Hi friends,
Over the last couple of months I have been thinking a lot about this question after a reader messaged me about it. How to stay motivated. I have talked fitness with you guys in the past, but it has been awhile since I have shared in a blog post.
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It is coming at a vulnerable time for me. Let me explain a little. As you know I am 39 years old and a mom of three boys. Fitness and exercise has been a part of my life since running track and playing high school and college sports. As I’ve got older, I have done my best to continue with some sort of exercise program. Exercise is something I have loved for a long time, but I do have a love/hate relationship with it.
The hate part:
I have been suffering with different injuries over the last couple of years, and being a busy mom I push it to the side and keep going instead of getting it looked at. I do not recommend that! 😉 Getting older doesn’t make exercise easier, especially when you have injuries and things that cause you to not be able to exercise. I have started making appointments and getting answers, so I can exercise and #1 be healthy!
The love part:
Exercise not only is healthy for us all, but for me it is my way of winding down, relaxing and having ME time. Taking care of one’s self should be a top priority in my opinion. Fitting in exercise, any exercise makes me a better person, better wife and mom. Some days I squeeze in a 20 minute walk with kids and other days I hit it hard at the gym. I do what I can when I can!
I am asked a lot what keeps me going? How do you stay so motivated? First, you must always have a plan. I always tell myself I am working out when I am planning my week, so I know I will make time for it. Whether it is in the early morning hours because I know I have a busy day planned or mid day gym class or an evening bike ride with the family. The most important thing to me is staying active and squeezing in at least 20 minutes of SOMETHING each day!
HOLD YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE & STAYING MOTIVATED
5 TIPS:
- Make workout goals – BE SPECIFIC – write them down
- Write down your numbers – take measurements / weigh yourself
- Find a program that works with your lifestyle
- Find a buddy
- Be patient and kind to yourself
ATHLETA FAVORITES
Speaking of staying motivated……Finding workout clothes I feel comfortable and confident in is so important and motivating! I love Athleta and their active wear is some of my faves. They have a little bit for everyone. In this post, I am sharing two looks from Athleta that I have been wearing and loving.
Shop the look: Camo 7/8 leggings (small) | black tank (small) | orange crop tank (small) –ON SALE FOR $35
sports bra #1 | sports bra #2 – both are great for cardio and light exercising. (fit is tts) *removable padding.
other details: New Balance sneakers
When I am working out and exercising I always make goals big and small. I try to be as specific as possible. Write these goals down! Also, it is important to be realistic when making goals. Don’t set yourself up for failure. I have done this before and it just slows down your progress.
Once goals are set, if you are wanting to lose weight I always suggest to write down your measurements and weight and then don’t do it again for at least a month. Don’t let the scale run your life. A big part of a fitness journey is how you are feeling and feeling in your clothes.
When working out, you want it to #1 be enjoyable but also doable. Finding a program that works for you and your lifestyle is very important. For example, my stage of life with a little one I need to either workout at home or be at a facility that offers good childcare. I have done both, and me personally I like to get out of the house to workout. This goes along with finding what keeps you going and what works for you. If you can workout at home and commit to it…..go for it! Find the classes, programs, and routines that are doable with your schedule. That may be early morning workouts, lunch break exercise, workout after drop off etc…. It is so important to do YOU!
I have tried a lot of different programs, places etc…. and have settled into gym life right now because I #1 enjoy it, and it works for me. Adding a buddy to your routine is great accountability. Meet up for workouts, trade off at each other homes if you are doing a home workout. Text each other daily to keep each other going. Save spots in class…… GET A BUDDY! It makes it more fun too! 🙂
shop the look: shorts (small) | neon tank (xs) * I sized down one size SALE $39| sports bra #1 | sports bra #2
other details: New Balance sneakers
Lastly, we are all a work in progress and our fitness journeys are all different. I know that I have long term goals I am working towards. Some days are better than others but I am here to remind you to take one day at a time, be kind to yourself, take a break when you need to and most importantly be patient. This won’t happen overnight. It is a commitment and takes time. 100% commit and go for it. You’ve got this, and I believe in you!
SHOP THE LOOKS:
I am also excited to announce that I am teaming up with my local Athleta for a styling event and would love to meet you. Head to my Instagram stories for more details on this fun friends & family styling event coming up soon! Check out the invite below and join us if you are local!
RSVP:
September 12th events.athleta.com/janetsstylingevent
September 16th events.athleta.com/janetsladiesnightoutevent
XO, Ja’Net
Shop Athleta below:
