Meshin' Around: 5 Tips for Tackling Your Fitness Goals
It's Monday, we lost an hour of sleep this weekend, and storm Stella is headed our way - yikes! I tend to put my fitness goals on the back burner during times like these, so today I want to discuss 5 tactics that help me stick to my routine when the going gets tough.
1. Fitness with Friends
Sticking to your fitness goals is always easier with like-minded friends in the mix. I love taking fitness classes with friends, because nothing beats the accountability of knowing someone's counting on you to show up. I also love discussing weekly meal prep with my sister, because food is where fitness begins! When I eat well, I feel well, and have more energy throughout my workouts. By brainstorming and preparing our meals for the week on Sunday night, we're less inclined to make poor choices during the week. It also saves time and money - win win!
2. Join A Challenge
Challenges are a great way to stay on top of your goals. If you're reading this thinking that you're not competitive enough to participate in a challenge, I'm going to stop you right there. Not all challenges have to be competitive - they are what you make them! My favorite challenges are the ones where you use yourself as a benchmark. In January, I participated in Pure Barre's "Set the Barre" challenge. I typically take classes 3-4 times a week, but my goal for the challenge was to attend classes 5 times a week. It was awesome because I was able to push my body towards an attainable goal, and I wasn't competing with anyone but myself! When I am feeling in the competitive spirit, I participate in FitBit competitions with friends and family members.
3. Take a Class
If you're a social butterfly like me, taking a class can be a great way to try out a new workout regime. My go-to classes are barre, spinning, and dance! Nothing beats the collective energy in a group workout class. When you're struggling, chances are everyone's struggling, but the positive energy in the room keeps everyone pushing through. One of the greatest benefits of taking classes are the instructors. They set the tone for class and can turn a bad day around in just 60 minutes! Instructors also provide hands on modification during certain classes like barre, to help you maintain perfect form and get the most out of your workout. Classes are a bunch of fun, and that always helps time fly by!
4. Get a New Outfit
This wouldn't be a style blog if I didn't talk about dressing for the occasion! Call me crazy, but when I get new workout gear, I'm always in the mood to take a class. We all have our favorite pair of high-waisted leggings that don't ride down, and sports bras that fit just right, but the same old weekly rotation can become uninspiring. One way to keep things fresh is to get a cute new look. If you can't afford a new outfit, layer a new piece in with some old ones! Today, I'm meshin' around in my new mesh panel leggings, and an old mesh blazer. The bra and top featured are also old from Fabletics. Yesterday, I was feeling grouchy before heading to barre, so I threw on my new leggings to put some pep in my step.
5. Switch Things Up
Your body is smarter than you think. Be sure to sprinkle some variety into your routine to keep your progress on track. This is an area that I'm actively working on. Heard your friend gets free passes to her Cross Fit gym? Ask her to tag along! Sun's out after work? Go for a jog before dinner! New studio opening in your neighborhood? Check it out! A lot of studios offer complimentary visits to first time customers, so don't be afraid to ask questions before shelling out for your first class.
I hope that some of these tactics resonated with you! I'd love to hear how you stay on top of your fitness goals, so let me know in the comments!