How are those New Year’s resolutions coming along? I know that a bunch of you really wanted to make it a priority to lose weight and get fit, and I’m right there with ya!
2008 started off with several cardio and weight lifting sessions, but on Thursday I caught a bad cold, so I haven’t been to the gym in a few days. Once I get over this nasty cold, though, the fitness will again be on like Donkey Kong! Are ya with me?
First up: planning my workouts. I found an old issue of Women’s Health, a magazine I love, with a cardio and weights plan, and I’ve scheduled January sessions into my calendar. Once I commit those workouts to paper, they’re etched in stone (paper, actually). No excuses. They become like scheduled business meetings. Each workout gets me closer and closer to my goal, and big goals are all about baby steps.
Anyway, last week I got a few nice e-mails from readers asking for weight loss tips. Richard Simmons, I am not (no one else works those short shorts like he does), but I’ve got a few tricks that have helped me lose some poundage in the past, and I’m happy to share them with ya.
1. Ready, set, go!
I enjoy exercise, so getting motivated usually isn’t my problem, but I do have tough days. When I’m not feeling the spirit, I resort to good ol’ fashioned mental trickery.
If I’m feeling lazy and stuck on the couch, I strike a deal with myself: I put on my gym clothes, prep my water bottle and iPod, and slip into my running shoes. Then, I stand totally ready at the door with my keys in hand. If after all that preparation I still don’t feel like exercising, then I am allowed to skip out on my workout.
I don’t know why, but once I’m all dressed up and standing in the doorway with keys in hand, I almost always think to myself, “What the hell, I’m already dressed and ready to go. I might as well.”
I’ve been using this trick for years, and I’ve never actually taken the option to ditch the gym. Weird, huh?
2. Bookmark the USDA National Nutrient Database.
The biggest thing that helped me lose weight before my wedding was understanding and tracking how many calories went in and out. When I started not only watching what I ate, but also understanding how many miles I’d have to walk or run to burn off that brownie, it changed everything. I was finally able to lose weight.
Along with reading nutritional labels on food, I started using the USDA National Nutrient Database to help me learn how many calories were in the foods I ate.
What makes the site really handy is that you can search on different food serving sizes. Say, if I want to know how many calories are in a cup of raw broccoli, or in a single stalk, or in a given weight of broccoli, the site will tell me.
In addition to providing caloric information, the site provides the minerals, fats and amino acid (protein) content of foods, but the numbers I usually look at are just energy in kcal (calories), protein and fat.
What works for me is writing down everything I eat, including portion size (1 cup, 2 cups, etc.) and calories per serving. At the end of the day I add up all of the numbers and subtract the amount of calories I’ve burned from exercising. Having the numbers lets me track my progress.
3. Buy pants that make your butt look cute.
Why are gyms so often covered in 360 degree mirrors? It’s just cruel.
It ain’t rocket science, but I figure if I’m going to be staring at myself jiggling up and down from all angles, I might as well look cute.
I walked into the Lululemon Althetica store a few weeks ago and asked the sales girl to find me a pair of pants that made my butt look “super hot” (No, I’m not making this up). She put me in a pair of their bestselling exercise pant, Reverse Groove.
It’s reversible, wicks and does a pretty good job of making my big ol’ bum look grab-worthy. You won’t lose 10 pounds on the spot, but at least a cute gym outfit makes it that much easier to stare at your bad self in the mirror.
4. Cut it up.
I have a very intense sweet tooth, and when it kicks in I have a hard time resisting my cravings. I don’t deny myself sweets when I’m watching my diet, but if I decide to indulge there are a few things I’ll think about beforehand.
First, I’ll look at my numbers and see how many calories I’ve eaten and burned. If I worked out extra hard that day, and I have the extra calories available, then I’ll have my treat. But, if I know the snack would take me over my calorie limit, I’ll skip it and tell myself that if I’m still craving it tomorrow, I can work it into tomorrow’s meal plan. It gives me a little something to look forward to.
