There’s no arguing that daily physical activity makes everything brighter, and who is better suited to share motivational tips thank 4 fitness pros. For me, when I start my day off with some sort of exercise, it sets the tone for the rest of the day. It’s not only good for my physical health, but for my mental health as well, especially these days, when we are at home, and perhaps a bit more stressed and anxious than usual.
I’ve been trying to get in 4 workouts per week and on the remaining days, I make an effort to take a walk around my neighborhood, even if it’s for 20 minutes.
So how do I stay motivated?
I schedule my workouts a week in advance, yes even as I social distance at home, and I get dressed in workout gear even at home, yes, even though I see no one. I know this sounds crazy but wearing coordinating fitness wear that I feel good in, makes me feel even better and is an added motivator.
I used to pretty much work out with one trainer and that was it. A few months ago, I decided to branch out and try different workouts. Variety is the spice of life and the different workouts have definitely made me excited to work out more often.
Speaking of different workouts and trainers, I’ve reached out to 4 fabulous different fitness instructors who I currently train with for a Q & A on how to stay motivated, especially during our current climate.
Meet Fleur Maxwell of Body By Fleur, who teaches low impact, functional sculpting, Norma Tannenbaum who teaches pilates, Carolyn Kaschak, who is a trainer and Maya Sank of Maya Moves who teaches dance cardio.
Before you read ahead, I’d like to share the quote that I live by when I reallllllyyyyyy don’t want to work out and would just prefer to stay in bed – “I regretted this workout said no one ever”
Meet Fleur Maxwell
How are you keeping your clients motivated to work out now that we are doing so (or at least trying to) remotely?
Fleur Maxwell: I try to share the same philosophy I practice. One does not always feel like working out, but you never regret a workout. The rewards one gets from being active are innumerable and especially during this time it is important to stay active, stick to a routine, and keep moving. I am very lucky to have many wonderful clients who feel the same. And right now it’s the perfect opportunity to focus on one’s health and wellness.
Please share 3 brief tips that your clients can use to motivate themselves to workout?
FM: 1. Start small. Aim to introduce workouts/ exercises that are achievable and build up slowly. Be mindful of your fitness level and don’t overdo it. The last thing anyone wants is to be sore for days and then not move again. A few minutes everyday can makes a big difference. It’s all about consistency.
2. Make it easy. Try and make a space for your workouts, get organized with whatever materials you have. You are much more likely to exercise if the equipment is right in front of you.
3. Move with a friend. It helps make exercising more enjoyable when you have someone to do it with. Even during this current pandemic you can workout via zoom or do the same IG Live workouts together and it helps keep you accountable.
4. Get out of your sweatpants from time to time and wear normal clothes
What essential pieces of fitness equipment do you recommend your clients have at home?
Resistance Exercise Bands
Mini Exercise Barre Ball
Bala Weighted Bangle Set
Shop Body By Fleur’s fitness equipment recommendations here:
Can you offer an inspirational quote to share for those days we would rather stay under the covers than hit the mat?
FM: Some days one just doesn’t want to move, and that’s ok. It’s also important to listen to one’s body. But I know from personal experience that I always feel better after exercising. The first 10 minutes are the hardest but once that’s over I want to keep going and often achieve more than I thought possible. Any type of movement is better than none, it all counts. On days where you want to stay in bed, try just dancing around for 5min to your favorite song.
Meet Norma Tannenbaum
How are you keeping your clients motivated to work out now that we are doing so (or at least trying to) remotely?
Norma Tannenbaum: Structure your day and set aside at least 20 min to an hour for yourself to workout. Write down a schedule and prioritize. My suggestion is to do this first thing in the morning within 2 hours of waking up. For ultimate energy, have a little bit of caffeine of your choice an hour before the workout with a light snack to stabilize your blood sugar. If you are too hungry, you will not have enough energy to work out and you will most likely overeat after the workout is over (I do a cup of coffee, a cup of Kashi Go Lean flakes with almond milk and a half banana).
