In today's Wellness 101, I want to focus on Fitness! As many of you already know, staying active and maintaining good physical fitness is an essential part of Wellness. Unfortunately, most people will cringe just at the thought of exercise, and I want to change that!
I've learned that the key to enjoying exercise and wanting to stay active is finding a fitness routine that's fun. By designing a unique fitness routine catered to what you enjoy, it's no longer a burden, allowing you to stop making excuses and thoroughly enjoy your workouts.
Here's a few ways I learned to enjoy my workouts:
TRY EVERYTHING AT LEAST ONCE!
A few years ago, I was the girl that never wanted to go hiking; when honestly, I never went on a long, solo hike by choice before. Growing up, I hated being forced into the woods and camping. (Let's just say that I'm not fond of feeling sweaty and dirty for long periods of time. >_< hahaha)
A few months ago, I decided to go for a hike by myself through a local trail by my house. I ended up enjoying every minute of it. I liked being able to enjoy the fresh air and completely clear my mind. It has become my favorite way to wind down the end of my day. (I also like being able to hop in the shower as soon as I'm finished ;D LOL!)
I soon realized that just because I don't enjoy camping and super long hikes in hot weather, it doesn't necessarily mean that I won't enjoy quick, relaxing hikes on a nicely shaded trail. So don't be the way I was, and be so quick to write-off one healthy activity! Try hiking, biking, or even rock climbing! You never know what you might end up really enjoying!
FIND A WORKOUT BUDDY!
I LOVE working out with my friends and family. It's always more fun to work out with a buddy. When I make workout plans with my friends and family, I always end up looking forward to it all week long. Not only is it a great way to incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine, but you also get to spend quality time with someone important to you.
I also have many friends with different interests, so I may be hitting the gym with one friend one day and attending a yoga class with my sister and cousin another day. I get to enjoy their company while still staying active and mixing up my fitness routine, which I absolutely love!
TRACK YOUR WORKOUTS!
I track all of my workouts using the iPhone App RunKeeper. By tracking my workouts, I can visually see my progress. (It actually shows me when I've been particularly lazy at times too! hahaha) By seeing the distance, time, and calories I'm losing, it only pushes me to continue without excuses or room for laziness.
SET FITNESS GOALS & ACCOMPLISH THEM!
There's no better feeling than accomplishing a goal! Whether it's losing inches around your waist, running a faster mile, or finishing a half-marathon, the sense of accomplishment you get from conquering the goals you set is incredible. When you set small and easily achievable goals, like going for a walk at least 3 times a week, you propel yourself to keep going. The key is to choose easily tangible goals for the short term and aim for bigger fitness goals, like running a half-marathon, for the long term. Be sure to also reward yourself for every accomplishment! Maybe buy yourself some new running shoes, headphones, or workout clothes?! The possibilities are endless! Just keep setting those goals, and you'll soon be in a never-ending cycle of happiness! YAY! ^______^ <3
Well, I hope today's post inspires you to get off your booty & get out there! Staying active can be fun! You just have to find what works best for you! GOOD LUCK!
xoxo
Denise Joyce