What I crave most often is chocolate, and in particular the fudge slice cake at Safeway. When I’m craving it I’ll cut one slice up into fourths. Then, I’ll just eat one fourth that day and save the rest for later on in the week. That way, I don’t feel like I’m depriving myself, and my sweet tooth gets satisfied.
5. Speaking of shoes…
Certain activities are high impact and hard on your body. If you plan to do much running, then get yourself some good shoes. Go to a specialty running shoe store and have your running stride analyzed. A trained sales clerk will study your stride and recommend shoes that fit based on how your feet hit the ground. I first did this in 1996 and learned that my left foot is neutral (meaning that the ball and heel hit the ground evenly), and my right foot overpronates (my ankle tends to roll out). Don’t settle for shoes designed for someone else’s feet. Find a shoe that works for you.
6. Wear one earbud.
I know it’s safest to run without earphones on because you can hear traffic and aren’t distracted, but sometimes I need the extra kick I get from music. If I’m going to run with my iPod, then I wear one earbud and leave the other ear free. It takes a little getting used to, but that way I can still hear cars and traffic around me. To keep that earbud in place, I take the one I’m not using, stick it underneath my shirt and then weave it underneath my bra strap. That keeps it from flying all over the place.
7. Pick up a few workout DVDs.
Marin County floods at least a few times each winter, so I have a backup plan for when I can’t make it to the gym: exercise DVDs. I’ll do yoga or watch a dance class in my living room. It’s not the same as running four miles on the treadmill, but it’s better than nothing, and I don’t have to put on my contacts or brush my hair to visit the living room. Hell, I could even wear my pajamas.
To keep myself interested and the workouts fresh, I rent different workout DVDs from Netflix. That way, I don’t have to spend a lot of money on DVDs and can switch up my workouts. Netflix has a huge selection of workout DVDs, and plans start from $5/month.
And if I can’t make it to the gym and don’t have a workout DVD I’m interested in doing, I pop in season three of Sex and the City (the pinnacle of the series, IMHO) and hop on my portable exercise bike. Next thing I know, poor Aiden’s heart gets broken, an hour has passed, and I’m really, really sweaty.
8. Drink lots of water.
Drinking massive amounts of water helps keep hunger away (and has the added benefit of clearing my skin). A couple glasses of water before and during meals also stops me from overeating.
9. And speaking of drinks…
One quick way to cut calories is to dilute juice drinks. If I’m hankering for orange juice, I’ll fill my glass half way with OJ and the rest with water. I don’t like overly sweet drinks, so it doesn’t bother me, but if you can’t stand the taste, you can start slowly by mixing 3/4 juice, 1/4 water. Just remember that a full glass of orange juice (regular 8 oz glass) has about 100 calories, so 1/4 of a glass has 25 (or 5 minutes on the exercise bike).
If you intend to lose weight in 2008, I feel your pain. I hope you’re making progress on your goals. What are your favorite weight loss tips?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
LaurenIvy says
Hey Karen
first off, i wanna say that your blog makes my day 🙂
i have 3 favorite workout tips:
quality over quantity. instead of slugging through an hour, i’ll give a really intense 30 min (or whatever). most times, i’ll keep going, but if i don’t, at least i got something done!
this may be a little shallow, but when i need motivation (like i totally do now), i think of all the compliments i’m gonna get on a specific body part.
last, because i have health issues, when i’m struggling to finish, i picture my heart, happy and pumping, or my muscles, proud and ably working. we shouldn’t take our health for granted!
Happy workouts! Lauren
GirlMeetsMakeup says
Karen, I love your entries! Not only are they informational, they’re also a lot of fun to read.
Thanks for the great tips!
Alicia says
Thanks for the tips!!I’m trying hard to lose weight! Ahhh. The only thing that I can’t seem to get over is the whole don’t eat after 8pm thing. I always seem to get so hungry! Do you have any tips Karen on not eating after 8?
