I’ve been active my entire life. I love exercise and always played sports growing up.   On days off from elementary school, I would make my little brother do the workouts from television aerobics shows with me.  Anyone out there remember Gilad or Body by Jake?  My freshman year of college, I joined the rowing team just to see if I could do it.  One of the hardest things I’ve ever done by the way!

More recently, I love participating in obstacle racing when the budget will allow me to sign up for a race. To prepare for those events, my workouts mainly consist of a balance between high intensity interval training, pilates and hiking up hills. Lately though, these activities haven’t been as consistent as they usually are for me.

Lindsey Pine carrying red bucket during bucket brigade at Spartan obstacle course race Castaic Lake

The feeling I get from accomplishing a challenging physical task gives me such great confidence!

But, I’m going to be totally honest with you.  Ever since my husband had a stroke recently, I haven’t wanted to do anything related to exercise. I thought staying at the hospital for 2 weeks would motivate me to do something healthy in a place of sickness. Not so much.  All I wanted to do was go down to the cafeteria and eat cookies. Not a good habit to start for sure!

Have you ever had an overwhelming life experience that just seemed to consume your whole existence? When you started feeling like yourself again, was it challenging to get back to where you used to be in terms of healthy lifestyle habits?

Now that the desire to work out has somewhat come come back (and my pants don’t quite fit as well), I’m ready to get back at it.  I’ve always loved taking fitness classes at a gym or through Classpass, but paying for gym services are temporarily not in the budget.  So, I’m on my own for the most part and using every tip and trick I can think of stay motivated and challenged.

1.Set a goal and place reminders of that goal all around you

Why are you working out in the first place? Maybe you’re trying to get stronger, run farther, or boost mood.  Set a goal for yourself that is achievable and realistic.  Also, schedule your workouts on a calendar and treat them like appointments for your “me time”!  Place reminders on post it notes with positive messages or inspirational pics around your home.  More of a digital person?  Fill your social media accounts with workout pics to remind you of those endorphins you felt from a great workout!

2.Sign up for an event

It always helps me to workout on a regular basis if I have something to train for.  I  sign up for at least 1 event each year and don’t want to waste that registration fee by showing up untrained!  Each time I show up having trained for the event, I get a better time or complete an obstacle I couldn’t tackle in the previous race, which boosts my confidence and drive!  So, that often serves as my inspiration during a workout.

3.Get a buddy to exercise with

Grab a friend to keep each other accountable.  It’s also sometimes easier to try new workouts when you have a buddy to go through the experience with you.  Besides, chatting with a friend makes a hike go by a lot faster!

4.Look for deals

If you’re like me and LOVE group classes, but are on a budget, Groupon and other deal websites can be a lifesaver! I recently bought a package of 10 classes for $15 that really should have been over $200!!!   Also, sign up for  gym email lists.  They often send out emails with discounted classes and even free classes when a new instructor is training.

5.Have a plan

Do you get to the gym, not have a clear vision of what you want to work out and then just end up on a cardio machine because you can’t think of what else to do?  That’s totally me!  Write down a list of exercises and number of reps and sets to accomplish BEFORE you work out.  Having a workout plan is like going to the grocery store with a list.  It just works!  Don’t know what exercises to do?  Magazines like Self, Shape, Oxygen, and Fitness always have great free workout plans.

6.Put your gym clothes on right before you leave work

If I wait to change into my workout gear when I get home, it may not happen at all!  Changing into my gym clothes before leaving work puts me in that mindset to get ready and work up a sweat!

 

 

What are some of your favorite motivational workout tips?  Leave them in the comments below!

frog figurines practicing yoga poses

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Showing 32 comments
  • Kristina @ Love & Zest
    Reply

    Sorry to hear about your husband. We’ll keep him in our thoughts.

    Working out has its ups and downs for everyone I think. I like the idea of signing up for an event to keep up your motivation. That’s a great way to keep your eye on a goal! Also, killer picture of you in front of the fire! 😉

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Thanks so much Kristina! Those Spartan races are so much fun!

