A Fit Nurse: Fitness motivation

Showing posts with label Fitness motivation. Show all posts

Posted by Alyssa Schomaker / Wednesday, November 11, 2015 / No comments / exercise and fitness , Fitness motivation , health , health and fitness , health matters , healthy family , healthy lifestyle , mental health , strength

Your Health Matters

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45eY8_Dpq7iXW4oucXHEQB83NARiQA_6Vwwfswz7YFyRBu7-Pss6lcLN4CJBpYmvjWygo2JVc7aOQy7qRsvGJlH26xo7RksoUyYPVBRQBZa3V50KVGgtt5UHTJAcXeODA-DBShu488pJ_/s1600/woman-570883_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Your Health Matters" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45eY8_Dpq7iXW4oucXHEQB83NARiQA_6Vwwfswz7YFyRBu7-Pss6lcLN4CJBpYmvjWygo2JVc7aOQy7qRsvGJlH26xo7RksoUyYPVBRQBZa3V50KVGgtt5UHTJAcXeODA-DBShu488pJ_/s1600/woman-570883_1920.jpg" title="Your Health Matters" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our health matters. We know that it does, but too often our emotional and physical well-being are not prioritized among our other responsibilities. We get lost in the routine of extracurriculars, work, social events, household chores, and the lives of our peers. Health matters because it greatly impacts every aspect of our lives. If we aren’t taking care of ourselves, we aren’t living to our fullest potential and highest quality of life. </span></span></div><b id="docs-internal-guid-6c2a7848-f7f4-77f2-0f1a-53bd71ad5db0" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Your health matters because it affects your family, improves interpersonal relationships, and gives you energy and motivation to live happily and fully. </span></span></div><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mental Clarity & Mental Health</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Health matters because your overall health can impact your mental and emotional well-being. A sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition can lead to a brain in slow motion. Emotions that greatly fluctuate and a brain that has trouble focusing can be the result of a bad diet. Health matters because you want to be able to enjoy each day with a clear mental state and make smart choices with confidence. </span></span></div><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Your Family</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Your health matters because it is important to your family and your loved ones! If you aren’t feeling well or if your energy levels are low due to poor nutrition or inactivity, you won’t be able to enjoy the time spent with your family as much. You might find yourself feeling quickly exhausted or irritable. Create quality memories with your family by remembering that your health matters and that your family’s health matters too!</span></span></div><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you take your health matters seriously, your children and spouse will hopefully realize the benefit of being healthy themselves! Creating a positive and exciting feeling around health will make healthy choices for your family easy and routine. Make memories outside of the house by going on family hikes or kicking around the soccer ball, rather than having “family time” in front of the TV. </span></span></div><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fully Experience Life</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lastly, your health matters when you want to fully experience life with energy, optimism, and enjoyment. You want to have the energy to create new memories and new experiences with those you love. Be grateful for a strong, healthy body and treat it well. Ensuring proper nutrition and regular exercise will keep you feeling energized, mentally clear, and ready to tackle the day. </span></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you want to create memories each day, prioritize your well-being and remember that your health matters, I’d love to help you find your motivation. Feel free to </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">contact me</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> for inspiration and advice on how to kickstart your healthy lifestyle.</span></span>

exercise and fitness, Fitness motivation, health, health and fitness, health matters, healthy family, healthy lifestyle, mental health, strength

Your Health Matters

Our health matters. We know that it does, but too often our emotional and physical well-being are not prioritized among our other responsib...

Posted by Alyssa Schomaker / Saturday, October 10, 2015 / No comments / clean eating holiday , exercise , exercise and fitness , fall , fall fitness , fitness journey , Fitness motivation , get healthy , health and fitness , healthy choices , healthy holidays

4 Reasons for Fall Fitness

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueoWmD653Isrskwt8JZOVzNML-ZxCmvT5XruXRWdYRc9I9WNu1iujhQuQgaLjpA_nfXIxqbmlpiETadLVK6gDCvcGW_5T1swDT_pxBhbnJKjTMX3P_XjrSeIY5dkoOAJVhyphenhyphenZyEM06AIWH/s1600/shoes-480217_1280+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="4 Reasons for Fall Fitness" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueoWmD653Isrskwt8JZOVzNML-ZxCmvT5XruXRWdYRc9I9WNu1iujhQuQgaLjpA_nfXIxqbmlpiETadLVK6gDCvcGW_5T1swDT_pxBhbnJKjTMX3P_XjrSeIY5dkoOAJVhyphenhyphenZyEM06AIWH/s1600/shoes-480217_1280+%25281%2529.jpg" title="4 Reasons for Fall Fitness" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fall fitness is when you start practicing healthy habits during the autumn season. It may seem like a stressful time to implement healthy habits when Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are approaching, but holidays can be a motivating reason for fall fitness! Here are four motivating reasons to work on your fitness this fall.</span></span></div><b id="docs-internal-guid-2e1b0509-48d9-a4ba-53a8-f09c6d220b45" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Look great before holiday events.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Why wait until after the holidays to get in shape? You can start now and get fit before family gatherings! Start your fall fitness routine now, shed a few pounds, tone up a little bit, and slip into a cute costume for Halloween. Get ready to wear that outfit for Christmas and that perfect NYE dress that you’ve been dreaming about!  There are a bunch of photos taken in the fall season, so why not look your best!  You’ll be happier looking knowing that you are working on your health and fitness and feeling good. </span></span></div><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Motivate others.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another great reason for fall fitness is creating the opportunity to motivate others toward a healthy lifestyle. When your family and friends notice that you are making conscious healthy choices, they’ll be interested in learning more. They’ll notice that you are looking good, and feeling confident and energized. Fall fitness is a great way to encourage others to live a healthier life. </span></span></div><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You will be less likely to get discouraged or overeat. </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Too often, people try to crash diet before events or holiday gatherings. It is not effective or healthy. Crash diets lead to overconsumption and feeling discouraged. If you start your fall fitness before the holidays, you can implement healthy habits and control your cravings and urges. You’ll know to practice portion control and what foods trigger your unhealthy habits. Start fall fitness now to set yourself up for success during the holidays. </span></span></div><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Don’t wait for resolution season.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You may be tempted to go through the holiday season with unhealthy habits. You may just want to make a “healthier life” your New Year’s resolution. Don’t wait! Implement a healthier lifestyle now so that you can work toward an even greater goal in the new year! Maybe you want to read more, wake up earlier, or learn new culinary skills. Those resolutions sound way more fun! </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Plus, you’ll feel great going to the gym in January, feeling confident in your skill set and workout routine.  There are many new people joining gyms after their NYE resolutions. You can be the one who is already working toward their goals. Start with fall fitness now, be prepared for the holidays, and be ready to take on the new year. :)</span></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For extra support on your healthy and fitness journey, </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">contact me!</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I would love to offer motivation, tips, and encouragement on your fall fitness routine. A healthier you awaits! </span></span></div>

clean eating holiday, exercise, exercise and fitness, fall, fall fitness, fitness journey, Fitness motivation, get healthy, health and fitness, healthy choices, healthy holidays

4 Reasons for Fall Fitness

Fall fitness is when you start practicing healthy habits during the autumn season. It may seem like a stressful time to implement healthy h...

