6 ways to get inspired to work out
Since having Finn, it's been quite difficult to get back into a workout routine. First of all, I'm exhausted. Finn still wakes up once a night for a feeding, and while I realize it could be much worse, that interrupted sleep really takes it out of me. It's also quite difficult to find the time to exercise. Between pumping and feeding and working and cooking and everything else, getting in a work out is tough. On top of all of that, my body changed a bit with pregnancy, and although that should motivate me, it actually frustrates me that I have to work so hard to get back to my pre-pregnancy body.So in an effort to inspire myself to get my butt in gear, I've put together a list of ways to actually get my butt in gear!
- Set a goal. I've been toying with the idea of signing up with a 10K race in October. Why haven't I done it yet? I have no idea! I know that as soon as I pay the registration fee I will feel obligated to start running. I know I can do it, and using the race as a motivator is the perfect way to start a routine.
- Make a great playlist. Nothing can change a workout like the music you listen to. I enjoy a mix of inspirational music and something with a beat. The different music can keep you pumped up and can keep you going while working out. Plus, when I run, I like to challenge myself by saying to myself "okay, you can't stop until the end of this song." Usually I can go a lot longer!
- Keep a schedule. Last summer while I was getting in shape for our wedding, I would come home from work, change into workout clothes, leash up Juneau, and go for a run. Every. Single. Day. I wouldn't even give myself a chance to change my mind. It was just expected that I would go running after work. By keeping a structured schedule, I rarely skipped out on a run.
- Give yourself a break. But of course there are the days when you just don't want to get changed and sweaty and you just want to relax. So do it! By giving yourself a day off, you also can rejuvenate yourself for a fresh workout the next day.
- Take a class. My go-to workout is a nice long run followed by either arms or legs, and always abs. However, that routine can get kinda old and burn me out. Every now and then I like to sign up for a walk-in yoga class. I've also wanted to try spinning (a new gym just opened in town!) and pure barre. I find that mixing up my workouts keep me fresh and also work different muscles than I usually would.
- Learn a new exercise. As a soccer player, cardio was always so important to me. It wasn't until I went to college did I start lifting weights. It changed my life. I started seeing muscle tone that I never thought existed. When I started doing yoga, I found that my core strength increased dramatically. Adding in different exercises truly changes your body and keeps you from burning out.
What do you do to stay motivated?