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 free of frostbite: 3 tips for running in the winter

With Halloween nearly knocking on our doorstep, the looming winter weather is not so far away. Getting motivated to run in colder temperatures is the first feat. Next, you want to ensure that you will be warm and dry from the start of time on your stopwatch, ‘til the end. Below, you’ll find some tips to avoid icy workouts.

1. Getting Dressed: According to an article from Runner’s World, ’10 Tips for Running in the Cold’, there’s a rule of thumb for dressing for colder runs. Mark Grandonico, the president for the Maine Track Club, says to dress as if it’s 20 degrees warmer outside. With technical fabrics, that wick moisture, you’ll allow for enough body warmth to accumulate within your run without overheating.
2. Deep Breaths: On a vigorous run, taking deep breaths from your stomach can make your throat dry and cold. An easy way to avoid this is to run with a mesh or cloth cowl neck warmer covering your mouth. This will filter warmer air into your mouth while breathing. If you dislike running with a cowl, try altering your breathing pattern so you breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. This can also aid in avoiding side aches.
3. Before Leaving: Don’t start the time on your watch if you haven’t performed some sort of warm-up. “The cold doesn’t feel so cold if you’re warm,” says Lauren Salmon on Runner’s World. Not warming up is an easy way to let the chilly winter air stifle your performance during a run. Get a head start and prepare your muscles and cardio for the low temperatures outside.

Now go out and run atop the loud, fallen leaves, or the melting snow-covered pavement this winter. Run happy and run warm. 

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Running over Myths: Stoplight Stop-n-Go

Although autumn is known for making your favorite trail runs a muddy mess with the rain and snow, there’s one less reason to shake your fist at Mother Nature as you transition from trails to concrete this year. Jogging in place is proving to be a health benefit for more than the average housewife during Oprah. Whilst waiting at stoplights, running in place is sure to shield your muscles from tightening in the cool weather that lies ahead.

Now, you can do more than your typical calf stretch against a stop sign while waiting for traffic to pass. According to an article published on LiveStrong.com, jogging in place will help maintain a working heart rate and allow for a mid-workout stretch. Not only can you avoid tension in your Achilles tendon and in your calves from the stop-and-go nature of running through city streets, but you will continue to shed calories while waiting your turn at the crosswalk.

You’re not alone if you’re resistant to begin a running routine for the chillier months. So combat Mother Nature’s winter coat by jogging in place at stoplights, and save the treadmill for the severely snowy days.

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