Staying Motivated for your Workouts

During this time of year, there are a number of things that might keep you from changing into running clothes and log some miles for the day. The devil on your shoulder—picture a hairy, couch-potato version of Danny DeVito—might try to convince you to indulge in some sweets, catch up on the last few episodes of Modern Family, or stay in the warmth of your bed because it’s a cold, dangerous world out there.

With that being said, it’s a good thing we all have that ideal, healthy version of ourselves sitting on the opposing shoulder to urge us into our workout routines day-to-day. While we’re on the subject of the fit version of yourself, it should be said that you should remind yourself of your goals every so often. When you’re losing track of the progress you want to make and the goals you’ve set, take a break from the calorie counting and workouts schedules to revisit your ‘fit-spiration’, if you will.

Some common ways of maintaining your motivational levels involve making a vision board with quotes, photos, and other miscellaneous items that urge you to keep going. A less crafty version of a vision board might include a hand-written list of five reasons you want yourself to stick to your workout regimen. Keep your vision board or list in a visible place.

Pushing past the days where you’re sore or are tempted much more towards snacking versus running, can be made easier with reminders from your ideal self—the angel on your shoulder. Be sure to give yourself a cheat day, and if all else fails enlist your fitness guru friends as workout buddies. This way you feel a little more accountable, if not nervous as to what insane push-up routine they might put you through if you miss a workout.

If you're looking for some more tips on staying motivated, browse this article from giaim.com 

Happy trails.

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Running into the Fall season

Better than your mere commute to work or school, setting out on your own two feet during this time of year exposes you to the most scenic of seasonal transitions. While running atop yellowed leaves and rain dampened concrete can encourage you to run further and discover more, there are some precautions to take into consideration.

Firstly, autumn days can be rainy days. Before departing for your run, plan a route for yourself with higher ground or sidewalks so as to avoid soggy socks. According to Active.com, a website centered of wellness and fitness, another area of potential problems lies with early sunsets. In order to avoid doing your workout under the dim, city street lamps, commit to a time during the day where you can get your mileage in. This will also benefit your training routine, giving your body consistent periods of rest and cardio from day to day.  

The after-math of a summer run can often resemble a crime scene. What with articles of clothing strewn across the concrete where you lay panting and squinting into the sun, the outline of sweat surrounds you like the chalk outline defining what would be your lifeless body if it weren’t for your frantically beating heart in your chest.

Thus, the cooler conditions brought forth by the fall season give runners more incentive to lace up their shoes for a run and spend less time with their head in the freezer afterwards.

Go out and run further than the summer sun allowed in month’s prior. Follow trails illuminated with the colors of your neighborhood trees. Find rhythm in the in-and-out breaths you take of crisp, cool air because that’s the only constancy you have in these ever-changing seasons. 

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