Get your head together by moving your feet.
Back to school time is ON, and if you’re like me, you’ve already downloaded Song 2 by Blur to blast the minute school drop-offs are complete. (Don’t know it? It goes a little something like this: WOO-HOOOO!). But after a summer of BBQs, vacations, and an ever-changing schedule, plus the mayhem of school and activities, re-entry to a fitness routine is a bumpy ride. Never fear! Smooth it out with these tips and bring it on!
Book ‘em, Danno. Your sweat sesh, that is. You’re more likely to stick to it if you sign up in advance. Don’t drop-in or play by ear. Reserve your spots for your classes, lock your trainer in for weekly appointments, or put your morning jog in your calendar. Make it non-negotiable. Like paying bills, except with way more fulfilling results.
Hooray for New Stuff! School shopping isn’t all about kids. Treat yourself to hot new sneaks or workout clothes that you actually like, and you’ll feel better about exercising altogether. Pro tip: put it on now! Whether you’re an a.m. or p.m. exerciser, get out of your pj’s or work clothes and into your gear straight away. Send the signal to your brain that you are going into exercise mode—you’ll be a lot less inclined to laze on your couch or hit up Jake's Wayback.
Turn Up the Beat. Fact: working out with music increases your performance. Fire up a playlist that makes it impossible to sit still. Here’s one of my go-to's:
Thunder Clatter–Wild Cub Lonely Boy – The Black Keys Short Train Runnin — Discotech/Doobie Brothers
Get Down in Formation — Beyonce vs Kool & The Gang Triple Trouble – Beastie Boys Tripped Out Slim —Trombone Shorty When Doves Cry — Prince
Keep the Car Running — Arcade Fire
Pumpin' Blood — NONONO
Rhythm Nation — Janet Jackson
Peace, Love & Happiness — G. Love
Get Friendly. It’s old hat, but with good reason—it's true. Working out with a bud gives you someone to be accountable to and makes the time more fun. Adding in a social element? That’s two birds with one stone—hello multitasking!
Choose (Groceries) Wisely, Grasshopper. Whether you’re fridge is stocked with juice boxes or Pinot Grigio, make room for real stuff and get rid of the over- processed, high-calorie energy bombs. You know how you feel after eating a plate of fries? It’s like sleeping gas for your insides. It’s not about willpower; it’s about science. Choose foods you know will brighten, not dismantle, the rest of your day. And save the treats for when they are just that: a treat.
Try, Try Again. Haven’t found a workout that speaks to you? Don’t let a negative experience alter your opinion on your first shot. Try, then try again. With so many options now (arial yoga, Krav Maga, or Pole Dancing, anyone?) you’re bound to find an addiction workout call your own.
Just Go Outside. Period.
Can't get to the gym? Don't have the budget for fancy-pants classes? No space in your place to move? Just. Go. Outside. All you need is a a pair of sneakers, weather appropriate clothes, and just maybe some good music. How hard you work is up to you, but just moving and breathing in the fresh air will pay off in spades throughout the rest of your day.
This is Your Time. You can’t care for anyone else if you don’t care for yourself. A sweat sesh may be your only time to pay attention to YOU. Choose to focus on yourself through exercise, and become stronger physically, emotionally, and mentally in your other tasks. Everybody wins!
See you at the gym!
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