When the exercise motivation runs freely...soak it up. Oh, and you know you eat too much Frozen Yogurt when...

I know I talk a lot about how excited I am for warm weather, but it's in good reason. I sincerely think that when it's warmer outside I am more motivated to move! This also means I feel better and usually equates to better eating habits and feeling happier as well. Have you ever heard this song by The Weepies?

I think they wrote it about me.

I love when I have motivating exercise days. Friday was definitely one of those for me. I had a break in between clients Friday morning, so I went over to the gym by my work to do some cardio. Sometimes I work out at work, and sometimes I like to just go unplug and be in my own little world. I had been on the elliptical for about twenty minutes and my sweet friend Cassie came and started ellipticizing next to me. The next 25 mins FLEW by. We just chatted about life and health and being injured and everything else under the sun. We also talked about how fun it is to have someone to work out with. It seriously makes me so happy. Just so you know, I will be your workout buddy ANY DAY.

Workout Motivation Tip #1: Workout with a friend. It makes the time go by so much faster. It will motivate you to work harder. AND you will be more likely to get there and do it if you know someone is going to be there to workout out with you. 

I went back to work for my last couple clients, and then headed home. I was about decided I wanted to do another little bit of cardio because I had the energy and I usually try and do at least 60 mins a day. It makes me feel good, especially on the weekends. I wasn't super stoked about it, but I decided to just get in there and get going and see if I could bust out at least 15 more mins. (I know myself...once I get going I'm good to go.) I got started and was STOKED when Remember The Titans was playing. 50 more mins flew by. I was laughing, crying, cheering...it was great.


Workout Motivation Tip #2: Find something that can distract you or entertain you. I am a big fan of watching TV while I cardio it out. I ALWAYS have my music on hand. It pumps me up, and I'll just sing along as the time passes by. Also, remember that sometimes it just takes getting yourself going. Commit to doing ten minutes. If at the end of ten you feel like you could go ten more try it, chances are you'll be able to.

I got home from my workout and had some lunch...a Strawberry Banana Protein Shake and my Guiltless Chips and Salsa.

Post lunch, I was working on some writing stuff, and two of my friends called me to come and hike the Y with them. In UT we have a lot of big beautiful mountains, and on the mountain right by my house there is a trail leading up to a giant "Y" which is quite the steep little hike.

This photo may help give you a little insight. It really is steep. The hike is only about 1.2 miles, but your legs are burning by the time you get to the top. It was SUCH a beautiful day it felt awesome to be out in the sunshine burning some calories. 

Here is the view from the top taken with my phone.

 I decided when we got up there, that my goal for this summer is to be able to run all the way up to the top of the Y without stopping. It's only 1.2 miles but it is STEEP. I feel this is going to help my legs get into bangin' shape! My game plan? Start at the base and run as far as I can without stopping. I'm going to do it 2-3 times a week and just keep building up that endurance. My hip BETTER not get in the way of this.

Workout Motivation Tip #3 Coming...hang in there...

Last night I went and watched my friend Jan fight. He played football for BYU as a defensive end for four years and is now an MMA fighter.

 (I dressed up as him for Halloween a couple of years ago. The costume went over really well in Utah Valley. We have a lot of die hard Cougar fans in these parts.) 

Let me just say, I'm not a huge fan of fighting. It makes me nervous. I don't like when people fight for reals, why would I like it when people fight for sport? Can't we all just get along? I guess not.
One of the highlights of being at the fights was running into the DARLING Kristy, from Sweet Treats and More. Her husband played football with Jan and they are really good friends. If you haven't checked out her blog go there now it is every bit as darling and delightful as she is!
Anyways...Jan is an incredible athlete, and did awesome in his fight, winning in just over a minute. He is one of the most mild, even tempered people I know. Not the personality of what I would consider a "fighter" to be, but he doesn't do it to get all crazy and aggressive on someone. He does it because he is a competitive athlete and he loves it.


Workout Motivation Tip #3: Find something you love to do! Whether you are going outside for a scenic hike, knocking someone out (k...probably not that) running, playing basketball, riding a bike, WHATEVER. If you don't like to do it you will dread it. On the other hand, if you love it exercise won't be a chore for you. It will just be a way of life. You will look forward to it, and it will have more benefits than just calorie burn.

Whatever your motivation for working out may be, find what works for you! 

On a side note...remember Michael, the owner of Yogurtland who did the AWESOME giveaway for us back in March? Well he posted this on my FB wall the other day.

Don't worry. SB and I made it in to Yogurtland yesterday. It's good to know that my Yogurt people are looking out for me.

I ended up with a combo of peanut butter, cookies and cream and pistachio with bananas and granola.

What is it that keeps you motivated? Do you workout with friends? Do you watch TV? Do you do what you really love? I love to workout with friends. It's so much more fun that way. I am also all about the cardio with the TV and music, or just a good run outside. Aside from home/work who would notice first if you were to go missing? I'd say for me it's a three way tie between the gym, The Pizza Factory, and Yogurtland.