for a better body without making yourself crazy.
Earlier in the week I went live on Instagram to talk about the simple ass, abs and arms workouts that I post every Monday. During that live I shared these five tips.
Since the video is no longer up there (they disappear after 24 hours) I decided to post them here as well.
None of this stuff is earth shattering. It’s all pretty basic info that you already know. Sometimes you just need a reminder. So here you go…
Tip number 1: consistent routine
The more you make something part of your routine, the more likely it is to get done.
I do some type of quick workout every single morning before I hop in the shower. It’s just part of my routine. Maybe there’s only time for a few crunches and planks, but it gets done.
Mornings feel great to me, but find what works for you. Make it sustainable. And do it. Maybe set an alarm on your phone as a reminder at first.
Tip number 2: be efficient
Remember this is all about having a better body without making yourself crazy. There are lots of ways to be efficient. Try doing air squats while you’re brushing your teeth. I can get in about 60 in the time it takes my Sonicare to do its job.
Take the stairs whenever you can. Sometimes it’s actually faster than waiting for a slow elevator.
Do moves that work out multiple body parts. Planks are amazing…they are pretty much hitting everything. Something else I love is to step on and off the bosu ball while doing biceps curls with light weights. Truly an ass, abs and arms workout! The steps on and off of an unstable surface are working your ass, that same instability is working your core, and of course you’re getting at the arms with the curls.
Tip number 3: new toys
There are tons of things you can do to stay in shape without any equipment at all. Just doing some push-ups, air squats and planks…you are good to go!
But sometimes a new toy makes things more fun. I recently added resistance bands back into my workout and totally love them. Or get yourself some light weights in a fun color. to perk up your workout.
Cute workout clothes are a great motivator for me as well. I am motivated to workout so I look cute in the clothes. Every now and then I’ll splurge on something from Lululemon, but Target has some really cute stuff too.
Tip number 4: don’t eat crap
No matter how much you are working out, don’t expect to look good if you are eating crap.
Many experts in the health and fitness arena, like Mark Sisson and Robb Wolfe, believe that 80% of body composition is determined by what you are eating. It’s not just a calories in/calories out thing. Eat real food…high quality protein, healthy fats (rather than crappy industrial seed oils like canola) and antioxidants.
Scroll through this blog (or my Instagram account @happyhealthyandhot_elizabeth for some ideas!
Tip number 5: be accountable
This can mean different things for different people. If you are one of those super self motivated ones, maybe all you need to do is use some kind of tracker and you’re good. But most of us need a little more support.
You can work out with a friend…either in person or virtually. Knowing you are meeting someone at the gym or to go for a long walk is awesome. But if that’s not possible, team up with a friend just to text or call each other when you have worked out.
Signing up for a class or using a personal trainer is another way to stay accountable. After all, you’ve already spent the money, better make it count!
Ass, abs and arms all started out because of accountability.
In late April of last year I suddenly realized that I would be putting on a swimsuit in a month. And wasn’t feeling quite ready. So I called my sister (or possibly texted…don’t remember) and told her that May would be ass and abs month. Apparently I wasn’t concerned with my arms at that time.
Jen hopped on board with me and we texted each other every day to report what we had done. I thought it might be fun to share with my Instagram friends, so I started making quick videos showing what I had done. Not only did it catch on and motivate others, it motivated me to keep on going.
So figure out what works for you in terms of staying accountable. And do it.
So there you have it…my top five tips for having a better body without making yourself crazy!
Can these five tips help you feel happy, healthy and hot? You know it!
You’ll be happy because you’re having so much fun staying in shape and getting healthy. Moving your body and making better food choices will give you a better body and more energy. And a fit, energetic girl is always hot!
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