Karen says
You’re welcome, GirlMeetsMakeup. I hope that you’re 2008 has been good so far. What are your resolutions? Any fitness ones?
Karen says
Hi Alicia,
I think that I heard about not eating after 8 on Oprah a few months ago … I dunno if it’s a hard or fast rule, and I think it’s really different for everyone. I sometimes get home from dance class at 8:15 so I have to eat afterwards, and even though it’s technically after 8 I still gotta have my post-workout meal, ya know?
That said, I think that if I wanted to not eat after 8 I’d try to have my base line of calories in me before then. I know lots of people don’t like calorie counting, but it was the only thing that worked for me because I like numbers and being able to track my progress (the old scientist in me just won’t go away, sigh).
If my stomach was really rumbling after 8 and I was super duper hungry then I would have a tiny, healthy snack, like a half a graham cracker sheet or a few bites of yogurt. I don’t sleep well when my tummy is gurgling so just few bites would be enough to take the edge off.
Oh, another thing that I would do is to eat lots of fiber during dinner – like, a big, healthy salad or a large helping of veggies. Eating fiber fills me up and keeps me feeling full. 🙂 Plus, it *ahem* keeps me regular, if ya know what I mean.
Sandy says
Thanks for the tips Karen. I need to lose weight too. I need to start running again. I don’t eat after 9pm and I eat lesser. What’s bad about me is I don’t eat breakfast. It makes me puke. It’s weird hey? But I go jogging around 5pm here in Sydney. It’s still sunny around 7pm cause of daylight saving =(
Karen says
Hi LaurenIvy,
Thank you so much for popping by to say “Hi”! I’m really glad that the blog can be a part of your day – I like writing it so it brings me joy to hear that you like to read it 🙂
These are *great* tips! I really love the first one. I rotate between difficult, kinda difficult, and easy cardio days to mix it up, and having workouts that push the limits really burn up those calories. Have you tried interval training? It’s when you do something like sprint for a minute, then cruise for five minutes, and then repeat a few times. ‘Tis very challenging and sweat inducing.
You mentioned that you’ve got some health issues, so I’m sending good health vibes your way. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and hope you stop by again soon. 🙂
Karen says
Hi Sandy,
I have a friend like you, who can’t eat breakfast either. It really baffles me, because the minute I wake up I’m RAVENOUS!
Portion size is really key. I dunno how it is in Sydney, but here in the US the portion sizes are HUGE! It’s amazing how many servings are actually on your plate when you order something in a restaurant – it’s more like 3 servings instead of one most of the time.
And rock on with your running! How often do you go? I recently “rediscovered” the joy of running so I’m really into it. I got a ton of running songs in my iPod to get me pumped up now …
Sandy says
I tell you what, I can’t eat chocolate before 1pm. I would puke. I’m a very weird child =( The servings in America is way bigger than the one in Sydney. I can’t even finish the full plate meals here in Sydney and if I go there to US, I probably need to share it with few people =/ I go 3 times a week. I used to go every evening. I used to run for 30 minutes then change and swim. I miss those times. I really need to work out =(
Sal says
OOooh I’m taking notes, Karen!
I think my best tip for weight loss/getting fit is to go out there and join a dance class. Something fun like salsa or modern jazz. It’s heaps of fun, and since everyone in your class is learning too, nobody really cares when you trip over your left foot. The best part is, for something like salsa (which I personally recommend 😉 ) is that it extends to your social life too. Take it with a few friends and hit the dancefloor on Latin nights. You burn calories while feelin’ sexy and then there are those Latin dancers. Need I say more.
Mariah says
OMG, thanks so much for making this entry! I am one of those who’s trying to lose weight this year. I grew up REALLY skinny, but then when I turned 20 everything stopped burning calories like crazy. Boo. But I am totally going to get it in gear this year! And knowing others are working on it too is so inspiring!!
