How to Stay Motivated to Workout

^^Top: Lululemon, similar here | Pants: Lululemon, similar here | Shoes: Nike, also here and here | Headphones: Bose | Water Bottle: Hydro Flask

^^Shoes: Nike, also here and here (my favorite!)

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This week I am starting week of 8 of BBG. First of all, I can’t believe that it has already been two months since the new year (I started this workout on new year’s day). And second of all, I am so proud of myself for actually sticking with it! Give yourself a pat on the back if you are sticking to it too. Because it can be so tempting and difficult to workout almost every single day, especially this time of year. These past couple of weeks have been so difficult for me to get motivated to get the gym. Chicago has gotten a ton of snow and it is so un-motivating! I want to snuggle all day and lay in bed with Addie. But once I pull myself off of the couch, I always feel 100 times better! Here are some of my tips on how to stay motived to workout:

New Workout Clothes

Have you noticed yet that I love fashion and new clothes? Haha I’m being a little sarcastic here if you can’t tell. For me this is my biggest motivator! New clothes means I want to wear them. And you have to wear them at the gym. So that means I have to workout! Buy your self a new outfit or a new pair of shoes and get your butt to the gym! These are my favorite leggings, tank tops, sports bras and shoes.

Mind Over Matter

Your mind has a ton to do with the outcome of your workout! You have to have a ‘can do’ attitude or else you will likely fail. I set mini goals while I am working out, especially when I start to get tired. I’m not at the point yet where I can do every rep at the highest intensity (maybe someday?). So on those moves that I am having difficulty with I set small goals. I push myself to do 5 reps. Take a break and then do 5 more. Or I will modify the move if I am really struggling. For example, I can’t always get thru all 15 reps of doing pushups, but I will push myself to do 5 and then complete the rest on my knees. I encourage myself all the time during my BBG workouts. Do not think of it negatively. Instead reverse your thinking into being positive and you will like the outcome a lot better. This philosophy also holds true for the actual workout. Don’t dread it all day and talk about how you don’t want to work out after work. Tell yourself all day you are excited to workout and get stronger!

Schedule Your Workouts

Every Sunday, I sit down and look at what I have going on for the upcoming week. I look to see if I have an appointments after work, drinks or dinner with friends etc. And I plot out what day/time I am going to workout. I also figure out what days I’m going to do a resistance workout as well as cardio. This helps me to stay focused and have a plan. If something comes up unexpectantly, I reevaluate what the rest of my week looks like and I alter my workout schedule. It’s always better to have a plan instead of winging it.

^^Top: Lululemon, similar here | Pants: Zella (on sale!), similar here | Jacket: Lululemon, similar here | Shoes: Adidas | Headphones: Bose

Hold Yourself Accountable

If you miss a workout, don’t beat yourself up completely. I fully believe in listening to your body and not pushing yourself too hard. If you aren’t feeling good (the flu is going around like crazy!) or have had the craziest day and got home late from work, listen to your body. With that being said, if you do miss a workout, make sure you find time to fit it in the next day. With BBG there are a set number of workouts you need to complete each week. And my goal every week is to hit those. You are only going to see the results if you put in the work. A little goes a long way and you will be so proud of yourself for finishing each workout every week!

Set a Good Playlist

And lastly, you need some good music. I love turning it up and going to work! There is nothing better than a good playlist to get you motivated.

^^Top: Lululemon, similar here | Pants: Zella | Shoes: Nike, also here and here | Headphones: Bose

BBG Update

Week 3/4: By week three, I have finally gotten into the groove of working out almost every day. The workouts are constantly changing every week, which I happen to love. I was worried that they would be the same week over week and that I would get bored. Legs day is always my hardest day. I make sure to complete that on Monday’s to start the week off strong.

Week 5/6: Week 5 and 6, I have found it to be very hard to stay motivated, so I am taking my own advice above! Chicago has been snowy and I feel completely unmotivated by the weather. I have started to eat a bit healthier and have been making Greek quinoa bowls for lunch, which are so amazing! Week 5 is really where I started to notice the biggest change in my body. I’ve lost about two pounds, but my pants are fitting looser around the stomach and butt area. I can tell I’m losing inches and I look different to myself in the mirror. Seeing these small changes makes it all worth the hard work!

What tips do you have to stay motivated to workout?

xoxox Amanda