Posted by Alyssa Schomaker / Friday, September 18, 2015 / No comments / exercise , exercise and fitness , Fitness motivation , fitness routine , full body workouts , gym , gym partner , motivational tips

4 Characteristics of a Great Gym Partner

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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYn1tyUlh8hB-qtyxYjldJa6m4AxmGyYAA2KmMwuO1VStt9RXwa_3vJ3aG73PoBrdYepdSPlVy7iSVtPfi-TMcD4Wi61dWSJT9kETmp4T8wIYKP9_fLwz0n6zntMCKrekdPXbW4ZemAnl/s1600/exercise-86200_1280+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="4 Characteristics of a Great Gym Partner" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYn1tyUlh8hB-qtyxYjldJa6m4AxmGyYAA2KmMwuO1VStt9RXwa_3vJ3aG73PoBrdYepdSPlVy7iSVtPfi-TMcD4Wi61dWSJT9kETmp4T8wIYKP9_fLwz0n6zntMCKrekdPXbW4ZemAnl/s1600/exercise-86200_1280+%25281%2529.jpg" title="4 Characteristics of a Great Gym Partner" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1245eeae-e0e9-c028-217e-140d8b34cde3" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A gym partner can make or break your workout. A good gym partner will hold you accountable to your routine and keep you motivated toward fitness success! A bad gym partner, however, can hinder your success at the gym. Before you commit to a workout partner, make sure the individual has the following four characteristics:</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1245eeae-e0e9-c028-217e-140d8b34cde3" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1) Reliable </span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><b id="docs-internal-guid-1245eeae-e0e9-c028-217e-140d8b34cde3" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1245eeae-e0e9-c028-217e-140d8b34cde3" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">    When you choose to workout with another person, you should expect that person to respect your time and be a reliable gym partner. If your gym partner is running late to every workout session or just doesn’t show up, it can throw off your whole workout routine. A gym partner should be able to be at the gym on time and ready to go! You should be, too. Respect your gym partner’s time so they respect yours. A routine schedule that you both can stick to is a great place to start.</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1245eeae-e0e9-c028-217e-140d8b34cde3" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2) Motivated</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">    Your gym partner should be motivated to achieve fitness success. Your workout partner should want to be at the gym, want to get stronger, and want to compete against him/herself. This kind of motivation is contagious! It will help keep you motivated and working toward your goals. If you are both motivated as individuals, together you will be inspired toward workout success every time you both hit the gym.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">    A gym partner should also be motivating. Some days, you just might not want to be there. You might be sore or feeling lazy. A great gym partner will help push you through your off day and get you feeling energized by the end of the routine! You will also be your partner’s motivator of he/she is having an off day. Make sure you both understand the best way to motivate each other! Do you prefer inspirational comments or do you prefer a critique on your form? Let your gym partner know!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3) Similar Goals</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">    A gym partner should also have a similar set of goals. If you want to do cardio and aerobics, but your gym partner wants to build up muscle, you will have issues creating workout plans that fit both of your goals. Find a partner who is interested in the same long-term goals as you. Similar fitness level can also be beneficial, but isn’t necessary as each aspect of exercise can be modified to each fitness level. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4) Responsible</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">    Find a gym partner who wants to participate in the preparation of the workout. If you are the one doing all the planning and organizing of a routine, it can become an exhausting job. Pick a gym partner who wants to help create the workout routine, research new exercises, and contribute information for a successful workout regimen. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Getting back into the gym is great and having a gym partner can greatly improve the experience. For a little extra motivation or for workout ideas </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">contact me!</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> :) I’d love to help you reach your fitness goals. </span></b></span></span>

exercise, exercise and fitness, Fitness motivation, fitness routine, full body workouts, gym, gym partner, motivational tips

4 Characteristics of a Great Gym Partner

A gym partner can make or break your workout. A good gym partner will hold you accountable to your routine and keep you motivated towa...

Posted by Alyssa Schomaker / Monday, August 31, 2015 / No comments / Alyssa schomaker , beachbody , fitness , Fitness motivation , goals , health , Motivation , motivational tips , periscope , self motivation , top 5 tips for fitness motivation , workout

Top 5 Tips To Motivate You to Get Your Workout In

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOY5dTUNA1zHG1hjE-jWOX9pfoaIKTPeUFAk-NzRd5IbQjsjKiLInhIes036A1-vMqgpZv4sJycEW3Niu2QQ7iSIgP44W8aEYe-hc-jSB9gcEyxuhCGZKylc68Kq21bWQESMhgpNyQOclG/s640/blogger-image-732867438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOY5dTUNA1zHG1hjE-jWOX9pfoaIKTPeUFAk-NzRd5IbQjsjKiLInhIes036A1-vMqgpZv4sJycEW3Niu2QQ7iSIgP44W8aEYe-hc-jSB9gcEyxuhCGZKylc68Kq21bWQESMhgpNyQOclG/s640/blogger-image-732867438.jpg"></div><br></div>
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Do you need yourself to go and
workout?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here are 5 ways that I am doing
right now to get myself motivated, to stay dedicated to the goals that I set
for myself.</div>
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First thing I
did was--I went and I got some motivational tank on! I got one that says FOCUS ON
THE GOOD STUFF and got some pink shorts! Anything motivating – whether it’s
buying CUTE workout clothes or something that you feel really good in!! make
sure it motivates you to put them on and makes you feel good about you!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNeEBQeaR-G2wEOQ5fg9YTvaYLkcvwXEUM3RvIu4ldJq_E00YD6wP5pvL2EqJO4hn_JeewWqJTtiHn7mRfbyV4l-ZtEMqB_01HyeWz4aPt5jU2_4L8GWoeP8lNsVKI7X0SEoXkambh4Wb/s640/blogger-image--1146304299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNeEBQeaR-G2wEOQ5fg9YTvaYLkcvwXEUM3RvIu4ldJq_E00YD6wP5pvL2EqJO4hn_JeewWqJTtiHn7mRfbyV4l-ZtEMqB_01HyeWz4aPt5jU2_4L8GWoeP8lNsVKI7X0SEoXkambh4Wb/s640/blogger-image--1146304299.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
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My second tip
is to FIND A WORKOUT THAT YOU ENJOY DOING! For me I like HIIT workouts and
I really love to weight train! Maybe for you, you like to do yoga or go on bike ride –
whatever it is that you enjoy doing – make sure it should be something to get
you going and designed to reach your goals!</div>
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My third tip is
to find a pre-workout energizer that you like! I started drinking one of these
energizers, it’s one of those pre-workout that’s all natural but when  I drink it I get so much energy and it’s
almost full proof that I need to work out afterwards! There are a lot of brands
out there on the market make sure it has clean ingredients. I like energizer by Beachbodies performance line. For some a cup of
coffee is a great pre-workout to use as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJNn1LWm8YBFPb_WhYpvcj89llVtIRzNFa1iHFO5mk34S65Lq3KryUKXlrDxKdu6RdQYz450UofIcHCDTQvM2EcVbOzRcBzBRnO1U9vXnDbBeEHX3o_7ujsNILg-jW-Ca6MQIW2SrdZGC/s640/blogger-image--2022308318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJNn1LWm8YBFPb_WhYpvcj89llVtIRzNFa1iHFO5mk34S65Lq3KryUKXlrDxKdu6RdQYz450UofIcHCDTQvM2EcVbOzRcBzBRnO1U9vXnDbBeEHX3o_7ujsNILg-jW-Ca6MQIW2SrdZGC/s640/blogger-image--2022308318.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
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My fourth tip
is to VISUALIZE your GOALS. I really think that the key to your success if
visualization. I want you to visualize what you are going to feel like. What
are you going to look like, what are the things that you’re going to enjoy
differently when you reach your goals? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHbUnVCfZ6yJWwKEQFcvyCXYU3ymlTCg7daUueev0i1N2Ck-ALm4GpZ3sQUB1ACneRpvfyuvWYg-bJERxarV3_F-MnmyqL-KefiW6UAaO3xZ7YBxuM4SE_Wod-3DkFJNQNRS6dUmMl9HQ/s640/blogger-image-765223509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHbUnVCfZ6yJWwKEQFcvyCXYU3ymlTCg7daUueev0i1N2Ck-ALm4GpZ3sQUB1ACneRpvfyuvWYg-bJERxarV3_F-MnmyqL-KefiW6UAaO3xZ7YBxuM4SE_Wod-3DkFJNQNRS6dUmMl9HQ/s640/blogger-image-765223509.jpg"></a></div>
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By going through this process, to really
understand that it is a journey and that there are things that you really need
to be celebrating all along the journey and not really set up yourself for
failure by setting goals that are not achievable. </div>
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So, really think about what
this is going to look like for your future. What kind of goals you want to
achieve and then break those downs into weekly goals that can make it
manageable and you can really celebrate your success and victory along the way.</div>
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My last tip for
you is FIGURE OUT what that WHY is. Why do you want to make this kind of
changes in your life? Because that’s going to create self-motivation, and
there’s nothing like a self-motivator. You can have coaches, you can have
people helping you out along your journey and keep you motivated but you really
have to have that internal jive. Have that controlling why in your life that
will keep you centered and pick you back up on days when you fall off.  Not every day is going to be perfect, you are
going to miss days in your training. You are going to eat less nutritious food
and it is really up to you to determine that that does not define who you are
or your end results.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwtfyzyj-1chxYkWfnsLnJLKxw0_DDCjzIoTbj7y3r3XgidIYIZ8hNdcVyr6rFadtyiauJV3kg4b-Px2y3x22PicXGVLHoD0gx-aVwgdgb35jNHvCrprammjT0i6uoLTN7D2E_-eu87tW/s640/blogger-image--863139991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwtfyzyj-1chxYkWfnsLnJLKxw0_DDCjzIoTbj7y3r3XgidIYIZ8hNdcVyr6rFadtyiauJV3kg4b-Px2y3x22PicXGVLHoD0gx-aVwgdgb35jNHvCrprammjT0i6uoLTN7D2E_-eu87tW/s640/blogger-image--863139991.jpg"></a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Those are my five tips for you
guys and I look forward for any questions that you have! For more, you can also follow me on #Periscope @alyssaschomaker and learn more! Cheers to a healthy life full of laughter and prosperity! </div>

