All of your fitness questions, answered!
20. Embrace Water — Water makes your organs and muscles run properly. Although you’re conditioned to love sugary and drinks with color, water should be your go to, especially since you’ll be working out and sweating. Aim for 3/4 to 1 gallon of water a day and try to finish by 7 p.m. so you don’t mess up your sleep pattern.
21. Elevate Your Water — Water on its own can be boring. Add natural flavors that offer numerous benefits. A touch of honey gives water a sweet taste and curbs sugar cravings. Additionally, water helps with digestion, inflammation, and offers energy to keep you going through the day. Consider lemon, ginger, and even mint as alternatives.
22. All Supplementation Aren’t Bad — Protein powder can be an easier option for receiving muscle building nutrients. There are a lot of supplements out there, each with a specific benefit. If you feel the need for a little boost or help pre/post workout, research each one before consuming and check with your physician. We prefer clean protein powders.
23. Know Your Limits — Over the years, I’ve developed rotator cuff pain. Although I fight through a lot of the pain, once I hit my limit, I put the weights down and move on. Anything else is just adding to long term discomfort. Know what you physically can’t and shouldn’t do, but work towards it every week.
24. Workout Outside — Everyone doesn’t get this luxury, but when possible do an exercise routine or a jog outdoors. It’s refreshing change from the gym or home workouts. You spend enough time as it is indoors. When the weather is just right, take your routine outside and embrace fresh air, but avoid high traffic areas and direct sunlight.
25. Take Every Workout Seriously — Whether with a client or by myself, I treat every workout session with a military mindset: all work, no play. Every workout session means business; come prepared, and give your all.
26. It’s OK To Quit — Sometimes you’re just not in the head space to finish a workout and you’re just wasting time. Maybe you haven’t eaten all day or maybe you’re hung over. Be honest with yourself, accept the loss and prepare for tomorrow’s workout.
27. Never Quit — Once you start on the fitness journey, you’re not allowed to quit. You can take a week off but then you must come back.
28. Spread Love — Once you become a fitness and health junkie, spread the knowledge and fun with people you love and give back in any way possible. Whenever I visit my niece, I teach her about healthy food options, take her on hikes, and demonstrate yoga stretches. Although she won’t commit at a young age, I know the seed is planted and will help shape her thinking once she begins making her own health decisions.
For everything from workout clothes to scheduling conflicts, head to the Fitness Tips section of the SkinnyMs. website. We can help you get on track.
Thank you so much for the tips! I’ve stalled out on my weight loss and the holidays are coming up, so I needed some new motivation. I have decided to forget my end weight goal and just concentrate on losing 5 pounds at a time, so I can survive the upcoming holiday food trials. Thank you again!
Hi Kim! We’re so glad that you found this post helpful! That sounds like a solid plan 😀 Be sure to keep us updated! You’ve got this!