HEALTHY LIVING STYLE

5 Fitness Tips For a Healthier You

This is a timely post… I just got back from the gym and it is full of resolution makers that are there today and won’t be there in a week or two. So I thought I’d share a few tips I’ve found helpful on my own health and fitness journey. My motivation for getting back into working out consistently a year and half ago came from a combination of things. I’d been working a desk job for a few years and I wasn’t getting the daily activity I was accustomed to from working on my feet in retail. I was in the back half of my twenties and could tell that young person’s metabolism was slowly slowing down. Plus, I had a low energy problem that no amount of caffeine could fix and I was over it. So here five things that are somewhat unrelated but that have really helped me to stay motivated and see success in become a healthier, fitter person. Disclaimer… If you’re looking for the get fit quick tips, they don’t exist so don’t bother reading.

  1. Do It Today. We are all busy. We have work, social lives, and a “watch later” list on Netflix that’s way too long. But you’ve got to find time to work out. I’ve learned it’s important to build healthy habits now–getting into a routine is never easy but once you’ve started, it’s easier to keep it up. I work out late at night. I’m a night owl so I typically work out between 10PM and midnight. It works for me. You may find it’s better for you to start bright and early. Whatever it is, find what works and build your routine. And remember, a little fitness is better than no fitness. Only got 30 minutes? Do it. It’s better than nothing. And if you think you don’t have time, think about how much time you spend scrolling through Instagram in a day… See? You have time. Get it done today, not tomorrow.
  2. Do a little bit of everything. I got back in the gym and started to do a ton of research to try and figure out how to see some results. At first I was doing a ton of cardio and not really feeling any different. I discovered that you get a ton of the same benefits of cardio by lifting and resistance training, with the added benefit of building and toning muscle. So now I spend the majority of my gym time strength training. I spend 50% of my time on compound exercises like squats (sumo squats with a barbell curl added in are my favorite), 30% on isolation exercises like bicep curls and the remaining 20% on cardio. My point in all of this is that you have to adjust your thinking. If you want to get in better shape, lose fat and build muscle… blowing your brains out on a treadmill is not the solution. If you want to hate your life, then maybe the treadmill’s for you. 😜
  3. Fuel your body. Diet plays a huge role in your overall well-being and physique (duh). Abs don’t come for free and the old adage that abs are made in the kitchen is pretty accurate. So I try to eat as clean as possible. Lots of lean protein and veggies. But, moderation is key and allow yourself to live your life. Just don’t go too crazy. I drink tons of water (TIP: divide your weight in half and that’s how many ounces of water you should aim to drink in a day). Drinking water does so much, but it plays a big role in your overall energy level.
  4. Create a sweat session soundtrack. Studies show that uptempo, rhythmic music will increase your energy level and actually excite us. So having the right playlist. It’ll keep you motivated to kick some butt. My playlist is fun, upbeat and makes me feel like a badass. It gives me the confidence to walk into the gym and get shit done. I put my Spotify workout playlist in the sidebar (>>). Give it a listen and follow me on Spotify for tons more playlists (FYI, my music taste is all over the board so it might be confusing haha).
  5. Don’t Stress. If you go up to any bodybuilder bro or squat queen in the gym they’ll all tell you the same thing (assuming their not roided out). Seeing results takes time. So much time that you’ll probably want to give up and quit the gym (remember that Friends episode?). Nobody wakes up  The most immediate change I saw once I started working out was my energy level. I feel so much better when I’m working out. Full of energy, less sick, and overall, just better. So that’s a nice immediate thing you’ll see. But if you think you’ll have an 8 pack after 3 months of working out, think again my friends. But you’ll feel great, even if your abs are like mine and are too shy to come out and say hi. Someday they’ll see the light of day…

This post is sponsored by Old Navy but all opinions and thoughts are solely my own. 


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