Alyssa schomaker, beachbody, fitness, Fitness motivation, goals, health, Motivation, motivational tips, periscope, self motivation, top 5 tips for fitness motivation, workout

Top 5 Tips To Motivate You to Get Your Workout In

Do you need yourself to go and workout? Here are 5 ways that I am doing right now to get myself motivated, to stay dedicated to the ...

Posted by Alyssa Schomaker / Wednesday, July 1, 2015 / No comments / exercise and fitness , fitness , fitness goals , Fitness motivation , fun workout , goal setting , health , healthier life , healthy lifestyle , Summer , Summer activities

Fun Exercise Ideas for Summer Fitness

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvyL7iPs9qOejnYzJPBfdqSpTMzkodDEqrPRwA0WDPgXlKaLuWN4DjheUzr4T-P8PO3_-KGQuNsoC2b1Y4Q1X6DX1bZ-Gs4v9wZk6Q87tMAs_DfUlRgPty_QeNRFFri9X87G6z8TnsLMw/s1600/FunExercise_BLOG+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="People playing volleyball on the beach as a fun exercise" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvyL7iPs9qOejnYzJPBfdqSpTMzkodDEqrPRwA0WDPgXlKaLuWN4DjheUzr4T-P8PO3_-KGQuNsoC2b1Y4Q1X6DX1bZ-Gs4v9wZk6Q87tMAs_DfUlRgPty_QeNRFFri9X87G6z8TnsLMw/s1600/FunExercise_BLOG+%25281%2529.jpeg" title="" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Need some fun exercise ideas to keep you moving this summer? I’ve got some tips to get you started! It’s so important to make sure that your exercise is also fun; it makes it that much easier to be active every day. </span></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-38254af2-25df-f0d2-cec1-7fe11cb18fee" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Team Up.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you enjoy a little bit of friendly competition? A team sport might be right up your alley! Team sports might remind you of being on the playground as a child, but playing sports with a team can also provide fun exercise for adults! Start up a team with a group of friends or look for adult leagues in your area. Sports like basketball, soccer, and baseball might seem like child’s play when they’re not at a professional level, but they’re great workouts for everyone.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Set a Goal.</b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Running is a great exercise and an easy way to get outdoors. Sign up for a 5k with some friends, and you’ll have a goal to work toward as well as some peers to train with! Making the commitment of registering for the event makes it easier to stick with your training, and teaming up with others can give you some extra motivation to achieve your goal. You can even beat the summer heat by running in the morning before the sun gets too hot.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Keep Cool.</b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Swimming is another fun exercise, and it gives you a nice break from the summer heat. Swimming laps around the pool will get your heart pumping and work all of your muscle groups. Did you know you can also do strength training in the pool? Try using resistance bands or weights in the water for a intense strength workout. Pool workouts are a great option for those hot summer days because they allow you to get a full workout while you stay cool in the water.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>A Day at the Beach.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you’re lucky enough to be hitting the beach this summer, spend some time moving around on the sandy shores. Walking and running on sand is a great workout. The sand shifts beneath your feet as you move, so your muscles have to work a little harder. Get a group together for some sand volleyball to ramp it up.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Try these fun exercise ideas this summer! You might just discover a new activity that you love. If you’re passionate about fitness and want to share that passion with others, you should consider becoming a Beachbody Coach! Simply complete this </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/p/become-a.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">short survey</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and feel free to message me with any questions you might have.</span></span>

exercise and fitness, fitness, fitness goals, Fitness motivation, fun workout, goal setting, health, healthier life, healthy lifestyle, Summer, Summer activities

Fun Exercise Ideas for Summer Fitness

Need some fun exercise ideas to keep you moving this summer? I’ve got some tips to get you started! It’s so important to make sure that y...

Posted by Alyssa Schomaker / Wednesday, June 24, 2015 / No comments / abs , daily workouts , diet , fitness , fitness goals , Fitness motivation , fitness routine , goal setting , health and fitness , healthier life , inspiration , Motivation , workout , workout tips

Workout Log Tips To Get You Started

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVSZlCew7XcQBWH9rrNo_9Dr73WbCfldrlVZqVkG5DtjDQkYmsJHRgO4m-39PKOcCN1sIA15CkQ_Z6iNOVvQ6DMotMT1R0TjMvwvZWR5awUBp8hRR5FQ9Qoaz5nuA9MkTUpbqRvaFiTFD/s1600/WorkoutLog_BLOG+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Workout log next to a bowl of strawberries" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVSZlCew7XcQBWH9rrNo_9Dr73WbCfldrlVZqVkG5DtjDQkYmsJHRgO4m-39PKOcCN1sIA15CkQ_Z6iNOVvQ6DMotMT1R0TjMvwvZWR5awUBp8hRR5FQ9Qoaz5nuA9MkTUpbqRvaFiTFD/s1600/WorkoutLog_BLOG+%25281%2529.jpeg" title="" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A workout log is a great way to help you track your fitness and stay motivated. No matter what your fitness goals may be, a workout log can be a valuable tool to help you reach them. If you’re interested in adding a workout log to your fitness routine, here are a few things to consider before you get started:</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Benefits of Keeping a Workout Log</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the best things about using a workout log is that it provides you with a realistic picture of your workouts and results. You might not always be aware of how much you are progressing, but keeping a log can make it easier to see how far you’ve come. Your workout log can help you see what is working well for you, and also spot areas where you can improve.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tips for Getting Started</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have spreadsheet software on your computer, you can create a chart to track your workouts. Set aside some room for each type of workout you do, and a spot to track how much time you spent along with any other details. If you want, you can also include a spot in your workout log to describe how you felt after each exercise.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are also tons of free printable workout log templates online. A quick internet search will likely turn up a version that can work well for you. You can also find apps for your tablet or smartphone to log your workouts, or keep it simple and use a regular notebook. All that matters is that you find something that works for you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tips for Sticking With It</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don’t let your busy routine keep you from starting a workout log. Keeping it up to date is less time-consuming than you might think. Jotting down a few simple notes as you go is all it takes to maintain your workout log. If you prefer to keep more detailed notes, you certainly can! Make filling out your workout log part of your routine, and you’ll discover how easy it is to stick with it. You can also treat it more like a workout diary, and use it as an opportunity to reflect on your day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you think using a workout log would be a good option for you, give it a try! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and formats until you find one that works well for you. Your workout log should support your goals, not distract you from them. Remember: this is all about your needs and your success. </span></span></div>

abs, daily workouts, diet, fitness, fitness goals, Fitness motivation, fitness routine, goal setting, health and fitness, healthier life, inspiration, Motivation, workout, workout tips

Workout Log Tips To Get You Started

A workout log is a great way to help you track your fitness and stay motivated. No matter what your fitness goals may be, a workout log ca...

