Since this blog is focused on the nuances of working life, I thought I'd share a few tips on how I managed to balance work and fitness. Or let's be real, how to add fitness into your working life.
For years I had been lazy, wanting to sit at home and watch TV after a long day at work instead of hitting the gym. And for too many New Year’s, I would tell myself - new year new me and resolve to work out at least once a week. Only to end the year feeling fat, drained and unaccomplished, and repeating the cycle the following year.
This past year though, I finally put my foot down and decided it really was time to check this one off the list. I decided I had to come up with an actual step-by-step guide, instead of just going about my day with this lofty “I need to work out more” goal at the back of my mind.
Here are the four steps I took to get out of this fitness rut -
1. JOIN A(N EXPENSIVE) GYM WITH A MOTIVATED CROWD.
I bit the bullet and joined Equinox this past year and I must say it has been one of the better decisions I’ve made in my life. When you’re surrounded by such a motivated and beautifully fit crowd, the peer pressure to do that one extra squat? Immense. And that hefty membership fee? VERY good source of motivation.
2. FIND SOMEONE TO GO TO THE GYM WITH.
This made the world’s difference for me. My boyfriend goes to the gym religiously every single day and it has been a significant source of motivation for me as well. I mean… there were only so many ways you could say no until you start sounding like a big ball of fatty complaints.
Tip: Do make sure the person you pick is someone who’s going to motivate you to go out and fight the elements (darn you catchy Equinox ads!) and not someone who’s going to remind you how awesome staying in and ordering pizza sounds.
3. TREAT YOURSELF TO A DELICIOUS, HEALTHY POST-WORKOUT SNACK.
My favourite go to's have been the coco acai bowls at Juice Generation and anything from Sweetgreens. Otherwise, I'm a huge fan of the chocolate/sea salt KIND bars or anything from their new savory line. Thinking about the food I'm gonna get afterwards always makes that burn feel a little more worth it.
4. LOAD UP ON CUTE GYM CLOTHES.
You’d be surprised how much of a difference this actually made. When I had something cute to wear, I started looking forward to going to the gym (say what?!). And when I went to the gym more, I needed more gym clothes and shopping for more cute gym clothes meant I wanted to go work out more so I could wear them. Who said all cycles had to be vicious?
And on that note, here’s an outfit to motivate you to get out there and crush it. If it managed to get me out of bed on 9 am on a Sunday for boot camp? It can do no wrong.
PS – This also makes for a very comfortable travel outfit. Who said hoodies and leggings couldn’t be chic?
Hoodie: Club Monaco (25% off with code WEARITNOW)
Vest: Uniqlo
(This is the thinnest and warmest jacket I own and has been an immense life saver every winter)
Pants: Betsey Johnson (Did I mention these are fleece lined?!)
Sneakers: Nike
Girl, you are way more fashionable that I am when heading to the gym...I need to up my game! You go girl! :) Xo, Alison
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