The key to training smart
HOW TO KEEP THINGS INTERESTING IN YOUR TRAINING REGIME x x
I thought I'd do a quick post on what I do to keep motivated and dedicated to my training! I know it may seem like all I do is run but I actually take part in a few other activities and I honestly think this variation keeps me coming back for more and inspired to stick at it.
Constantly pounding the same old circuit does not keep me inspired....at least not for very long!! It seems obvious but I think the problem is that we all fall into the trap of doing the things that we like and feel comfortable with first, which then tend to takeover. For example, I love a good run over my strength training....at least in the beginning because I wasn't (and I'm still not) that good at it so if I didn't feel like having my personal training or gym session I'd go for my run instead. Obviously both create different results and possibly aren't the results that you are searching for.
Here are the things I do (every week) to keep me interested:
Running is my thing: I really enjoy a good, sweaty run! As I've said in my previous posts I think it's largely to do with the stress-relief and brain switch-off that I love. However, even with running it can get a bit boring! I started to do hill sprints once a week last year (which I have to say I didn't really LOVE) but I'm feeling much stronger in my running! I'm sure it's because of those dreaded hills! I go running around 3 times a week and run 8-10kms.
Personal training: If I could have personal training 3-4 times a week I would as I love being shown and told what to do in the gym! But at the moment I just can't justify that kind of money........one day it will happen! However, I can justify once a week and I have a set program that I do on my own twice a week which seems to work quite well. My personal trainer does lots of HIIT, boxing and strength work and really focuses on my goals and areas that need the most attention (legs and bum!). I really look forward to my PT session and have noticed such a change in my body since I started!
Home routine: Twice a week I do abs at home (on my run days). I bought a swiss ball and have alternating routines that my PT has set for me. Abs is something I always see quite an improvement in so it's never much of a chore and you'll be amazed at the improvement you'll see in a short space of time (...when I'm faced with upper body exercises it's a completely different story). I also have a skipping rope and do skipping when I can in the back yard or in the park!
Time to mix it up:
Barre: Barre is by far my favourite 'class' to go to! It's so challenging for me (as i'm always so tight - especially in the hamstrings) that I find I really benefit from this type of class. Also it really makes you sweat!
Dance Cardio: I LOVE dance cardio at the Sydney Dance Company in Sydney! As well as working out you learn some cool dance moves and this was my first real introduction to Salsa (which I love!). I find this type of activity so fun and the time goes so quickly that you hardly even notice you're doing exercise (but, trust me you will leave exhausted and wake up the next day feeling like you've had a really good workout!).
Yoga: Now this is one thing I do not do enough of! It is so beneficial for a runners body like mine and is something I find really challenging. Hence the reason it is usually on the bottom of my list after all the other activity I'm doing. Maybe I should make this my next workout priority as I really should do more of this when I'm at home (and not just on holiday!).
TOP TIP: If you find you are always working out indoors try and get outside every once in a while! It could be running, bootcamp, yoga or even just a walk on the beach! I find when I am feeling frustrated with my training I usually need to get outdoors...(even when it's raining!)
These are things I enjoy and feel exhilarated doing but of course everyone is different! The one thing I would advise is to change it up now and again and don't do the same thing over and over again! I find that when I do a good mix of activity it spurs me on to do more and the results that I see are quicker and stronger.
Amidst all of this activity also make sure that you give yourself time for recovery. I have at least one rest day a week and it feels so good to chill and feel happy knowing that you have worked hard all week and now you can relax! You're body needs that time to recover and you will find you will go back feeling fitter and stronger once you have had a break!
Please let me know what type of exercise you enjoy doing in the comments below! I'd love to hear your feedback and if you have any training tips for me! We are all on this health and wellness journey together and I really want to promote a community of people who can share their thoughts and advice freely so that we can all grow and learn :)
This post forms part of my entry for the Rising Social Star competition. Make sure you are following me on instagram @sophieluxe to stay up to date with my competition entries and activewear photos (don't forget to like and give me some feedback :) )
Enjoy x x
Wearing Bonds Sport throughout.
