How to Avoid Excuses for Working Out
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There always comes a day when you really don’t want to go to the gym or workout in general. I am sure (well hopefully) I’m not the only one who feels like this sometimes. It can be a little discouraging to go to the gym on days where nothing is going right, or you’re tired, or even too sore. I wanted to gather some helpful tips to avoid these excuses and still get to the gym by the end of the day.
Tip#1
Go to the gym in the morning
I always feel like this is the most practical thing to do for those that always end up coming home from work and sitting on the couch saying, “I don’t want to go the gym today.” Well if you go to the gym in the morning you likely won’t have this feeling in the afternoon, because guess what? You already took care of it in the morning. For others, going to the gym in the morning can be really hard, but don’t forget even a quick 30 minute workout can make all the difference!
Tip #2
Purchase a gym membership close to your home
This was one of the main reasons why I wouldn’t be able to make it to the gym last year. My boyfriend and I decided to get a gym membership at a lower price, but the gym was around 20-30 minutes from our house (traffic). This was not a very brilliant idea of ours. We ended up cancelling our gym membership and instead, I purchased one about 5 minutes from our house. It is very convenient because if I go in the morning, I can still go home and get ready before work. If I decided to go to the gym in the afternoon, I can stop by before I go home. Regardless, this avoids my excuse of “the gym is too far.”
Tip #3
Workout at home
There have been times when I didn’t want to wake up so early to go to the gym and I said I would pass by on my way home…and I don’t. There will be those days when you just “don’t want to go to the gym” and what I find best is doing a full-body-45 minute-cardio session at home. Let me stop you before you think of the excuse, “I don’t know what workouts to do at home.” I have you covered, and the easiest way for me to help you is suggesting you download these two apps, PumpUp and Sworkit. They offer some great cardio workouts. You can also just take a 5 mile run around your area and finish with some abs, lunges, and squats.
Tip #4
Follow fitness influencers
Occasionally, I have heard that some people don’t want to go to the gym because they don’t know what workouts to do. Most gyms do offer some type of “free training” or they have trainers. If you are barely starting and have no idea how to properly lift or use the machines, I highly suggest you have someone train you or show you. The reason being is that if you follow your favorite fitness influencer and try to do the same workout, without knowing “how” to do it, you could hurt yourself. Now, if you know how to use the machines and do proper lifting, then I do suggest you follow some fitness influencers on social media. They offer some amazing workouts. You could also download the two apps I mentioned in Tip #3. Most of these influencers provide videos or have a YouTube channel that you can follow for workouts as well. This will help you avoid the excuse of not knowing what workout to do.
I hope you don’t get stuck in the “excuses” phase and go out there and get fit! I do want to mention that the more you do something the more it becomes a part of your lifestyle. The gym is the same exact way. Now that I have stayed consistently, I find myself not making as much excuses anymore. I try to really make this a routine and a “part of me” (if that makes sense). You will never realize your true potential if you don’t get started!
Please leave a comment down below some of your tips for avoiding excuses to work out.
My Current Workout Routine
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Staying fit and working out are one of my main priorities for awhile now. I used to always be athletic and workout every day when I was in high school, and used to play pretty much any sport. However, once college started things changed drastically. I still worked out hard my first year, but that’s about all I did for the four years. My body fluctuated from having all this muscle to losing it all and being way under my normal weight. Then I actually started gaining weight, not in muscle but in fat. Once I finished college, I knew I wanted my routine to change.
I began going every day to the gym since August of 2016. My workouts are usually in the morning around 4:40am. Yes, I know I am crazy, but I also know I am not the only one that is up that early heading to the gym. There are about 10 other people at my gym that early, before I even get there. Anyways, I decided I needed to prioritize going to the gym and feeling good about myself. I was by no means overweight, I just knew darn well that the way I looked and felt was something I did not want.
My workout routines vary from cardio to lifting. At first, all I was doing was mediocre workouts. I was not pushing myself at all, therefore I was not seeing much results. Until November 2016, I started to really take my workouts serious. I started to incorporate cardio, something I really had never done. I never really thought I needed to do it, but boy was I wrong. I definitely needed to incorporate some cardio if I wanted to lose the fat I gained.
So what does my workout routine look like?
MONDAY:
I run at least one mile, with abs in between. Mondays are my leg day workouts, I usually do about 3-5 sets of supersets that target my hamstrings and glutes. I then finish off with a circuit of abs, and stretch.
