workout survival: how to prepare and the right [what?!] to wear

As I was working out today, I found myself inspired to share my first real blog post! Working out has become a regular thing for me lately but it took a lot to get me here. Not too long ago, I had come to a point where I was willing to try any weight loss thing before exercising because, well, I'm a lazy girl. I was introduced to a new gym by some friends and my post-workout endorphins made me sign up immediately after that one trial class (darn body chemicals). It was hard for me to get into a regular routine at first but I started to figure out ways to make it easier to get to the gym and survive a hard workout. Using these little 'workout hacks' helped me get to a point where I have actually seen my body change for the better - something that I haven't experienced since my early college days (ew i feel old).

ANYWAY, I'll get to the good stuff - the list! I'm no fitness expert but these little things have really helped my personal workout routine and maybe some of these will help you too! 

1. Eating before Exercising..

Trick title - don't do it! I'm not saying you should starve or anything but eating a meal too close to your workout can lead to regret - I learned this the hard way. If you plan on working out hard, try not to eat anything significant within 1-2 hours of starting or you may find yourself feeling sick just as you'e starting to get really into it. If you plan on working out first thing in the morning, try a fasted workout (bye bye body fat). For a lighter workout, try a light snack. Basically the point here is to avoid working out right after a full meal - your stomach will thank you (and so will the gym staff). This being said, try to eat something [healthy] soon after! Side note: don't listen to me if you have some sort of medical condition that requires you to eat when you exercise..

2. Hydrate!

I mean, duh, but hear me out. As you're getting dressed to go to the gym, keep a glass of water close by. You may get waterlogged if you chug a huge amount of water right before your workout (if you're anything like me) but if you drink gradually leading up to your work out, you'll get that perfect amount of hydration without feeling like a water balloon. A few weeks ago I woke up JUST in time for my work out class and in my rush I didn't even get the chance to grab a water bottle. I learned this little hydration tip when my calves cramped up during cardio - ouch!

3. What to wear..

I know, I know - this is the gym not a fashion show. That's not where I was going! There is one thing that will ruin a workout for anyone and that is discomfort. Something else that'll ruin a workout for anyone like me is feeling self-conscious about the way you look. Comfort should definitely be a priority. Running shorts are adorable but boy do they ride up in between my thighs when I'm trying to run (my thighs aren't the smallest). Because of this, I will personally never wear shorts to workout. If you find that some article of clothing is a hindrance on what you're trying to get done, avoid it! I also need to mention my little teaser ([what?!]) in the title of this post - underwear! Wearing the wrong underwear will just KILL a workout. Whether they're sliding down or giving you a major wedgie, trying to discreetly fix them will be all you can think about. Try to go for something not-so-loose. As for the self-conscious thing, my workout goes from 100 to 0 when I look over to the mirror and think "who let me out looking like this." Wearing something that I feel good in - both in comfort and confidence - always helps make my workout better. 

4. Keep these handy

-sweat towel

-big ol' water bottle

That's it! I workout in a small group/training class setting so music is provided by the coach. Keeping my phone in a locker really helps me stay focused. In that locker I'll also keep a gym bag filled with things like body splash and face wipes for after.

5. Figure out the time that works for you *big one*

My work schedule is kind of all over the place because it's different every week. Because of this, I've kind of been forced to try a bunch of different times of the day to work out. I accidentally found out that (despite the fact that I am not a morning person) I do best in the mornings and horribly in the afternoons. I majorly recommend trying to exercise at different times of the day - before work, after work, morning, evening, etc. You may find that, even though you've been trying to go before work, you actually do better when you go after work, or vice versa. 

6. Never forget those #goals

You're working out for a reason! Whatever it is, keep it in mind when your workout gets really hard and use it to push through. When I get to that point of discomfort where I feel like I can't go on, I think of all the cute bikinis I hope to wear this summer and - as cheesy as it seems - it really helps me power through the tough parts! 

Ok I know this was ridiculously long but I really wanted to share the details! Although drinking water and putting your hair in a bun are dumb little things that we barely give any thought to, they have truly made a difference in helping me get the most out of my work outs. I hope this will help you out too - or at least entertain you for however many years it takes you to read it..