I was recently asked to provide some of my best tips on how to overcome the not-so-awesome part of staying fit and healthy.
You know, the frustrations that come along with having to wake up at the crack of dawn to fit in a workout, or skip the late night dinner with friends because you don’t want to indulge in all the calorie dense foods and beverages.
In the past ten years of dancing in college and then professionally, I have acquired tips and tidbits from friends and fitness professionals on exactly how to combat this.
I have always been an advocate in fueling and treating your body the right way, but also understand that situations like travel and celebrations come up and can put a serious damper in your healthy living lifestyle.
It’s completely normal, and in fact, I encourage taking advantage of those opportunities to keep you sane and on track the other eighty percent of the time.
I fell in love with healthy living years ago. I started eating cleaner and spending more time at the gym because of the tiny costumes I had to wear in front of crowds, but eventually I didn’t even have to put an effort into “trying” to eat healthy or staying active. I loved how I felt, I thrived off of the post-workout highs, and I wouldn’t still be living this way if it didn’t make me feel like the best me I can be!
Below are my tips on how to overcome the annoyances that come with staying healthy and active on a regular basis. And don’t worry… we all have them!
1. Workout when it makes sense for you and your schedule.
I have never been one to wake up when the rooster crows and go for a run. Unless I literally have no other choice.
I used to feel guilty sleeping longer and not having my workout for the day done by 9 a.m., but I eventually got over it.
I also used to teach 6 a.m. barre classes three times a week, and I really did enjoy being done for the day by 9 a.m. But, it wore me out over time and wasn’t always for me. Overall, I prefer to do my workouts in the late morning, afternoon, or even evenings.
I know what you’re thinking. And I do have the luxury of a schedule that allows me to workout when I please, but it hasn’t always been that way.
Back in the days of working full-time and dancing part-time (but more like a full-time commitment), the only time that I was able to squeeze in a workout was after work, before practice or after practice. So that’s what I did.
I already had to be at the gym, so I went a couple of hours early to get in a good sweat, take advantage of the steam room, shower, and head off to practice feeling great. It never felt like a chore that way.
Some people prefer to knock their workouts out first thing after they wake up, while others like to go to a group fitness class over their lunch break.
I change when I like to workout depending on what’s going on in my life, and the most important thing to remember is to get into a habit of working out when it makes the most sense for you and your schedule.
Nobody else’s.
2. Lay your gym clothes out ahead of time, or pack them with you.
Before I taught classes or worked at a restaurant and danced professionally at night, I worked a full-time desk job that had me nailed inside until six o’clock on the dot every weeknight.
I still enjoyed going to the gym back in those days, but after a nine hour day at work, the last thing I wanted to do after getting home was go right back out to the gym.
After a couple of months of playing “do I really need to go today?”, I got the idea of taking my gym clothes with me. If I had them accessible and ready to go, I was more likely to go straight there and get it done.
The same goes for early workouts! If you need motivation to get to the gym in the mornings, try laying out your workout gear the night before or, better yet, sleeping in it. Getting dressed is half the battle!
3. Two words: vodka soda.
I have never hidden the fact that I like to enjoy a glass of wine or celebratory drink from time to time. I have also been known to order a specialty drink if a restaurant is known for it, and choose a sugary drink like hard cider on occasion.
The problem, of course, comes when you enjoy too many too often, or out of moderation.
Back when I danced for the Orlando Magic (and in my younger twenties), I loved joining a group for late-night dinners and outings. If you end up doing it often enough, it can definitely impact your healthy living lifestyle and the best two words I learned from teammates were: vodka sodas.
Instead of wasting calories in margaritas and flavorful cocktails, stick to ordering a stripped down, simple vodka and soda water with a lime or lemon, or even whipping up a pitcher of infused fruit vodka soda “punch” at your next get together.
With all of the flavored liquor out now, it’s usually what I prefer to indulge in, and now indulging means less then 100 calories. It’s a beautiful thing.
4. Find the types of workouts you actually enjoy doing and grab a workout buddy!
You don’t have to have a gym membership to take group fitness classes. Get out in the community and try out new classes in your area that appeal to you!
Yoga, Pilates, barre, and Dance Trance are all great examples of specialty studios that offer specific workouts. I usually prefer taking a challenging cardio or toning class over doing a workout by myself, and always have more motivation to go if I have a friend joining as well.
