Better Habits in 2016 + A Winter Fitness Routine Tutorial

Monday, January 25, 2016

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.  All opinions are mine alone. #TryALittleAGoodness #CollectiveBias

Winter time gets me into such a lazy rut.  I stop caring about physical activity, good nutrition, and good habits.  Really, there's no excuse for that because it's all a matter of making little changes so that the big picture is a healthier, happier lifestyle for myself.  I know that it's important for me to stick to a fitness routine and make healthier choices when I'm not working out so that I don't totally throw myself off balance.  So without further ado, here are some small but positive changes I've made so far to help me stay on track with my fitness goals. 


And in case I didn't grab your full attention yet, maybe the above sweepstakes will! The goodnessknows® sweepstakes runs for 3 weeks starting January 18th and you can enter to win one of two $500 gift cards up for grabs each week with a photo or quote!





|Drinking More Water|
Instead of teas, sodas, or juices I've been keeping water handy all during the day.  Often when you think you're hungry, you're just thirsty and when I didn't have water nearby before I'd reach for food which would fill me up and make me too tired to stay active.



|Stretching|
I used to think that stretching was only necessary after a workout but that's not the case.  Stretching helps relax me and force me to slow down for a few minutes.  It also makes me feel energized in the middle of a long day when I'm stuck in paperwork at my desk. I also take time every night to stretch on my yoga mat for a few minutes.   





|Proper Snacking Habits|
When I'm on the go and out running errands I tend to expend a lot of energy so it's only natural that I feel hungry.  If I would try to ignore that feeling I would end up feeling starved and stop at a fast food joint to get a very unhealthy meal.   It's okay to let yourself have a break and enjoy a snack  so there's no point in starving yourself! Now, I let myself munch on goodnessknows® snack squares, which I purchase at Walmart.  These snack squares come in 3 varieties that I consume at different times.  





goodnessknows® Peach & Cherry, Almond, Dark Chocolate snack squares are delicious when I'm on the go running errands because it satisfies my sweet tooth with the fruity taste!





goodnessknows® Apple, Almond & Peanut, Dark Chocolate snack squares are my work snack. I enjoy snacking on fruity things when I blog so this really hits the spot.



goodnessknows® Cranberry Almond, Dark Chocolate snack squares are my go-to snack before my workouts.  I feel satisfied and ready to move after I eat them.  This variety is definitely my favorite!

|Winter Fitness Routine|
Running was always a way for me to get moving a few times each week but now that it's winter and the weather is cold I try to make excuses that I can't go outside so there's no way I can work out. This is soooo not the case.  We actually have a gym in the basement of our home.  I can't even use having to drive to a gym as an excuse to not work out.  So I decided to stop making excuses and instead start making a winter fitness routine which I will share for you below. 



[25 Minutes on Rowing Machine Level 5]
My rowing machine has several different tension settings but I keep it on level 5 because it still gives me a workout but it leaves me with enough energy to do a few other exercises afterwards.  I usually listen to music or watch a movie on the TV in the gym.  Rowing gets my heart pumping and works out my core as well as my legs.  If you don't have a rowing machine you can use a treadmill or another type of fitness equipment.



[50 Pushups]
After I'm done rowing I do 50 pushups.  I usually take a brief 30 second break when I get to 25.  I also use these little things that are supposed to help you keep your form properly when you use them to do pushups.

[100 Bicycle Crunches]
After my pushups I lay on a yoga mat and do 100 bicycle crunches.  By the time I get to 50 I'm screaming so I take a quick 60 second break before doing the remaining 50. 



[25 Bicep Curls]
The final exercise I do is 25 bicep curls with a 5 pound weight in each arm. 

Don't forget to stretch your muscles out after you're done so you aren't too stiff and sore the next day!






Like I said above, you can find goodnessknows®  snack squares in your local Walmart. 





So tell me - what small changes are you making this year?




 photo ScreenShot2014-06-25at102225PM_zps4fdda517.png


2 comments:

  1. I really need to motivate to work out, especially during this time of year. How awesome that you have a rowing machine at home! #client

    ReplyDelete
  2. I need to get back in to working out

    http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home/

    ReplyDelete

I love reading and responding to comments but in order to get my reply you must ensure you are NOT a no-reply blogger. If you are, here are some quick steps to change that!

1. Go to the home page of your Blogger account.
2. Select the drop down beside your name on the top right corner and choose Blogger Profile.
3. Select Edit Profile at the top right.
4. Select the Show My Email Address box.
5. Hit Save Profile.