It's February, which means a fresh start on all of those resolutions that you might not have succeeded in doing last month! One of the resolutions that I make pretty much every year is that I want to be healthier which includes eating better and exercising, two things I never seem to be that great at. However for the past few weeks I've been doing exactly those things. I recently decided that this is they year I'll be kicking my butt into gear, and so far so good! Here are my best tips that have helped me so far!
1. Make An Investment
I think the thing that's helped me the most is making a monetary investment in my plans. For me this was buying a membership at a local fitness class place. Since I'm not really making money, it's important that I try not to waste any! So putting money into a non-refundable place makes me really want to use my membership. If I'm not using a certain number of classes per month, I've basically wasted money that I could have spent elsewhere. If a gym membership is too expensive for you, try asking a friend to help you out. This might sound a little weird, but give your friend/roommate/significant other/whoever $10 to hold and ask them to only give it back to you if you prove that you worked out that day. That way, you only lose money if you don't work out! Whatever way you do it, making that investment can really put your mind in a different place.
2. Find An Exercise You Really Enjoy
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I'm going to be honest, I hate 90% of all exercises. It's really tough for me to find something I love to do, which is a huge reason why I can never commit to anything! After trying so many different things (seriously so many) I finally found something that doesn't make me feel like quitting half way through. Zumba has been such a great way for me to bring exercise into my routine. It's so fun, and I don't think I've ever sweat so much in my entire life (is that TMI? Oh well, it's the truth). What's great is that I'm having fun the entire time, even if my thighs are burning like no other. Although Zumba has taught me that I have absolutely NO rhythm.
3. Do It With A Partner
Although I'm a self starter for most things, making healthy choices is not one of them. If left to my own devices, I will probably choose to stay in instead of going for a walk, or pick up a cookie at starbucks instead of just walking by. But if I have someone to hold me accountable, I'm a lot less likely to choose the unhealthy option. If I go out to eat with a friend who's eating healthy with me, we can keep each other on track. It's also great to have a work out buddy! I go to Zumba with my best friend twice a week, and it's so easy to keep up with knowing that I won't have to be sweating it out alone.
4. Incorporate More Water Into Your Routine
Water should be your best friend. Whether you're on a health mission or just living your every day life, water should be a huge part of your routine. We literally live off of the stuff! I try to drink at least 4 bottles of water a day minimum. It keeps me hydrated, energized, and it's just so refreshing. I am a soda lover, and if you offer me a diet coke I will always take you up on that offer, but it doesn't always make me feel great. After drinking almost entirely water (minus when I go out to eat) for a few months, I can say it's had a huge impact on how my body feels. I have less cravings, feel fuller longer, and genuinely healthier.
5. Weigh Yourself Every Morning
Studies have shown that if you weigh yourself every morning, you'll be more likely to follow through on your health goals. It gives you a mental reminder of where you're at on your journey, and that you should make decisions during the day that will help you achieve those goals. If weight loss isn't your goal, try measuring yourself instead. This way you can see the progress of how much muscle you've gained or how much more toned your body has become since starting this process. It's always good to have a reminder of how far along you are! This isn't to say that this should become a huge part of your health journey though. It can become an issue if you begin an unhealthy obsession with the scale and notice that your mood changes drastically when you see no change. (Don't worry, things take time!!) If you find yourself feeling like this, maybe knock this one off of your list.
How are you staying healthy this year?
I want to try working out with a partner.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, my partner doesn't enjoy working out so I do it alone.
ReplyDeleteI find that using a video with an instructor who does the exercises with me makes it feel less lonely too.
I am trying to drink more water too. I have been taking POUND class for a year and a half now and that has made a huge difference
ReplyDeleteI have started exercising with a friend and it has made a world of difference.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips!! I am just starting to get back into going to the gym.
ReplyDeleteI love these tips for staying motivated! I put stars in my planner each day I workout and I get really excited when I've earned it! Plus it's so neat to look back on the month and see your progress!
ReplyDeletexo, Sara
I love weighing myself everyday I find it encouraging.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree with you more on finding a workout you love!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I'm just started to run again, feels soooo good!
ReplyDeleteExercising with a friend is the best way to exercise! It took me awhile, but I finally found ways to exercise without it feeling like I'm actually exercising. Thanks for the great tips!!
ReplyDeleteMaking an investment really helps me! If I pay for a class in advance, I'm more likely to go!
ReplyDeleteInteresting, I've always heard that you shouldn't weigh yourself every day. I'd be interested to read those studies as even my trainer tells me not to.
ReplyDeleteI have a different perspective and try not to weigh myself every morning because as I'm gaining muscle, I get caught up in the numbers. Great tips overall!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree about finding a workout you enjoy, that really makes all the difference. I love basically any barre or pilates class! I really enjoy them. Ditto on the water! When I drink a lot of water I find I eat so much less!
ReplyDeleteThese are all such great tips! I do better when I go to classes and can compete with the people in the class. I've been trying to drink more water too!
ReplyDeleteGreta | www.gretahollar.com
love your tips! i have been drinking a ton of water lately, and buying cute new work out clothes helps me!
ReplyDeletexx,
Stesha
classic.bubbly@gmail.com
Numbers 3 and 4 are my favorite tips! Having a motivational partner is so important as well as drinking lots of water. Water is good for your health and your skin.
ReplyDeleteI don't use a scale anymore, instead focusing on how I feel in my clothes and how I feel in general! But, I do think finding the right exercise for you that works is so important!
ReplyDeleteHi Sami,
ReplyDeleteI love this list! I completely agree with finding a workout and staying active. I love Orange Theory Fitness and Bar Method to achieve my fitness goals :)
~Jessica
love this post! definitely agree with the water!
ReplyDeleteThis was much needed for me! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Candace
Great tips babe, although #5 is a tricky one. Health to me is how we feel on the inside and outside, as you begin to workout and build muscle mass, you tend to weight more. So I try to focus on how I feel on the inside and outside, rather than a number a scale gives me!
ReplyDeleteI am trying to get better about drinking more water this year!
ReplyDeleteI need to get better about being healthy. I workout a lot... but then I eat a whole bowl of queso... Drinking water has definitely been a huge help to me in the past!
ReplyDeleteXO Amanda | www.glitterandspice.com
Great ideas! Doing it with a partner is smart so it gives you accountability.
ReplyDeleteSuch great ideas - I agree with all of them. Incidentally my new year's resolutions are about Health too! I wish I could find a work out buddy though!
ReplyDeleteSuch great tips! Finding an exercise you enjoy makes all the difference. Ever since I discovered spinning, working out isn't a chore and something I look forward to.
ReplyDeleteMindy II
Great tips and reminders for myself! No Excuses!
ReplyDeletexx Sam | The Heart of the House
Finding a fitness activity you love has been SO key for me! Great tips in this post!
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