11 in 2011 - Day 3

Day 3: Favorite Work-Out Tips

1. Set small goals along your journey that will help you reach your BIG goal.

If your ultimate goal is to become a marathon runner and you have never run in your life. Start small. Sign up for a 5K and let that be your first goal and then move up to a 10K. You don't have to become a marathon runner overnight!

If you have a large amount of weight you have to lose set goals for how much you want to lose by certain days. If you set these goals, you will work hard for each individual goal and feel accomplished when you reach them. If you don't set these small weight loss goals, you'll feel defeated when the weight does not come off as fast as you'd like!

2. Don't overdo the workouts, nobody said you HAD to go 6 times a week.

When I first started REALLY working out during the summer of 2010, I'd go almost every day of the week. I loved it, but after a while, my work schedule got busy and I would be upset with myself for not going as often. 3-4 times a week is still excellent and I've started to learn that I don't have to go every day to get where I want to be!

3. If you want to run, get fit for shoes.

When my Opa came to visit from Germany he took me to buy running shoes and the associate actually looked at the shoes that I was currently wearing and knew what kind of running shoes I needed. (Apparently I walk to the outside of my feet, WHO KNEW!) I love my new running shoes and they really do make a difference. My calves don't hurt when I run anymore.

4. Do something to hold yourself accountable.

• Write in a journal
• Join a community online, like: Spark People
• Have a workout buddy
• Tell your family how it is going
• This is one my biggest motivators. Everytime I go to a family gathering they ask me, "how much have you lost?", "how are the workouts going?". I want to have positive answers, so I have to keep working!

5. HAVE FUN!

There isn't a rule that working out can't be fun! For instance. I work late tonight and didn't feel like waking up early, because I have been so exhausted, so I am going to play Just Dance on the Wii.. If you are actually trying, you really will break a sweat. It isn't as intense as some other workouts, but it is better than not working out at all!

Have a great day everyone!!