For several years now, I’ve been working on getting better about my health. If anyone knows their way around an excuse to workout- it’s typically been me. When I started to get serious about my health, I found that I originally experienced the typical setbacks everyone faces and it usually meant that I experienced a few false starts.
After a few years of falling off the wagon and getting back on, I’ve recognized a few typical themes that seem to hang most of us up. If you’re working on getting healthy this year- you may have the perfect workout routine and training plan scheduled, but without the proper steps, you could encounter a setback. I hope these tips are helpful for you!
There are things we cannot control, when it comes to our sleep- busy schedules, stress at work, long days. But, what we can control is ensuring we set aside time for sleep and making it as much of a priority as healthy eating and exercise. While most of us focus on exercise routines, running miles or lifting weights, part of a healthy routine needs to include time for rest.
If you can schedule in time for sleep (please do, it’s usually the first thing to suffer with busy schedule) make sure it’s quality time. Turn off your phone and tablet and slowly ease into “off” mode by giving your brain a rest. Mood lighting, limiting distractions & setting aside time to wind down is key. As good as it is to hit the gym, you have to set aside extra time to hit the hay!
Food. It’s important. Really important. Usually the worst form of sabotage is not packing healthy snacks and waiting until we’re famished in between meals and reach for something not so great. Healthy snacks can be batched- take one day to cut up veggies and pack them in resusable containers, for frugal, healthy options that will save you a few bucks a week from running to the vending machine, and you won’t undo your workouts when you pack smart!
I’m a big fan of cutting up carrots, bell peppers and tomatoes to use with hummus in Pyrex containers on Sunday to use throughout the week. Whenever I forget snacks, I usually end up wasting money or getting hangry. Knowing this I’m trying to do better and save money and calories by packing smart and planing ahead.
Mint Workout Hoodie / Puma Carson Running Shoes / Fitbit / Gaiam Yoga Towel
Why do some folks fail to get healthy? They hope they have the willpower to overcome years of bad habits and really powerful excuses that keep them from changing. Truth is, we don’t have enough willpower to change habits cold turkey. I’m a reforming couch potato, and it’s always a work in progress. I know myself well enough to know that if I don’t make time to work out and set myself up for success, exercise will always be an afterthought and it will never happen.
Having workout clothes you feel confident in is one thing (I noticed showing up to yoga in nasty old sweatpants was a total mood killer), but the key to success is- ahem, packing the stuff you bought. Do not underestimate the power of putting exercise time on your calendar, but be really smart about it and set a phone reminder and pack your gym bag or put your running shoes by the door before you go to bed the night before.
Plan for the fact you’ll want to fall off the wagon (we all do). Plan that you’re going to be busy (we all are). Plan for your excuses (we all got ’em), and then pack your bag and get ready.
No matter where you’re at on your journey, and no matter what fitness plan you go by- supporting your exercise habits with the proper rest, nutrition and gear is key to continued success! Wishing you the best in your journey, and go get ’em tiger!
This year, I will be partnering with Kohl’s on my journey to live a happier, healthier life! Join me as we explore fitness and wellness together and#MakeYourMove for healthier beginnings in 2015!
Follow the Kohl’s #MakeYourMove campaign on social media, Facebook & Twitter to see how others are tracking their goals and making healthier choices together this year. Join us for a healthy new year together.
This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Kohl’s.
Yes to all of this! Ugh I hate knowing what I need to do and still not doing it.
We’ve all been there!
Great tips 🙂
Thanks!
Failing to plan is such a big part of not getting healthy! I would also add setting small, achievable goals with non-food rewards as something that has helped me!
That’s a great idea!
#1 has been as issue for me for so many years. I’m in healthcare and almost daily see the results of not living a healthy lifestyle – yet, I still struggle with it!
I think it’s something many people struggle with these days. We’re conditioned to be “on” all the time, especially with technology.
Great post! I’m definitely struggling with my bed-time and winding down. As much as I try to plan my days out, I find myself not following through with them lately. A big bummer – but, I always find my schedule to be quiet reasonable the night before – or maybe I’m over estimating myself…
Sleep is so easy to sacrifice! If your plans haven’t been working out the way you want, maybe you should do a time audit to figure out what’s causing the problem.
Ou – great idea. Tracking would be perfect.
Adding to what you mentioned in #3, I usually plan to go to the gym at a certain time (9-10am) each (week)day when I am most energetic (thanks to a few cups of coffee), but I find I have to drive straight to the gym. No stops for gas, dropping off mail at the post office, etc., as I can easily lose interest in making it to the gym. If I mess with my enthusiasm for going to the gym, my excuses start to kick in and I often end up back at home instead of where I should be, at the gym.
Great point, Robert! We need to do whatever we have to in order to maintain motivation.
I’m at the point where working out and eating healthy is the only way I can stay sane. It took me a while to get there, but feels good to feel good about my body now.
That’s awesome, Cheri!
Been there done that to all of them and my biggest fails have been when I didn’t plan- both food and workouts. Nothing would get done without my schedule.
Planning is key! It’s so easy to fall off the wagon when you don’t have a plan in place.
We all know what it is like to try and get motivated about something without planning for it. I notice that once I have about a week or more under my belt with a new routine, it becomes the new “norm” and I like that feeling, especially when you are dealing with your health.
Exactly, you just have to get started!
If going to the gym is just too hard due to time constraints. Running a few blocks back and forth can be a great day starter. It gives you constant energy for the day. I used to hit the gym daily but been busy with work so I make it a point to run in my neighborhood before I start my day. It helps a lot!
Poor food planning is the worst. You eat all those unwanted stuff and you will feel bloated or heavy and too tired for an exercise session.