There are a number of completely legitimate reasons you lost motivation to exercise. Work, family/friends, or maybe you just don’t feel like it. Whatever the case, there are numerous ways to combat the temptations that keep you from reaching your fitness goals. Here are some tips to stay motivated to workout.

Keep your fitness gear in sight

You know the old saying, out of sight, out of mind? Well, if your yoga mat is tossed in the back of your closet, then you’re less likely to attend class, right? Simple visual cues can serve as a reminder to keep fitness a priority. Try placing your gym clothes next to your bed or weights close to your door.

Recall a positive memory

Remember the time you ran that extra mile, nailed your core workout, or logged in an extra hour at the gym? Positive memories can be utilized to boost your motivation levels. Studies have shown that individuals who recall positive memories are more likely to exercise than those who don’t. So the next time you’re on the verge of skipping a day at the gym, take a stroll down memory lane.

Keep track of your progress

One of the most discouraging aspects about exercising is you don’t physically notice the results right away. Keep a fitness calendar or journal to track your progress. This way you can actually see the work you’re putting into each routine.

And remember to always reward yourself!

Summer has come to a close and we now welcome the Fall season with open arms! This is a great time of year to exercise outdoors during those brisk, chilly mornings on Kelly Drive. In order to prepare for your new fall fitness routine, follow  these tips from our fitness specialists.

1. Dress Appropriately: The fall can be a finicky season with some mornings cooler than others. You want to make sure that you are wearing the proper attire. You want to be warm enough for the conditions but wear breathable clothes such as Under Armour’s outdoor gear to help release the heat your body is producing during your workout.

2. Exercise Early: You just woke up from your 8 hours and you should feel refreshed and ready to face the day. Energy is known to be highest in the morning for most people but exercise is also known to boost energy levels for hours after your workout. Wake up, work out and you should be completely ready to tackle you day.

3. Avoid Severe Weather: We all hate missing a workout when we are on a consecutive schedule whether it be 3 or 5 days a week but please be mindful when there is snow, ice or freezing rain outside. Once the roads clear, then you should go outside or hit the gym for the day.

4. Hydrate: Even though you are outside during the cool months working out, it is still very important to remain hydrated. During the summer months, the temperature is a lot warmer which makes you reach for that water bottle but as the temperature drops so does your thirst. Please be sure even if you are not overheated to remain hydrated so that your body can function properly.

5. Workout with a Friend: Once we set our clocks back one hour, it becomes darker earlier. If you are going to exercise outside, make sure to bring a friend along. This way, you can motivate each other but it is also a great safety precaution!

The days of stick-figure physiques are a thing of the past. Strong is the new sexy and your backside is taking center stage. There are songs dedicated to it, Kardashian empires built upon it — no ifs, ands or butts about it, a shapely posterior is what women want and men desire. So, pick up your phones and deflated derrieres ladies and gents, because we are dialing in a bun burner booty call. If your caboose has taken a backseat in your workout routine, you can channel your inner Brazilian beach babe with this tushie-torching workout:

Step It Up. Elevation is key when it comes to toning your tail. To perform a proper step-up, aim for a height that allows the knee to bend at a 90-degree angle. This allows the glutes to achieve a strong contraction during the step up phase of the exercise. Protect your knees by placing your body weight onto the heel of the working leg, rather than on the ball of your foot. This concept is important to practice during any glute exercise, as it is a common mistake that leads to many knee-related injuries. Practice this exercise several times until you achieve a steady, consistent balance. When ready, further the intensity by adding free-weights to the routine.

Pop a Squat. Looking to add a little junk to your trunk? Squatting is the all-star of glute exercises because it gets the job done by zoning in on the muscles necessary to plump your posterior. There is no excuse for skimping on this exercise because it can be done virtually anywhere, and further allows for a myriad of progressions to keep your glutes guessing.

The easiest way to squat with proper form is to mimic the motion of your body as you lower yourself into a chair. As a Personal Trainer, I always have my clients practice the sit-down/stand-up sequence prior to beginning a squatting routine. It is essential to first have good form before adding weights into the mix. As previously stated, you’ll want to place your weight in the heels of your feet to activate your posterior muscles (doing so will prevent shear-force on the knee caps, which will cause knee joint damage over time). Maintain a shoulder width distance in your stance, sit back on your heels, and keep your core activated with your chest up-right. Congratulations, you just did one squat.

Kick Butt. Hip extensions, also known as Donkey Kicks, exclusively target the glute muscles and cause your bum to burn baby, burn. Take a load off and drop down onto all fours (you will need a mat or carpeted floor for this). Align your hands beneath your shoulders and extend one leg behind you to hip-height, then lower your knee until it hovers about an inch from the floor. As always, keep that core engaged and your back strong. Complete 10-15 reps and switch legs.

