Do you want to be the fittest YOU this summer?
If so, I’m going to help you. We’re going to start by putting together a game plan to make sure you get to the gym a few days a week.
Exercising is one of the best ways to feel good from the inside out. If you’ve been considering working out, you should do it. I don’t know of too many things that will make you feel energized from the inside out other than exercising.
One of my biggest struggles with exercising consistently was the time it took to get ready and actually get to the gym.
One day, my husband and I sat down and I told him all of the things that were holding me back from going to the gym, and we came up with practical solutions for them all.
One of my biggest hurdles was getting out of the house early without waking everyone. I told my husband everything I needed to do each morning before leaving. After looking over the list, we came up with practical solutions to make sure I could eat, do my hygiene and have everything I needed to exercise without making too much noise.
Here are our solutions we came up with. I use them on days when I go to the gym in the wee hours of the morning. I hope they give you ideas on how to get out of the house and to the gym without waking everyone.
1. SHOWER AT NIGHT
Take your shower the night before you go to the gym. Unless you sweat profusely when you sleep, you can get away with skipping a shower in the morning before working out. You’re going to take one when you get back…I hope. So don’t sweat it.
2. PLAN AN EASY BREAKFAST
Plan an easy breakfast that works for your body and metabolism. My breakfast is protein and coffee which I don’t recommend for everyone. I don’t like going to the gym feeling full. It makes me sluggish so instead of a full breakfast, I drink a shake before working out. I thought I couldn’t workout unless I ate a full breakfast of eggs, oatmeal and bacon, but I actually prefer to eat my meal after I exercise.
It’s quick and easy to boil up some water for coffee and mix up a protein shake. I like that I feel full, but not as bogged down as I do with food. Try the liquid pre-breakfast and see how it works for you. If you feel like you’re lacking energy, consider eating a banana too.
3. USE THE GUEST BATH
If you have a guest bath that’s farther away from the bedrooms, use it. I keep a second set of personal hygiene items in my guest bath for mornings when I’m going to the gym. My guest bath is stocked with my extra toothbrush and Listerine mouthwash. After having my coffee and shake, I brush my teeth then gargle with LISTERINE® COOL MINT®.
I never worry about my breath smelling like coffee after using LISTERINE® and know my breath smells great when I greet people at the gym. Finally, I fix my hair, makeup and get dressed.
4. SET OUT EVERYTHING THE NIGHT BEFORE
This is a great habit for more than just the gym.
The night before, I set out my clothes, shoes and gym bag. My clothes go in the guest bath while my gym bag and shoes are at the front door.
Everything I need for the gym is in my bag and ready to go the night before.
In my bag I typically have:
- a light jacket
- lipgloss
- LISTERINE® POCKETPAKS®
- workout gloves
- a weight belt
- headphones
- a water bottle
With everything in place, I’m up and out the door within 30 minutes of waking up. A little bit of planning goes a long way. Give these tips a try and see how much more consistent you become with getting to the gym in the mornings.
Don’t forget to stock your guest bath with extra hygiene products. You can find LISTERINE® COOL MINT® antiseptic mouthwash and the 72 count LISTERINE® POCKETPAKS® COOL MINT® at Walmart in the healthy and beauty section. Check here for money saving coupons.
I love sharing mom friendly fitness tips, tutorials and encouragement with you. Now, head over and check out the LISTERINE® tips, games, giveaway and ideas to help you find your bold!