Go check out my guest post on Brittany’s blog Barr & Table!
Eeeeeeeeek! <– itz me squealing in delight! I’m headed to Utah for Blend Retreat right now, and as if you couldn’t tell, I’m more than excited, I’m overly delighted! (And I’m coming up with ridiculously stupid rhymes. Oh boy.) I’ve been busy preparing for this trip, so I’m going to let Michelle take it away and motivate you with her inspiration boards for fitness!
Michelle Pino is a Spa Manager at Skana in Upstate, NY. She enjoys DIY projects, healthy recipes, exercise, and all things related to skin care. Her hobbies include crafting, reading and catching up on her favorite TV shows.
Many folks want to diet, exercise, and lose weight to have the body that they have dreamed of. Lots of people end up finding that their motivation to change for the better lasts only a few months at best. After that, the gym membership is unused and the junk food starts to fill the cabinets. A great way to stay motivated is to use an inspiration board. The inspiration board will help you stay focused on your diet, exercise, and health goals.
An inspiration board is a simple way to remind yourself of what is at stake. All that is needed for a great board is a large piece of thick paper or a cork board and some old health and fitness magazines. Flip through the magazines to find pictures that inspire you. They could be before and after pictures, clothing styles that you want to look great in, or any picture that encourages you to change for the better.
One important aspect of getting fit through diet and exercise is knowing that the change will not happen overnight. Once you realize that your goals will require hard work and dedication over several months, you can create your inspiration board accordingly. Your inspiration board should change as you progress towards your goals. For example, perhaps you start with a picture of your gym as a reminder to go on a regular basis. However, after a few months you find that you enjoy running outdoors. You can replace that picture of the gym with a picture of running shoes or hiking paths.
Your new inspiration board does not have to be expensive. If you decide to take a trip to your local craft store for supplies and inspiration, be sure to set a budget. After all, the main goal is to be inspired to diet, exercise, and stay healthy; not to make an over the top inspiration board.
Feel free to expand your inspiration board, as well. If you find that you have other goals, you can add them to the board. For example, if you are planning an event, looking to redecorate, or change your wardrobe, you can adjust your inspiration board accordingly.
Inspiration boards are meant to be a personal motivator. So no matter what your goal, create your own inspiration board. This daily reminder will help you stay focused on your goals. A well-made inspiration board will keep you focused and on the right path to success. Here’s my simple yoga-inspired board:
Photo credit: Golf Course | Tank | Smoothie | Yoga Mat | Beach Yoga
Personally, I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors and being outside. Now that itz spring and the weather is finally starting to turn, the outdoors is great place to find motivation. I’ve used it as the center of my fitspiration board. Exercising indoors can become mundane and leads to those “excuses” of having better things to do than working out. When setting your health goal, start small. Choose a goal that is attainable and reasonable.
That means you don’t have to go and spend an arm and a leg on a yoga studio membership, when you can do yoga anywhere: the beach, the park, or your apartment. The thing I like most about yoga, is that it can be done at all fitness levels. There are several resources online to get you started if you’re new. The beach is very inspiring place because of the view, sights, and sounds. In keeping with the theme of the outdoors, I would like to enjoy more of it by finding another activity to keep me outside. I’ve started taking some golf lessons at NY golf course, Atunyote. It doesn’t bother me that I’m not a pro; to me, itz just nice to be outside doing something that isn’t too strenuous!
Treat yourself to some new workout gear to help get you motivated. New sneakers are a great start, but can be pricey. Try a new comfy top in a bright color. This fun yoga tank I picked out from Athleta is not only my favorite color, but comfortable enough to wear to the gym or for the golf course. Improvement in your daily diet is where you notice the most change. The best way to start is by adding more fruits and veggies to your regular routine. As part of improving what I eat, I plan to cut back on those delicious sugary cocktails, and opt for a “mocktail” version instead. I found a great mocktail recipe from Bar10der. Makes for a fun alternative to water or soda.
Finding balance is key in making your healthy lifestyle a permanent one.
Be sure to check out Under Armour’s #WhatsBeautiful for tons of inspiration, as well!
What would be on YOUR inspiration board for fitness?
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