MOTIVATE ME MONDAY - 5 FITNESS AND WORKOUT MOTIVATION TIPS

In case you missed it, Friday marked the first official day of spring. From here on out there are roughly 9 weeks until Memorial Day which typically marks the start of summer. Beaches. Swimsuits.  Vacations. Outdoor adventures. Now is the time to get ready for spring and summer. We want to be fit, toned, and in shape so we can enjoy our favorite summer activities and pick up a few new ones. Paddleboarding is on our list of must try's this summer and we are determined to be beach ready so we can hit the water as soon as temperatures allow. On those days that we just want to snack and relax these are some of the ways we motivate ourselves to get moving. Hopefully they'll work for you too!

Follow the Experts

A good Health/Fitness magazine is worth the read. While they do make mistakes sometimes (don't we all) these magazines are valuable resources. Most issues offer healthy recipes, workouts, and tips and tricks from an assortment of fitness professionals that know their stuff. Relax while you read and then put some of the advice to work. If nothing else, all the fitness info and pictures are highly motivating. 

Make a Visual Goal Board 
That magazine you just read? Cut it up. Tear out favorite pictures, workout gear, quotes, and recipes. Anything that motivates you. Put it on your board. I put a number on a post-it for each pound I would like to lose. As I lose the pounds I'll take down a post-it. I also wrote down my goals on the heart in the middle. Write them down so you can see them often and remember why you started. 

Online Inspiration
We have already mentioned the Tone It Up girls, Karena and Katrina. We love them. They are so motivating, knowledgeable, and fun to follow. Kayla Itsines is an Australian fitness educator, motivator, and to boot she has the best accent. Look around and find an online inspiration. On days you need a little boost of encouragement you can easily find it from these girls or others on their Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and or other social media accounts. 

Find a Photo

This photo was taken a few years ago on a very long, hot hike. But, I was in shape, doing what I loved, with my husband so I love this photo and memory. It is a good reminder of where I'd like to be health wise. Find a photo of yourself that brings back a fun memory as well as one you that made you feel fit, healthy, strong, and happy. Post it where you will see it often. The fridge. The pantry door. Somewhere in the kitchen so when you want to mindlessly eat, snack, or have multiple servings of dessert, you will see it and get back on track sooner rather than later. 

Weekly Progress Pictures 
Whether on your phone or with a  camera, take a before picture and then follow up with weekly pictures taken on the same day each week. Sometimes you will not see progress in the mirror but when you look at a photo of yourself and compare it to the week before you will see the changes that are happening and that will motivate you to continue. I am working on losing ten pounds. This is my beginning picture. I'll be sure to post my end result. 

What did we miss? What motivates you when you are in a healthy slump? What gets you up and moving? Let us know. We are always looking for new ways to get back on track or out the door when we are not really feeling it! 
Now get out there and GET MOVING! :)