Tank c/o: The Trendy Sparrow | Shoes: Nike | Leggings: Zella | Watch c/o: Triwa | Sports bra: Zella
Today’s post is a bit more personal, but one I’ve been wanting to share for a while. Staying active has always been a big part of my life. Growing up, I played just about every sport there is. Once I got to high school, I lettered in cheerleading, softball and track. My senior year in high school, I had to decide if I should play college softball, which was a long process. I decided to pursue all opportunities, by visiting different schools and weighing the pro’s and con’s. (I bet some of you can’t imagine me as ever being a softball player, lol!) But ultimately, I decided to no longer revolve my life around sports, and start a new chapter. I ended up joining a sorority – Kappa Kappa Gamma at Ole Miss and had the time of my life!
Now, to the weightloss part…
Once I stopped playing sports, I quickly learned that eating whatever I wanted and not working out wasn’t an option. I had to make better choices, like choosing the sorority house salad bar over “Fried Fridays”, for starters. (I was in Mississippi after all!) I’d hit the treadmill between classes and attend group fitness classes at least a couple times a week. I made working out and eating healthy a part of my new lifestyle change – and once I did that, the weight fell off. My junior year in college I ended up loosing 40 lbs and weighted around what I do now. This happened slowly over a course of a year. Of course, I still splurged on pizza and mexican food – but then, I was even more motivated to get back to my normal eating habits and workout schedule. Since then, I’ve been determined to never let the weight creep back on, by continuing to stay active. Here are some of my workout tips that have helped me along the way.
My Top Workout Tips
Mix Up Your Workout Routine
I tend to get bored doing the same workout everyday. To stay motivated, I change up my workout routines. I currently do a mix of spin classes, barre classes and work out on my own at the gym – which includes weight lifting, running on the treadmill and the stair stepper. Everyone has their own routine that works for them, but group fitnesses classes tend to push me the most – plus I like scheduling my workouts ahead of time!
Have a Killer Workout Playlist
Pumping up-tempo tunes into my ears before and during a workout, helps me stay energized and takes my workouts to the next level. I don’t have a lot of time to frequently update my playlist and have started using the Fit Radio app. It’s the number one workout music app worldwide. You can choose your music my genre, workout type, BMP and more. I highly recommend it, if you haven’t tried it yet!
Schedule Your Workouts
For me, finding time to workout can be a challenging task. I often have to squeeze in workouts early in the morning before work or on my lunch break. I typically plan my workouts the day before. I take a look at my schedule and see when is the best time I can fit it in. If it’s a group class, like barre or spin, I have to schedule it ahead of time to ensure a spot in the class. This holds me accountable and I’m less likely to bail on my workout.
Stay Positive & Motivated
Take your workouts each day at a time. You’re probably not going to see results overnight. But you can achieve your goals by staying motivated and sticking to your plan. If you’re not wanting to get out of bed for a workout or too tired to hit the gym after work, try to visualize the benefits of working out as a motivational strategy. Instead of mentally talking yourself out of the workout, try visualizing the outcome of your long term results.
I hope you all enjoyed this post. I’m looking forward to hearing your feedback!
22 Comments
accordingtoblaire
I love this post! I’ve been working out a few days a week the past month or so and it can get discouraging and boring so quickly! I cannot believe you weren’t ever a teeny tiny little thing! You look amazing! 🙂 xoxo
UrbanBlonde
Thanks Stef!! haha, lets just say… I’ve had my bigger days 😉 lol
sugopetite
Great tips UrbanBlonde! being healthy is not easy but it’s a choice and all we need to do is to choose right 😉 Great post!
UrbanBlonde
I agree! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Nataly Schma
Such a cute look! Love the tips too!
Kait Elizabeth
Oh my gosh I love that tee so much! Hugs, Kait
http://www.makeminemaroon.com
Kristin
LOVE this post, babe! Thanks for being so open! ‘Fried Fridays’ kind of sound amazing, though 😉 Love your motivation and I totally agree with scheduling your workouts…I try to think of it like I wouldn’t cancel my happy hour date so I better not cancel my date with the gym! Cute tank, by the way!
xox,
Kristin
Donna
That tank is soooo cute! Love it and the color! Great post on tips to stay motivated 🙂
XX, Donna
http://www.onthedllifestyle.com
racherille
Barre classes sounds like a really good idea!! Where do you do that?
Kaitlyn
Great tips! I couldn’t agree more about scheduling your workouts! Helps so much!!
UrbanBlonde
Thanks babe! 🙂
cfpottieger
Scheduling workouts is SO key for me! I also love the community we have at our Pure Barre studio!! It helps with the accountability of knowing your workout buddies will wonder where you are if you aren’t at your normal class. 🙂 Great tips!
Xo, Charlotte
http://www.styledbycharlotte.com
UrbanBlonde
Thanks so much Charlotte! Love Pure Barre! 🙂
Jenny @ The Sensible Shopaholic
Love this and great post. I also have to schedule my workout or they don’t happen!!
Jenny
http://www.thesensibleshopaholic.com
Sheree
Great workout tips, consistency is the key! Hope you have a day as lovely as you are.
xo Sheree
http://poshclassymom.com
IG: @poshclassymom
Nicole Leffew
Omg I was going to do this post next week! Lol. Great minds think alike! Love your outfit and great tips girl! Xo
Angelle
These are awesome tips!!! I can’t believe that you lost 40 lbs in college. Wow, that’s seriously amazing!!!
xoxo,
Angelle
http://www.dashingdarlin.com
Ciera Chang
Such great tips! I always get motivated with a great playlist!
xoxo, CiCi
http://www.worldwidestylista.com
Shell
LOVED this!!!
Thank you for sharing!
xo, Shell
http://acourageousbeauty.com
Steph
Thanks Shell!! 🙂
Jennifer Rand
Awesome post, girl! Inspired by your story! Way to go!! Keep it up, you look amazing! Great tips too! 😉
xx
Jen
http://www.belledecouture.com/2016/08/backtoschool-with-shoe-carnival.html
Miste
Great Blog Steph! I’m so proud of you!! I hope it will help to motivate people 🙂