The weather might be cooling down, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still turn up your workouts. Yes, bikini season is behind us, but no one minds having a tight waist beneath her slouchy sweater. Need motivation? Upgrade your workout by shaking it up with a few tips from us.
3 x Gear Upgrades
1. Nike shoes: You may have to pay a pretty penny to get your hands on some of these, but at least the shoes themselves are pretty too! Check out the line of Nike Frees, specifically. Here’s a tip: If you do most of your running outside, invest in the running shoes. If you do most of your workouts in a gym and on a treadmill, opt for the training shoes. I’d recommend trying to pick up a pair at one of the Nike Outlets to avoid paying the $90 price.
2. Target sports bra: Brighten up your workout without having to break open your piggy bank with some C9 by Champion neon sports bras from Target! At only $14.99 a pop, there is no better way to motivate yourself to hit the gym than to treat yourself to some colorful gear. The best part? They’re reversible!
3. Under Armour headbands: Keep your hair out of your face and your gym outfit in style with these trendy headbands by Under Armour. For $9.99 you get a six pack of all different colors. Keep one in your gym bag and one tied to your water bottle so no matter what you have always got a way to keep your luscious locks out of the way of your progress.
3 x New Workouts
1. Interval training: Shake up your routine of sticking on 6.0 speed every time you jump on a treadmill by varying between a jogging and a running pace. Running intervals shocks your body out of the usual routine and causes you to lose more calories. Who can argue with that?
2. Take a class: No one said you aren’t allowed to have fun during your workout! Brodie and Wilson both offer classes that are both fun and effective, so grab a friend and head over to Cardio Dance. The schedules are on the website.
3. Train for a 5k: The Color Run is coming to Raleigh September 28th, and if you didn’t sign up then you are missing out for sure. If running through a rainbow of color doesn’t motivate you to get out and take a jog, then I don’t know what will. It’s called the “Happiest 5K on the Planet” for a reason. Check the schedule to see when they are hitting your hometown and sign up! Already missed it? Start training now for next year. Yes, it’s that worth it.
3 x Power-Up Songs
1. We Can’t Stop – Miley Cyrus: Our feet can’t stop moving when this tune comes on at a party and the same goes for our workouts. Just opt for the audio version and not the music video. No, there’s no hammers being licked in this one, but still, trust me.
2. Can’t Hold Us – Macklemore: Crank this song right when you feel like you’re about to give up. It’s so good you might even run another half mile just to keep listening.
3. Wake Me Up – Avicii: Speaks for itself. Avicii can you do no wrong?
3 x (Free!) Killer Apps:
1. Nike Training Club: By far the best workout app I’ve used so far. Choose the area you want to work on and a goal in addition to what level intensity you’re aiming for. With available step-by-step instructions for each workout (complete with video demonstration) you finally understand how to do all the ab and crossfit workouts you’ve been trying to do on other apps. Earn badges for completing workouts and rewards for reaching tough milestones. In addition to all of this cool stuff you get something else too: results.
2. C25k 5k Trainer: Remember that Color Run we were talking about? This app will help you get there. Don’t worry if you aren’t a runner or haven’t tried anything like this before. The “C25k” in the name stands for “Couch to 5k.” If you are an experienced runner you can opt to skip the first couple of workouts and start off somewhere a little more lined up with your skill level.
3. Pinterest: Bear with me on this one. Pull up your Pinterest. Click on Health and Fitness. Now, sit back and be amazed at the plethora of workouts suiting every possible target goal you could possibly imagine. Warning: this discovery might make you actually WANT to work out all the time.
Well?? What are you waiting for? Get out there and get started!