Over the years my workout routines have varied from competitive sport to typical gym workouts to bootcamps to weight training to running to periods of idleness. While a younger me was mainly focused on working out to keep my body in tip top shape the 40 something me is much more interested in being the healthiest me I can be. If I’m being 100% honest I do have the expectation to actually look fit but I have learned that will only happen with consistency. Life gets in the way more than I care to admit but today I’m sharing what works for me to keep my workouts from becoming nonexistent.
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Having gear I can feel confident and comfortable in is really important to me. I do not want to be out running in pants that are rolling down nor do I want to be wearing a top so tight I feel restricted. Choosing sports bras which offer good support but don’t break the bank (I love
these from Target) and tops that stay put so I’m not in the middle of doing burpees worrying about everyone seeing my belly is also top on my list. I love
zella and
nike crop pants and typically try to add one new pair each season when they are marked down but I’m loving
these cropped pants from Gap and they are 40% off! Tops are more of a struggle and when I’m on my heavier side I tend to wear the typical baggy t-shirt. These tops from GAP are so much cuter! Shorts are kind of a hit or miss for me. If I’m going to be doing any running they are really not too practical due to “chub rub”. Those of you who are curvier like me totally know what I’m saying! I do love this pair from Athleta that is 4.5″. And I cannot stress enough how important it is to have good shoes! You need a great base and keeping your feet in good shape is a game changer.
My preferred workout is at the gym but there are times I need a way to get a workout in at home. Taking a walk or heading out for a run is easy enough and there are so many body weight exercises which also provide an amazing workout. This is the equipment I have at home which is not too expensive to have on hand. You need only head to Pinterest and search for at home workouts to find plenty of workouts, some as short as 15-20 minutes, to help you work up a sweat. As I’ve gotten older it is also definitely a priority to stretch and even take a yoga class or something similar to help prevent injury.
Personally, I have to have some fit friends to keep me accountable! I am not into working out alone at all. If you are one of those people who is motivated by video tapes at home then I envy you because I just cannot and will cheat every time. Knowing there is a trainer waiting on me with a class full of people who know I’m suppose to be there is much more likely to motivate me. Plus, I will admit I love the social aspect of having friends at the gym who support and motivate me. Having some sort of fitness tracker such as a Fit Bit or an Apple Watch can also be a great motivator. My little furry friend loves when I’m being accountable to my 10K steps a day.
Honestly, finding a way to fit in a workout every day is sometimes easier said than done. My advice is to treat your workout the same way you would a doctors appointment or a date with your girlfriends. Add your workouts to the calendar each week! For me, working out at 5:30am is a sure thing but if I sleep in I need to easily see what my other options are. By adding all the possible workouts to the schedule there is NO EXCUSE to miss a workout.
The very biggest thing to remember is you need to find a workout that is fit for YOU! Just as we will never have the same taste in clothes, love for the same food or have the same occupation we will not all love the same type of workout. Finding what you love best will insure you will want to do it! My friends love weightlifting and I really do not at all so I’m more likely to hit that snooze button. Cardio dance (kind of like zumba) makes me feel like I’m just having a great time and the time goes by so fast. While training for a long run gives me such a sense of accomplishment it also really takes a toll on my body so I have definitely traded it in. Maybe you have small children and the best workout is going to the park and actually being active with them and that totally works. You do the workout that is best for YOU!
I’m joining The Blended Blog for a the Nuggets for the New Year series! Next Monday is all about sharing your thoughts on Me Time. See all the “Nuggets” I’ve shared with this fun series.
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I am crushing on all of those workout pieces you posted. I am a SUCKER for workout clothes and it totally shows. I own WAY to many. I have had to make myself stop buying them over the past year. Do I really need a different tank for every workout of the month… because I totally have that many. Oooopppssss!!!
You are such a dear! So glad you added a workout post to go with our theme today for the nuggets at the Blended blog. We love your support so much and you have no idea how much I could relate to this post! And Cute workout clothes are everything but I have to admit sometimes I'm in my old ratty leggings and tees. And I love your advice, it's about finding what works for you and you my dear are sensational!
All good advice!! I might need to get all those at home workout items. It's been a struggle for me to find time to work out with two small kids so at home work outs are becoming more of a go-to for me.
Yes to having accountability! I've written about that many times on my blog! Either have a friend to keep you accountable or write everything down to keep yourself accountable. I want to add a little more workout equipment here at home in case I can't ever make it to the gym. Love this post, friend!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
These are such great tips, and it's true that we all go in phases with how much we are exercising. Right now, I am so thankful to have found a walking buddy that keeps me motivated. I haven't lost any inches, but I feel much more fit than I did 6 months ago. Have a happy Monday.
Love all this advice. Im trying really hard to be more active this year!!
I love all of those cute workout tops! I need to invest in more since I spend so much time in them. Have you ever tried the 15 day challenge from Trainer Lindsey with Idealfit? She's on Instagram and Facebook and those workouts are great and only take 20 minutes. I swear I've been working out regularly for 17 years but her challenge is amazing and I lost 9 pounds. The food plan is great and honestly food is 80% of the equation. Have a great week Shelly!
Right now my exercise consists of chasing a puppy around 😉 Since I have been spending more time hanging around the house, I've been looking for more comfy, exercise type wear. Will need to check out the Gap. I just wish more of the companies would make longer tops. I have a long torso, plus when out running errands I prefer my butt to be covered a bit more 😉
Shelly, I had to laugh when you said you would cheat if you did an at home DVD. I am the same exact way and in fact I usually find myself laying on the ground just watching what they are doing. #superproductive. Workout clothes motivate me as well. You have some great tips here and I loved reading them.
