New year, best you! I like to think I start off each day with that kind of mindset…today I’ll be my very best self. They don’t always end up being quite like that, but a girl can dream right?! If you’re anything like me, you’re aiming to stay on top of your fitness game this year. I love me some fitness, y’all know that already, but despite my love for it, I’m not always perfect. Over the years, I’ve had to learn and adapt to stick to my plan. So today, I’m sharing what has worked for me, and it just may work for you too!
5 Tips to Stay On Top of Your Fitness Game in 2018
Find Something You Love & That Works With Your Life
I probably sound a little like a broken record here, because I think I say this every single time I write a fitness related post. For me, this is the utmost important thing, if I don’t love it, I’m not going to stick it. The second part of that, if it doesn’t work for me, I’m also not going to stick to it. I tried a few spin classes last year and LOVED it! If I had a choice, I would go there weekly, but the reality is, that doesn’t work for me. My toddler has major separation anxiety, so putting him in a gym daycare isn’t going to happen, and being momma keeps me pretty busy – making those gym trips are a struggle for me.
So, I workout at home. I have for years, it works for me, and I love it! Just because I workout at home doesn’t mean I keep it the same either, I’m always trying new apps, workouts and finding ways to be active outdoors (when the weather warms up). Come back on Wednesday, when I review my favorite workout apps!
Hydrate Your Little Heart Out
Second thing I say a lot, because girl I mean it, hydrate your little heart out. The more water you drink, I mean within reason, the better you’re going to feel. Big water bottles always work for me, whether they’re from the store or in a cute water bottle I can tote around. When you’re fully hydrated your body is functioning well! You’ll perform better, have more energy, and sleep better!
Let’s Not Forget To EAT!
I don’t know about you, but whenever I think about getting fit…like really fit, I start to think about eating less or depriving myself. Of course that’s not always a bad thing if it means eating less sugar, fast food, etc. However, I tend to do the opposite and avoid eating like I should, until pretty much the end of the day and then I’m ravenous and eat everything in the kitchen. That’s crazy?! Yet it’s this mindset that I’ve battled for years and have to constantly remind myself to continually fuel my body, if I want the energy I need. I stay away from any kind of restrictive diets, because well, of what I mentioned above…I’ll take it the extreme. So, I have to keep myself on track with a balance of meals and snacks that satisfy me. I love fresh fruit, veggies, hummus and even cheese (of course I have to control those portions). I’m not always the best at eating meat, so I try and get protein from other things I really enjoy, like peanut butter and greek yogurt. I recently tried Danon Oikos® Protein Crunch Yogurt, that I picked up at Walmart.
The crunchy texture adds a little extra satisfaction boost for me, and it’s loaded with protein and fiber! To be exact, 17g of protein per 5.0 oz. cup and 6g of fiber per 5.0 oz. cup, with absolutely zero artificial sweeteners.
I’ve said it before, but anything that is tasty, easy and helps me reach my goals, is a win for me. I’m a fan for sure! There is an Ibotta offer on Danon Oikos at Walmart going on now, in case you’re interested in extra savings!
When It’s All Said and Done…Sleep!
Sleep is important and something to be cherished. If I don’t get enough sleep, I am an unhappy person for sure! Plus, I have zero energy to take on any type of workout, much less go about my daily life. I have to make a habit of putting away my phone, maybe grabbing a book or just watching some TV with my hubbs, well before bedtime; or I’ll fall into the social media trap and stay up liking and pinning all night.
Cut Yourself Some Slack
This one is important for me, because I’m hard on myself. I know I’m not alone in the pursuit of “perfection”. We want to do it all, every day and be the best at it. Am I right?! Yet, that’s impossible! When I don’t feel like I’ve successfully nailed whatever it is I set out to do, I get kind of low and really beat up on myself. So with fitness, I learned pretty early on, if I wanted to keep it as a healthy and positive thing for me, I needed to cut myself some slack. If I missed a day I was planning to workout, no big deal, I’ll do it tomorrow! My number one rule through all of the years has been to workout at least once, every single week. Going on six years strong, with the exception of vacations/getting sick/birthing babies, I don’t think I’ve missed a week. If I can get active at least once, that’s my goal and I’m happy with that. Most weeks, it’s always more, but by saying once a week, I don’t feel bad when life gets hectic. When I get really tired of my routine, I change it up. Sometimes that means I switch morning workouts to evening workouts, switch days, etc. You set your schedule, you set your goals! I always keep in mind that anything is better than nothing, and all of it counts to my health!
So, there ya have it, my fitness rules to live by. They’ve served me well through the years, and I hope they continue to for years to come! What helps you stay on track?
-Brooke
