With the weather warming up and summer just around the corner you’re probably thinking a little harder about your workout routines and what exercises are going to get you looking and feeling great. Dani Stevens, spokesperson for Thermos, health fitness and food motivator suggests there is 5 things to include, that aren’t exercise.
For me, a great workout routine is a balance of weight training, cardio, yoga with warm up and cool down sessions for good measure.
But for me there’s more to than just exercise in a great workout routine, to help make your workout as effective as possible. I work out everyday, and here are some of my favourite things to include in my workout routine to help boost yours!
Meditation
We’ve all had those days where you’ve got a million things going on and you don’t really feel like working out. What you find is your head isn’t in it and you end up listlessly pushing your legs on the abductor!
If I’ve had a particularly crazy morning or day (which so many often are!) I will take a moment to stop and sit still for a few moments before beginning my workout. Sometimes 3 minutes is all I need and it really gets me in the zone. I will often set an ‘intention’ for my workout and find this helps me get the most out of my workout.
Meditation has also been shown to increase positive emotions, decrease stress and boost your self-control…an added bonus to all those workout endorphins!
Good quality, functional accessories
Accessories are so important in your workout routine. You want to feel comfortable, not distracted by what you’re wearing!
Two of the most important things for me in my workout are good headphones and a good water bottle.
I love to listen to music when I’m working out, but don’t want to keep reaching for my ears to adjust my headphones. Try headphones that clip into AND onto your ears and you’re good to go – trust me, you’ll notice the difference! I love the ones from 66 Audio.
Another important part of your workout is hydration, so a good reusable water bottle (reusable is better for the environment) is vital. Find one that’s durable and seals up tight so you don’t end up with water in your bag.
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Non-conventional fitness activities
Although this is exercise in a way, think of them more as ‘active activities’ to help exercise become a part of your everyday.
Going to the gym is regularly is a great way to stay in shape but the routine of it can sometimes be repetitive and many people can become bored! Think about ways you can integrate an active lifestyle with your daily habits, whether it’s downtime with your family or grocery shopping.
For example, you’ll often find my family having a dance-session in the living room while dinner cooks, and I love to organise ‘walking’ trips with my girlfriends to the markets – we’ll all make a commitment to walking rather than driving! On the weekends we’ll even organise scavenger hunts with friends and family. They’re really fun and everyone gets really into it.
It’s these little changes that make exercise a seamless part of your routine, and will hopefully see you seeking out more and more moments to be active.
A healthy dose of inspo
Inspiration is so important in any workout routine, and surrounding yourself with those that inspire you can make such a difference. Join a Meetup group, or find a local run club!
For me, I definitely try to surround myself with those who inspire and support me, and my community is my inspiration! I love hearing others’ stories and sharing my own.
Milestone celebrations
Set yourself long term goals. This could be lifting a certain amount of weight, being able to run a certain distance, but for every milestone you hit, reward yourself with something you’ve been wanting. I’m not talking about scoffing a bunch of cupcakes – you don’t want to undo all of your hard work. I recently hit a fitness goal and as a reward, I enrolled in an online Pilates course that I’ve been dying to try. Find your one thing to work towards and don’t give up until you get there!
feature image via pinterest