Posted by Alyssa Schomaker / Tuesday, June 16, 2015 / No comments / daily workouts , dance , fitness , fitness goals , Fitness motivation , friends , fun workout , goals , gym , healthier life , healthy , lifestyle , marathon , partners , workouts

Partner Workouts for Friends or Couples

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVvBkijXacq7W2pC_nysEtixD_34WOiYm1lI3CUDh_jqOoiaklAWSUvUV9eOLSnYGVreRgOgPyHeSoF68AtH0jE1jUPMo4mynekgRpXshIHE8wNFyRVR8wfKL6HA-2sSDymCWyhdATM0r/s1600/PartnerWorkoutsBLOG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Partner workouts with two people running together" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVvBkijXacq7W2pC_nysEtixD_34WOiYm1lI3CUDh_jqOoiaklAWSUvUV9eOLSnYGVreRgOgPyHeSoF68AtH0jE1jUPMo4mynekgRpXshIHE8wNFyRVR8wfKL6HA-2sSDymCWyhdATM0r/s1600/PartnerWorkoutsBLOG.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Partner workouts are the perfect way to make your workout into a fun social activity. Having a workout buddy can help you stay motivated because you’re much less likely to skip your workout if someone else is expecting you to be there. </span></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-0711907c-e8b1-492b-be46-ed9a6968841f" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you want to try some partner workouts, it’s important that both partners commit to the plan. It can be discouraging if one partner isn’t as dedicated as the other. Before you register for a class or join a gym together, make sure you’re both on the same page. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Set goals for your partner workouts that are important to both of you, and in line with your current fitness levels. If you’re hoping to run a marathon by the end of the summer and your partner just wants to get out and have fun, they may not be a great match for you as a fitness buddy. A little bit of friendly competition can be a great motivator, but don’t get discouraged if your partner does a little better than you in some areas. Stick with it and you’ll get there, too! Make sure you’re having fun together, but don’t get so caught up in conversation that you forget to exercise! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time to find a workout buddy and get going! Here are some fun partner workouts you can try together:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Dance classes.</b> Dancing is a fun activity, but, surprisingly it can be one of the more challenging partner workouts, too! Instead of a traditional dinner and a movie date night, why not sign up for a dance class instead? You’ll both get a full-body workout while you have a blast spending time together.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Bodyweight exercises.</b> You might be familiar with doing bodyweight exercises (such as push-ups) on your own, but having a partner opens up new possibilities for you. Try doing some partner squats. Facing your partner, hold on to each other’s forearms. Slowly lower your bodies as though you are sitting in a chair, stopping when your thighs are parallel with the floor. Move back into a standing position, and repeat. It’s that easy! If you and your partner enjoy that, try doing a few other kinds of bodyweight partner workouts. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Sign up for a 5k.</b> Setting goals is an incredibly important part of successful partner workouts. Signing up for an event gives you a specific goal to work toward together, and you’ll both be more likely to stick to it. Be each other’s cheerleader, and celebrate together after you’ve crossed the finish line. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Partner workouts help you get fit while strengthening your bond with your workout buddy. If you’re looking for new ways to shake up your routine, I suggest trying one of these partner workouts. Are you trying to find a fitness and nutrition plan that works for you? I’m here to help. </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/p/schedule-appointment-to-chat-with-me.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Contact me</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> today, and I can help you find a healthy routine that will put you on track to reach your fitness goals!</span></span>

daily workouts, dance, fitness, fitness goals, Fitness motivation, friends, fun workout, goals, gym, healthier life, healthy, lifestyle, marathon, partners, workouts

Partner Workouts for Friends or Couples

Partner workouts are the perfect way to make your workout into a fun social activity. Having a workout buddy can help you stay motivated ...

Posted by Alyssa Schomaker / Thursday, May 7, 2015 / No comments / cleanse , detox , diet , drink water , fitness , Fitness motivation , health , healthy foods , healthy lifestyle , massage , nutrition plan , Vacation , ways to detox your body

Simple Ways to Detox Your Body Naturally

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_REknrqZcusP2qhQ9w-cfZmXABpK7mdWOsrZriRZ64awgmxEfnLIhJnNNWbrjY4-QynJRTrimsIs-IVOCD96aEnnaUpDZqzsdA-BGOHSZvpBkegwDVrhIFo-J-lolnLmlf-MfK59yha9S/s1600/ways+to+detox+your+body+BLOG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_REknrqZcusP2qhQ9w-cfZmXABpK7mdWOsrZriRZ64awgmxEfnLIhJnNNWbrjY4-QynJRTrimsIs-IVOCD96aEnnaUpDZqzsdA-BGOHSZvpBkegwDVrhIFo-J-lolnLmlf-MfK59yha9S/s1600/ways+to+detox+your+body+BLOG.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are some healthy ways to detox your body for a refreshed start to your summer. Detoxing is a good idea if you’re looking for a natural, healthy way to try to get rid of the toxins that can build up in your body over time. Signs that you may need to try these ways to detox your body are fatigue, irritated skin, allergies, illness, swelling, menstrual issues, or trouble concentrating. Detoxing is also a great way to spark that summer weight loss goal and get ready for bikini days at the beach!</span></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-641537c5-1f6b-6a2c-ab16-51ad2a956721" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Simple Ways to Detox Your Body Naturally</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Get a massage. This is one of the most relaxing ways to detox your body. A nice, deep massage is a great way to remove toxins from the body and help relieve stressed or tired muscles. Just remember to drink plenty of water to help flush those toxins out.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take a vacation. I’m serious, vacationing is one of the greatest ways to detoxify your body! It gives you time to relax and refresh for mental clarity. If you live in or near a city, it’s easy to breathe in toxins from the city air. So, take a vacation to somewhere in the country that has fresh air for you to breathe as a way to help you detoxify. Plus, you can still try all these other ways to detoxify while you’re on vacation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eat Organic Foods. Try switching to eating organic foods as one of the ways to detoxify your body. Organic foods are less likely to have toxins since they are not grown or made using pesticides and preservatives. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Commit to water. Drinking enough water is one of the ways to detoxify your body because it flushes the toxins out. Make an effort to drink more water each day to help with daily detoxification and overall health.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Try a specific program. There are specific programs you can do as one of the ways to detoxify your body. I always love doing the </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/2014/07/3-day-refresh-results-and-30-day-clean.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3-Day Refresh</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> as part of my detoxifying routine. It uses the simple method of replacing one meal a day with a delicious shakeology smoothie. Combined with healthy eating and exercise, this is also a great way to jumpstart weight loss!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sweat it out. Sweating is a way of detoxifying, so find a way to sweat regularly. This could be hitting the gym more, extra time playing with the kids, or visiting a sauna to help detoxify. Get sweaty!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important as you explore these ways to detoxify your body. Be sure to eat a healthy, balanced diet and get enough sleep each night. Do you have any favorite ways to detoxify your body? I would love to hear them! Leave a comment or </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/p/schedule-appointment-to-chat-with-me.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">contact me</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> with your ideas, or to learn more about the 3-Day Refresh. </span></span></div>

cleanse, detox, diet, drink water, fitness, Fitness motivation, health, healthy foods, healthy lifestyle, massage, nutrition plan, Vacation, ways to detox your body

Simple Ways to Detox Your Body Naturally

There are some healthy ways to detox your body for a refreshed start to your summer. Detoxing is a good idea if you’re looking for a na...

