I have always been fairly active, but up until recently I've never truly enjoyed working out. It almost felt like a chore that had to be done in order to fit in with societal standards. Six months ago I found FitOn and started to love working out! I began tracking my workouts, journaling and listening to my body. I also learned to love incorporating dumbbells into my workouts instead of focusing solely on cardio.
I have discovered what works for me and can proudly say I've done so without restricting myself. What works for me may not work for you, but I have never been healthier and happier and would love to share 10 things I did in hopes to help other people out there looking to live an attainable healthy and happy lifestyle.
Below is a little 6 month transformation! Believe it or not, I weigh more now than I did in February since I have gained a little bit more muscle. I no longer measure my self worth or fitness goals/success by the number on the scale. I feel the best I ever have and am more confident than ever even though I weigh more! The number on the scale doesn't define you.
1. Find a fitness schedule that works for you
My typical routine includes 5 days of working out, 1 day of yoga/stretching then I rest on Saturdays. I always start my workouts with 15 - 25 minutes of cardio then I focus on either arms & abs, legs & booty, or total body. Since starting this routine I have noticed by body has become more toned!
From February to July I mainly worked out using only 3 pound dumbbells and videos on the Free FitOn app (see my first blogpost all about FitOn under the fitness tab on this website) but now that I have moved into a new apartment with a small fitness center, I have incorporated the treadmill as well as 5 and 10 pound dumbbells into my routine.
My weeks always vary and sometimes I workout shorter or longer than the times on this schedule. It all depends on my day and how I'm feeling! I constantly remind myself that 20 minutes is better than 10 and 10 minutes is better than 0. Sometimes I'll just go for a walk and call it good.
Here is an example of my weekly workout routine:
2. Schedule your workouts
I am most definitely Type A and I schedule almost everything in my life, but in order to have a successful fitness routine I believe everyone should at least try to schedule their workouts. I use the google calendar app on my phone, but writing it down in a planner also helps. Having a reminder makes me less likely to skip a workout because I've made a commitment to myself. I also love the sense of accomplishment after being able to complete the reminder!
3. Don't restrict yourself
Although I eat fairly healthy most of the time, I let myself eat "junk food" without guilt! I always have chocolate in some form after lunch and dinner and lately I've been having weekly wine nights with friends where I'll eat as much cheese and crackers & chips and dips as I want. I'll also drink as many glasses of wine as I want! I don't count calories but focus more on portion sizes and balance.
I listen to my body and sometimes my body wants a salty snack at 9 pm even though I've already had a big dinner. When I have a craving it hits hard, so I make sure to always have bbq chips, goldfish or little packs of cookies on hand for those times. Something I have given up completely though is soda/pop. One of the best decisions I've made!
I LOVE to eat so working out regularly helps me feel better about eating my not so healthy snacks. I use food and alcohol as motivation hehe.
Side note: I am pescatarian!
4. Plan your meals ahead of time
I have started strategically creating my grocery list the day before I go to the store. I think about what meals I'd like to eat throughout the next week or two. I try to buy ingredients that can work in several meals. For example, I buy a few boxes of quinoa because I know I can use if to make burrito bowls or have as a side to some salmon. I buy a lot of vegetables such as peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and onions because I know they can be used in bowls, wraps, pasta dishes or as snacks with hummus.
Planning ahead makes shopping easier and even kind of fun. I get a lot of inspiration from Pinterest and other Instagram accounts! I do a big grocery trip every 2 weeks and usually spend about $125 or so a month on groceries but I also make several runs to the Dollar General next to my apartment when I need something quick.
Below is an example of my typical Aldi grocery list. I try to write the items down in order based on what aisles/area of the store they are in to save myself time when shopping.
5. Track your progress
I absolutely love tracking my progress and have been doing so since I downloaded FitOn back in February. The app tells me roughly how many calories I've burned during each workout and it keeps track of my total workouts completed and calories burned since I downloaded the app. I also take a picture after each workout to help me track my progress visually.
I journal my workouts in addition to using the FitOn app. I write down what I did each day and how I felt after the workout. Being able to write down what I accomplished is a huge motivator for me!
This journal linked below is a great one! $14.99 on Amazon
6. Buy cute workout clothing & accessories
Aside from food and tracking progress, I am motivated by cute workout outfits and accessories. I live by the look good feel good motto! You can find adorable and affordable workout pieces at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Old Navy, etc. I love to wear a cute sports bra with some fun biker shorts or colored leggings! I also use a pretty yoga mat and cool water bottle! My favorite brands are linked below:
7. Listen to music that pumps you up
I honestly don't think I'd step foot on the treadmill if I didn't have music. Finding high energy music that pumps you up can totally elevate your workout. I love making playlists and have several I use for when I want to workout. I will sometimes add songs to my Spotify queue right before my workout so that I can listen to my current favorites.
Here are a few of my go-to workout jams:
-Girls in the Hood (Megan Thee Stallion)
-Big Bank (YG)
-Anaconda (Nicki Minaj)
-Really Don't Care (Demi Lovato)
-WAP ( Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion)
-VIBEZ (DaBaby)
-Nights (Neon Trees)
-Upside Down (JVKE)
-You Shook Me All Night Long (ACDC)
I also have a playlist for stretching! You can find me on Spotify if you search Presley Eldien.
8. Keep gum and mints on hand
I keep Extra brand gum in my purse at all times and have a bowl of Lifesaver mints on my desk in my room. I am the type of person who will continue to eat even when I'm full. It's a bad habit. Whenever I know I've had enough to eat I will pop in a mint or chew some gum. Not only is the minty flavor refreshing, but it stops me from over eating!
9. Find a support system
Having a support system is so important! Whether it's a friend who wants to workout with you or someone you met through Instagram who supports you, it's nice to have someone to keep you accountable and hype you up. I joined the FitOn FitSquad facebok group and love to see other people share their fitness journey progress and tips. It's fun to share different workouts and trainers! I also work out with my roommate sometimes. When I'm with a friend I've found I'm more likely to workout harder and longer!
10. Stop comparing yourself to other people
As soon as I stopped comparing myself to others, my workouts became more effective and my mental health improved immensely. We all have different body types and we are all at different levels in our fitness journeys. I can't compare myself to athletes, models or people who workout for a living. I will never have 6 pack abs and my hips will always be wide and that is ok!! I have realized that being healthy and happy is what's most important at the end of the day. I am happy with my body and more importantly, my mind is healthy.
My last piece of advice is to do it for yourself! Don't workout just to look good for an event or to impress someone. Internal motivation is key. Do it because you love the feeling you get after a good workout. Do it because you love the way it releases your stress. Do it so you can go enjoy a fulfilling meal with friends afterwards. Do it because it makes you feel happier and healthier. At the end of the day you only have yourself, so do it for you!
I hope you found at least one of my tips helpful. It has taken me a while to get to a place where my body and mind meet me definition of healthy, and I've never been happier! We all deserve to live a life that makes us truly happy from the inside out.
XOXO,
Presley
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