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{ INTRO: 6 Weeks to a Healthier YOU! }

{ Week 1: “Weekday Vegetarian” }

{ Week 2: Meal Planning }

{ Week 3: Healthy Substitutions }

{ Week 4: Freezer Meals }

{ Week 5: Drink More Water }

It’s here! It’s finally here! My 6th and final week of my healthy goals. I can’t believe I actually made it.

For my last goal, I decided to focus on exercise. I’ve never liked working out – it always seemed like such a chore. I was kinda hoping that opinion would eventually change. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. At least not yet.

But I know how important exercising is, and refuse to give up on it.

So here are the things I’ve found that helped me to accomplish my goal of exercising 5 times a week.

 

1. Find a workout that you enjoy (or in my case… don’t completely despise). People told me I just need to find the right type of exercise. In the past I’ve tried running, the elliptical, yoga, various workout DVDs, biking… I hated them all! Ugh. So lately, I’ve been doing my own thing. I crank up some music, grab my weights, and pretty much dance around like a nutter. I do lots of moves I remember from an old aerobics class, along with strength-building moves and jogging in place. It might not be the most professional workout, but it works for me!

2. Decide ahead of time that you are going to exercise. I used to get in the daily battle of “do I have time? Do I have the energy today? I’ve got other things to do…” And I’d end up skipping my workouts. But I’ve made the decision that I will workout Monday-Friday, no exceptions! I avoid the mental battle and just accept the fact that it’s going to happen, because I made the decision a long time ago.

3. Choose an exercise plan that is realistic. I know that for me, going to the gym is just ridiculous. I know that I’d never have the motivation to load the kids in the car, drive to the gym, and put them in daycare. Not in my comfort zone! What is in my comfort zone, is working out in my own living room where no one can see me 🙂

4. Get yourself some new workout clothes that make you feel cute! This one may seem silly, but mentally, it makes such a difference. I feel more motivated and energetic when I’m wearing a fun, new outfit that makes me feel confident.

5. Remind yourself why you need to work out. I don’t mean constantly weighing yourself, only to be depressed at the number on the scale. I mean watch fun documentaries, read inspirational stories, brush-up on healthy facts. Each time I encounter this kind of information, I get fired up and recommit myself to taking care of my body. The more often I do this – the better!

6. Schedule time to exercise. I know that every morning at 9 am, “Live! With Kelly and Michael” comes on, and that’s when I workout (Is Kelly Ripa not the cutest thing you’ve ever seen? Love her). I like to have the show playing in the background, and see how long I can last through the show before I have to stop!

7. Blog about it! Okay, maybe you don’t have to blog about it, but I do think it’s important to hold yourself accountable! Find a workout buddy, or join a facebook group where you have to report your progress. Having someone to answer to makes it so much easier than doing it all on your own.