Fit Chick in the City » motivation

Tools of the Trade

Jess — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:37:09 +0000

Early this week I wrote about how I need to make a few changes. Here are three tools I’m using right now.

#1 A New Play-list

The one thing that hasn’t been slacking are my workouts. However, nothing pumps new life into your workout like a new play-list.

#2 Calorie King

I love Calorie King! I realize that free programs exist such as sparkpeople, but I’ve had a calorie king subscription for years. Its my old standby. When I notice my clothes aren’t fitting quite right, this is my go to for reigning it back in. The program is pretty accurate for me since I’ve entered in my RMR (resting metabolic rate).

#3 Online Stopwatch

I read about this on Caitlin’s blog. Let’s just say that this little tool is changing my life!

I tend to have a self diagnosed case of ADD that keeps me from getting things done. My work style at home tends to be “a little of this, a little of that.” The problem is that it takes me forever to actually complete something. It also helps when I feel overwhelmed by the number of things that need re-organizing in my apartment.

This past weekend, I made a list of chores that need serious attention. I then picked one thing from the list and focused on that task for exactly 20 minutes without interruption. The result has been outstanding. This has taught me that I really can get a lot done in 20 minutes if I focus solely on the task at hand. Seriously the best tip I’ve gotten from the blogosphere.

What’s the best tip you’ve gotten from the blogosphere? Please share!!

Finding my Mojo

Jess — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:36:32 +0000

According to Wikipedia “Motivation is the activation or energization of goal-oriented behavior.” It seems I’m lacking a little in the activation and energization this weekend (is energization a word?). Luckily, I have a few fail proof tricks that prevent me from missing my workouts.

Fail proof ways to not miss a workout:

Use Bribery – On Friday, I bribed myself with a post workout sugary sweet caffeinated beverage.
Make Cash – Get paid to workout. If you enjoy taking spin, step, zumba, yoga or any other group fitness class then get certified to teach. Then whether or not you feel like working out, you have to workout cause your getting paid.
Grab a Partner – Sunday, I met my workout partner for a bike ride. She has been injured for the past few weeks, so I had lost motivation to ride in circles in Central Park by myself. The miles flew by catching up with her.
Make it Fun
Be Your Own Bully – I had to change it up a bit today for my long run. Normally, I focus on running a prescribed distance on a measured course. Today I needed a little more freedom than that so I ran for time instead of distance. As easy as that sounds, I haven’t ran for time in years and I love it!

What are your fail proof tricks for getting your workout in when you have zero motivation?

Friday Fitness Flashback

Jess — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:01:52 +0000

I’m not gonna lie, I did not want to run today so I bribed myself with a trip to starbucks on my way home from my run. I had a tall coffee with 2 pumps of pumpkin spice syrup. Without that treat, I absolutely would not have gone out for my run. Yes, even we personal trainers need a little extra motivation from time to time.

And now its time for a Friday Fitness Flash Back.

Remember Get in Shape Girl? When you see that tittle does the theme song go through you’re head? If you’re too young to remember it, I’m sorry you missed out. I guess I’m one girl who’s still getting in shape.

Yes, I had the rhythmic ribbon and wish I had kept it.

Laughing Enhances Your Workout

Jess — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:51:28 +0000

Today started with an unusual training session. My clients trained me. Let’s just say that I was”Manic” on the floor, and part of a train (“C’mon ‘N Ride It” – The Train) . I seriously haven’t had that much fun working out ever! The workout play-list started with Dolly Parton’s “Nine to Five” (surprised none of you suggested it yesterday ). Clearly, they were trying to charm me by tapping into my TN roots and it worked.

When I got home after our appointment, I had a realization. My workouts should be fun. I know, no brainer right? I mean its clear that I love to workout or I wouldn’t do what I do. Why can’t every workout be this fun? If they can’t be this fun for me (to be honest with you running for 2 – 3 hours is just not that much fun) then they should be this much fun for my clients. Especially for those who don’t love working out for the sake of working. Those thoughts led me to this:

1. Make a silly list of songs to workout to. I recommend starting with the above mentioned songs “Manic” and ”c’mon ‘n ride it.” Other good ones are “Milkshake” and “Baby Got Back.”
2. Include skipping in your warm-up (every time I have a class do this everyone laughs or smiles).
3. Workout with a friend . Not any old friend will do, you’ll need an extra silly friend that makes you laugh.
4. Include a short dance break in between exercises. This is even more fun if your working out in a public gym.
5. Wear an 80′s style head band or leg warmers because if you’re not laughing at least someone else in the gym will be.