Goodbye classes, all-nighters, and endless papers and exams and let’s all say hello to warmer weather (ideally), ample leisure time, and hopefully the start of a new and improved workout regime! If you’re like me, it can be hard sometimes to muster up the effort and time to go and workout when I’m busy, or when Netflix just sounds so much better. This year I’ve been trying to make myself more active and I’m putting it in full-force this summer, and let me tell you, the struggle is real. Below are some fun and simple ideas to get you motivated to move this summer, and also to give yourself a reason to buy your 20th pair of leggings.
Make a Workout Playlist.
Before putting on those running shoes and making yourself go on that run, be sure to have an awesome workout playlist ready to push you through that last mile… or to motivate you to just begin your workout. I usually go back and forth between several playlists from Spotify and it’s always just what I need to get me ready for a workout– or to just dance around in my room. Hey, that’s technically working out, right?
Shop Till You Drop… For Workout Clothes.
In need of some cardio? Walking around the store in search of cute athletic apparel is one way to go about that. You’ll get a bit of a workout in and having new clothes will give you more of a reason to workout so you can wear them!
Drink Water.
Making time to workout isn’t always easy– and it’s even harder to when you’re already not too thrilled about exerting that much energy and sweating a thousand bullets. A simple way to feel healthier, slim down and reduce bloating is to cut out the soda and sugary drinks and stick to water. I like to add MiO, mint, or lemon to my water to add some flavor.
Be Less Lazy and Take That Extra Step.
Instead of taking the elevator, choose to take the stairs. Instead of driving a few blocks to meet up with a friend for dinner or to grab one thing from CVS, take a nice stroll down High Street. These changes might not seem like much, but everything counts and spending some more time outside won’t hurt either.
Think About Something (Food) That Will Motivate You.
Getting through your last set of reps or last few minutes of your run can be a struggle. One tactic I’ve always used to get through it is to think about all of the yummy and totally unhealthy food I can eat once I’m done– ice cream, cookies, Reese’s, and so much more. I’m not going to lie, that’s how I got through those dreadful days where we had to do a timed mile run in middle school. Let yourself enjoy that craving you’re having, but do not lose sight of the ultimate goal here. You’re working out to become healthier, and for some of us, to shed a few pounds. Don’t deprive yourself, but keep in mind all of the healthy foods you can also eat after a workout.
Get a Workout Buddy.
Making plans with a friend to workout holds me accountable to actually go workout and it’s a lot more fun to workout in good company. There are two options when it comes to working out with friends: you can either workout with a friend that loves it and is super-athletic or with a friend that also isn’t a huge fan of working out but wants to get in shape. If you’re with the first option, you’ll definitely hate them at first for pushing you to your very limits, but be grateful a few days later after you finally recover. With the second option, however, you can still workout or go on nice long walks with a friend while bonding over the fact that working out does, in fact, suck. Both are productive ways to get out there and be active. Bottom line is, do whatever works best for you, and will help you reach your fitness goal.
Take a Fun Workout Class.
Going to the gym or going on a run can be boring and not all that exciting. Adding a fitness class to your workout regime is an excellent way to spice things up! I love taking Zumba classes because I leave each class in a brighter mood and without feeling like I just worked out. I also recommend Kickboxing classes because they are a great way to de-stress and alleviate some steam and frustration.
Netflix and Chill? More like, Netflix and Exercise.
We all have those times (or all the time) where we find ourselves lounging around binge-watching Netflix. Next time, do some small workouts while your show is playing in the background. I use several workout apps called SWORKIT for abs, butt, leg, and arm exercises and I’ll just pick one or two of them to do and, before I know it, I’m onto my next episode and also my next exercise.
Turn Your Favorite Show Into a Workout Game.
Who said working out couldn’t be all fun and games? My friends and I have been impatiently waiting to see Jojo take on The Bachelorette for weeks now, and in about a week the wait will be over. This season I am going to create an entertaining little workout game that goes along with the show. For instance, every time someone gets a rose you do 5 crunches and each time Chris Harrison shows up you do 20 squats. By the time Jojo hopefully finds her man, my friends and I will be toned and in shape.