I was good today, foodwise, and I am totally hitting the gym tomorrow! I LOVE that bike stand!! And my boyfriend is a bike enthusiast, so he’s really psyched that I’m interested in that!
Plus, one of my resolutions is to reward myself with makeup instead of food goodies!! YAY!
Karen says
Hi Sandy,
You can do it! Just ease into a few workouts for now. Since the sun is out in the evening that makes it easier to work out (at least it does for me).
And LOL, I could eat chocolate at any time of the day 🙂
Karen says
Hi Sal,
Oh yes, that’s so true in the case of social dancing like salsa. Another cool thing about it is that you can wear cute outfits, LOL (as you can tell, I’m all about the clothes.) ;D
Karen says
Hi Mariah,
The same thing happened to me around my mid-20s. I used to not have to worry about what I ate but then my metabolism changed. Sometimes I miss being able to eat with the abandon that I did when I was younger, but to tell you the truth I ate a lot of junk food that was high in fat, and now my body feels so much better – less sluggish and more efficient.
That bike stand is awesome! The only thing is though, that because it goes on the back wheel only the bike tilts slightly forward. It takes some getting used to but it isn’t that bad. (You can buy another piece of equipment to bring up the front wheel if it really bothers you.) Another thing is that it’s noisy. I try to use it in the middle of the day, when my neighbors aren’t home.
Mariana says
Thanks so much for your tips. I posted a comment a few days back and really appreciated your response. It has helped me some because when I feel the cravings hit, I have been checking your blog and it motivates me.
Karen says
You’re welcome, Mariana! It always helps to know you’re not the only one, ya know? And ways to cope with things like cravings or not wanting to go to the gym makes it easier to get to bigger goal.
One thing that I need to do is stretch more. I’m not flexible at all, so I’m going to go to yoga classes at the gym a few times a week.
TUPRNUT says
Great entry, Karen. I needed a little boost this weekend and you did it for me.
A few things I do to keep myself on-track:
Since I’m at home most of the day with my daughter, I try to sneak in exercise all throughout the day. I may lift weights for a bit while she’s playing or get some squats and lunges in while she’s watching a video. I try to get out by myself at night a few times a week, once my hubby’s home from work – I usually do a few walking laps around the mall (it’s really cold here right now).
As far as food goes, I try to be very consistent… I usually eat the same thing for breakfast and lunch every day so that I can keep on top of calories (bran cereal for breakfast, bowl of soup for lunch). I allow a snack in the afternoon with a cup of green tea. By dinner, I usually give myself a break, although I’ve been trying to incorporate a lot more lean meat (seafood and turkey).
It’s also good to have someone you’re accountable to… usually, I tell my husband how my eating was for the day. He doesn’t get on my case about what I eat necessairly, but it helps just to share with someone what I’ve eaten for the day – if anything, saying it aloud makes me reconsider some of my food choices.
Best of luck for all those trying to stay in shape for 2008!
Mariana says
I forgot to ask you….I have so much trouble drinking water. I’ve come to the realization that unless I’m totally dehydrated, I hate it. I’ve tried mixing it with Crystal Light, adding a lime or lemon, using a straw, etc….and I still have such a hard time. I know I’m not drinking enough and it shows in my skin. Is this something you have any tips for?
Again, thanks and have a great day!!
Rowena says
Oh thankyou this is so interesting. I think I will sign up – my friend lost a lot of weight using the weightwatchers system which is similar to this, just working out calories.
But seriously I need to train myself.I don’t do any exercise at all – what is a good way to start? I’ll be honest and say I won’t make it to the (my car was stolen recently) what can I do at home?
As for eating I eat once a day…I hate having breakfast but I know it is important? I normally have one big meal a day and drink the rest of the day. But I seem to be consistent with my size and I’d really like to drop some pounds!
Maybe I need to sign up to weightwatchers too!!….
