When I began my fitness journey two years ago this past February, I knew that it would be a forever life change. It wouldn’t be something I could put on my “Bucket List” and check mark it as accomplished. Being physically, mentally and nutritionally healthy is a constant journey. Every New Year’s since I began it goes on there as a goal to keep on achieving 3x a week. And it’s hard! I’m not going to lie. Especially in the spring time when I’m traveling a lot to different conferences, or for work. It could be very easy to get out of the routine.
Here are some ways you can stay motivated whether you’re home or away on travel:
- Don’t just join a gym! Get a trainer or join a club where they offer classes. It’s so much easier to motivate and challenge yourself when you’re surrounded by others with the same goals and intentions as you.
- Introduce yourself to the trainer after your first class. Find out what other times they might teach daily, let them know your goals, give him/her your phone number and ask if, for at least the first several weeks till you get to know others in your class and ask him/her to help keep you accountable.
- Get to know others in your class. I hit the 8:45am class several times a week at The 12 (unless I’m sick or traveling), I’ve gotten to know people in the class so we can motivate each other. Kyle + I also workout together so we push each other to get our workout in each day.
- Make goals – not weight loss goals, inches lost goals. At the end of the day you want to be strong and healthy! Strong is the new black, not skinny. I’ve lost over 13in in my journey, which is 2 pant sizes!
- Find an accountability group. They can be in your “hood” or in other states. I have friends and we hold each other accountable by texting photos of ourselves AFTER workout. Or a screenshots of our fitbit. Cheering each other on goes a long way.
- Don’t give up. I’m not going to lie, it’s going to suck at first, but it takes 21 days to create a new habit, so stick with it. Ibuprofen might become your best friend for the first few weeks, but you can do it.
- If you travel, make sure you stay where there’s a fitness center and pencil your workout as you would a business meeting. When I travel for conferences and the conference offers yoga, a 5K or other workouts early in the morning, I make myself get up and go, or when I travel for business, I make sure the hotel I’m at has a fitness center and I bring my workout clothes. I swear they taunt me from my suitcase.
- When you don’t feel like going – that’s when you need to suck it up and go!
What are you waiting for, let’s get up an go! No excuses!
xo, Alissa
To follow along with my workouts, go follow me on Instagram
Danielle says
I’m just starting out on a journey of my own and actually did a post on my blog about it today! I love your tips and hope to have great results like you have had.
Alissa Circle says
Girl the hardest part is getting started, but you’re on the right track doing the 21 day challenge with your girlfriend. You’ll have each other to encourage and motivate during the harder days. You go girl!
Danielle says
Thank you so much for the encouragement! Keep up the great work yourself!
Chris Baker Cox says
I had my first session with a trainer last night, and it kicked my butt…and my legs…and my abs!! I feel great, sore but great. I told him to push me, and he did just that. I can handle the aches and pains, but I have a terrible headache. It came about 5 mins into the workout. We were on our second wall sit, and it hit me. I was plenty hydrated…was breathing…good form….it just won’t go away. Any ideas? It hasn’t really gone away. It starts at the base of my neck, left side and up the back of my head.
Alissa Circle says
This has happened to me before when I tense up my shoulders and neck when working out. It’s really easy to let tension reside there and so it’s really important to keep your shoulders back and down especially when working out with weights. I would take some ibuprofen and chat with your trainer. It’s his job to make sure you aren’t injuring yourself during your workouts and, since I’m not an expect, only speaking from personal experiences, he might know more than I do. Hope you feel better soon! Great job today! xo