Total Basset Case: Workin It

Jul 24, 2013

Workin It

Last week I mentioned that I've been running and loving it more.
A few of you said that you wanted more tips and information on working out.
I am, by far, no expert but I do enjoy working out and getting a sweat on.
Here is what works for me:
--Making Time: This is #1 and most important for me. If I don't schedule out the time, working out won't happen and I will find a million excuses not to lace up my (bright pink) tennis shoes.
Whether that be getting up 30 minutes earlier in the morning or doing it after work, I make sure I have a block of time set aside, even if it's just 30 minutes.  I promise you can work up a great sweat in just 30 minutes.

--Switch It Up: I generally don't do the same thing every day.  Doing the exact same thing for every work out is a sure fire way for me to give up.  
I try to run a few days a week and lift/strength train the others.
I've told you guys before that I love the Tone It Up routines.
I am also a big fan of these Be Fit work outs, TRX routines and random YouTube work outs.
Whatever you do, keep it interesting; your body will thank you.
--Eating: Making sure I have enough protein, substance and water in my body in order to work out is very important to my routine.  If I don't have enough in my system, my work out is completely worthless.  I've tried to work out on days I haven't eaten much and it is a total waste of time.  Your body needs fuel!

--Keep Going: Whether this is in the middle of your work out and you want to quit or in the middle of the week and you feel in a rut...just keep going.  I promise you will happy with the results!! Seeing results is so motivating to me and helps me get right back in to it the next day.  It is very encouraging to me to know that I am making my body stronger and healthier every day.  It isn't always just about your clothes fitting looser.  I promise the more you stick with it, the better your results will be!! 

--Set Goals (and rewards):  Recently my goals have been running focused (10k, maybe a half...) but I also love challenging myself with strength training.  For instance if the routine says 10 push ups? I think I'll try and do 12! You may not be able to do it that on the first day but with practice and persistence you will get stronger!  Just knowing that you can do more than you used to be  able to is very encouraging.
I think it's also important to have rewards for reaching your goals! You are working hard, you deserve a little something ;)  For me, it's usually work out clothes! I love getting new ones (Target had adorable ones right now) and I also love they are practical at the same time.
 (tank: Meijer, headband: Lulu - the one and only thing I own and can afford from there)

And as counterproductive as it may be, ice cream is also a reward for me.  When I run long distances, Mister always treats me to a new ice cream place in town.  So in essence, I run for ice cream...and I'm okay with it.

--Get the Gear:  When I run, I have to have music.  As in I can't run 10 feet with out some jams.  So for me, an iPhone/iPod holder and headphones are 100% necessary.  Also headbands, great shoes and the right clothes make all the difference when you are getting your sweat on.  
Along those same lines, there are some great apps out there for exercise.  For running I use Map My Run and LOVE it.  At every mile it gives you your time, distance ran and your splits and it plays easily over my Pandora.

**As far as dealing with this crazy heat and humidity; my best advice is to make sure you keep hydrated, go slower and take breaks if you need it.

Like I said, I am no expert but above is what works for me.
What works for you?
Any questions, fire away!

Linking up with Shanna!

22 comments:

Pamela said...

Great advice!!

Anne said...

Yes, a half! The one in October in Cincinnati is decently flat.... :)

k8te said...

great advice! i love the TIU workouts, and have their dvds - but i'll have to check out these TRX routines, i have been wanting to try TRX for a while! oh, and i'm motivated by ice cream and new clothes also ;)

Elle said...

Running for ice cream. That's what I'm talking about :)

Casey said...

Yesss running for ice cream. I have to change it up too, or I never stick with it. I'm already excited for running the fall. This humidity is killing me.

Candice Williams said...

I'm a runner too. However I hurt my knees so badly and haven't been able to run near as much as id like. I've been doing as much as I can until I'm healed though. My bestie works at lulu .. They get 50% off. So good!

Sarah said...

Hey there - wondering what type of iPhone holder you use? I have the hardest time finding one that works and doesn't irritate me. Thanks!

Unknown said...

Girl. I am so unmotivated right now... I need to implement some of these things. Honestly I am ready for some structure back in my schedule (im a teacher on summer break)!! Thanks for the tips!!

Sarah Tucker said...

Food, fitness, a cute dog, humor...this is why I just adore you and your blog. Now...I should go to the gym...

Anna @ A Dash of Quirky said...

Thanks for the map my run recommendation...music is so important to me when I exercise, but I want to track too & not keep looking down at my phone!

Kait said...

I really need to stop making excuses about running and just do it. You're so motivated!!!

katelyn w said...

You should do a half! I am running the columbus half in october! It's supposed to be a really easy (flat) course, and a good first half! It will be my first!

Hannah said...

I am really into working the weights at the moment and I am seeing some pay-off. Protein is important though, can never seem to get enough protein. Sigh. I use your reward system as well. New workout clothes get you excited to wear them and to wear them you have to workout. A motivating vicious circle if you will. Thanks for sharing!

Bri said...

Get it girl! And I agree with all of these tips..I am the worst on excuses and finding "time" I just need to do it 100%.

Kaylin said...

Loving this post. I love to run. And agree with everything you said!!! I am looking for a good headband...I'm thinking Lulu

Kaylin said...

Loving this post. I love to run. And agree with everything you said!!! I am looking for a good headband...I'm thinking Lulu

Miranda Pridgeon said...

Very helpful tips. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work! =]

Lauren @ Style of Ones Own said...

Great advice! Hope you don't mind that I Pinned this. I have been wanting to get into running but I have such a hard time in the summer (it's 90 degrees at 7am where I live).

Lauren
Style of One's Own

Because Shanna Said So said...

GREAT advice!!! I will tell ya, you got me motivated...I just need you here in real life so you can yell at me to get off my bum! :)

Caitlin said...

Thanks for the tips! I'm 3/4 way through the Couch to 5k program and loving it! Hopefully my 13 minute mile improves soon... but you've got to start somewhere :)

Luana said...

I want shoes like yours! bright pink and gorgeous!!! mine are boring... as I can't do any impact work out, it doesn't really matter what tennis shoes I wear. :o/

Nice tips, nevertheless... I'm even further from being an expert, but you're so right! We can't give up and must have a schedule!!! Liked the reward idea... I may just try it... ;)

xoxo

Jen said...

Great advice! I agree that the right gear and good tunes really help. I also find that the proper snacks before hand help me. I always work out after work and if I am hungry my workouts fail. But if I eat too much I feel sick. Oh and cute shoes!!