TUESDAY:
I run at least one mile, with abs in between. On Tuesdays I focus on my back, abs, and biceps I love using the cable machine for workouts. Same technique, I incorporate different supersets (3-4) and make sure I do at least 4 sets of 12. I then give myself at least 10 minutes to do different ab workouts, and finish with stretching.
WEDNESDAY:
I run at least one mile, with abs in between (I’m sure it’s getting boring reading this over and over again). I just love getting pumped after my run and it gets my heart going. On Wednesdays, I also focus on legs and I mostly do a cardio leg day. I use the cable machine, leg press machine, and workouts on the grass. I think it’s important to incorporate different workouts/moves in your routine because if you do a workout over and over again, it won’t do any difference unless your pushing your body and “feeling” the burn. On Wednesdays, I usually don’t have time for abs, but I do finish with a good stretch.
THURSDAY:
I continue to do my regular run. I also do a similar routine to Tuesdays. I workout my entire arms, and triceps. I like to incorporate a couple of abs in between my workouts and the I finish with a good ab set at the end, and stretch.
FRIDAY:
On Fridays I continue to do my regular “everyday run.” I usually do a little bit of everything and workout on my arms and legs. I don’t go super hard but I do make sure I get in an overall full body workout of about 45 minutes. I finish my workout with a good stretch.
SATURDAY:
Saturdays are my favorite! I do intense cardio and run for about 20 minutes on the treadmill at a pretty fast pace. I take about a break every 5 minutes, but I do 2 minutes of abs as part of my “break”, and then get back to running. Once I am done with the treadmill, I do the stair-master and do 2 minutes at level 10 and 2 minutes at level 5 for a total of 10-15 minutes. This pumps my heart up and I end up like I recently showered (gross)! Once I am done with the stair-master, I then do about 10 minutes on the bicycle and finish with a couple of abs and stretch.
SUNDAY:
Rest day!
Overall, this is pretty much my weekly workout routine. If you would like me to go more in depth with an arm or leg workout, please leave a comment down below. I also recommend you follow some pretty great fitness influencers on Instagram. One of them happens to be my friend/classmate and I love her healthy food posts and workouts, check Kathie Arias out here. Kathie also has a blog, you can check it out here. I also love following Whitney Simmons, she sure knows how to make my arms and legs scream. I love her workouts!
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Living Room Rugs – My Favorite Places to Shop
I love decorating my home, especially the living room. However, it is such a work in progress because it takes time to perfect your living room the way you truly want it. I stopped purchasing items because we still have to do all the floors and I don’t want to be moving so much furniture, I would rather wait till they are completed. However, I do love searching for home decor ideas, and love reading blogs that recommend places to shop at.
I want to share with you some of my favorite places to search for decor, in this case living room rugs. There are so many online websites that have affordable rugs, and different styles as well. Most of the good sales are during the holidays, but regardless most of these rugs are about $111-$300 for an 8’x10′. My favorite style of rugs are the Shag Rugs, the soft cozy materials. Those are by far my favorite but hard to keep clean. So I hope you grab a cup of coffee for this lengthy post!
1. Wayfair – Hanley Blue Area Rug by Charlton Home
This blue rug with a geometric pattern really adds a pop of color to any living room. Most of the time it is hard for people to choose colored rugs because they feel like it is hard to decorate. It can be hard if your couches aren’t solid colors. The blue rug would look great with white or grey couches. On another note, I recommend shopping from Wayfair because they have so many styles and different sizes. This Hanley Blue Area Rug is only $111, and Wayfair even offers free shipping.
2. Overstock – Safavieh Moroccan Shag Grey/ Ivory Trellis Rug
Alonso and I are eyeing this rug and want to pull the trigger, but like how I mentioned above, we still have to do our floors. I will have to wait to purchase this rug once we are done with renovating the entire floors downstairs. My favorite Shag Rugs are in the material, polypropylene. This material is so soft, similar to a baby’s blanket. Overstock is one of my favorite online home decor websites to shop at because not only do they have a little bit of everything, but I also get money back when I shop. I shop through Ebates and get money back when I shop through them at the Overstock website. You can use my LINK to get $10 back when you first sign up and start shopping through them. This rug is around $241 and you also get free shipping.