Posted by Alyssa Schomaker / Friday, May 1, 2015 / No comments / body , cardio , exercise , exercise and fitness , fitness , Fitness motivation , health , inspiration , morning workouts , muscle , sleep , Tips , workouts

Motivational Tips For Morning Workouts

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmWUypWh6HRwOQpbk-n_TRCouaFozCiySchkJVLZuee4IYeSoMmgOyRF7ZWpIatVBut3Gjm8OcDY25DoJ9V6yS2P3Q8LcgRp0vtv19Gf-m3VK68ya_JCbswLsgmbc_1_-9C2bkowIP7P_/s1600/Morning_Workouts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Weights for morning workouts on a blue mat with an alarm clock." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmWUypWh6HRwOQpbk-n_TRCouaFozCiySchkJVLZuee4IYeSoMmgOyRF7ZWpIatVBut3Gjm8OcDY25DoJ9V6yS2P3Q8LcgRp0vtv19Gf-m3VK68ya_JCbswLsgmbc_1_-9C2bkowIP7P_/s1600/Morning_Workouts.png" title="" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Morning workouts are an awesome way to get your day started and focused on health! But it doesn’t always seem so great when you are snuggled in your bed and sleeping peacefully. So, how do you get motivated for morning workouts? I’ll share a few secrets to get you started. ;)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tips for Morning Workouts</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be Prepared</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Before you go to bed, get everything ready for your morning workout. Set out your workout clothes, pack your gym bag, and have a </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/2015/04/power-breakfast-energy-for-your-morning.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">power breakfast</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> ready. Not only does this make it easier for you, it may also help you feel more inclined to actually get out of bed since you spent the time getting ready the night before. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Set Your Alarm</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. When you are going to wake up for morning workouts, set your alarm and place it across the room where you will have to get out of bed to turn it off. You could even set it to play some motivational workout music to try to get you mentally ready right away.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brush Your Teeth.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> After you wake up, brush your teeth right away to prepare for morning workouts. The burst of mint will help wake up your senses, so you start to build energy right away. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make Friends.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Find a friend who will join you for morning workouts so that you have someone to keep you accountable. If you can’t find anyone who can work with your schedule, find a personal trainer and schedule early morning appointments.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Set a Goal.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Write down your goals for early morning workouts. Do you want to get up at 6am three times a week? Make a schedule and then reward yourself when you follow through!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spread the Word.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Make sure at least a couple people know that you plan on doing some morning workouts. That way, you know you actually have to do the workout or answer to them. Another form of accountability is always helpful!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Get enough sleep</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Be sure to get enough sleep before your morning workouts, so you feel refreshed and energized during and after the workout. Sleep is important, and not getting enough of it can have an adverse effect on the whole day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keep it Up.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> If you’re not used to morning workouts, it could be difficult at first. Keep it up! Your body will eventually get used to it and it will become easier the more you do it. Persistence will definitely pay off!</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are you trying to get motivated for morning workouts? Joining a team of </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/p/become-a.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beachbody</span></a><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> professionals is another great way to start! I’d love to </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/p/schedule-appointment-to-chat-with-me.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">set up a meeting</span></a><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> with you to discuss how we can work together to help you towards your fitness goals. Cheers!</span></span>

body, cardio, exercise, exercise and fitness, fitness, Fitness motivation, health, inspiration, morning workouts, muscle, sleep, Tips, workouts

Motivational Tips For Morning Workouts

Morning workouts are an awesome way to get your day started and focused on health! But it doesn’t always seem so great when you are snu...

Posted by Alyssa Schomaker / Tuesday, April 14, 2015 / No comments / Android , app , beachbody , beachbody coach , beachbody workouts , fitness , fitness apps , Fitness motivation , health , health app , iPhone , p90x , tech , technology , workout app

The New P90X App for iPhone or Android

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xlF1MwNzdHgICn-VuubSIGuzADkUNjAIkAy9f_4PtymN_GQWkn-VuWUlk2gvq8mv7sKLO547V5Qhwhg3xikyZrl4Uhw625KStXJFyyasuEOMv5JJTEMPeAkeYJ89Dev5row_OQ0quY6F/s1600/P90X_App.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The P90X App being used by a healthy woman." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xlF1MwNzdHgICn-VuubSIGuzADkUNjAIkAy9f_4PtymN_GQWkn-VuWUlk2gvq8mv7sKLO547V5Qhwhg3xikyZrl4Uhw625KStXJFyyasuEOMv5JJTEMPeAkeYJ89Dev5row_OQ0quY6F/s1600/P90X_App.png" title="The New P90X App for iPhone or Android" /></a></div>
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</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mobile technology is taking the world by storm! I love that Beachbody is on top of technology with the new P90X App available for your </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/p90x/id425192079?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">iPhone</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or </span><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beachbody.p90x" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Android</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. So, what can it do for you? The P90X App can schedule workouts, track progress, play guided workouts, and reward you for what you’ve done with the program.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Schedule Workouts</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With the P90X App, you can simply choose your P90X, P90X2, or P90X3 program, and it will automatically schedule all the workouts in your calendar. I love this because it’s so much easier to stay on track with your Beachbody program when you can see them on your planner every day. Plus, you can schedule in non-P90X workouts like swimming and biking when you need to change up the routine a little bit.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Track Progress</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All your progress is conveniently located in one place when you have the P90X App. You can add before and after photos to keep track of visual progress. Plus, you can keep track of how you are improving with reps and intensity to record how far you’ve come since you started the Beachbody program.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can purchase guided workouts through the P90X App. These are versions of the P90X workouts, but they are made to fit your smartphone. They provide tips and feature video presentations to guide you in your workouts and keep you motivated. The guided workouts are perfect for when you are traveling and want to keep up with the program. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Reward</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Besides a smoking hot body, the P90X App comes with rewards and incentives to keep you inspired. You can earn achievement badges for things like taking the Fit Test, reaching the halfway point in your goal, graduating the P90X program, and more. You’ll also be able to share your victories to Facebook, Twitter, and Email. Plus, you can sign in to your Beachbody account and sync with Team Beachbody’s online Super Gym to win cash and prizes for your workouts. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’re interested in learning more about Beachbody and the </span><a href="http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/official-fitness-workout-p90x-app-for-iphone.do" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">P90X App</span></a><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> for your smartphone, </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/p/schedule-appointment-to-chat-with-me.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">contact me</span></a><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I’d love to set you up with a Beachbody membership so you can get membership pricing and join the most inspiring fitness team on earth!</span></span>

Android, app, beachbody, beachbody coach, beachbody workouts, fitness, fitness apps, Fitness motivation, health, health app, iPhone, p90x, tech, technology, workout app

The New P90X App for iPhone or Android

Mobile technology is taking the world by storm! I love that Beachbody is on top of technology with the new P90X App available for your i...

