It’s fitting that the first blog post of the year heavily features activewear because I am a strong believer in new activewear as motivation. When I think about what motivates me to workout it’s 50% mental and physical health, 25% exercise gives me energy that frankly, I need and 25% I am totally motivated by new clothes.
I know first hand if there isn’t motivation, the activity doesn’t tend to last long. After having Harlowe I quickly lost the 26 pounds I gained and when asked how I did it; I had the BEST motivation: our wedding was 3 months after I delivered her! With any luck, we will all be motivated by our own wedding one time and one time only so I’ve rounded out a few extrinsic reasons you can use for motivation if they resonate with you. *The intrinsic reasons (to look great, etc.) I think go without saying and yes, I am guilty of being motivated by them too.
Health. This one is pretty obvious but not everyone wants to be healthy (something that I’m really learning now that I am practicing my skills as a nutritionist) and if you are in that camp, that’s totally okay! I recommend everyone try to find a reason to want to be healthier ie if you lower your cholesterol, your partner will be proud of you and shower you in kisses! Whatever it is, good health will never disappoint you. Make that one important and you’ll always have motivation.
Your sex life. I’m serious. Exercise helps your body move with greater ease so that you are more limber and flexible and exercise can help to improve your stamina. Next time you’re on the fence about a workout, think about how it can help you connect with your partner and get to that live streamed yoga class in the name of better sex.
Put your workout clothes on. Don’t think about it, just get dressed – it’s the best way to get motivated to work out. It’s like when you get the dog’s leash out and he starts to wag his tail because he knows he’s going for a walk. If, like me, you’re wearing compression leggings at 5pm and have not exercised, you will want to finish your tasks for the day and get moving because those clothes tell your brain you’re working out.
Write down how you feel after your workout. Journaling helps you connect with all those endorphins and put them in to feelings. Writing them down will help you remember how great you felt and your brain will prompt you to workout again because it will want to feel that way again.
Get a group. You know how everyone is going crazy for Peloton right now? It’s not just because gyms are closed. People LOVE community. Get a friend, a partner, a facebook group, DM me! Whatever works for you!
Treat yourself. While new workout clothes is probably most universally motivating, it isn’t always a sustainable solution, I do have to say that these adidas pieces are made with high-performance recycled materials which is great to see in the activewear industry and fashion industry in general. If you are going to get yourself some new clothes, try some pieces that are sustainably made.
These sneakers are not to be forgotten about either — they’re made with Parley Ocean Plastic. 50% of the upper is textile, 75% of the textile is Primeblue yarn. They’re my favorite sneakers because they slip on so easily you can just slide them on even when your hands are full and they’re unbelievably comfortable. I need more support for a run so I wear these as walking shoes and love to slip them on for a more fashionable look too which during Covid is honestly just like this — a workout outfit with a cute jacket to cover up with. Actually, I’ve dressed like that for years now, but let’s blame Covid.
Wearing: Aeroknit bra / Highrise tights / Sneakers
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