3. Rugs USA – Bermuda Easy Shag EZ04 Lattice Rug
Rugs USA has some affordable rugs as well. The Bermuda Easy Shag Rug is the perfect white color and is around $267 and also has free shipping. I recommend purchased from Rugs USA if you are looking for different types of rugs and sizes. This website specializes in only rugs which makes it easier to choose the perfect one. The other sites sell other items besides rugs and may not have as much inventory. However, don’t to get me wrong, I would recommend doing some thorough research before choosing where to purchase your rug. You could find a cheaper rug at Rugs USA rather than the other websites I shared with you or vice versa.
4. Home Goods – purchased in store
Lastly, I wanted to share with you the rug I purchased from Home Goods a couple of months ago. We regret purchasing it because instead of waiting for the one we wanted we kind of got ahead of ourselves and purchased this one instead. The reason we don’t like it is because of the material. We learned we do NOT like wool because it flakes all over the place. It even ends up in our cars from sticking to our shoes. Can you believe that? However, Home Goods has some very affordable rugs, ours was around $140. The most expensive rugs that Home Goods has is around $299. They carry some great styles! I would for sure recommend them, just make sure you double check if you like the material before you purchase it.
Please tweet me on my Twitter any recommendations you have for cleaning wool rugs or comment down below. I would really appreciate it!
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Living Room Rugs – My Favorite Places to Shop
I love decorating my home, especially the living room. However, it is such a work in progress because it takes time to perfect your living room the way you truly want it. I stopped purchasing items because we still have to do all the floors and I don’t want to be moving so much furniture, I would rather wait till they are completed. However, I do love searching for home decor ideas, and love reading blogs that recommend places to shop at.
I want to share with you some of my favorite places to search for decor, in this case living room rugs. There are so many online websites that have affordable rugs, and different styles as well. Most of the good sales are during the holidays, but regardless most of these rugs are about $111-$300 for an 8’x10′. My favorite style of rugs are the Shag Rugs, the soft cozy materials. Those are by far my favorite but hard to keep clean. So I hope you grab a cup of coffee for this lengthy post!
1. Wayfair – Hanley Blue Area Rug by Charlton Home
This blue rug with a geometric pattern really adds a pop of color to any living room. Most of the time it is hard for people to choose colored rugs because they feel like it is hard to decorate. It can be hard if your couches aren’t solid colors. The blue rug would look great with white or grey couches. On another note, I recommend shopping from Wayfair because they have so many styles and different sizes. This Hanley Blue Area Rug is only $111, and Wayfair even offers free shipping.
2. Overstock – Safavieh Moroccan Shag Grey/ Ivory Trellis Rug
Alonso and I are eyeing this rug and want to pull the trigger, but like how I mentioned above, we still have to do our floors. I will have to wait to purchase this rug once we are done with renovating the entire floors downstairs. My favorite Shag Rugs are in the material, polypropylene. This material is so soft, similar to a baby’s blanket. Overstock is one of my favorite online home decor websites to shop at because not only do they have a little bit of everything, but I also get money back when I shop. I shop through Ebates and get money back when I shop through them at the Overstock website. You can use my LINK to get $10 back when you first sign up and start shopping through them. This rug is around $241 and you also get free shipping.
3. Rugs USA – Bermuda Easy Shag EZ04 Lattice Rug
Rugs USA has some affordable rugs as well. The Bermuda Easy Shag Rug is the perfect white color and is around $267 and also has free shipping. I recommend purchased from Rugs USA if you are looking for different types of rugs and sizes. This website specializes in only rugs which makes it easier to choose the perfect one. The other sites sell other items besides rugs and may not have as much inventory. However, don’t to get me wrong, I would recommend doing some thorough research before choosing where to purchase your rug. You could find a cheaper rug at Rugs USA rather than the other websites I shared with you or vice versa.
4. Home Goods – purchased in store
Lastly, I wanted to share with you the rug I purchased from Home Goods a couple of months ago. We regret purchasing it because instead of waiting for the one we wanted we kind of got ahead of ourselves and purchased this one instead. The reason we don’t like it is because of the material. We learned we do NOT like wool because it flakes all over the place. It even ends up in our cars from sticking to our shoes. Can you believe that? However, Home Goods has some very affordable rugs, ours was around $140. The most expensive rugs that Home Goods has is around $299. They carry some great styles! I would for sure recommend them, just make sure you double check if you like the material before you purchase it.
