So, I just found out that I will be going to Texas for spring break. Which means: Beach..Which means: BEACH BODY! Ugh, I hate swim suit season, it seems like it just ended! And now I have to prepare for the upcoming one?! Wow..How time flies.

The topic of this post is workout/health tips that have so far helped for me:

Lemon water: It’s a low calorie substitute for sugar filled drinks. It cleanses the system, it’s a great source of Vitamin C, and also aids burning fat. Add 1/2 a lemon to one bottle of water. It also helps with energy, it’s great after a workout. Lastly, it’s very soothing and helps calm the body.

Fitness Cards:This is by far one of my favoroite (and effective) ideas so far! I love to rotate my workouts, I feel like I get more out of my exercise and it helps to keep it non-boring. Here’s what you do: On index cards (I used around 25 or so) write out about 5-10 exercises to do each day. On each index card, mix up the order, excercises, reps and time on each one. For example:

Card 1:

5 minute walk, 20 minutes on stationary bike, 15 stair runs, 20 leg lifts, 20 squats…etc etc.

Card 2: 5 minute walk, 10 minute run, 15 pushups, 5 20 second plank pushups, 30 jumping jacks..etc.

Basically, just be creative! You can alternate each exercise to be cardio, strength, cardio. Or even Incorporate yoga/pilates workouts into your running routine. Be sure to vary your workout as well as get out of the gym or house! (Google ‘fun workouts, or creative exercises) Next, shuffle up the cards and pick a random one! No more dreading tomorrows workout, because you’re surprised each day with a new routine. Be sure to make notes on each card after finishing the workout. Write how you felt, how long it took, difficulty level etc.

Get inspired: I tend to lose interest in my new fitness plan about 2 weeks in. I find better things to do than run, and I make excuses not to be active. I often need a little motivation or inspiration. Here’s a few ways to kick start your attitude!

1. Pick up a fitness magazine. I always get the urge to change my diet or exercise plan after flipping through an exercise based magazine. Rip out some help ful tips from the mag and leave them around–your sink, treadmill, even fridge–to make sure you remind yourself of your healthy habits/lifestyle.

2. Explore a new workout. To get excited about working out again, try an activity you haven’t tried in a while, or even never before! Tennis, hiking, jump-roping, hula-hooping, soccer, volleyball, swimming..There’s tons of options! It’s fun to try something new and I always feel more motivated after my workout!

3. Alternative health. Okay okay, so I gotta admit: When I hear alternative health, I automatically think about healing crystals, yadda yadda yadda. Nah, not what I’m talking about here.

Maybe ‘energized living’ is a better term…Some things that I include in my energized lifestyle are..organic foods, tea, fresh fruits and vegetables, yoga and often times, just nature. I’m trying not to sound too..’whispy’ about this stuff, but let me tell you: When I participate in this way of ‘living,’ I feel 10x more healthier. Just by adding some quiet time with tea, some meditation time in the sun, adding organic fruits and veggies to your diet, you can have a totally new out-look on health. It goes beyond just food and exercise as well..check out this website: http://www.naturalhealthmag.com/

Wow, I just got really off topic! I’ll talk about energized living more later on.

Fresh Juice: I cannot stress enough how amazing fresh juice is! I used a professional juicing machine, and it was totally worth the $70 I paid for it. You can juice nearly anything, and the best part is: you can mix totally gross foods together and the outcome tastes GREAT! You can use the juice to replace a meal or just as a snack, but it’s a great way to get your daily serving of fruits and veggies. If you’re just starting to juice, this is a great resource for recipes (it can be hard to come up with some tasty ones right off the bat) http://www.healthrecipes.com/fruit_juice_recipes.htm

Journaling: Writing down my goals, accomplishments and thoughts really helps me stay on track. I’ve also found that blogging (this isn’t my first one) helps me stay accountable and it’s great when people give me feedback!

Anywho..these are some tips that have really helped me so far..I would love it if you shared a few yourself!

 I am a work in progress, therefore I am not an expert with any of this. I am simply just sharing my thoughts, struggles, tips, motivations and anything else along the way. Hopefully you’ll learn more about me as well as  my goals.

To start off on the right foot, I will share my goals with you….I would love comments including your goals as well.

 *To develop as a smart, successful young woman..

*To become sure of myself

*Start living a healthier life (better eating, no more drugs, exercising more)

*Enjoy life to the fullest

*Become more motivated and disciplined in whatever I set my mind to.

I’m excited to start blogging!