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Inspiration

Fitness

Seven Steps to De-Rut Your Workout Routine

March 15, 2014

I’ve found myself in a workout rut and it sucks. I don’t want to see exercising as a chore but rather something to enjoy and look forward to. In the spirit of having fun, I decided to implement some of the steps below to re-vitalize my exercise regimen. Now nothing I’m about to write here is groundbreaking, but I’m hoping that it’ll give you some inspiration for ways to keep your workouts fresh and fun.Pure Barre
1. Sign up for a new class. I love my at home workouts. They’re convenient and cost-effective, but they get boring after a while. When you know all of the cues given by the instructor and can cite them in unison with her it may be time to give something else a try (guilty). Why not sign up for a class with the money you’re saving from gym memberships? I’ve decided I’m going to sign up for one new fitness class a month, whether it’s a bootcamp, kickboxing, cardio, spin, or barre class. Today, I kicked things off by taking a class at a Pure Barre studio and I really enjoyed it. It’s nice not knowing what the next sequence is and that’s when time goes by faster.Nike Id


2. Get some new workout gear. Because clothes matter even when you’re working out. When you look good you feel good and that translates to performance. Choose what you like and wear that. Maybe it’s a bright colored sports bra, a bold patterned top, or black leggings. Whatever it is, sport it. Target, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Forever 21, and Old Navy all have cute and affordable workout gear. I’m adding some Nikes to my workout wardrobe. I custom-made these Nike Id’s because I need a new pair of workout sneakers and I think they’re so fun. I can’t wait to get them and put them to work.

3. Get some new workout DVDs. While taking new workout classes can be a lot of fun, workout DVDs will continue to be a big part of my routine because of the sheer convenience. I bought a few new ones from Amazon by Jessica Smith and Tara Lee and I can’t wait to try them out.

4. Try some new workout equipment. I purchased this weighted Nike jump rope and I love it! Incorporating new tools in your workout can help to re-invigorate them and keep things from getting stale.Nike
Other options that don’t involve money:

5. With warmer temps a change of scenery may be just what you need to get out of a workout rut. Try running in a park or hiking a new trail.

6. Switch up the time that you workout. If you’re feeling sluggish and tired during your evening workouts maybe it’s time to make the switch to morning workouts instead or vice versa. I did this and it’s been great! I was coming back from work and I just felt so tired and groggy. It was a big struggle to muster up the strength to workout after an 8-hour workday. So I flipped my schedule and decided to work out in the morning instead. Now I get up at about 5:30 in the morning and start my day off with exercise. I feel incredible after it’s done, and I’ve found that I have more energy throughout the day.

7. Get a new playlist. Music is so important when I’m working out and I imagine most people would agree. It can push you at those critical moments when you find your strength waning and you want to quit. But after listening to the same song for over 100 runs maybe it doesn’t have the same motivational factor anymore. Trying a new playlist with a new crop of songs may help to get you back in the zone.

What are some of the things you do to keep your workouts fresh? Tell me in the comments!

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Encouraging Words: “Your Past is a Learning Tool”

December 10, 2013

There are a lot of changes getting ready to take place in my life, and as exciting as it all is it’s also a little scary. Change makes me reflective, so I’ve been spending more time lately thinking about my life. Generally, I’ve been thinking about the goals that I’ve set for myself (personally and professionally), and the relationships I have with people.Instead of harping on the negative or what I perceive to be as “mistakes” in my past, I’m choosing to appreciate them as life lessons. I’m looking at how I can change my thoughts, my words, and my actions, so that history doesn’t repeat itself. It’s much more helpful to view your past in this way. You’re not dwelling on the negative or bothered by it, you’re just learning and growing from it.Here are some lessons I’ve learned from my past:Put yourself out there (be a bit more extroverted). While it seems scary, I think it’s doable. It just involves sharing a little bit more of yourself (your sense of humor, your smile, your interests) with the world. Introverts are incredible people (and I speak as one), but we tend to be more guarded, and as a result I think we can miss out on some amazing opportunities.

Speak your truth (your morals, beliefs, values, etc). Whatever your truth is, speak it and own it. In a society obsessed with followers, likes, and retweets, we sometimes stop speaking our truth because it’s not popular opinion. We feel like we have to fit into a box or use a specific formula to be accepted. Well, who cares?! Speak your truth because someone out there is going to be able to relate to it, and could probably benefit from it. Also, it’s very powerful when you can stand up and say this is who I am and make no apologies for it.

Have more faith in yourself. Whether it’s translating your passion for baking into a dessert shop, becoming a medical doctor, or designing a clothing line, believe that these aren’t just pipe dreams, but they are goals that through hard work and determination can actually manifest.

Use your past as a learning tool. I hope you all have a fabulous week!

Style

Perfection is Overrated

October 31, 2013
Jacket, Top, Necklace, & Ring: Forever 21, Leggings: Old Navy, Boots: Gifted, Bag & Watch: Asos, Hat: World Market, Sunnies: Kohl’s

It took me a while to really appreciate the message on this shirt, but I think I now do. That’s one of the great things about getting older. You become more comfortable in your own skin, and you appreciate more of yourself. Perfection is boring. And to be quite honest, it’s subjective. What one person considers to be flawed another person could see as perfect. I am perfectly imperfect.

Now some days are better than others. I could go around and pretend that every day I exude this aura of self-love and acceptance but that would be a lie. Besides, aren’t people like that just a little annoying? Some days my brain just doesn’t get the memo about how awesome I am and I find myself being overly critical. These days will happen no matter how “evolved” I become. What I can do with each passing day is try to be the best version of myself possible. I think that’s doable.

There is only one of you on this Earth. Doesn’t the world deserve the best version there is?

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Developing Your Inspiration Stream

September 9, 2013

We all need to be inspired, which is why having an inspiration stream is such a good idea. What exactly is an inspiration stream? Great question! An inspiration stream is a collection of sources (read: anything) that you can turn to for inspiration. Yes I made that up. The idea is that you don’t have to go on a hunt to find things that inspire you when you need inspiration most. You can turn to the sources in your inspiration stream and let inspiration find you. Developing an inspiration stream is as simple as taking note of the people, places, sights, and smells that inspire you and nurture your creativity. You can keep this list on your phone, iPad, or whatever the latest techno gadget is so it’s always with you and can be easily updated when you find new sources. To help you get started crafting your own inspiration streams, I’ll share a few things on my list.

Inspiration can come in the most unlikely places or forms. These are a just a few items that I’ve come across that I’ve found to be fun and inspirational.
Some of the sources in my inspiration stream:
Long solo drives – I love the time alone to think about my future, specific goals I have, and ideas for pieces that I want to write.
Sitting outside on a sunny day – There’s something about a perky blue sky that gets me excited. Possibilities seem endless and the world seems like a happier place.
Music – I imagine this is a source of inspiration for many people. Music is so powerful. It can get us moving, change our mood, and restore faith. This is a pretty broad source but there are a few songs I immediately think of like Moon by Emily King or Clocks by Coldplay.
Books – I saw a quote on Pinterest that said “Warning: reading inspires genius” and I completely agree with this. So often when I read, I find myself putting the book aside for a second so I can jot down an idea the book just inspired. No wonder I’m a slow reader!
Do you have an inspiration stream? If so, what are some of the things on your list? Tell me in the comments!