Tips for exercising!

When it comes to my health and fitness, I would say I am far better at sticking with exercise than diet. I do pretty good, but there is always room for improvement. Now that I’m an exercise guru *cough*, I thought I would share my realistic tips for staying motivated to workout.

1. Do workouts that you enjoy (or at least can tolerate)

If I find a certain move or type of workout to be boring or too difficult, then I’m not going to do it. Simple as that. You need to find workouts that you enjoy. For me, I’d rather go to the gym than run outside because at the moment its bloody freezing! So that’s what I do. I also love to dance, so I do that as well. I either follow a dance workout routine on YouTube or do Zumba on my Wii. I just need to wait until nobody is around, otherwise it’s just embarrassing because I look like a lunatic when I dance. But it’s something I really enjoy, and is a good cardio workout.

2. Buy/borrow different clothes to workout in

This one is pretty superficial, but sometimes it’s nice to wear something different to workout in. I get a little bit of extra confidence if I think I look good in the clothes I’m wearing. Real talk; sometimes it’s too early in the morning when I get to the gym and I just don’t care, but normally it’s nice to look decent. It’s also nice having to buy different leggings because the ones you had are too big now. Winning!

3. Track your progress

You can track progress in different ways, like writing down your weight and tracking it over time, taking measurements of yourself or photographs. For me though, I like to take notice of when I achieve something in the gym. For example, I can leg press more weight than the last time, or run faster, or climb more stairs etc… I find to be rewarding, and like I’ve accomplished something. I also weigh myself once a week, just to see if I’ve made any progress in that regard.

4. Work out with a friend

I’d really like to workout with a friend, but nobody I know goes to my gym. However, if they did I think it would definitely make working out more fun. If you workout with a friend you can motivate and encourage each other while exercising, and also have a gossip session. Because who doesn’t gossip when they see a friend? Only me? Okay then….

5. Music, music, music

At my gym, the same songs play every day. So I need to bring my own music. I think music pumps you up and gives you that focus you need to work harder. It can be whatever you music you like too, not just fast/techno. Personally, I get some rock music going because I think it’s motivating.

Those are my top tips! What are yours? I’ve left some links below if you want to find some good, free workout routines on YouTube.

Also, I’m thinking of making an Instagram account to go with this blog. Would that be a good idea? Let me know.

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Useful YouTube Channels:

Bipasha Basu Total Body Fitness Playlist. (Part of  Good Health 24/7)

POPSUGAR Fitness

https://www.youtube.com/user/popsugartvfit

BeFit (especially the Jillian Michaels workouts)

https://www.youtube.com/user/BeFit

My exercise routine!

So, as you might know, I go to the gym. I’ve been going for around 6-7 months. I thought I would share what I’ve been doing at the gym lately, just to show that you don’t need to spend hours each day there in order to see results. I don’t look like I go to the gym, I’m no fitness model! But, I have seen and felt some significant changes. I’m still trying and that’s what matters. Anyway, on with the routine:

Cardio:

I usually do cardio first, because it’s the thing I least enjoy. First I go on an exercise bike. I put the resistance at 7 and pedal for around ten minutes. It really works the legs, and gets the heart pumping which is what you want.

Then, I go on the arc trainer. It’s similar to an elliptical, but I like it better. I use it for around ten minutes.

After that, it’s the treadmill. I set it to between 5-7 kms (depending on how I’m feeling) and a 5 incline and walk. I do this for between 5-15 minutes.

Then, thank goodness, cardio is over. I like switching it up between machines because I get bored otherwise.

Machines:

I usually use the lat pulldown machine first, to work my arms. My legs feel like jelly at this point! I do three sets of 10 at 25kgs. I was at 18kgs for ages, but recently went up to 25kgs.

I use the assisted pull up and dip machine next, and do three sets of ten for both pull ups and dips.

Then I use the leg press machine. I set it at 45kgs, and do three sets of 20 leg presses.

Free weights/exercise:

Sometimes I don’t have the energy for this, but if I do, I use the kettle bell. I do some kettle bell swings, and pull ups. I also do some squats, push ups and planks. There’s no rhyme or reason to this part, I just do what I feel I can.

I do some cool down stretches, and then I’m out. I usually stay at the gym for between 50-60 minutes.

Disclaimer: It took me a long time to reach this level of fitness, so if you’re thinking of exercising I would set the weights for everything I’ve said to a lower setting, and just do what you’re comfortable with.

Until next time,

Ellen 🙂