Healthy Chicks

[source]

If you’re like me and many women I know, getting yourself to the gym/yoga studio/running path is the hardest part. Once you are there, the workout is a breeze. It’s the getting there that’s the tough part.

They’ll be days where I absolutely dread working out and would much rather sit on the couch in my comfy Victoria’s Secret sweats with a good book and some Sex and the City sodes and call it a day. But the second I drag myself to the gym and get my heart pumping, it’s as if there was never any doubt in the first place. All of that “But I don’t want to go to the gym!” “I’ll just go for a run tomorrow!” talk simply vanishes, as it doesn’t even matter any more. I am now IN THE ZONE and there is no stopping me now.

So what motivates me to get my ass off the couch and turn off those Sex and the City sodes? Read on… and hopefully you’ll be out the door and in your running sneaks in no time!

1. Endorphins: There is nothing like feel-good endorphins to get me going on those lazy days. I know once the sweat starts-a-comin’, I’ll be feeling fiiiiinee. Suddenly, all those little life troubles wash away and you’re back to that normal, cheery self we all know and love in no time! Make endorphins your best friend…especially when you’re having a bad day.

2. Baby Steps: Take one little baby step at a time. Tell yourself, “OK, I’m just going for a little walk around the block.” “Alright, maybe I’ll go for another 10 minutes.” “Screw it, I’m going to run the last mile.” If you just take it one step at a time, you won’t psych yourself out or set yourself up for failure. Try this method next time you aren’t really feeling a long, drawn-out workout. It definitely helps!

3. Crank Up The Music: Have a private dance party in your room! I often do this in the morning (blasting oldies), and find it really pumps me up to exercise and get the blood flowing! There’s nothing like a little extra oomph from your iPod.

4. Make it a Habit: They say it takes 30 days to break a bad habit. Same goes true to starting a new one. If you make exercising a part of your everyday life, you’ll learn to love it and it will soon become part of a routine. Now on days that I don’t make it a point to exercise (even just a quick walk around the block), I don’t feel quite right. It’s a lifestyle that I enjoy living.

5. Think PRODUCTIVITY: Exercise does wonders for your productivity levels. On days I work out during the morning, I find that I get much more done throughout the day, am more “with it” and my energy levels are amazing! If you’re a night owl, same holds true. You’ll go to bed with a clear mindset and sleep like a baby, ready to take on the next day!

6. “Rip the Band-aide off”: Taking off a Band-aide isn’t fun; that’s why people say to rip it off and get the pain over with. Same goes true with exercise. Just put your sneakers on and get outside the front door. That’s the hard part. The rest is fun and games, as you’ll be one step closer to a healthy lifestyle!

7. Body Tone: Screw looking skinny and “losing the last 10 pounds!” How about body tone and definition? When you make it a point to exercise regularly with a nice mix between cardio and strength training, you will see a difference in your body. Toned arms. Less butt jiggle. Stronger legs. Try mixing sweaty running sessions with 20 minutes of squats and lunges, or 30 minutes of swimming laps in the pool with 15 minutes of arm exercises. These types of combos will shed fat quickly, as you’re cranking up your metabolism and building muscle at the same time!

8. Confidence: Once you start seeing a difference in the way you look and feel, your confidence levels will skyrocket! You’ll feel on top of the world, both inside and out. And there is nothing more attractive than a confident woman.

What are your motivational tricks when it comes to exercise? I’d love to hear your thoughts ‘n’ ideas!