Motivation: Health & Fitness

I thought this was a good time to make a post like this because people are starting to create their "New Year's Resolutions" and a very popular one is fitness. This is one of my resolutions for 2014 as fitness and health go hand in hand. I have Lupus and one thing that makes a world of difference is when I workout. I used to work out 4-5 days a week without fail. Then i had some medical set backs, moved out of state and just kinda wanted to take a break. I have noticed the effects of not working out as much as I used to and want to correct that. I have no weight loss goals, just build myself back up to a muscle building routine.
Friends ask me what I do to stay in shape and what I eat (I'll save that for another post) and I usually give generic answers. Why?I am not a nutritionist or personal trainer…in addition, what i do works for me and my body. All bodies are different. What works to slim you down might not work for someone else and vice-versa. It is always best to seek advice from a doctor and personal trainer to achieve your fitness goals. I believe if you keep HEALTH as your #1 priority, your fitness goals will fall into place.
Below are a few tips that keep me on my fitness plan:
* ALWAYS work out on Mondays no matter what. Monday will usually make or break your entire work out week if you miss it. Unless you have plans to replace Monday with a weekend day, always make sure you commit to Day 1.
* Have a plan. Working out can get boring or seem overwhelming if you go in not knowing what you are doing. What are your goals? How will you achieve them? Figure that out and make a plan. Schedule your workouts and stick to it.
* Fitness Clothes. Make sure you are comfortable. I have gone to the gym before in super baggy sweats and thought I'd die. Not only did I not enjoy my workout, I left early. Regardless of what you wear, always make sure you are wearing a good support shoe.
* Take a class! I will be the first to say that group yoga and spinning classes are not for me. I just can not do it. However, I know tons of people who benefit greatly from a weekly Zumba class or going in for yoga. If you are having trouble figuring out what your fitness plan will be, joining a class might help you. You will meet new people and will get to switch up your workouts.
* Dust off your old athletic abilities. I've played softball, ice skated, took gymnastics, was a cheerleader, took ballet to beginning pointe and took kick boxing at some point or another in my life. Gymnastics and ballet were a huge part..this past year, i decided to pick up some of these past hobbies and hope to add more in 2014.
Hope you all reach tour fitness goals in 2014!!