Working Out for Normal People

Image Credit: Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Alpha Stock Images

Let me begin by saying I am not a professional trainer or nutritionist. Just a normal person sharing what worked for me 😊

It’s common for many of us to want to get up and get moving, but motivation and time doesn’t seem to line up. We are often busy with work and home life and by the time we get out the yoga pants, we’re too tired to break a sweat.

I wanted to share a few things that helped my lag in working out, in hopes that it will help you too. But first, a quick story to cover some background. I promise it won’t be long.

For most my adult years, I have been a relatively skinny woman. Growing up in a curvy family, I tried my best to gain weight and eventually it came to be. Well, at some point I met and exceeded that goal and found myself buying new pairs of pants. Nonetheless, I didn’t stress, but I wanted to at least tone up. That shouldn’t be too hard, right? Wrong! I planned my day to fit in a short workout, but something always got in the way; work, school, binge watching something on Hulu… you catch my drift. Then, there were days where my schedule was wide open, but I didn’t feel like getting fit. So, I missed out on those days too. It wasn’t until recently, I started breaking bad habits to begin building a regimen that works.

Image Credit: DeVon Delrio

Things that worked for me...

1. Don’t redo your schedule to fit in a workout. Workout during times that fit your current schedule

I tried waking up super early, knowing I’m not a morning person, and found myself regretting my decision. I took another look at my schedule and found the afternoons work best. I know some days can be maxed out from the ever growing to do list but take another look at your daily activities and find at least 10 minutes to start.

2. Find a workout you enjoy doing

Learn from my mistake of trying on a new workout I knew I didn’t want to do in the first place. It doesn’t make a difference what you do as long as you put in the effort in getting the ball rolling. If you don’t enjoy it, you will revert back to old habits and deter from your goal.

3. Find a friend to keep you motivated. If that doesn’t work, there’s an app for that too

We are in the days of social distancing, so use technology to your advantage. Video calls are a great way to workout with a friend. If you’re on this journey solo, find apps that keep you going on those “I don’t feel like it” days. Here’s a few to get you started.

Running app: Couch to 5K Runner (free)

If you own an Apple Watch: Apple Fitness+ (subscription)

General workouts anywhere: FitOn (free with in-app purchases)

Yoga workouts online: DoYogaWithMe (free and paid content)

Workout for charity: Charity Miles (free)

4. Eat well, drink well, and be well

Give your body the fuel it needs to get up and move. Make sure to incorporate foods that will promote energy and your body will respond. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout. Your body will thank you!

**insert vegan mindset here**

Here is a great post on LIVEKINDLY that covers amazing vegan food ideas pre- and post-workout.

5. Be kind to yourself and don’t base your success on others

Social media can be the worst for self-esteem issues regarding our body image. You may see others getting fit or staying slim and wonder what their secret is. Try to remember that you only see what they want you to see. Also, standards are overrated. Every body is not the same and everybody should recognize that. This is your journey and the only thing that matters is feeling good in the body you live in.

Stay Awesome,

Astrid