m pretty sure that I’m not alone in feeling this way. I actually do pretty good on the weekends and don’t really have that problem, but during the week after working all day….working out is the last thing I feel like doing. Not only am I tired, but working out takes up time and I don’t have a lot of that to spare some evenings.

Do you guys have tips to share of ways that you keep yourself motivated to start or get through a workout, even if you’re really not feeling it? Here are a few tips that usually work for me.

1. Make a workout plan ahead of time- Know exactly what your workout is going to consist of, takes the guess-work out of it. When it’s time to workout, you know exactly what you’re going to do and there is no wasting time trying to figure things out. Sometimes I make my plan the night before or make a weekly workout plan on Sundays.

2. Have your workout clothes picked out and ready to go- Get all of your workout attire together the night before and set it out. I find that if everything I need for my workout is laid out, it’s so much easier and quicker to be ready to go. If you workout in the morning, dress in your workout clothes right after getting out of bed. Again, you’re taking the guesswork out and there are no excuses.

3. Change things up- If you’re bored with your workout, that’s definitely going to contribute to feeling unmotivated. When I try new things, I actually find myself getting excited about my workout. Sometimes I take breaks from running and when I get back into it, it’s way more fun. Different workouts that I enjoy are group exercise classes, weight training, at-home workouts, circuit workouts, and interval training.

4. Set a goal- Try making a short-term and long-term goal and write down specifically what you hope to accomplish through exercise. This could be lifting a certain amount of weight, running so many miles at a certain pace, running a marathon, losing so many pounds or inches, or just making it to the gym so many days a week. Research shows that we’re more likely to stick with accomplishing a goal if we write it down and journeling your process will keep you accountable.

5. a few other ideas- If you’re a music person, downloading new music will get you looking forward to your workout and will keep things interesting. We perform well, when we feel good. I always feel great when I have new workout clothes or shoes to wear to the gym. Last, if you are the type of person that enjoys working out with others; enlist a friend or a group of friends and workout together. You can keep each other accountable and it’s just downright fun having other people to be around when working out. Also, consider trying group fitness classes or a bootcamp.

Something to think about…..

Let’s help each other out! Do you have some other ideas of ways to keep the motivation?

Have you seen Les Mis? What did you think?

What’s been going on this weekend?

Hope your Sunday is perfect!