Posted by Alyssa Schomaker / Monday, August 25, 2014 / 1 Comment / Fitness motivation , fun workout , good advice , good habits , health and fitness , healthy lifestyle , running

What to Listen to While You Run: 5 Podcasts to Run By

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New to podcasts? Then, you may need a little assistance figuring out what to listen to while you run on the treadmill. Here’s a list of five podcasts to get you going:</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong>1. <a href="http://www.earwolf.com/show/comedy-bang-bang/" style="color: #53b5c2; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="comedy bang bang"><span style="color: purple;">Comedy Bang Bang.</span></a> </strong></span>Many people consider this show to be a bit weird. But, it’s also unique and consistently hilarious. It’s hosted by Scott Aukerman, who some have described as a bizarre parody of a serious talk show host. He tends to invite well-known actors and comedians to the show, or comedians who make a living impersonating actors. On this podcast, they discuss work, do some freestyle rapping and play games, such as the popular “Would You Rather.” After listening to an episode of this combination comedy show-talk show, you probably won’t find yourself feeling any smarter. But, you will feel sillier.</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong>2. <a href="http://howwasyourweek.libsyn.com/" style="color: #53b5c2; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="How Was Your Week"><span style="color: purple;">How Was Your Week</span></a>?</strong></span><b> </b>This interview show is hosted by writer and comedian, Julie Klausner. It opens each week with a rambling monologue that ponders the week’s cultural and political events in a very hilarious manner. Klausner also gives airtime to the important capers of her cat. Her interviews with musicians, performers and writers are informal and far from dull. These interviewees tend to be extremely fascinating literary types and characters that are larger than life.</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong>3. <a href="http://www.stuffyoushouldknow.com/podcasts/" style="color: #53b5c2; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="stuff you should know"><span style="color: purple;">Stuff You Should Know</span></a>. </strong></span>This podcast is perfect for those shorter, 30-minute treadmill workout routines. It comes out two times each week, and provides education to its audience on diverse topics. Its entry point is that of pop culture. The recurring theme of the show is “How _____ Works”, which can be about chess, chocolate, werewolves, even castration. This show brings shock factor by discussing topics you never even knew you’d be puzzled about.</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong>4. <a href="http://www.maximumfun.org/shows/bullseye" style="color: #53b5c2; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="bullseye podcast"><span style="color: purple;">Bullseye</span></a>. </strong></span>This podcast is an interview-style program. It’s targeted to attract a younger audience with its focus on comedians. Guests are culture and arts personalities, who are interviewed by host Jesse Thorn of NPR. He’s a great curator of recommended pop culture topics each week. Expert guests bring to the show thoughtful pieces on hip hop music, video games, new novels and more. Bullseye used to be known as <em>The Sound of Young America.</em></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong>5. <a href="http://www.npr.org/programs/wait-wait-dont-tell-me/" style="color: #53b5c2; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Wait... Don't Tell Me"><span style="color: purple;">Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me</span></a>! </strong></span>This particular podcast is a radio news panel game show. It’s hosed by Peter Sagal, a contributor to <em>Runner’s World </em>and NPR host. It features contestants who take part in various competitive challenges. You’ll always get some good laughs out of it. And, playing along has a way of making your hour-long treadmill run fly by in no time at all.</div>
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article shared from fitbottomedgirls.com</div>

Fitness motivation, fun workout, good advice, good habits, health and fitness, healthy lifestyle, running

What to Listen to While You Run: 5 Podcasts to Run By

New to podcasts? Then, you may need a little assistance figuring out what to listen to while you run on the treadmill. Here’s a list of f...

Posted by Alyssa Schomaker / Thursday, July 10, 2014 / No comments / Determination , exercise and fitness , fitness goals , Fitness motivation , health , mental health , Motivation , workouts

