1. MAKE WATER YOUR DRINK OF CHOICE
There are so many drinks on the market that promote health and wellness, but nothing is as good for you as water. Zero calories are better than low calories. Hydration is key to so many health issues, but it has a powerful impact on energy levels and brain function. You can’t work out or do much else if you have low energy and feel foggy. The majority of what I drink is water, and I don’t waste my time with any other sports drinks or even juices. Sometimes, I’ll use an Isagenix energy shot or a b-12 vitamin to wake me up. Other than that, my focus is always to drink as much water as I can to keep myself hydrated and flush my system.
2. MAKE WORKING OUT FUN SO IT'S EASIER TO STICK WITH
Time spent at the gym doing something you absolutely hate, or simply not starting with a positive vibe can make you dread the next workout. Since getting started is the hardest part of working out, I always make sure to have my favorite songs ready to go on my playlist. This, of course, involves lots of Nelly. It also includes wearing my favorite workout gear. A fun outfit for the gym can give you the same boost of confidence you like to feel when you go out on a Friday night. Show yourself some love before you even begin, and you’ll find it might get more enjoyable getting your butt in the gym.
Some of my favorite gear brands include Well Kept, Alo Yoga, and Koral along with many others.
3. START WITH A FUN WARM UP
I like to start my workouts with cardio on the elliptical. It helps you burn those extra calories and enables you to get warmed up. My goal is usually to do at least a mile before starting my work out. It's also important to take time to stretch prior to any physical activity.
4. END YOUR WORKOUT WITH A TREAT
After I work out, I drink an OWYN protein shake. The shakes are plant-based, non-GMO, are free of most food allergens, and come packed filled with all you need to enhance muscle recovery after an intense workout. I love the cookies and cream and chocolate flavor. Whatever treat you choose, make sure it doesn’t undo all the good you just did during your work out.
5. DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS
This might not seem like a workout tip, but your mental attitude about yourself and your body impact your overall health and how you approach working out. You shouldn’t work out for anyone else but you. We’re inundated with so much imagery, especially in the fitness space, that it’s easy to want what someone else has. Fight those comparison tendencies! I’m a big believer in loving the skin you are in.