  • Deanna Segrave-Daly
    Reply

    I’m sorry to here about your husband – I hope he’s on the mend real soon 🙂
    These are all awesome tips – key for me is to lay out workout clothes the night before especially because I exercise so early. Doing something with a buddy is something that really does motivate me to do different things (and why I got out of my just running rut years ago and started doing boot camp.) Great post!

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Thanks Deanna! that’s great that laying our your clothes the night before helps!!

  • Jessica @Nutritioulicious
    Reply

    So sorry to hear about your husband. 🙁 Having someone to stay active with is such a big help and motivator!

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Thanks Jessica! I love working out with a buddy too! I’m going to a pilates event this weekend and definitely wouldn’t be doing it without my friend coming with!

  • Sara
    Reply

    Love your positive approach in what can only be a very hard and trying time. Wishing your husband and you all the best!

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Thanks Sara! Sh$t happens and you just gotta make the best out of the situation. I truly believe something amazing is going to come out of this!

  • Kathryn Pfeffer
    Reply

    This is so helpful! Signing up for running events always helps me get motivated! Thanks for these great tips!

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Thanks Kathryn! The more tips the better!

  • Chelsey
    Reply

    Wishing your husband a very speedy recovery — staying positive is definitely what’s needed and your positivity is infectious… even with a side of cookies!!! I have definitely had several overwhelming life experiences (all medical too) and it can be SO paralyzing at times so I totally understand where you’re coming from! Getting back to it when it feels right for YOU is what’s important! Thinking of you! xx

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      You totally get it Chelsey! When it’s time to get back to life as usual, it feels so great!

  • Denine Marie
    Reply

    What a heartfelt post on how you are jumping back into your love of fitness. I wish your husband well. Excellent tips on getting motivated. I agree that number two is a good one!

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Thanks so much Denine!!

  • Roxana
    Reply

    Very motivating. I need this. Love your writing style and post.

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Thanks Roxana! I really appreciate it!

  • Lauren OConnor
    Reply

    Again, so sorry to hear about your hubby. These are definitely great tips we can adhere to! : )

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Thanks Lauren! So glad I finally got to meet you last month! 🙂

  • Reply

    Girl you are a rockstar! I love this post and these are such great, practical pointers. Been praying for your hubby- I remember seeing all your IG posts with hospital food in them. Love your positive approach!

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Thanks Shannon! I’m so glad those hospital food posts are in the past!

  • Stacey Mattinson
    Reply

    So sorry to hear about your husband. I hope you took some time to heal, too. On another note, I have been DYING to do a Spartan race! Totally on my bucket list in the near future!

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      You should totally sign up! They are so much fun and you’ll feel so accomplished after you finish. Thanks Stacey!

  • Reply

    Wishing your husband a speedy recovery! I like the idea of signing up for an event, that definitely keeps you motivated because there’s an end goal in sight! Stay strong, you got this!

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Working towards a goal helps so much! Thanks Emily!

  • Sara Kashlan
    Reply

    I’m so sorry about your husband & I wish for him a speedy recovery. You give great tips and I absolutely love your Spartan pictures! I’ve always wanted to do that one!

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Thanks Sara! the races are great and a fun team building experience if you have friends who want to sign up too. but, I’ve done them by myself and that was just as fun

  • mona
    Reply

    Great tips but that last one is my favorite!

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Thanks so much Mona!

  • Erin Hendrickson
    Reply

    Prayers for you and your husband! I’ve been in a year long rut with structured classes, but I do have an active dog that keeps me running at least. I definitely need to check out what classes are available on groupon!

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      That’s awesome! Taking the dog out is great workout motivation!

  • gretchen | kumquat
    Reply

    what you and your husband just endured is no small thing. i’m a firm believer in seasons of life, times to be still and times to hustle. glad you’re taking care of yourself too, though. and your motivators are great ones!

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Thank you so much Gretchen!I really appreciate it!

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