Workout Tips- From My Own Experience!

I have been a competitive runner and a lover of working out for many years.  Many people ask me what has kept me motivated for so long.  I am going to share with you what has worked for me to keep me in shape and loving to work out for all of these years! 

Abs 

One year as a gift I received the P90X Ab Ripper X DVD from a friend.  I never thought that I would actually use it, but last summer I decided that it was time to once and for all get my stomach into shape.  Every other day, along with my running, I completed the workout from the DVD.  By the end of the summer, I could definitely tell a difference.  My stomach was the flattest it had ever been and I even received a ton of compliments when I went to a pool party at the end of the summer.  If you can get a copy of this DVD, I would highly recommend it if you’re looking for something to really strengthen your abdominal area. These exercises really work, especially if you are consistent! Parts of the workout are also available on YouTube. The results that I got have helped me stay motivated to always get in at least a few minutes of these abdominal exercises every few days.

Music  
 

Here is a sneak peak into just a small part of my running playlist on my iPhone

I cannot work out without music! But sometimes hearing the same albums or playlists over and over can get a little boring.  Try spicing things up by listening to websites like Pandora, if you can.  I also included a list of some songs that are my favorites to work out to- try them if you’re looking for something new! 

1) “Schizophrenia”  –JukeBox the Ghost 
2) “Sleepyhead” – Passion Pit 
3) “I’m Ready”- Jack’s Mannequin 
4) “Gotta Have it”- Kanye West & Jay Z 
5) “Ni**as in Paris” – Kanye West & Jay Z 
6) “Slight Work”- Wale 
7) “Don’t Slow Down”- Matt & Kim 
8) “Young Hearts Spark Fire”- Japandroids  
9) “Set Phasers To Stun” – Taking Back Sunday 
10) “Heads will Roll” – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

If you need to, Take a Break!

In the spring of 2010 I ran my first 10k race.  Before that, I had been competing in track and field.  Between training for both, I got burnt out.  With my 10k only a week away, I was stressed and not feeling like I would be able to do it.  I decided to take the entire week off from working out before my race.  This may not work for everyone, but it sure did for me! I beat my goal time by eight minutes and felt strong and fast for the entire race.

Challenge yourself!

Throughout high school, I ran track and cross country so I raced lengthens anywhere from half a mile to a 5k.  When I went to college, I decided that these distances were getting a little boring.  I was not sure if I could handle school work and the training involved but I decided to go out on a whim and try something new.  It ended up being one of the best experiences of my life. I did even better than I expected and I just felt so good about myself! My next mission is completing the half marathon!

Take advantage of nice weather!
 

The warm March weather in Florida is what made me compete and win a medal in a 5k track race!

Even if you are not a lover of running, working out outside when it is nice is still ideal! No long waits in the gym or sweaty equipment.  Walking or getting a few friends together to play a game like pick up soccer or ultimate Frisbee can be a good workout! Not to mention being outside rather than in a gym can help you to avoid germs, maybe get a tan, and enjoy the weather overall!