Kristen says
great tips!
another one that I find helps is to kick the booze (at least for a little while…) sad but true, there’s often tons of calories in alcohol. 🙁
LaurenIvy says
Rowena,
Congrats on deciding to start a workout routine, I wish you the best! I started at home so when i finally got out and about i felt better about myself. I have FitTV (which is a blessing!) but I like fitness DVDs too. Also, if you’re just starting out, the Body by Glamour plan is amazing, you can sign up on glamour.com, it has everything you need, I love it! They help with both the eating and workout parts of getting fit.
Good luck and don’t get discouraged!
Karen says
Hi Tuprnut,
How are ya, girl? Thank you for sharing these tips – they’re great! I really have to start integrating more exercise into my daily life, like doing squats and stretching when I get the chance. Otherwise my bum is glued to my chair and I end up stuck in front of the computer for hours. I don’t thing typing burns too many calories, hmm. 🙁
Turkey is one of my favorite lean meats. I have to find a good turkey breast recipe to try with my new crock pot 🙂
anna says
Hi!you look realy great in natural toned eyes!I was wondering if you have ever tried Chanel Inimitable mascara, because i got a tube of the waterpoof and i am not satisfied with the result, there are a lot of clumps!I don’t know how much it costs in the States, but here in Greece it is pretty expensive, so i wanted to see if only the one i got was bad, or if it is a general thing in order not to waist more money.Plus could you recommend a mascara for me?I like volumizing effect and gel texture.Thanks!!
Karen says
Hi Mariana,
I’ve read that other drinks with water count towards your daily intake, like coffee and tea. How do you feel about herbal tea? There are some really yummy flavors like peach or raspberry. One thing I like to do is boil a big pot of water, put some tea bags in it, and then let it cool. Then I put it in one of those big iced tea jugs and keep it in the fridge. It lasts me a few days and is a non-calorie drink for the times when I’m in the mood for something other than water.
Karen says
Hey Rowena,
I agree with LaurenIvy, a good way to get started is to do it at home with some DVDs. When you get your car sitch worked out (so sorry it was stolen, what a bummer and PITA!) maybe think about taking a class (like dancing or martial arts) that you like or join a gym with lots of different classes available.
When I first started exercising years ago, I started first by just running around my neighborhood for 10 minutes. I’d increase it each time by at five minutes and next thing I knew I was running for an hour. I then started to get a little bored exercising by myself, so I started doing spin classes at the gym. That was a lot of fun because I loved feeding off everybody else’s energy.
It’s interesting to me that you eat one big meal a day (I am ravenous all the time so I just can’t imagine it, LOL). Have you always been that way? If you’re going to start dieting you might want to talk to a nutritionist about your options because everybody’s body is so different, and what worked for me (calorie counting several meals throughout the day) may not work for you because your eating habits vary greatly from mine.
Karen says
Heya Kristen,
Ain’t that the truth. Mixed drinks, especially, can have a lot of calories! A better option would be a small glass of white wine.
Karen says
Hi Anna,
I used that Chanel mascara a few times. It’s pretty good, but not my favorite. I tend to jump around when it comes to mascara but ones that I do like for volumizing right now are:
– tarte’s light, camera, lashes!
– Elizabeth Arden ceramide mascara
– MAC Plush Lash
and Diorshow.
I hope you have a few of those available in your country!
Megan says
When in the past I have been on a weight loss quest, I have found a few tricks that work well for me.
1 – Find a class or two you like and treat them like appointments. I find when I do this…i go no matter what. Even when I hurt my leg a couple years back I found that water aerobics was awesome and low impact enough that it didn’t irritate my injury.
2 – Find a workout buddy. This has to be someone else committed to working out…I had a co-worker perviously that I would walk during lunch with…or go straight from work in the evening to the gym. Again…I also treated this like an appointment.