Most recently, I tried PiYo, BodyPump and have in interest to get into Piloxing. I would love to find a gym that offers a consistent change-up in fitness classes to include some of my favorites on a regular basis.
When you find what types of workouts or classes work for you, getting to them becomes less like work and more fun. Stick to it!
5. Moderation schedule.
I frequently mention how I allow myself to eat dessert and pizza if that is what my body is craving. I never cut out a specific food from my diet (unless it’s on a short term basis like preparing for a photo shoot), and have always believed in eating everything your body asks for in moderation.
To balance it out, I try to watch what I eat and do over the days surrounding my cheat meals or even cheat days.
If I dive face first into two pounds of pasta for dinner, I am probably going to lace up my running shoes and get in a long run the next morning, followed by egg whites and protein for breakfast.
Always listen to your body and remember that most of your “off-limits” foods aren’t… in moderation.
6. Eat the rainbow.
Don’t be afraid of color! I am always adding fruit and vegetables to my meals any way possible. Whether I am topping my salads with fruit or sneaking spinach into my smoothies or pasta sauces, I try to make my plates as colorful as I can.
Hooray veggies!
7. If cost is an issue, there are plenty of activities you can do at home for free.
Running is the best free workout I can think of, and that is just one of the many reasons I think you should try it.
If paying for a gym or studio membership isn’t for you, try pinning workouts you can do at home or streaming them online.
I have an Amazon Prime membership that allows me access to tons of different styles of professional workouts!
Go for a swim, take your dog for a daily long walk, and get creative with what is around you. Try new things that keep you moving!
***
Questions of the Afternoon
• What is one thing you hate about working out or eating healthy?
• How do you combat that?
![[in our elementary school era] 🚌😭
Skyler did great walking into KINDERGARTEN with a big smile on his face this morning. I, however, was a bit of a mess on our walk home. 🥹
It’s wild how fast these 5 years with him have gone … 7 since we moved to NYC and into our apartment, dreaming of the day our kids would someday go to the *awesome* school right down our block. 🏫
That day is today, and I still don’t believe it — feeling allll of the emotions and thanking God for placing us here and for being able to trust His timing through the journey. 🫶🏼 #hbshinnyc
SO proud of you, SK - you are going to rock your first year at your “big boy school” - WE LOVE YOU !! 🩵👑](https://lifeinleggings.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
I had a period of time where I felt I had to do my workout 1st thing in the morning even though it is not my personal preference. I only do it now if I have no other option. But I really prefer later in the day and I no longer feel about it either! 🙂
Oh girl, so did I! And I still struggle with it sometimes. But, when it all comes down to it, I like to be productive in the mornings on the computer and workout at night. If I workout in the morning, it’s usually by going to a studio or class I love!
Good post! No one ever talks about the negative part of healthy living, but that’s because much of it is positive. Throughout my career changes and moves across the country, I’ve gone back and forth from having a regular workout time in the early mornings, mid-days or evenings, and honestly, they all work fine for me. It just depends on my current work situation. I love the feeling of being healthy, but at times I wish I could just go out to dinner middle of the week and indulge and not feel bad about it. I get through that by leaving my weekends as free-reign, in which I get to eat and drink whatever I want. Usually, I only end up having one or two cheat meals and desserts, because I feel better when I’m properly fueled and rested anyways. I don’t dislike anything about healthy living or being active. Except maybe the fact that getting sweaty messes up my hair, and NO WAY am I washing it everyday. Dry shampoo has been a game-changer. 🙂
Ha, sometimes I DO go out to dinner in the middle of the week and indulge and don’t feel bad about it! But like I mentioned above, I usually pair that with clean eating and exercise soon after. Dry shampoo might REALLY be the greatest thing since sliced bread. I think that saying was made for it! 😉
Love this post! I’ve needed to read some motivation like this. By biggest issue is I will eat a good breakfast, have a good lunch, and then have a crappy dinner. Part of it is being so hungry after work I’ll just eat whatever. I feel like dinner just kills the awesomeness I did during the day! Also, what are your thoughts on gluten? I have been trying to eliminate it for 2 out of 3 meals for a possible health reason but would love your thoughts on it!
