A few weeks ago I was eating lunch and a co-worker walks by with an avocado, whole wheat crackers, and a large carafe of water. I asked if that was all she was eating for lunch and she replied back with “Summer bodies are made in the winter.” It’s pretty obvious that winter, especially the holiday season, is the time most people gain those extra pounds. Then New Years comes around and everyone is out buying yoga mats and gym memberships, only to hang them up a month or two later.
This time of year is definitely that “in between” season. It’s still too cold for a bikini on the beach but warm enough to throw on a sweater with some shorts and be comfortable outside. If you are like me, you’ve fallen victim to this season and slacked on your gym time, but I have a few tricks I’ve used this past month to help get back into that fitness routine!
1. Dress the Part
Trust me when I say this – a good, cute workout outfit is the best motivation to jump back into your workout routine! Not only will you be so eager to put it on again and dote it around the gym, but that fashion statement can also give you some major support where it’s needed.
A good sports bra vs a cheaper version can make a world of difference! No headaches, do shoulder pains, and no ladies bouncing all around in your way!
It’s also totally worth it to invest in a solid pair of tennis shoes for your cardio workouts. A good pair of tennies can make or break a good run. I’ve tried my fair share of running shoes and 100% regret the cheaper ones that have been purchased trying to save some money – you simply cannot skimp on arch and ankle support if you are any sort of serious runner/cardio girl.
2. Set a Realistic Goal
At one point of time I could truly call myself a runner. I woke up every morning and ran 4 miles at a 8 – 8:30 minute pace to start off my day. With all of the life changes we have made recently, my morning routine was quickly kicked to the curb to accommodate for other morning duties.
I finally decided to get some self-discipline and get back into my morning runs. But, if that first morning I woke up and decided to set my playlist to my old pace and duration I would have died. I KNEW I wouldn’t make it 4 miles and I definitely wouldn’t be able to maintain my old pace. My first goal was simply to Do It like NIKE. If I made that first leap into running again, my old speed and pace would eventually come back to me.
3. Keep a Positive Mindset
My first run this month was a little over two miles and my pace was near the 10 minute mark. The worst part? I was out of breath at mile 1. My first thoughts when I saw the stats were so negative and the downward spiral of self-confidence started. How could I let myself get to this state? Am I so out of shape that I can only run 2 miles? I’ll never be able to get back in shape and look good in a bathing suit.
Instead what I should have done was focus on the positives – I had FINALLY gotten outside and finished a run! The hardest part is always that first step and I took it! The worst was over!
4. Realize Results Don’t Happen Overnight
This month I successfully have gone on 6 runs and each time it gets easier and I am able to run a little longer and a little faster each time! Yay!! But, the results of my physical appearance have not changed much. I am still around the same weight and have no new muscles or less jiggle to show off. Immediately I start to think “Why do I do this every morning if I am not seeing results when I can just sleep in instead?”. That mindset will kill everything you apply it to. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither were Carrie Underwood’s legs.
What helps me is to look at the positives from this lifestyle change. Running is therapeutic for me – my mind is clearer, tension and negativity are released, and my belly bloat is reduced (the day after, but hey that’s all the more reason to run today!). I don’t see abs, I don’t have Carrie’s legs, but I do FEEL like a happier and healthier Taylor.
Comparison is killer. Don’t try to be someone else, just try to be the best version of you that you can be. Eventually, she will be that queen staring right back at you in the mirror.
XOXO
Taylor Emery
Tank: Reebok | Sports Bra: Reebok | Shorts: Nike | Shoes: Brooks
Hollis Idell says
The second thing to consider when buying tennis shoes is the function. Some types of tennis shoes are designed to protect your feet from injuries while other types of tennis shoes are designed to aid with your overall tennis game. Some popular types of tennis shoes include knee braces, ankle braces, and elbow braces.