So this week marks my mother's first week of retirement! Hence I'm dedicating this post to her. She has spent over 3 decades with the same company and can finally kick off her shoes and relax. This kind of time takes dedication much like endurance athletics. Throughout the past 3 years I have had to work hard on being sure I get my workouts in so I can be my strongest on race day. I am a very self-motivated individual and also very schedule oriented but I know not everyone is so here are some tips to help keep you dedicated to any sport, event, activity, or just to keep in shape.
1. Schedule workouts with friends, this allows you to catch up with people you may not have as much time for as you train
2. Make a schedule: if you plan out your work-outs you are more likely to fit them in, I sometimes have to rotate what I do and where but I always try to get the majority of my workouts done for the week. I also find speed workouts more enjoyable if I have a plan i.e. swimming, I always write my workout down.
3. Try something new: sometimes it is hard to make it to the gym or to any work-out because it is boring or redundant. If you add something new to your routine you're more likely to enjoy your other activities
4. Tell yourself "I can do it": I always think I can't finish my workout, but if I keep telling myself just a little further, just one more, push a little harder then eventually I will achieve my final goals of finishing
5. Find a group to work-out with: Sometimes your interests and your friends' interests may be different in athletics, there are plenty of run clubs, triathlon clubs, free yoga clinics (lululemon and sports basement) strength clinics, fundraising groups, etc. that will help keep you motivated and in shape
6. Start with a walk: Everything starts with a single step then go from there
7. Step on the scale regularly: if you don't like what you see channel that energy into a workout: I often work-out so I can eat the junk I love
8. If you like the TV then work it while you watch: you can spend money on a treadmill for this or you can do crunches, jumping jacks, burpees, etc. during commercials. If you write down a work-out you can get a lot of your strength training in at home watching Jersey Shore
9. Find something you like: Not everyone is a runner or a swimmer or anything else, but chances are you like something, think about it and figure it out then working-out is fun
10. Get your family involved: If your family or significant other are active then you are more likely to be, I don't always run with my boyfriend, actually sometimes it is my alone time, but knowing he is getting his workout in makes me feel like I have to put my miles in too.
My MOM!!!
1. Schedule workouts with friends, this allows you to catch up with people you may not have as much time for as you train
2. Make a schedule: if you plan out your work-outs you are more likely to fit them in, I sometimes have to rotate what I do and where but I always try to get the majority of my workouts done for the week. I also find speed workouts more enjoyable if I have a plan i.e. swimming, I always write my workout down.
3. Try something new: sometimes it is hard to make it to the gym or to any work-out because it is boring or redundant. If you add something new to your routine you're more likely to enjoy your other activities
4. Tell yourself "I can do it": I always think I can't finish my workout, but if I keep telling myself just a little further, just one more, push a little harder then eventually I will achieve my final goals of finishing
5. Find a group to work-out with: Sometimes your interests and your friends' interests may be different in athletics, there are plenty of run clubs, triathlon clubs, free yoga clinics (lululemon and sports basement) strength clinics, fundraising groups, etc. that will help keep you motivated and in shape
6. Start with a walk: Everything starts with a single step then go from there
7. Step on the scale regularly: if you don't like what you see channel that energy into a workout: I often work-out so I can eat the junk I love
8. If you like the TV then work it while you watch: you can spend money on a treadmill for this or you can do crunches, jumping jacks, burpees, etc. during commercials. If you write down a work-out you can get a lot of your strength training in at home watching Jersey Shore
9. Find something you like: Not everyone is a runner or a swimmer or anything else, but chances are you like something, think about it and figure it out then working-out is fun
10. Get your family involved: If your family or significant other are active then you are more likely to be, I don't always run with my boyfriend, actually sometimes it is my alone time, but knowing he is getting his workout in makes me feel like I have to put my miles in too.
My MOM!!!
