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
These are all awesome tips.
xo
Pinksole
These are great tips, I recently started drinking water like I suppose to (I still hate it though haha) but I know it’s very important to stay hydrated , especially during workout.
Nina’s Style Blog
I wasn’t a fan at first either, but it’ll start sticking and you’ll miss it when you don’t have enough!
Thanks Rachelle!
These are great tips that I definitely needed. I totally agree with finding what you like. I tried running outside for so long but I just hate it so much (it does’t help that I’m clumsy!). I found a gym that I love instead and I’m much more likely to work out now. I just need to work on remembering to bring my water bottle to stay hydrated!
These are great tips. I do most of what you said except for working out at home. While I think it would be ideal, it’s just harder for me because of my son. He wants to get in which is fine but then we end up horsing around more than really working out if you know what I mean. One thing I also do is keep a meal plan and eat as close to it as possible. I cook at home in bulk every 2-3 days so our meals are already ready since I also have to make sure my hubby has packed lunches. Hope you and family are enjoying long weekend!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
That sounds awesome Maureen! All in finding what works the very best for you!
That’s so awesome you found something you love! Makes it so much easier to stick to.
Truly, the part about cutting ourselves slack really hits home for me, Brooke!!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I workout at home too and have for 20+ years. My favorite yogurt is Dannon greek Light and Fit. I’ve been looking for the new Light and Fit that’s coming out with no artificial sugar. I haven’t found it yet, but I’m anxious to try it. Have a great week! XO
These tips are spot on! Last year I realized I wasn’t eating enough – I started tracking macros and eating more and I lost 15 pounds. I definitely need to work on my water intake though. And working out from home has some great advantages!
This all seems pretty doable! Lets hope I stick to it all haha. Hope you had a happy new year!
Simply Lovebirds
Girl you rock! I need to get in a routine to start my workout again.
http://www.mylittlenest.org
You look amazing, I will definitely follow your tips 😉
Lots of love ♥ Janury Girl
Great tips!! Love your top too!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Such a cute post! Love your tips!
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
You are always so good on keeping to your fitness and it shows! I can’t seem to get my routine in check yet, but i’m trying!
Xoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Need to try these Oikos guys STAT! And I love your approach to fitness, babe- gotta find what works for you and don’t beat yourself up too much!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
These are all great tips! I work out at home too. I know some people have to go to the gym to work out but I find that I am more likely to work out if I do it at home.
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
I think I really need to find something that I actually like. I try to work out at home but I am always so distracted. Greek yogurt is a favorite of mine! I love that wall that you’re near! Sierra~Beautifully Candid
I bet you know all the best workouts!! I haven’t tried light and fit, I’ll have to try the new version when it comes out!
Yeah! There are so many workouts I’ve done and was like blah I’m done with this. I found I really love yoga and barre workouts a lot!
Me too! Ive done both, had the gym membership and would go occasionally but never consistent enough.
Thanks so much girl!
Thanks girl! Trying to find your groove is good to me! Hopefully you find something that gets your hooked soon.
Thanks Samantha!
Thank your Elise!
Thanks so much!
That’s the hardest part for me! I can be really hard on myself, and I’m like what for?!
That’s such a good point Lana! Our bodies have to have that perfect balance to do what they’re supposed to do.
You can do it!! 😀 happy new year!
You’re too kind! Gotta find that routine that works great for you!
I love greek yogurt. It’s a perfect snack! I try to work out at home and just need to just add it in my routine!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Lovely tips! I love you leggings dear, looks really comfy and fits you perfectly. I love skip rope too. It works the entire body.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
The picture with your toddler is the cutest! I’ve been having Chobani’s 0% fat greek yougurt for breakfast and sometimes lunch. I was recommend that to keep my woman’s health at its best shape and it worked. But it came with another great benefit I lost 5 lbs now after 3 weeks of it!
I have my yogurt with a bit of sliced almonds and some honey (more than I should but I hate the sour taste of greek yogurt.) But now that I see you’re putting granola in yours I might just try that! Thanks Brooke!