3 – Plan meals, grocery shop and cook on Sundays. In case all my entries haven’t been clear…I tend to stay pretty busy 🙂 So it has to be easy for me to stick to it. I usually like to prepare a couple things on sundays…preportion them into containers…and then at least my lunch is ready for the entire week etc. and I can just grab it on my way out the door.
4 – Turn it into a competition. I personally am competitive…so when I lose weight with others…friends, co-workers etc. I tend to be more likely to give it my all and be very good…just because I want to do the best. It’s kinda silly…but it works for me.
🙂
BY the way… although other drinks do count toward your water intake…stick to decaf. Caffeine dehydrates you…so it essentially negates the water content. I am right there with you on the crystal light – I love the little packages you can put into your bottled water. Speaking of which…I also usually try to keep a flat of bottled water under my desk and at home…I find myself much more likely to grab it when it’s handy and drink it versus searching out something else
Karen says
Great tips, Megan! I like the cooking on Sunday tip. I’m going to start doing that.
I agree with not over-doing it on the caffeine, but I do like a cup before my work out to boost performance. If I do drink some pre-workout coffee I make sure to stay hydrated before, during and after performance.
Glosslizard says
I have two weight-loss tips that have worked really well for me.
1) Write down everything you eat or drink! Even if you don’t add in the calorie info, just writing it down makes it more real somehow! When I do that I find myself thinking “do I really want to bother to write down a cookie/potato chips/whatever?” so I don’t eat it! It especially helps if (like me) you’re prone to grabbing tiny portions of things (like 6 chocolate chips or 1 slice of cheese) between meals just because I want the flavor!
2) I’ll eat what I want, but try to avoid the extra little calorie-intense sides. For example, I’ll let myself order a deli sandwich, but skip the chips I want or have a cup of coffee but only add about half the cream as usual. It isn’t a huge amount, but little subtractions like that seem to add up!
Good luck to all of you trying to lose weight! You can do it! 🙂
Christine @ 15 Minute Beauty says
Fun fact from me to you- When you drink Ice Water, your body uses up calories to warm it up to body temp. I’m obsessed with Ice Water, I drink about 4 big glasses a day, and when I was in medical school one of my attendings noticed this and told me, it’s right!
Karen says
Hi Glosslizard,
Thanks for the great tips, girl! I like the 2nd one. Skipping the chips/fries totally helps.
I hope you had a good weekend 🙂
Karen says
Hi Christine,
I read about that a while ago! That’s really cool – too bad my teeth are so darn sensitive. Otherwise I’d be drinking a glacier on a daily basis 🙂
anna says
Hi!!Thanks i think i’ll try the Diorshow, i’ve heard a lot of good things.Cheers!
kia says
great tips! so what dvd’s are you into? i’ve found two that i’m dying to try the firm (i know its old,but..) and turbojam looks like it’s sooo much fun =)
NBLACK says
Oh my GOD I am totally back on the wagon of fitness. Please let this last at least until my dirty thirty birthday celebration. I have reduced or all but eliminated all of my favorites BUTTER in excess and stupid work calories. Oh and less fried food unless I am prepared to pay for it in large quanities of sweat!!!
PS Cute butts make everyone happy. 😉
-NBLACK
Karen says
Hey homie,
Me too! If you’re turning dirty thirty this year then guess what – we’re officially been friends for a VERY LONG TIME.
Congrats on weaning thyself off the excess butter. I know it is hard. Do you have your arsenal of healthy snacks at hand? I hope so.
Happy New Year, my friend. I miss you!
Karen says
Hi Kia,
I have a bunch of hula ones, dance and yoga ones. I like:
Island Girl Dance Fitness Workout for Beginners: Tahitian Cardio Video
Island Girl Dance Fitness Workout for Beginners: Hula – Abs & Buns Video
Yoga Zone – Power Yoga for Strength and Endurance
I want to try the new ones from Carmen Electra, LOL.
