Workout Tips

You know you need to do it.  You’ve even set a time and roped in your willing family members to join you.  But now it’s time to start, and that seems to be the hardest part.  Where do you go? What do you do?

We get it. If working out were easy to do, everyone would be doing it.  Here’s the thing, though: working out doesn’t have to be hard. It doesn’t have to be a chore.  It doesn’t have to be the dreaded moment of your day.  In fact, it will most likely go better for you if you don’t dread it all day long.  You need to work up a sweat, but you’ve got a myriad of ways you can do it!  There’s no limit to different types of exercise. From group classes to trail runs, choose your favorite method of exercise and get moving!

Here are a few tips to get you in the zone!  Just remember: you CAN do it!

Before you begin: 

1. Set your workout time specifically, and keep it the same every day. Then, schedule that time into your calendar, and set an alarm so you can’t forget about it.
2. Buy a set of workout clothes that you feel comfortable in.  They don’t have to be skin tight or trendy. Just get something that works for you.  Make sure you have comfortable and reliable running shoes as well!
3. Drink water before you begin.  A key to a sustainable workout is proper hydration.
4. Find a podcast, audio book or Spotify station that you really like and save it for your workout times.  This will give you something to look forward to and something to focus on during your workout.

Once you’ve started: 

1. Set your pace and stick to it. Don’t let anything slow you down!
2. Focus on deep breathing – in through your nose and out through your mouth.  This will help cut down on cramping and shortened workouts.
3. Mix cardio and weight training together in your routine.  You can even buy a set of hand weights and lift them after you’ve come back from a run on the treadmill or a bike ride around the neighborhood.
4. Get outside!  The fresh air, sights and sounds will motivate you to keep going.  Plus, it helps to have new scenery instead of the same track or gym.
5. Continue drinking water during your workout.

After you’ve finished:

1. Always do a cool down lap for about 5 minutes.
2. Stretch!  We can’t stress this one enough.  You might even find a yoga routine or a YouTube video that can help you out with this one.
3. Drink some more water.
4. Take a hot shower to relieve those hard working muscles.
5. Relax! You deserve it!

Come back to the blog each Tuesday for some workout routines and tips that we love!