Wait, it’s been a year already?
I know. For the past year, the world, and specifically America, has been having a rough time dealing with this virus. So many people and businesses have been affected because of it. Unfortunately, everyone’s health has been affected by it as well, mentally and physically.
Whether it has been the gyms shutting down, the convenience of Uber Eats and Postmates, or even just being locked up inside all day, tons of people have lost all motivation to keep their bodies healthy. It happened to me, too. After the first month of quarantine, I was barely doing any physical activity and it had an immense impact on my mental health.
I knew I had to make some changes to get me feeling back to normal again. Here are some of my tips:
1. Start a routine!
I love to use my planner and write every small thing that I have to accomplish that day. It keeps me on the right track, allows me to remember things that I could forget, and keeps me motivated. Write down what work you need to get done, your meal plan, how much water you need to drink, your workout for that day, or anything else you have planned.
2. Find influencers on social media who inspire and make you feel good about yourself.
Try to stop comparing your life or looks to others who make you feel insecure. Instead, follow and surround yourself with the people who motivate and make you happy. For example, some of my favorite fitness influencers who inspire me to eat healthily and keep in shape are @jazmintheegreat and @maryanadvorska (on IG).
3. Find workouts that you genuinely enjoy!
I have always disliked running, so I choose to not run. For cardio, I go on hikes, long walks outside or on the treadmill, or jump rope. If you are a beginner and do not own any workout equipment, no worries! There are tons of amazing workouts all over social media that you don’t need to have any equipment to execute. Pilates workouts were what helped me to get strong again, and I did it in the comfort of my bedroom! If you begin to get more advanced with your fitness goals, try out different types of workouts, and even try to experiment with some light equipment.
4. If you still feel unmotivated and are nervous to start working out on your own, find a workout buddy!
During quarantine, my mom and I would do pilates and Zumba classes in our living room together. We also found a long route at a nearby park that we loved to walk a few times a week. This made it more fun for both of us.
5. Get workout wear that you feel comfortable and confident in.
I know if I’m wearing an outfit that I hate, my workout won’t go as well and it will bring my overall mood down. Whenever I’m wearing my favorite pair of leggings or sports bra and I know I look good, I feel empowered and will want to work out harder. My favorite gym clothing brands are @gymshark and @echt_apparel.
6. Ditch the fast-food!
I know it’s tempting, and you don’t have to eat perfectly healthy 100% of the time, but we all know that this food isn’t good fuel for your body. Making healthier choices is just the start to a healthier lifestyle. Look up fun recipes to make that you think you will enjoy and your body will thank you for. Also, you don’t have to eat foods you don’t like just because they are healthy! I hate certain veggies so I never eat those. Instead, I look for veggies that I love and incorporate those into my weekly meals. My favorite snacks at the moment are rice cakes topped with organic peanut butter, almonds, dried strawberries, and banana chips from Trader Joe’s.
Remember that fitness is not about looks alone. It is about feeling good on the inside. Having a healthy body is so important to our wellbeing and sometimes we can neglect that. We have to remind ourselves that it is okay to take breaks and rest days of course, but moving your body and nourishing it with good food is the best thing we can do