Please tweet me on my Twitter any recommendations you have for cleaning wool rugs or comment down below. I would really appreciate it!
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How To Start Off a Productive Month
Starting a new month can be one of two things, an “oh just another month” or it can be a “what will I accomplish this month?” These are two different mindsets and most of the time I am in the first mindset. I think of another month just like any other month, but this year I have true goals I want to accomplish. I want to start every month on a good note and know what I hope to accomplish and stay organized.
I want to share with you some of my tips on how I start a new month and how I stay organized. Balancing school, work, gym, and our everyday life can be exhausting, and it is so common for us to give up something because we are “too tired” or “too busy.” I believe that if you plan out your schedule you can avoid these excuses. However, I always keep in mind that as much as I plan something, things always end up changing.
One of the biggest things that helps me stay organized and ready for a new month is my motivation. There are many times when I don’t want to do something or feel like giving up but I always dig deep to what keeps me going. The number one thing that I value and find so much inspiration from is my family. I could not be the person I am today, or have the values I have today, if it weren’t for them. So as I go through my day, my week, and my month, I always reflect on what motivates me to keep pushing through and accomplishing my goals. As you read the below tips, think about what motivates you because if there is some kind of motive you are more likely to get through anything that comes your way.
Tip #1:
Write in your calendar
If you don’t have a calendar, I strongly suggest you purchase one and actually USE it. If you want to use a bigger calendar to better plan out your month check out this one under $10, here. If you are more likely to use your phone rather than an old school calendar then that can work just as fine. Owning a calendar is different than using a calendar. At the start of a new month I always write what my goals are and what major events I have going on. This way, if anything comes up during the week I already know what was planned ahead. It is also a good overview of what your month will look like. I always write down birthdays because you don’t want to forget those! Use your calendar on daily basis to write down your tasks for the day. If you don’t use your calendar use a notepad like I do. I write what I need to accomplish before the day is over, and this helps me get closer to my monthly goal.Tip #2:
Set your goals
I kind of mentioned this in Tip #1, but really make an effort to write down your monthly goals. I would use a creative notepad to keep you motivated like this one. A lot of people set yearly goals but never break them down into steps. They decide a huge goal like buying a home, but don’t set small milestones to accomplish them each month. Write down your goals for the month that relate to your overall goal for the year. This motivates me at the start of a new month because I have something to look forward to. However, once I accomplish it that doesn’t mean I stop there. You want to continue growing and have a growth mindset. The reason I also set my goals is because that helps me focus on now rather than later. I want to accomplish things now not next month or next year. I strive to live in the present and accomplish things today, even if it as little as making someone smile.Tip #3:
If you want free time, work hard now & relax later
Many times we always stress on having to work so hard and never taking a break. The truth is a lot of us have a full time job that consists of working 5 days out of the 7. This means most of your time is spent working, and not enough free time. However, one tip that I have to help you have a productive month is work hard one week so you can relax the next. Of course, don’t burn yourself out either! For example, I wake up every day at 4:30 am to get to the gym, then work, then back home to blog or take pictures, post, make dinner, etc. If I want to make some time for free time during this busy day I will draft my blog posts on a Sunday so that avoids having to work on them during the week. Sometimes you just have to work hard now to relax later. Your future self will thank you!
Credit: Chibird Tip #4:
Reward yourself
Staying organized and being productive is not easy and sometimes takes awhile to get used to balancing your schedule. We want to focus on the end goals at the start of the month, but we also must reward our progress and not focus so much on the outcome. If the first week of the month you accomplished all your goals and had some free time…take advantage of it! Don’t let the free time go to waste and enjoy it by rewarding yourself for your own hard work. I tend to be hard on myself, but I also believe that you are your number one cheerleader. You are the only one that can talk to your brain and keep it more motivated than someone else trying to do the same. Of course, rewarding yourself does not mean going crazy and buying yourself something expensive every month. It does mean that you see the improvements you are making during the week that ultimately help accomplish your end goal, and you reward yourself for the steps you’ve taken this far. However, not all weeks will consist of pure accomplishments. If you don’t get something done, plan out how you will get it done the next week. Do not get discouraged!I hope you found some inspiration to start your month off on a good note. Please comment down below some of your tips on staying organized. I would love to hear some!