Rowena says
Hey Karen & LaurenIvy,
Thanks for the tips. I have ordered a DVD now, (wow there is so much CHOICE! Salsa? Boxercise? Ballroom Style?) something simple and aerobic like. Going to buy some proper exercise pants and top as motivation (“Can’t you just do it in tights?” says the other half.)
I think my eating habits got worse from the middle of last year along with my sleeping habits. Eek. I am going to try and gradually eat a few equal meals instead of one gigantic stomach busting one because it tis a little odd…
Glamour.com? I’m off to sign up!
🙂
LaurenIvy says
Hey ya’ll!
I love the idea of having a workout buddy, and I actually had 2 when I started working out more last year, but guess what: they BOTH quit on me! luckily i was so in love with working out that i kept going..but i wish i still had people to talk to to pass the time on the treadmill 🙂
Karen says
Hi Rowena,
Sounds GREAT! (Although, I would think the other half would be stoked to see you in hot exercise gear!)
I’ve been cruising Amazon.com and I think I might get this set by Carmen Electra:
http://www.amazon.com/Carmen-Electras-Aerobic-Striptease-Collection/dp/B0007TKH98/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1199817491&sr=8-1
Karen says
Hi LaurenIvy,
It’s a bummer that your workout buddies bailed on you, but I’m glad you fell in love with exercising. Maybe you’ll meet your next workout buddy at the gym!
LaurenIvy says
Girl,
I’m trying to meet a MAN at the gym! LOL just kidding…sort of 🙂
Rach says
Hey Ladies and Hey Karen! thanks so much for this wonderful blog :]
i thought i’d add a few things that help keep me going, no matter how ridiculous they might seem.
1. when i’m at the computer, as i am now, instead of a chair i like to sit on an excercise ball, with as great of a posture as i can. this helps your balance and strengthens your core muscles
2. i have also fallen in love with stretching! every morning, i stretch out a couple muscle groups and it really gets me energized. also helps you feel a lot less sore the day after the gym.
3. for motivation, i have honestly cut up pictures of my face, taped it onto some really hot bodies from magazines, and put it next to my mirror. it reminds me how great i could look!
4. finally, if you have the time, find a sport or activity that you love. i’m part of a soccer team we have at church, and not only do i have fun while working out it keeps me motivated at the gym.
best of luck to you all!
Karen says
LOL, LaurenIvy. Dating a man that works out is a big plus, I’ll have to say. Before I met my husband I dated a few guys who weren’t into fitness and that made it really difficult to keep my workout schedule (they never understood why I would spend so much time after work at the gym!).
Plus, well, gyms tend to have hot guys, so that doesn’t hurt. 😉
The only thing to be careful of is that it can be like dating someone at work. If things don’t work out you might have to deal with seeing him every day, unless you end up switching gyms or he does.
I
Karen says
Rach,
I love these tips. I am so gonna cut my pic out and put it on the top of a girl with bad-ass abs. I sadly lack in the core strength department and that’s what I want to work on the most!
I gotta start stretching in the morning, too (sigh). I’m so not flexible at all!
LaurenIvy says
Yea, my friends aren’t into fitness so they don’t understand why i love going to the gym, so that’s a bummer. I love athletic guys, the only drawback is that I always end up looking cuh-razy when I work out, no matter what! So i feel like that kills my game a ‘lil, 🙂
And yes, if i could magically superimpose a part of someone else’s bod, the first thing i’d steal would be a set of bounce-a-quarter off ’em abs!
Karen says
LOL, LaurenIvy. Yeah, when I was single I remember feeling that way at the gym too. Plus when I’m there I’m there to work, ya know?
Do you ever use those stair walker things (the ones where the stairs actually move?). I’ve recently fallen in love with them because they totally make me WORK!
Pia says
Thanks for the tip, Karen. I’ve been visiting your blog for several days now, this is my first comment *round of applause, please*. I have a serious case of heavy bum that won’t get me off my couch to exercise. Perhaps music might help me to get in the mood again. What’s on your iPod playlist?