It's All in Their Heads: The Mental Edge of Athletes Who Win

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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“When the going gets tough, the tough get going” is one way to say it. Or, as one sports psychologist put it,</span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.thesportinmind.com/articles/mental-toughness/" sl-processed="1" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">mental toughness</a><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is “the ability to consistently perform toward the upper range of your talent and skill regardless of competitive circumstances.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In other words, being mentally tough means that no matter how brutal the circumstances—whether it’s your 14th hour running through a desert in temperatures well over 100F or you’re halfway through a 400-rep workout that includes pull-ups and single-leg squats—you’re able to withstand the pain and suffering and perform to the best of your skills and talents, with a good time, high place, or even a win.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As psychologists debate the roles of genetics, environment, and learned skills in determining mental toughness, they do agree (along with athletes and coaches) that high levels of mental toughness <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20391082" sl-processed="1" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">are associated with athletic prowess and success</a>. In fact, mental toughness (or “grit”) may be the defining factor between finishing at the front of the pack and not finishing at all.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To better understand how mental toughness can help someone run through a desert for seven days straight, complete 400 grueling reps in a mere 25 minutes, or win a half-Ironman triathlon with a broken foot (yes, really), we spoke to some of the toughest athletes on the planet and asked them to reflect on how they conceptualize, cultivate, and strategize for their mental game. Here's how they manage to withstand the most grueling circumstances—and win.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Andy Scott, Ultra-Endurance Mountain Biker and Ski Mountaineer</span><img class="" height="128" src="http://greatist.com/sites/default/files/AS_Stats_0.png" style="border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; height: auto !important; width: 100% !important;" width="200" /></div>
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Though Andy Scott is not a professional athlete (no big deal; endurance mountain bike racing and ski mountaineering are hobbies for the California-based businessman), he's competed in the <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/leadvilletrail100mtb/" sl-processed="1" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Leadville Trail MTB 100</a>—a high-altitude, 100-mile race that takes mountain bikers through the Colorado Rockies across extremely technical terrain. Despite being <a href="http://marcpro-strava.com/blog/2011/08/16/leadville-100-race-report-thank-god-for-magic-pixie-dust-2/" sl-processed="1" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">crashed</a> into by another rider during the race and getting thrown off his bike and into a rock garden, Scott finished in eight hours and 24 minutes, (32nd in his division and fast enough with a earn him a gold trophy <a href="http://www.fatcyclist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3308_2.jpg" sl-processed="1" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">belt buckle</a> for the prestigious sub-nine hour finish.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As a ski mountaineer, he’s climbed up and skied down some of the largest, most remote, and challenging mountains in the western United States (like the time he climbed California’s 14,000-foot Mt. Tyndall just after a snowstorm that brought with it high-speed winds and an intimidating wind chill).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mental toughness is…</span></b><br /><span style="color: #999999;">…when you, your body, the competition, nature, or the environment has the best of you so that you’re physically tapped out and need to figure out how to pull something out of yourself… not in a robotic way—in a way that’s mentally aware and engaged. It’s not just the ability to keep moving but to keep doing it in a way that’s engaged and competitive in the environment you’re in, whether that’s competing against the clock or other human beings. It’s easy when you feel good physically. It’s when that physicality leaves you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why you're stronger than you think you are</b></span><br /><span style="color: #999999;">What you’re physically capable of in an endurance environment is more determined by your mental strength than your physical capabilities… your body can go beyond what your physical perceptions of tiredness or fatigue are. Your brain will be telling you “You’re tired. Stop.” It’s trying to stop you from killing yourself. The mental limitations kick in before the physical limitations.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">On training for mental toughness</span></b><br /><span style="color: #999999;">Visualization is a piece of the training that is incredibly important. You don’t have to do anything physically—you can be meditating or walking, anything where you’re in your mind, playing it out in advance. You’re imagining the start, the route, the competition, those points that your body is saying, ”stop,” or that you’re suffering. You’re mentally training yourself to push through those barriers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The most challenging thing for me… was the solo climb and ski of Mount Tyndall. There was a storm; the conditions just became overwhelming. Something about the winds at high altitude is just intimidating and mentally draining. The second piece of that is that I was alone; there are no external sources of support. I realized, “Whoa, there are no people cheering.” There’s a degree of self-sufficiency required. And then there’s the remoteness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">How he got through it</span></b><br /><span style="color: #999999;">It’s probably cliché, but it comes back to core faith, and for me, that’s my family and the people that are closest to me. They are actually sitting in my head, and that’s helping bring a degree of mental clarity to the situation to ensure I don’t do anything stupid. The second thing is my training and experience. I mean, in many ways the training is harder than the event itself in terms of the hours you’re putting in. No one is cheering for you. You’re mentally training for those moments and that’s giving you the reserve to be able to say, “I’ve seen this. I’ve done this; I know I can do it because I’ve been there before.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>On Leadville MTB 100</b></span><br /><span style="color: #999999;">This event is about redlining yourself over the course of eight hours. I started out physically and mentally fresh but I had mechanical problems with my bike, and crash mishaps and those things gradually took some physical and mental strength out of me. By the last couple of hours, you’re basically spanked, running on physical and mental empty. What that then results in—you climb inside of yourself. Endurance athletes have this term: “the pain cave.” You have to get comfortable in the pain cave. It’s a place of prolonged suffering. You know you’re going to experience it but you find a way to know that it’s not going to last forever.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Samantha Gash, Ultra-Endurance Runner</span><img alt="Athletes and Mental Toughness: Samantha Gash" class="media-element file-default" height="388" src="http://greatist.com/sites/default/files/styles/article-content-732/public/SG_Stats_V2.png?itok=ETvpmu5U" style="border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; height: auto !important; width: 100% !important;" title="" typeof="foaf:Image" width="604" /></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In 2010, when she was 25 years old and had one marathon under her belt, Australia native Samantha Gash took a semester off from law school to race 155 miles through the Chilean desert in the <a href="http://www.4deserts.com/atacamacrossing/" sl-processed="1" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Atacama Crossing</a>—a self-supported race in which participants carry between 15 and 30 pounds of supplies—whatever they’ll need over the course of the seven-day event—on their backs. She then went on to complete in multi-day ultra-marathons across three other deserts, making her the first woman—and youngest person ever—to complete a <a href="http://www.4deserts.com/4_deserts_grand_slam" sl-processed="1" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Four Desert Grand Slam</a>. In other words, she completed self-supported multi-day ultra-marathons through deserts in China, Chile, Egypt, and Antarctica in one calendar year.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Having run through some of the toughest conditions imaginable (race organizers describe the <a href="http://www.4deserts.com/" sl-processed="1" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">deserts</a> as some of the “driest, hottest, coldest, and windiest places on earth,”) Gash has continued her endurance racing career in events that are physically and mentally grueling, like her 235-mile solo race across Australia’s Simpson Desert, for which she ran nonstop for three days, 14 hours, and 28 minutes. To learn more about Gash, check out <a href="http://buy.desertrunnersmovie.com/" sl-processed="1" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Desert Runners</a>, the documentary that follows four runners (including Gash) as they compete in Racing the Planet’s 4 Desert Ultra-marathon Series. (Just use the code "GREATIST" for 10 percent off a digital download of the movie.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mental toughness is…</span></b><br /><span style="color: #999999;">For me, mental toughness is acknowledging that very challenging moments can occur in all sports—and also in life in general—but having the capacity in a quick time frame to turn a negative experience into a positive one.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The hardest thing she’s ever done physically</b></span><br /><span style="color: #999999;">In 2012 I ran nonstop for 379 km (235 miles) across the Simpson Desert in Australia. I did take 30-minute stops to change into warm clothes, lay down, and eat dinner. That was so physically demanding that I was delirious. The last 40 km was the most painful place I’ve taken my body and mind to.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The most mentally grueling moment she's experienced while racing</b></span><br /><span style="color: #999999;">I think China (the </span><a href="http://www.4deserts.com/gobimarch/" sl-processed="1" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Gobi March</a><span style="color: #999999;">, a 250-mile race through the Gobi Desert) was the most mentally grueling—that long stage I ran with </span><a href="http://www.lisatamati.co.nz/home/runner" sl-processed="1" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Lisa</a><span style="color: #999999;"> [Tamati, an ultra endurance athlete from New Zealand]. I felt so many things. The night was coming, we’d been going for 12 hours, it was really hot, and I was pretty injured. But I wanted to stick with Lisa so I was dragging myself and didn’t want to let go of Lisa.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I try to focus my mind on the positive of completing. When I’m in immense physical pain, I try to dull the pain as much as possible. Once the pain enters your head (as opposed to just your body), you start to legitimize ways of pulling out. I distract myself by thinking about why I’m doing it. My body and mind is stronger than I’d ever think.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mark Pattinson, Endurance Racing Cyclist</span><img src="http://greatist.com/sites/default/files/styles/article-content-732/public/MP_Stats.png?itok=ir230Dk1" style="border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; height: auto !important; width: 100% !important;" /></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mark Pattinson, 44, has been an endurance racing cyclist since 2006. He rides about 70 hours per week to stay in shape for events like <a href="http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/" sl-processed="1" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Race Across America</a> (also known as “the World’s Toughest Bike Race”) during which he will ride from California to Maryland, covering 3,000 miles—which includes 170,000 feet of hill climbs—over the course of eight to 12 days, stopping only to sleep for about two hours per night. Pattinson has completed the race twice, earning second place in 2011 and 4th place in 2013, and will take it on again in June 2014.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mental toughness is…</b></span><br /><span style="color: #999999;">It means being able to keep on performing whilst in extreme discomfort. It’s the ability to mentally overcome the brain, which is telling you to stop, and keep pushing yourself forward, even if things aren’t going well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">On training for mental toughness</span></b><br /><span style="color: #999999;">I prepare myself through my own experience—I’ve been in these positions before. I know that when things are bad, it will get better. It could take hours, it could take minutes, it could take days, but it will. It’s naturally in me. I’ve made it my mantra: “At times it’s so bad but it will get better.