goals

It’s hard to keep up with any routine, let alone one that keeps you inside during the summer. This is especially true in the PNW, am I right? We enjoy our sunshine and want to be in it as much as possible.

It’s fun to have more daylight and be able to spend time outside with friends, but you have worked too hard on your health routine to give up now. Think about incorporating a few of these ideas to keep you on track with your health and fitness goals.

-Indoors killing your summer vibes- Instead of going to the gym to do your conditioning, why not take it outside? If you normally run on the treadmill, try going for a run in your neighborhood. If you normally take the bus to work, try to ride a bike part of the way. The best part- YOU are the resistance and speed so adjust as needed to fit your goals.

-Playgrounds and parks aren’t just for kids- If you have access to a park with stairs, try creating a workout on there. Step ups, Single leg drop downs, Push ups, Bear Crawl, Toe Taps, etc. Don’t even get me started if you have a resistance band; you can do a total body workout with those!

-The buddy system- Before you guys celebrate “Taco Tuesday,” make a date with your activity of choice. Not because tacos are “bad,” (they are most definitely not bad!) Do it because you care about your body, and as wonderful as tacos are, you shouldn’t turn your back on your goals for them. Balance is key and it helps to have an accountability buddy!

-Modify frequency- If you used to go to the gym 4 days a week, try to keep 2 days in the gym for full body days. That way you at least get a little bit of everything and can keep up with your routine.

If you know that you won’t do any of these on your own, there are options for you. You could try a group class just to keep something in your schedule and still have community. Some even have outdoor classes! Groups not your thing? Try reaching out to a fitness professional in your area for private sessions. Accountability is hard and it’s okay to need help with it!

Enjoy the sunshine Peeps!

-Shea

How can I be successful with my health and fitness goals?

Most people see working out as something they “have” to do… not an activity they “get” to do. One of the first tips I tell my clients when goal setting, is to think about what got them to the gym. Was is it due to a doctor visit? Recent relationship change? An injury? Or is it because they hear that they “should” workout for ________ reasons. Whatever your reason is, you need think about that when setting attainable goals.

The first step towards reaching your health goals is figuring out why you are doing it? Increasing activity levels not only has positive physical effects (such as muscle gain) but it also has physiological effects. Everyone likes feeling accomplished, right? If your goal is to hike Mount Si with your dog this May, your workout should reflects that. If you haven’t been working out at all until now, a shorter term goal would be to include 2-3 consistent workouts per week for the next three weeks. Once three weeks have gone by and you have been able to accomplish your first goal, you will not only be closer to crushing your hiking goal, but you have successfully added physical activity into your normal routine. Boom, you feel proud that you have already checked off one goal, and now you understand how gratifying it can be to add workouts into life.

Your confidence has gained steam, your brain is happier than before due to the extra endorphins, and you are constantly working towards something that helps with accountability. Figure out your why, break it down to tiny steps, and treat each workout as an accomplishment (because it is.) Embrace the times that are uncomfortable and be proud of your achievements!

Tag: goals

When the sunshine calls