1. GET OUT OF THE GYM! There are so many natural beauties and objects to include in your exercises outside of the gym. Kick your normal gym routine and take your workout to the outdoors. I, for one, have never been a fan of going to the gym. They usually smell weird, I never know how to work the machine (or I look like a fool using it) and I feel like I am always being watched. Just me? I feel so much more motivated when I am in open air and in nature. Running on the beach, doing push ups on a park bench, or running stairs are all great ways to get that booty moving. For me, being outside pushes me to work harder. Try going to a park or beach where others tend to workout. This always makes me run faster and push myself a little more knowing that there is, even though it is all in my mind, a little competition in the area. My favorite is working out on my roof. I love grabbing a yoga mat and enjoying the view while getting a little extra sweat on in the sunshine.
2. GRAB A PARTNER! It is so much easier to workout when you have someone to hold you accountable. Grab a friend or loved one and get active! It is great to be able to push each other and set goals together. Pick a new place each week to meet and workout. Afterwards grab a yummy heathly snack like a smoothie or juice to refuel!
3. TRICK YOUR MIND! I'm not even kidding when I say sometimes mind games are necessary. Pick something to do that doesn't feel like dreaded exercises and go do it. You will be enjoying something fun and be getting some work in at the same time. Paddle-boarding, hiking, Zumba, and coast bike rides are great ways to get active do something fun at the same time!
4. BE RESOURCEFUL! I absolutely LOVE finding new exercise ideas and workout routines to try. Pinterest and YouTube are amazing resources to finding a great workout and not having to pay a personal trainer. Think I'm kidding? Just look up the Victoria Secret Butt Workout, and your booty will thank me (or hate me). Some of the moves include leg weights (like the ones in the picture below) which are great for a little extra work but not a lot of strain on your body. Look out VS models, here we come...
5. LOVE YOUR GEAR! Let's face it, we all workout to look good naked, but why not look good while you work out?! Now, I do NOT mean makeup and hairspray, but rather your active wear and clothing. For me, having something that is functional and can stand my sweat, yet doesn't look like it was made five hundred years ago, is ideal. I have fallen in LOVE with the new Roxy Outdoor Fitness line. It is extremely functional, versatile and DUH way cute! The styles vary and come in a ton of colors, making it easy to find that perfect fit for you. My top and bottom both work for running, yoga, working out, and surfing. Yes, I said I can surf in these pants...basically like a rash guard for your legs, with sun protection, but not heavy like a wetsuit. Pretty rad right?! I think so too. Roxy, you have done well. You can check out all the newest styles at Roxy.com, but be prepared, you're going to get addicted! Find active wear that makes you feel comfortable, fit, functions and keeps you motivated!
6. USE YOUR BODY! Some of the best workouts I have ever done include no equipment at all but your body itself. Planks, push-ups and squats are perfect examples of using your own body. Each has numerous variations to tone and strengthen, and believe me, you'll feel the burn. You can incorporate yoga or cardio and fine tune what really works for you and your body without all the machinery.
7. STRETCH! I cannot emphasize enough how important stretching is for your body. Start and end your day and workouts with a simple stretch routine. You will be amazed at how much your flexibility will increase with just a little extra stretch time. Make sure you stretch head to toe to help loosen, elongate and relax those muscles!
Try out these tips and tricks to leading an active and healthy lifestyle! Have any suggestions or ideas I did not mention, comment below! I am always up for a new idea and challenge!
Be creative in how you exercise and take care of your body, and most importantly, have FUN!
