Preparing yourself for the workouts ahead

These last few days have been tough - with family visiting, treats galore, and the old lady business making an appearance - I feel as though I'm just treading water and not necessarily making any progress.

But even though my "Aunt" is here to stay for a bit, my in-laws are gone (and so are the treats), and I'm ready to tackle my fitness goals for the new year.

I've also realized that I need to make sure that I've got my ducks in a row so that I'm not dealing with numerous obstacles. Here's a few things that might help ensure that you get your workouts done even before you get started.

Schedule your workouts

Even if you're just doing the 30 Day Shred (and by "only" I mean that it's just 20 minutes - making it a bit easier to fit into a schedule), write or type out your plan for the week. I've been making the mistake of flying by the seat of my pants. It hasn't helped that my kids are off school and my sitter is away. But I find that when I plan out my week of workouts, I have a much easier time getting them done.

Get ready the night before

It can be a big pain in the butt to do things the night before, but I've learned that before I get in bed, I lay out my work out clothes and make sure that I have my playlist ready. That's been a huge problem for me because I now dread going to run on the treadmill because I don't have a playlist set up. You'll save yourself a ton of time if you have everything ready in advance.

Plan your meals

This has also been a huge issue since the holidays have been here. I've been making multiple small trips to the store and not planning my meals. Tonight I'm sitting down and planning my meals for the rest of the week. Even if it's just dinner and then ensuring you've got healthy choices for breakfast and lunch, you're still giving yourself a better chance of making good dietary choices.

How are you planning for your own workout success?

Comments

[Goddess in Progress]

I have found planning very key for me, too. I put up a white board in my kitchen, on which I write the week's activities and meals as best I can. Helps with the food and shopping, helps with the exercise.

I've been using the childcare room at the gym for my 2.5-year-old twins, and it has been great. Also, that makes it all the more a part of our non-negotiable routine. Tuesday and Thursday are gym days, period. If we didn't go, we wouldn't have a morning activity for the kids! (And a break for me!) Then I Shred on the days I can't get to the gym, usually while they're napping.

[Liz]

These are great tips! Planning is definitely key. I'm going to start on mine today!

[Jennifer]

I am decided to put money where my mouth is--I hired a trainer. In 2009 I learned that I need to be accountable and need peer/social pressure to do it. So I am working with a trainer, and have enlisted friends to work out with at work.

I am also signing up for races in advance--shelling out the registration fee makes it feel more real and a commitment to me.

[Beth]

I just did my first level 1 workout. I cannot believe how out of shape I am, but I did it. So hard, but believe it or not Jillian seemed to say the right words to keep me motivated when I wanted to quit. Thank you for this blog and Twitter - it is giving me the motivation I need to not give up!!!