Amplifying your ass(ets) doesn’t have to be a pain in the butt. Implement these three simple, yet effective exercises into your weekly workout routine to transform your bum from jello to J. Lo.

The last thing anyone wants to do while on vacation is think about working out. You are on vacation to take a break from the stresses in your life. You want a little rest without the work phone calls and constant stream of emails. You want some relaxation without feeling guilty about the gym membership you aren’t using or all the calories you just consumed in your Pina Colada. But you also don’t want to come back from vacation only to find your getaway added inches to your waist! It is possible to stay healthy and enjoy your vacation with a few helpful hints!

1. Moderation– Don’t deny yourself the fruity cocktails by the pool or the all you can eat fresh seafood dinners. But do each in moderation. Limit yourself to one or two sugar filled cocktails before switching to something less caloric. Pack a lunch to bring to the beach if you know you are going to have a decadent dinner. Try to eat local and fresh fruits and vegetables to experience the cuisine and stay healthy.
2. Walk more– explore your surroundings by foot. Walk to the local market or to the restaurant for dinner. Take a stroll on the beach looking for shells. Find a beautiful mountain hike to take to get a picturesque view of the sunset. It’s not only a great way to see more of the destination but it’s also a great way to exercise!
3. Try a local activity– Go snorkeling. Take kayaks out on the lake. Rent bikes and go for an evening bike ride around town. Take a surfing lesson. Try stand-up paddle boarding. No matter what type of vacation you are on, there are bound to be new and exciting things to try that will keep you active while you have fun!

Enjoy the rest of your summer! It’s not too late to start working toward your fitness goals. We would love you help you! Call RWWC today!

Has your appetite for love made you gain unwanted weight? When we sink our teeth into a new relationship, we often neglect to mind our munchies. Upon entering the dating scene, nerves have a way of crushing any cravings for delectable dishes. Emotions have a peculiar way of affecting our eating habits, so here’s the skinny on how to avoid eating your heart out:

Competitive Eating. You do not need to keep pace with your partner’s eating habits. Chances are his/her caloric needs far exceed yours. I’m not suggesting you order a piece of lettuce and a crouton for dinner, rather be mindful of your portion size. I have heard countless tales of weight gain woes from clients and girlfriends a-like who attribute their tight jeans to non-stop, “I’ll have what he/she is having,” eating. The easiest way to gauge what your portion size should be is to make a fist. No I am not suggesting beating up your sweetie, rather mimic your serving after the size of your fist.

The Dish on Dining Out. When a restaurant advertises dishes to be “endless, bottomless or all-you-can-eat,” know that you are in for a potentially high calorie feast. While it may be a great value for the amount of mashed potatoes you are can pile on your plate, it will translate into a lot of unnecessary calories. Enjoying a great bread basket, dressing-drenched lettuce, beer battered appetizers, decadent desserts, family-style portions and alcohol are definitely acceptable in moderation, however when dining with your honey fun and food can sometimes become synonymous. Try not to fall into this trap.

Me, Myself and I. When on the road to love, we often have tunnel vision in terms of where our energy and time is concentrated. Previous priorities such as an evening run, a good night’s sleep or even time with friends, are now a thing of the past. Couples time cuts into personal time, resulting in potential unhealthy lifestyle adaptations. After a long and arduous day at the office, it is tempting to throw on a pair of sweats, watch an episode of The Office and commit carbocide with your partner in crime. Down time is great and essential, however it is important to throw some healthy habits into the mix and not forget to take care of numero uno – you! Make gym time a couple’s activity, or find a healthy recipe that you can have fun whipping up together. Plus, exercise helps you look better naked, need I say more?

A full heart does not have to translate into a bloated belly. Live your best life for you and the one you love.

For more health tips and fitness information, please schedule an appointment with Ashley!

The snow is melting, the sun is shining, and it is beginning to get warmer and warmer each day! During the winter you may have taken some time off from your exercise routine to take shelter from the cold, but here are some helpful tips from our wellness specialists and personal trainers to help you get back on your feet and into a healthy fitness routine this spring.

