Tag: cardio

  • Four Tips for Better Workouts

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    So you’ve decided you want to work out, but some days you’re just not feeling it. Here are a few tips that I have come up for clients to help them reach their goals and have a good workout, every time.

    Motivate Yourself. Figure out why you want to work out. Do you want to tone up or slim down? Are you feeling groggy all the time? Are you getting amped up for that 10K you planned on running this spring? Or maybe you just want to be healthier. Whatever your reason is, make sure you have a clear and attainable goal to work toward. It’s important to know what you want your end result to be and when you get there, celebrate!

    Set the Mood. You can’t have a good workout if you’re not feeling it. So make a playlist of the best songs that pump you up. Get athletic shoes that make you feel good or wear something that you can really move in. Having the appropriate clothing that allows you to feel comfortable and not self-conscious in is just as important as putting forth effort. If you look good, you’ll feel good and if you feel good, you’ll work harder.

    Plan. Having a plan of action for when you get to the gym is always a good idea. It’ll give you a path and a goal to work toward for that day and when you’re halfway through, you’ll be able to see what you’ve accomplished. Bring a small notebook with your exercises jotted down or make a note in your phone. And just because you have a plan doesn’t mean you can’t go above and beyond it too!

    Push Yourself, Trust Yourself. Everyone has an edge. It’s important to approach your limit without going too far. Pushing through one last set or running an extra two minutes can make all the difference and set the tone for how you feel post-workout. Being able to know your limits and push yourself a little further each time will make you feel like a champ without spiraling you into an injury.

  • No Excuses: Holiday Workouts Should Be Good, Not Evil

     

    Photo Courtesy of Pixabay.
    Photo Courtesy of Pixabay.

    This is the time of the year when everyone is stressed. There are lines everywhere, people are pushy and forget getting to a place on time with no traffic! One of the best ways to help keep your cool during the holidays is to make time for a workout. While many of my clients want to cancel their sessions during this time of year, I strongly encourage them to reschedule or stick with it. Working out is one of the best ways to relieve stress during the busy holiday season.

    Missing a workout can make you feel guilty. However, that’s not the only reason you might feel bad. Working out helps pump up your endorphins and creates a natural, good feeling during your workout and after. So when you are feeling a little down or stressed, get up and get moving.

    In addition to creating a natural good mood, working out helps to clear your mind. Whenever I have a big decision to make or I am searching for answers, I step into the gym and let my mind rest and my body work. Once I’ve sweat it out, I can usually walk out of the gym with a definitive answer. Like magic, everything becomes a little more clear.

    And while the holidays are filled with cookies, cakes and pie, you’ll need the workout to feel better about your body. I’ll admit it, we all indulge during the holidays, including personal trainers. I have a secret soft spot for pumpkin pie piled high with whipped cream. But if you stop your workouts, it makes it ten times harder to get back into the swing of things once you return to your normal life and routine.

    I know it’s not fun. I know it’s tough to make the time. But do it. Your body will thank you.