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>His strategy for getting through several days of competition</b></span><br /><span style="color: #999999;">I have a distinct strategy. I break the race up by the day. I know I’m going to get up, I’m going to ride my bike, and then I’m going to do it again. When I get off my bike and go to sleep for one-and-a-half or two hours, I get up the next day to do it again. I know I am going to sleep in the dark at nighttime. I think that really helps me break the event down into pieces instead of seeing it as one 3,000-mile race.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Stuff does go wrong—you can get a little lost or you might get a flat tire and it’s very easy to get down. But if you spend too much time being down about it, it can throw your race completely. I tell myself, “Get on with it. We’ll talk about that later. We’ll worry about that later.” There’s no point in worrying about things you can’t change. Every moment you’re not moving is time wasted. You just keep moving and talk it through with the crew. We’ve had lots of things go wrong. You have to keep yourself in a place that’s not a panic.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jesse Thomas, Long Course Triathlete</span><img src="http://greatist.com/sites/default/files/JT_Stats_0.png" style="border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; height: auto !important; width: 100% !important;" /></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">After an accomplished and successful college running career (he was an NCAA All-American in the 3000m <a href="http://greatist.com/fitness/15-things-you-didn%E2%80%99t-know-about-olympic-steeplechase" sl-processed="1" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Steeplechase</a>, a unique event that combines running, hurdling, and long jumping), Jesse Thomas took a break from racing to start a tech company. Four years later, he returned to running to give triathlons a try—and he turned out to be pretty darn good at it, even winning the USA Triathlon National Championship title for his age group in 2007. Four years later, in his first full year as a professional athlete, Jesse won his third <a href="http://www.tricalifornia.com/index.cfm/WildFlower2014-main.htm" sl-processed="1" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Wildflower Long Course</a>, making him the first male to win the event three years in a row. Thomas’ event is the triathlon long course, in which competitors complete a 1.2-mile swim followed by a 56-mile bike race, and finish with 13.1-mile run.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mental toughness is…</b></span><br /><span style="color: #999999;">I think of mental toughness as your ability to deal with pain and to process it. It’s your body’s ability and your mind’s ability—mostly your mind’s. Mental toughness could be the ability to get out of your body what your body is capable of that day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The difference between “bonking” and hitting the wall mentally</b></span><br /><span style="color: #999999;">You actually can hit the physical limits of what you can do, nutritionally and hydration-wise. But when you hit a nutritional or hydration wall, you bonk—you have to stop. Those physical things are kind of impossible to get through, to be honest. But I’ve hit mental walls where I’ve felt like my race is in the shit can and then somehow—through mantras, or if I pass somebody, maybe—I get this positive signal and I gain momentum, and it feels like it has some physical effect. Realistically, it’s probably a mental thing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">On the mantras and mental tricks that give physical kicks<br />In a Half Ironman, I’m out there for four hours. I can have a bad 20 or 30 minutes, come out of it, and still have a pretty awesome race. I have go-to mantras. It’s really dorky. “You’re kicking ass!” “You’re killin’ it!” I say them out loud, almost yelling them. I’ve found that the more physical you can make them, [the better]—you’re not only saying them, you’re hearing them, too, which makes a difference. Also, a mental kick that always gives me a physical kick is interacting with the crowd in some way. When I say “Thank you!” [to someone cheering on the sidelines] or give someone a high five, I feel like I can literally feel tangible energy connecting from those people to me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>On training for mental toughness</b></span><br /><span style="color: #999999;">I definitely visualize before every race. I try to divide it up into as many key points as I can. I set goals and trigger points and I try to tie as little of it to external factors as possible. So, I’ll say, “At halfway through I want to feel like </span><em style="color: #999999;">this</em><span style="color: #999999;"> and I want to make a move that increases my output by 10 percent.” Those kinds of things make me feel like I am on a race plan regardless of where I am in my overall goal.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One thing I’ll say is that deep tissue massage has become my mental training. In order for it to be effective you can’t block it out or keep it from penetrating. You have to relax as much as possible and accept the pain. I tried the same thing with my track workouts—instead of pretending the pain wasn’t there, I’d accept as much of the pain as I could and make a conscious decision that my body can handle the pain. I can make my body hurt more than it hurts right now and that’s okay. That approach has made me a tougher athlete and [made me] capable of dealing with more pain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The most physically grueling event he's ever done</b></span><br /><span style="color: #999999;">At </span><a href="http://www.tricalifornia.com/index.cfm/WildFlower2014-main.htm" sl-processed="1" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Wildflower Triathlon</a><span style="color: #999999;"> last year, I broke my foot. It started to hurt three miles into the race. I’d won the last two years in a row and no one had won three in a row, so it was a big deal for me to be there. I was battling head-to-head for the win. As soon as I crossed the finish line I was limping and could barely walk. I definitely think the adrenaline helped. Endurance athletes will be able to do that. My job is to basically process and deal with pain and I’ve spent however many hours a day for however many years dealing with pain so your tolerance goes up like crazy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Lindsey Valenzuela, Elite CrossFit Athlete</span><img src="http://greatist.com/sites/default/files/LV_Stats.png" style="border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; height: auto !important; width: 100% !important;" /><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Photo by</span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a href="http://instagram.com/hannahhayworth#" sl-processed="1" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Hannah Hayworth</a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Though it’s not an endurance sport per se, elite <a href="http://greatist.com/fitness/look-inside-world-crossfit" sl-processed="1" style="line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">CrossFit athletes</a> push their bodies and minds to extreme limits in order to qualify for and then compete in the <a href="http://greatist.com/fitness/crossfit-games-start-072413" sl-processed="1" style="line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">CrossFit Games</a>, the sport’s annual competition in which the top 51 athletes from all over the world compete in a series of workouts that take place over three days. The two winners are named the Fittest Man and Woman on Earth.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lindsey Valenzuela has climbed to the top of the sport, finishing the Games in 34th place in 2011, ninth place in 2012, and second in 2013. This means that as CrossFit and the Games have grown in popularity—drawing athletes who are increasingly strong, fast, and tireless—and workouts have gotten more grueling each year, Valenzuela continues to not just keep up, but to improve, dominating competition in her region (southern California) as well as in the Games. CrossFit fans know her for embodying her one-word motto, “Believe,” and for her infectious and spirited</span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a href="http://games.crossfit.com/media-gallery/detail/280/565" sl-processed="1" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">whoops</a><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and</span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awTjHHwVPRQ" sl-processed="1" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">war cries</a><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mental toughness is…</span></b><br /><span style="color: #999999;">It basically means being able to overcome outside circumstances—negativity and whatever obstacles you have going on in your life at the moment—to focus on the task at hand. It’s easier said than done.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The toughest workout she's ever done</b></span><br /><span style="color: #999999;">Physically, the </span><a href="http://games.crossfit.com/article/major-announcement-individuals" sl-processed="1" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Camp Pendleton</a><span style="color: #999999;"> workout at the 2012 CrossFit Games (700-meter ocean swim, an 8-km bike ride across technical terrain and soft sand, and an 11.3-km run up and down steep hills). I was in pretty good shape, but not as good as I’m in now. The workout felt never-ending.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img height="264" src="http://greatist.com/sites/default/files/LV_Quote_0.png" style="border: 0px; height: auto !important; width: 100% !important;" width="320" /></span></div>
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Photo by</span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a href="http://instagram.com/hannahhayworth#" sl-processed="1" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Hannah Hayworth</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And the most mentally grueling workout...</b></span><br /><a href="http://games.crossfit.com/video/event-summary-womens-row-1-and-row-2" sl-processed="1" style="color: #999999; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Row</a><span style="color: #999999;"> from last year’s CrossFit Games. [Athletes rowed a half-marathon—that’s right, 13.1 miles—on stationary erg machines. Valenzuela earned a 5th place finish in the event, after one-and-a-half hours of rowing]. I had tunnel vision. I took one water break and you know the game </span><a href="http://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/performance-monitors/games" sl-processed="1" style="color: #999999; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Fish</a><span style="color: #999999;">? I played that in my head and kept thinking “I’ve been through way worse.” I’d look at the screen [giant scoreboards showed each athlete’s progress as they rowed] to see how much I had done and I'd think, “I’ve already done this much, I can do this much more.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">On completing SEALFIT <a href="http://www.sealfit.com/camps-academies/kokoro-camp/" sl-processed="1" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kokoro Camp</a>, a three-day mental toughness training that simulates US Navy SEAL <a href="http://navyseals.com/nsw/hell-week-0/" sl-processed="1" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Hell Week</a><br />I tried to find the right mixture of what’s driving me—the “why.” It’s sometimes a struggle. I wanted to honor my grandfathers who were in the service, and most importantly, I wanted to prove myself wrong. I wanted to prove I was capable of more than I thought I was capable of. I wasn’t going to give up on it. I was going to keep going no matter how hard it got.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A part of what they wanted us to understand [at Kokoro Camp] is that we can do more than we think our bodies are willing to do. The body is going to be the first thing to go. At SEALFit, you’re going to hurt, your feet are going to be raw, you’re going to be tired and hungry, but if your mind can keep you going, you can do incredible things.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">On her mantra, “Believe,” which is tattooed on her wrist<br />It just means: What is your goal? What do you want to accomplish? You have to earn it. You have to get it. I say that to myself. I say, “Feed your courage dog.” Don’t feed into your fears or worries or concerns. You have to feed into your positive thoughts—those are the ones that are going to get you through.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>article shared from greatist.com by Sally Tamarkin</i></span></div>
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Determination, exercise and fitness, fitness goals, Fitness motivation, health, mental health, Motivation, workouts

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