Thanks! Ha I do that too. Not so much a “crappy” dinner… but if I eat extremely light throughout the day, I end up eating way more for dinner or after dinner even than I normally would. Luckily, I’ve figured it out and try to stick to an even spread. As far as gluten goes, I eat a good balance of gluten and gluten-free products. I honestly feel less bloated and more energized when I cut it out from my diet, but by no means do I eat gluten-free all of the time. The same goes for meat. I rarely eat it and when I do it’s usually turkey, chicken, or seafood. I have learned what my stomach tolerates well and what it doesn’t. You just have to listen to your body and if eliminating gluten helps how you feel, try to stick to it! Above all, I recommend checking with a health professional, but those are my thoughts!
I absolutely love this and am right there with you on everything! I def need to head the vodka soda advice though. Can’t seem to stick with that one!
I go back and forth with it! Sometimes I just want a glass of wine or cider. And there’s no harm in it. All in moderation! 😉
This is an awesome post — the tip to drink vodka soda made me laugh out loud because that’s definitely my go-to as well. It’s interesting; there’s so much about healthy living that is challenging, but because I seem to gravitate towards others who live the same kind of lifestyle, it’s a whole lot easier. I’ll go get salads for a weekday dinner out (about to do so in an hour with my trainer/friend!) or take a walk to gossip and catch up instead of lingering over happy hour. I am by NO MEANS perfect at this, and frankly, I want to live and enjoy life, but I’ve found surrounding myself with people who are healthy, positive and down with the same kind of lifestyle is really helpful!
It seems to be very popular! And hanging with people who have the same healthy living interests as you is very helpful. I love meeting friends for a healthy breakfast or lunch at the Whole Foods hot bar! YUM!
I loved reading this post and appreciate all of the tips! I love that you get a workout in whenever you can, rather than trying to get it in when it seems everyone else is getting it in.
I honestly used to stress about it. I thought I had to or something. But, I’m much happier fitting in my workouts when it makes sense now. I’m much happier!
Great tips! and I agree on the drinks.. they really add up! i try to stick with vodka soda when I can 🙂
Always a good choice! “The best of the evils” I like to say.
Sweet post! Being in college, I’ve had to learn the pros and cons that come with leading and active lifestyle, since the unhealthy options are always there! Eventually I realized that the parties will always be going on, and that there is ALWAYS a fun theme, but maybe not the MOST fun party ever.
Thanks for reading! And you just have to find what kind of balance is right for you. I certainly let myself attend fun get togethers, but also make sure to stay on track with my eating schedule and get enough sleep in the days surrounding.
Great post. My biggest problem is the fact that I love beer. Good beer. The beer that has calories. Darn! I have to work around that and make sure that I am burning enough so that I can have my beloved beer. LOL.
I’ve actually never really cared for beer. I guess that’s a blessing. It seems like you have a great way to balance it!
Thank you for sharing! I love working out and I think I have more workout clothes than normal clothes..which means having to double my laundry duties! And please lets not talk about messy, sweaty hair! 😉
Oh I for sure do! Finding something in my closet that isn’t spandex or workout related is a diamond in the rough! 😉
I’m with you on not restricting my diet. I go through phases where I crave bad foods, but I always come back to eating healthier because I feel better when I do. Plus, the minute I say that I can’t have something, it is all I want. I lasted 1 day on Atkins before I wanted a cheeseburger and fries! 🙂
Woo hoo! And you’re so right. The minute I say “no carbs” I want all the pizza and pastas. 😉
These are great tips! I definitely use the wearing my workout clothes to bed one. If I don’t work out in the AM, I usually lose energy and motivation by the PM. Love the vodka soda too! haha I’m not real savvy with the alcoholic beverages, so when we go out I usually order something off the drink menu which I know usually has wayyyyy more sugar and calories than I need. I’ll try a vodka soda next time! My biggest trial with living a healthy lifestyle is trying to get my husband on the same page. I don’t necessarily want him to eat the same things and workout as much as I do, I’d just like him to be a little conscious of his health. Plus, sometimes I feel bad going to the gym if he’s home because it’s time I’m spending away from him. He doesn’t try to make me feel this way, I just do. I know lifestyle change has to be a personal decision and I can’t change him, so I just invite him along to the gym periodically and try to make healthy meals and snacks so there’s good food around the house for him to eat.
It’s a great trick! I always did that when I used to teach sunrise classes. Scott’s always been into working out, but has come a long way with eating healthier. Over the past five years or so, he’s finally acquired a taste for some of my substitutions. Some, not ALL of them. 😉
Loved this blog post!! Probably one of my favorites since I’ve been reading 🙂 Also loved the tip about vodka soda – so useful!