Lauren I have the opposite issue….super short torso and extra long legs. That new puppy should give you a workout though!! I totally think I drop lbs when I first got Dutch and was so good about taking him for a walk…now he's so lazy. 🙂
I have not heard about Trainer Lindsey…will check that out. I'm trying to find lots of 20 min workouts that Keith & I could do together a few times a week. His schedule really doesn't allow for him to be too active. And absolutely…80% what you stick in your mouth which has been my issue the past 9 months.
Working out at home is torture. I can not do it. I love working at in a group setting so the bulk of my workouts are classes at my gym.
I can not work out at home but with that said: I have downloaded an app called Seven that has been great for a quick burst if needed! I love my gym lady friends. We solve world problems and get fit. Who knew? I have been so good with my health habits this year. Not a resolution but rather a need to fit back into ALL OF MY GOLF CLOTHES. sad but true. So I am getting there and hope to be down a few more before my mother daughter texas trip! Have a great week!
I love this, I want to try cardio jams, seems like I would like it, wish I was closer to try it with you! Totally yes about the workout clothes. Full confession, I can only wear shorts while working out, like no matter how cold it is, if I wear pants I get a heat rash without fail (TMI? Oh well we're friends right?) Anyway, I have yet to find a pair of shorts that really work for my body shape…I've been using the same two pairs of shorts for the past 10 years! I've tried to buy others, but they just aren't the same…
Great post. Loved the tip about scheduling. I just started writing my workouts into my schedule and it makes all the difference
Thanks for sharing- I love the tank tops you picked out in the top picture- sometimes fitness is all about style for me….
Working out with a buddy is THE way to get my butt out the door! And running is my favorite. Currently training for a 15K!
Running is my exercise of choice. I am finding that it isn't enough anymore, though, so have been adding weights to the mix. And all of sudden I need sit ups and crunches when I never did before. Getting old is such fun. Love the idea of penciling in your workouts on your agenda. Copying that starting tomorrow.
For sure! As I've gotten older making sure my core is in tip top shape is huge. If you love running you should definitely try mixing in some sprints which are great for creating a strong core. I like to spring from lightpost to lightpost or mailbox to mailbox alternating with a spring and jog/walk. Weights are huge as we get older though and I wish I loved my power lifting class more!
That's awesome and I definitely agree with having a buddy. I have completed 3 1/2 marathons and the last one my body just said no, I hate this. I have been trying to get through a few hip issues ever since. Really hoping to run again one day.
Well….lately I have not needed so many because I have not made as many workouts as I need to!! I seriously need to get my booty in gear as right now I cannot wear any of my shorts and spring is near. Eek
I seriously have been in ratty tees more than not lately because that is what will fit and cover the love handles. Boo!
It is so hard when they are little! I so remember the stage once they were too big to really be contained for a walk/run in the stroller but not old enough to occupy themselves while I got a workout in. Finding active things to do with them was always my best bet if I wasn't able to get to the gym.
I hate having to write down all my food but that is where i'm headed again right now. It's the only way I can be accountable to myself to realize where I'm over indulging. I am thankful I really do love working out and really am trying to get the hubs to do a few workouts each week with me at home.
Tanya I need it so much more for energy and peace of mind. I'm on the struggle bus right now trying to get some weight off but I know that has more to do with what I'm putting in my mouth and not necessarily how active I am.
It's so worth it Heather. I'm really thankful I have always loved being active because once I hit my 40's I needed it for not only trying to maintain a healthy weight but it also has helped so much mentally.
HA! I was just thinking how scared I was to try mine off. I am giving myself one more grace day (since it is Em's birthday) and then game on.
Lol….Jenna we are long lost sisters! I seriously think they are just a little two happy sometimes. I'm definitely more apt to push through a workout if there are other people around me doing the same….and breathing as hard as me looking like they are going to die. haha
For real….I just cannot. I tried so many times especially when we were trying to cut back on the budget and it is just not happening for me.
Sarah you would love it! I cannot do Zumba…I don't know why but I just can't get the moves to the salsa music but give me some hip hop and I'm ready to go. I may still look just as silly doing it but I just don't look in the mirror!
I totally love to feel good in my clothes when I workout Deena…it's part of the deal for me.
It truly is a game changer Jasmine.
That's how I felt after my second full marathon. Halves are now my long races. I signed up for one but didn't realize I had a work conflict. Looking for another one now. Hope you resolve your issues so you can run again!
I've been pretty consistent with exercise my whole life – although it's been more difficult lately for some reason. I like to go to a class, and cardio jam sounds like so much fun. I'll have to see if something like that is offered here. Love all your tips – I'm feeling more motivated!
Love the pic with the dog! Dogs are great exercise too 🙂
Kirsten // http://www.porkandcookies.com
Fro sure Kristen. He's gotten lazier this second year but I need to take him more. He seriously gets so darn excited if he sees me putting on my running shoes!
I do not like Zumba at all Lana but this class is more hip hop and so much fun. I have been active my entire life too and when it becomes hard to fit in my schedule I really struggle with it.
While I can and do workout on my own, I much prefer to do it with a friend or at the gym. No cheating Great post.
So many great tips on making a commitment to exercise. I've been lazy lately and am so ready to get back into the gym. This helped motivate me.
Thanks so much for linking up with Fabulous Friday!
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