Top 5 Tips for Beating the Workout Blahs

Let's face it. We all KNOW we need to exercise. There are a multitude of benefits from regular physical activity:

- helps maintain your weight
- combats health conditions and disease
- improves your mood
- increases energy
- promotes better sleep


But some days we just don't wanna no matter the benefits. Some days we just want to lounge on the couch and binge watch Netflix.

We come up with excuses like:

I'm tired.
I'm cranky.
I'm too busy.
I'm sore.
I'm traveling.

The list goes on.

I work out 6-7 times per week - especially when I'm training for a race. And I can count on at least two days where I'm not feeling it. BUT there are little hacks I've discovered along my journey that help me beat the workout blahs. Here are my top 5:

1. SCHEDULE YOUR WORKOUT
Seriously, put it on your calendar like any other appointment. Otherwise, you leave it to chance and we all know how easy it is to fill out time with other things.

2. WEAR YOUR WORKOUT CLOTHES TO BED
I know you think Im crazy, but when all you have to do in the morning is roll out of bed and get to it, that's one less thing for your brain to talk you out of.

3. WEAR SOMETHING CUTE
Speaking of clothes - make them something you love, that are comfortable but stylish and make you feel great! When you look good - you feel good and get a better workout.

4. HAVE A KICK ASS PLAY LIST

In our house, we call it pump- music... whatever tunes give you the feels and gets the blood pumping is your goal. Right now I'm loving Maroon 5 Girl Like You!

5. ALWAYS BE MINDFUL OF YOUR WHY
No one is forcing you to work out. You're an adult. You make your own choices. But you also know that dreaded feeling of regret. The one that says,"I really wish I would've just done it!" There's a reason you set out on your journey. Keep that in the forefront of your mind and it will help push you through your workout.

BONUS TIP: ALWAYS drink the "power juice" before you work out. Natural boost of focused energy without the crash. It's AMAZING!! And a non-negotiable for me and my workout routine!

Some days will come easier than others. On the hard days it's even more important to lean into the struggle and show yourself what you're made of. Because when you do, you'll make yourself proud. And when you're proud of yourself, it makes you want to do it again. And again. And again, making it that much easier to push through in the future!

Out of My Comfort Zone Part 2: my physique competition experience

Thursday after pre-judging Justin and I played tourist around downtown Indy visiting The NCAA Hall of Champions and Benjamin Harrison House, did some shopping, ate a light lunch and then met up with some other ladies on my team. I spent Thursday night at the conference opening night while Justin took in Deadpool 2.

Friday morning went off without a hitch. grabbed some free hotel breakfast (the best kind - FREE) and got to work out with the ultimate motivator Shaun T. You might know him from a little something called Insanity. It was AMAZING!!

Follow that up with a much needed shower (careful not to exfoliate that tan of course!) and an amazing keynote speaker and Friday was knocking it out of the park. Had lunch with the team and then spent about an hour into afternoon workshops before I needed to head back to the hotel to get ready for rehearsal and the final night of The Classic.

Justin met me outside the workshop room, we walked back to the hotel and I began going through the entire process of hair and makeup again. I typically don't wear make up... very little when I do so it si foreign to layer it all on :)

We walked back together to Hall A, I got checked in, kissed Justin and headed inside where we were given instructions on how it would all go down. Then we were ushered back stage where we proceeded to wait, and wait and wait some more. My feet felt like they were on fire from my heels. And then my foot started to cramp. Note to self, wait to put heels on until closer to walking on stage :( But everyone was super awesome and supportive... taking photos, talking, laughing and just celebrating. It was awesome!

FINALLY we start moving. Music is pumping. The crowd is cheering and I feel a burst of energy rush through me and there's suddenly an extra pep in my step. I walk up on stage, waving to the crowd , and thank God for having the courage to see this thing through!

As I stood and listened to 10 numbers be called for top 10, of which mine wasn't one of them, for a moment I felt a twinge of disappointment. But I immediately snapped out of it. "Just enjoy this!" I said to myself. And I did, cheering loudly for those still on stage and for EVERYONE who had the heart and guts to put themselves and their journey out there.

No, I didn't buy a competition bikini.
No, I didn't get my hair and makeup professionally done.
No, I didn't hire a posing coach.

What this wife and momma of three DID do:

Work my butt off for months and prove that at-home workouts WORK!!
Learn to walk in 4 inch heels
Experience my first air-brush tan
Prove that modesty can still be sexy
And prove to myself that I am strong and brave.

Those who knew me growing up will tell you, I was quiet, shy, reserved, rarely smiled and that the level of confidence I had in myself was pitiful.

This journey that I'm on - it's  so much more than awesome workouts and yummy shakes.

 I've found a level of strength and confidence in myself that I've never known before that I hope others can find as well.

Y'all, I put on a bikini and walked across a strange in front of judges and at least a thousand people. Alicia of old wouldn't have even considered it. No way. Not in a million years. In my book, that's a win.