#MovementMay

Why I failed this month and how you can avoid the mistakes that I made.

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This is my first failed monthly challenge of the year. I could write about how I killed it and am now feeling amazing after 31 days of moving my super fit bod. But, I will be totally honest with you. This month’s challenge was a bit of a bust. I can blame it on many different things like being sick, busy, injured, sore …. Whatever I can think of but, the truth is, I really lacked the planning and motivation to succeed.

I definitely don’t want this to happen to you so, here are my tips to actually kick butt at this month’s challenge. I am planning on doing this one again later this year and hopefully, I’ll do much better at it round 2.

The Rules:

• Must do (some kind of) exercise for at least 30 minutes every day
• Can be any level of intensity, as long as it’s intentional movement
• Stretching/ Pilates/ Yoga is acceptable for a rest day or a day where you are too busy to do a full workout

Motivation –  How to succeed

• Try new forms of exercise

Try to do a big variety of exercises. I took Barre Fitness, Dance classes and did different types of workouts at the gym (including things like cardio, interval, circuits, supersets, free weights, isolated and full body workouts and bodyweight training). This keeps things from getting boring and stagnant, both mentally and physically. This way, you won’t plateau or flatline during the month.

• Decide what you want to get from working out

Do you want to be able to run faster? Keep up with the kids? Have more energy? Look super hot in your bikini this summer? Deciding why you’re doing this challenge is a good way to be able to remind yourself what the end goal is and measure your success which will, in turn, help keep you motivated. Setting small goals like up-ing your weights or running speed can also help keep your eye on the prize (no matter the size of the accomplishment).

• Make a Schedule

Plan out your week! Write out what days you are going to take a scheduled class, which days you will have time to do a full hour at the gym and which days you will only have 30 minutes at 11pm to get some bedtime yoga in. This will make sure that you have a balance with the types of exercise you are doing throughout the week as well as keep you accountable to your “appointments”. Even better if you can pre-book or pre-register for some classes, that way, there is no going back on the commitment.

• Just show up

This one is the easiest way to get your butt in gear. When you are really not feeling it, just decide that you will do 10 minutes on a cardio machine and go from there. Throw your leggings on and just get to the gym (or park, or studio, or your living room for goodness sake). Nine out of ten times, I will decide to continue my workout because I have already started, which is half the battle. And if worst comes to worse, you at least got 10 minutes of workout in which is better than nothing, right?

• Recruit a buddy

This has got to be the most effective one for me. Not only will this force me to show up because someone is relying on me, but it also is a big motivator to keep up with my friend. My slightly competitive nature will keep me from using the lighter weights or taking long breaks in between sets. It’s also nice having someone cheer you on when you’re feeling tired and unmotivated.

Remember, just because you miss a day here or there, doesn’t mean that you can’t keep going. Don’t give up. As I said before, I am planning on doing this challenge again and I am going to kill it!

Comment below with some of your ideas on how to stay motivated. Good Luck!