Consistency is truly the key to making change. Rather than throwing in the towel when you fall off the wagon for a few days, recognize it and decide right then to “hop back on”. Stop the all or nothing thinking, and get into the habit of flexibility and non attachment. Don’t attach to the idea of “oh well, I’ve messed it all up” and give up on your movement. Get back up and do it again until it sticks; you owe it to you.
Here are some of our favorite ways to keep ourselves motivated to move in the hot, summer months:
1. Get a new workout set.
We are obsessed with the Tribal Set. It’s sewn in bra cups beautifully shape the chest without sliding out in the dryer. Its sweat wicking and soft fabric and 4-way stretch make it perfect for indoor or outdoor activities. Plus, who doesn’t like body shaping leggings with fun, creative prints?
2. Great creative with the way you think about moving.
It’s not a punishment to get active, it’s a benefit to your body. No one ever said, “I wish I didn’t regularly exercise”. When you wake up in the morning, don’t give yourself the opportunity to back out. As soon as you start to second guess getting up 45 minutes before your usually would to get in a workout, pinch your arm and snap out of it!
Lay out your workout clothes next to your bed when you go to sleep, or better yet, go to sleep in your workout clothes so that all you have to do when you wake up is use the restroom, brush your teeth, put on your socks and shoes, and walk out the door.
Try some positive affirmations throughout your living space, in your car, and in your work space to remind you throughout the day of what you are trying to accomplish and that you have what it takes to succeed.
3. Get out of the gym and into the sun.
Join a summer league to connect with others and have fun activities, hitting two birds with one stone. Replace two of your cardio days jogging with lap swimming. Even try home based activities, like gardening, that are both productive and enjoyable.
4. Create a summer jam playlist.
Whether it is a new drop or an oldie that gives you all of the feel good vibes, a playlist that you can dance to all summer long is a must! Music during intense training has a positive effect on how much you’ll enjoy the exercise. Share your playlist with friends and family too.
5. Hydrate with fruit water.
Mix up your water intake by adding some summer citrus fruits in there, like oranges, lemons, and limes. Take it to go in your Rhinestone Tumbler for the ultimate self care day.
6. Reward Yourself With a Trip
Summer is the perfect time to take a break from the stressors of life, if you are able. When you hit a personal goal, like being able to walk up the flight of stairs at work without losing your breath, or getting up from the couch without scooting forward firsts or bearing down into the couch, take a trip! Get some cute pieces from Coco et Dolce and hop in the car for a staycation or on a plane for a vacation.
Remember to wear sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher, like Black Girl Sunscreen or Every.Single.Face. Watery Lotion which is a sunscreen that is chemical-based to appear invisible on every skin tone. If you’re planning to be outdoors for over an hour, use 50 SPF.
Most importantly, remember your why; your real reason for wanting to workout in the first place. If you feel like you're giving yourself surface level answers, rephrase the question to yourself: If I don’t commit to moving my body for 35 minutes per day, what does my life look like in the immediate and long term future?
The summer is a great time to recharge and recalibrate, and get some vitamin D. Make it fun with challenges to keep yourself on your toes - literally!
