It’s mid-January. Are you still on track with your decision to take better care of yourself in 2014? Most of us have slacked off a little by now and once again think of eating nutritiously and exercising with dread and exasperation knowing that we "should" engage but can easily think of a million excuses… so the days quickly pass by, the guilt sets in, and your vitality wanes.
Having my own AeroPilates machine at home has made my fitness routine an easy, fun-filled, and convenient daily part of my life. I love that I can fit in between all my other commitments and obligations, and I know that Albany agrees. If you're feeling unmotivated and bored, here are a few personal tips to try which may help to keep you on track.
Tip #1: When I get up I immediately don my workout wear and I don’t change until I have done my full routine.
Much to my friends’ chagrin this, at times, has lead to eternal days of wearing spandex pants and jogging bras!! Since I always believed that one should only wear grungy clothes to exercise in since daily washing and sweating does not preserve finer fabrics my girlfriends began to make fun of me by sending me fashionable workout gear catalogs hoping that since I “lived” in the genre for days at a time I should at least attempt a more polished! This brings me to Tip #2.
Tip #2: Wear a workout outfit that is comfortable but makes you feel beautiful.
My favorite TV wardrobe comes from the hip Nina Bucci line. The Brazilians certainly know how to make great-looking fitness clothing. However, for day-to-day wear at home, I prefer soft cotton yoga pants and tank tops.
Tip #3: Place your AeroPilates machine in a room that you love to visit.
Open the windows, decorate the walls, add some colorful rugs, play your favorite music, include a beautiful plant to freshen the air, diffuse some calming aromatherapy oils, or simply light a delicious candle. When I'm at the Cape my gym is so welcoming that I can’t wait to workout as early as possible before any one else rises.
Tip #4: Prepare your body with a nourishing, energizing smoothie about 30 minutes before you work out.
I recently learned that the biggest mistake I have made all these years is to wait until after exercise to eat. My functional medicine doctor tells me that exercising on an empty stomach does not help when trying to lose weight or build muscle and could make it harder to stay on track.
Tip #5: Drink plenty of mineral water during and after your workout to stay hydrated.
Your body will thank you.
Tip #6: Lastly if you set fitness goals with a time line it is important to reward yourself when you achieve the mark.
A new lipstick, a lunch with friends or perhaps an extra mouthful of desert. Whatever makes you excited and look forward.
—Marjolein Brugman
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