1. Be Realistic : First and foremost, you should always set a schedule of how many days a week you want to workout. You may want to hit the gym 7 days a week from the start, but with work, school and a family, this presents road blocks. Get comfortable taking baby-steps, and accommodate goals to your lifestyle and current fitness status to prevent injury.  A realistic schedule would be 3 days a week for 30 minutes each.
2. Team up with a friend: Surround yourself with friends who are looking to spring clean their fitness routine and healthy lifestyles as well. Working out with a friend can help you encourage each other, keep you on track, and can be the fuel to a fun fitness routine.
3. Revamp your playlist: Listening to the same tunes day in and day out can get monotonous and boring, especially during an intense workout. Check out pinterest for some new and uplifting songs that can rejuvenate your workout, and help get your body and mind moving.
4. Avoid the couch: After a long day at work, a comfy recliner may call your name. To avoid derailment from your new routine, pack a gym bag with you each day so that you have one less excuse not to get your workout in right after work hours.
5. Record your progress: Keeping a fitness and food journal is a nice way to track your progress as well as the way you feel after each workout. A journal will also be sure to keep you conscious of your daily activities and habits (good and bad) including food selections.

Running isn’t for everyone. But it could be for you, and it can be done just about anywhere, just about any time. Running is beneficial for both your mind and body. It can help to boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve your sleeping habits. Running improves cardiovascular health, aids in weight loss, and strengthens your bones, among numerous other benefits. However, running can be a hard activity to take up. If your new year’s resolution was to become more fit, running is an amazing place to start. It may seem daunting or scary, but here are a few tips to help you become the runner you always dreamed of being.

First, run at your own pace. Many experts will tell you there is a certain intensity that is most effective physiologically, and while this is true, it is not the case for beginners. These targets can be uncomfortable or impossible for beginning runners. This can be extremely discouraging. Instead pick a pace that is challenging, but relatively pleasant. As you get more comfortable, increase your pace.

Next, prepare yourself, a little soreness is normal and expected. It’s not just the exertion experienced during running that discourages many beginners from continuing. It’s also the soreness experienced afterward so-called delayed-onset muscle soreness or DOMS. DOMS is caused by muscle damage associated with unaccustomed levels of exertion. The more you run, the less you will experience DOMS. Unfortunately you have to experience it to become resistant to it.

While DOMS is unavoidable for the beginning runner, you can minimize it. In your first workout you want to apply just enough stress to trigger this effect and no more, because doing any more will only result in more soreness without resulting in any more resistance to future muscle damage.

Make your first run short—only about 10 minutes. And instead of running for 10 minutes continuously, break it up. Start with interval training. Run faster than you normally would for 15 to 30 seconds, and then slow to a walk. When you’re ready, run for another 15 to 30 seconds, then walk again. Continue in this manner until you’ve put in 10 minutes and stop, even if you feel you could do more. You may feel good now, but you will feel sore tomorrow. As you run more often, this will subside.

Lastly, give it some time. It takes about a month to start feeling more comfortable when you run if you run consistently and build slowly. Set your expectations accordingly, but don’t give up. Take a “no excuses” mentality into your first month of running. Don’t miss a planned run, no matter how much you dread the next one. If you do this, you will progress at the maximum rate possible and find yourself enjoying your runs after four weeks and no longer needing to psych yourself into doing the next run.

Good luck, and if you need help setting or reaching your fitness goals, or would like a running plan designed specifically for you, contact RWWC today and schedule an appointment with a fitness specialist.

Holiday stress affects many women through out the holidays. Your in-laws are around more often, you have to cook dinner for 20 guests, make it to Grandmas house by six and traffic is crawling. These stressful situations can increase your levels of stress hormones: cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can affect your memory and ability to process new information as well as raise your risk of depression and anxiety. But it turns out there is an easy fix.

Studies show that just 20 minutes of physical activity can help tremendously. As your heart rate rises during cardio exercise, levels of the feel-good neurochemicals serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine rise in the body. So does brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a substance that may protect your brain from emotional disorders and repair damage that stress and depression cause. At the same time, opiate-like endorphins and endocannabinoids (similar to the other kind of cannabis) flood the system, leading to a sense of well-being.

In short, a mere 20 minute work out session can produce mood benefits that last as long as 12 hours to help alleviate the stress you may have been faced with this holiday season.

Winter is just around the corner. The days are short and there is a brisk chill in the air. While you don’t have to give up on fresh air workouts just yet, there are a few things you should know to keep you warm and safe as the temperatures drop.

Here are a few tips to help you keep up your outdoor sessions.

Layers. Wear many layers of moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry as well as warm. Your body temperature will feel about 20 degrees warmer when you are moving at high intensities, so keep this in mind as you get ready for your workout. Wear a scarf or facemask over your mouth and nose to help warm the air before it gets to your lungs.

Protect your extremities. Be sure to cover your hands and have warm socks on your feet. Also, consider wearing a hat. Remember that your body will take longer to warm up in the cold which increases your chance of injury.

Don’t push it. This weather is not conducive to setting personal time or distance records. It is best to run long and slower in this weather.

Have fun and stay safe. If we can help you with your fitness needs give us a call!