Wednesday Wedding: Work Out

First off, I apologize if I made you think of the LMFAO (LFMAO? LOAMF? Just kidding. I know it's LMFAO. *bows head in shame*) song with my post title. Because that's what happens to me when I read it. Every. Single. Time. Sigh. PS- you probably shouldn't actually watch that video.

I probably should have just deleted that whole intro, many apologies, but onward to the point of this post! Working out is not restricted to pre-wedding routine, and that's not my main motivation for working out, but I imagine it is probably on many brides' to do lists. Wedding planning is stressful, and working out is one of the best stress relievers. I actually like working out, but that doesn't mean some days I would rather not. Or some days it is hard to make it happen when you put in the workout video, and have to pause several times because a cat knocks over your water, spilling all over the coffee table, or a cat tries to attack an invisible something on the ceiling and crashes down to the floor, prompting you to follow it around and make sure its leg isn't broken, or a cat jumps up on the kitchen counter once again, or a cat just wants to cuddle with you in bed longer than usual. And that was just today. The hardest part is probably starting out, and then keeping going. Getting it in your mind that you're going to work out today, and tomorrow, the next day, and the day after that. My philosophy about working out is that it should be enjoyable, if not always during then at least afterwards. I don't own a scale. I work out for stress relief, health, and the good feeling it gives you. I like to push myself, and whether I have a 12 hour work day or only a few chores around the house, it's nice to accomplish at least one thing all for myself each day.

one of those pesky cats

I'm not pretending to be an expert or anything, but here are my suggestions/tips:

1.Find a workout that you like and are comfortable with. You don't have to run miles if you don't want to; you can work in cardio in other ways. You don't have to go to a gym, or even outside your house. You don't have to spend a lot of money on expensive, bulky, odd shaped, torturous-looking equipment that requires a lengthy instruction manual. I generally use workout videos in the comfort of my living room, with a couple hand weights and mat for 1-2 hours a day, but if I had friends that wanted to go to a free or reasonably priced gym, I would probably join them in addition. When I say comfortable I don't mean never breaking a sweat, you should be peeling your wet clothes off when you're done and ready to hop in the shower. I mean that your surroundings should be conducive to your productivity, somewhere you don't mind sometimes flailing around and looking not your most glamorous. Slide your coffee table against your couch, clear some space, and don't freak out if you accidentally hit your ceiling fan doing jumping jacks once or twice; you don't need much other than a little room and a proper pair of shoes.

2. Keep it up! Get into the habit of working out at least five days a week so that it is a part of your routine and your lifestyle. The days you miss a workout for whatever reason will begin to seem odd to you; your body will actually miss it.

3. Focus on yourself, and draw motivation from your life and your goals. I don't care much for those "inspiring fitness pictures" you find on Pinterest. A stranger in a bikini that I'm supposed to believe is working out has nothing to do with me or why I work out.

4. Have some options. Even if you find a workout video or routine you really like, you may eventually get a little bored with it, so I like to have some options. I imagine shaking things up every once in a while is good for your body too, working it in different ways and hitting different areas.

5. Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in. Because you will, or should, be doing a lot of moving. I wear these great bottoms from Old Navy, an oversized t-shirt with the neck cut wide, and of course, my Vibrams. Many are skeptical of these weird toe shoes, but I think they are wonderful. I do not like big clunky shoes, and these just make you feel light, and like you want to jump around and get sweaty.

6. Don't see it as a chore, but really an opportunity. It honestly makes you feel great, short term and long term.


linking up for Wedding Wednesday!

PS- Our wedding is in exactly 4 months!