Friskis och Svetis

So, here are some tips for all of you women that WISH you could love the gym, and exercising, but just despise it with all your being...

1. Dress for Success: Buy a pair of gym pants that make you feel confident. I bought a pair of black spandex pants that flair at the bottom to make me look sporty and accentuate my curves. Also, get gym pants, not shorts,  this way you are eliminating any excuses you might make for yourself. for example, "Oh I didn't shave my legs today..." or "I can't go to the gym wearing these goofy socks!" Eliminate excuses.
2. Say Goodbye to feeling Frumpy: Whoever thought there was a rule stating that you have to look gross and sweaty in the gym is sadly mistaken.  Ladies, don't be afraid to wear your makeup! Just because we are exercising does not mean we can't look good doing it. Put on some bronzer, mascara, and clear gloss to let your glam goddess shine while your workin on your fitness.
3. Accountabilibuddies: translation; friends that hold you accountable for your gym time. They will be your conscience when you decide to give up. They will make you feel like taking responsibility for your actions, and call you out when you are clearly slacking. They will be your support. Get some.
4. Crucial Jams: Music is an essential tool that alters our moods dramatically, so creating a killer playlist is imperative to how hard your going to hit the gym. Some artists that really get me pumped is Black Eyed Peas, The Used, Ludacris, The White Stripes, Rage Against the Machine, and most Techno artists.
5. Feel Great, Even in the Locker Room: Ladies, we all know we dress for other women, so why not flaunt what you got and rock a sexy colorful bra! I got this hot pink and yellow bra that makes me feel fun-loving and confident.
6. Greatest Investment: Invest in quality sneakers. Many overlook this necessity with ease, but if your feet feel sore, then basically your entire body is tired. We all need the support and comfort a quality gym shoe has to offer.
7. Create a Routine: The key to results is being consistent and focused. By creating a regular routine in the gym, you are committing to a healthy and meaningful workout. Your form is everything, try not to rush through the exercise. Take your time, and focus on the muscles you want to work, and getting a good, sweaty exercise. No sweat = Little or no results.
8. Lock It Up: Like I said earlier about eliminating your excuses, buying a lock and keeping a spare gym bag handy on site does exactly that. So often we forget or don't have time to pack a gym bag. So invest 10 bucks tops on a lock, and keep everything you need at the gym! I always keep handy my sneakers, extra pair of socks, water bottle (staying hydrated is essential to our health, in and out of the gym), a fitted spandex tank top (spandex doesn't wrinkle) deodorant, and lotion to moisturize after the shower. (Moisturizing is one of the most important keys to aging beautifully.) 
9. BFF's 4 L: Make friends with the gym staff. Once you are on a first name basis you really start to feel  at home. And maybe you can even swap training tips. Sharing is caring. :)
10. Pace Yourself: Yes, we all need to challenge our bodies and make them sweat, but avoid working out so hard that you are sore for a week after that. And too traumatized to try it again.
11. Help Thy Neighbor: If you see someone struggling or needing a spot, offer to jump in and help. I guarantee they will appreciate it more than you know.
12. Snack Time: Bring an after gym healthy snack. We naturally get hungry after exercise because we burn the carbohydrate stored in our muscles and liver and it needs to be replaced. We also need protein to build and repair normal muscle damage that occurs during exercise. I like Apples because they are tasty and inexpensive.
13. Homework: Sometimes its ok to bring the workout home with you. In case I know my schedule won't allow me to go to the gym, I keep a yoga mat in my room to do some core exercises.
14. Gold Star For You!: Create your own incentive plan. For example, If you do 20 minutes of intensive cardio, then you can have that chocolate for dessert. Or if you add 5lbs to your regiment, then you get to take a bubble bath and have a glass of wine when you get home. Reward yourself. You are worth it.


And remember, the gym is your best friend!!



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