Please share 3 brief tips that your clients can use to motivate themselves to workout?
NT: 1. Find a quiet spot in your home where you can work out and make that your workout spot. Make it cozy and keep your props there so you can easily access it on a daily basis.
2. Wear your favorite most flattering workout outfits and get dressed as if you were still going out to the gym. If you feel good in your own skin, you will have a better workout!
3. Make sure to hydrate and keep your favorite water brands in your home. I am obsessed with Fiji water and I need to have that in order to have my best workout.
4. Make a great playlist if you are working out on your own the night before!
5. Think of your favorite breakfast as a post-workout meal that you never had time to prepare until now and let your workouts motivate you to enjoy them even more.
What essential pieces of fitness equipment do you recommend your clients have at home?
Bala Weighted Bangle Set
Mini Exercise Ball
Resistance Exercise Bands
Stamina AeroPilates Magic Circle
Flex Disc (use code NormaTannenbaum)
Smart Rope
Shop Norma Tannenbaum’s essential workout equipment here:
Can you offer an inspirational quote to share for those days we would rather stay under the covers than hit the mat?
NT: Since I am a pilates nerd, I will quote Joseph himself who says it all in a nutshell: “ It’s better to be tired from physical exertions than to be fatigued by the poisons generated by nervousness while lying awake”
Here’s another quote: “Change happens through movement and movement heals”
Meet Carolyn Kaschak
How are you keeping your clients motivated to work out now that we are doing so remotely?
Carolyn Kaschak: I tell them their life depends on it. We know this virus directly affects those with pre-existing health issues, many of which are a result of lifestyle. If ever there was a time to get or stay in shape, it’s now.
Please share 3 brief tips that your clients can use to motivate themselves to workout.
CK: 1. Sit down, close your eyes, and envision how you want to look and feel. Then, write down 5 realistic goals you want to achieve within the next 30 days. Example: “I want to run a sub-9 minute mile effortlessly.”
2. Buy new and sexy workout attire. It’s always trouble when clients start wearing “cozy” pants and shirts.
3. Follow people whose aesthetics or physique inspires you and get GOOD music.
What essential pieces of fitness equipment do you recommend your clients have at home?
Physical Therapy Bands
Stability Trideer Exercise Ball
Dumbells Deluxe Vinyl Coated Hand Weights
Shop Carolyn Kaschak essential fitness equipment here:
Can you offer an inspirational quote to share for those we would rather stay under the covers than hit the mat?
CK: No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and never give up.”
Meet Maya Sank
How are you keeping your clients motivated to work out now that we are doing so (or at least trying to) remotely?
Maya Sank: I like to remind my clients that dancing & learning choreography is a mental exercise as much as it is physical. It’s important to take some time out of your day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes, to get up and move or do something different to stay motivated throughout this time.
Please share 3 brief tips that your clients can use to motivate themselves to workout?
MS: 1. Dancing is the best cardio – my advice would be to pick two of your favorite upbeat songs and dance the entire time. It doesn’t have to be pretty or choreographed, just find your groove and move!
2. Find a friend to join you! Either stream the class through Zoom together or plan a private lesson. It’ll help with accountability and is way more fun getting through a tough workout alone!
3. Don’t put pressure on this time at home to switch up your usual routine. Find a workout that makes you feel good and stick to it without being distracted by all that’s offered.
What essential pieces of fitness equipment do you recommend your clients have at home?
MS: Although my classes usually don’t require equipment, when I teach Sculpt at Fithouse, I use light weights. I recommend using 2-3lbs like these.
Can you offer an inspirational quote to share for those days we would rather stay under the covers than hit the mat?
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there. “
– Theodore Roosevelt
Shop all fitness equipment here:
I loved reading this! I’m about to work our right now so this was a little extra push!
I can always use a bit of motivation! So happy I inspired!
Enjoyed reading about the people that inspire you to work out. Its so hard getting motivated to workout at home. Scheduling in for the week helps. And yes!! First thing in the morning.
Thanks! Enjoyed reading.
So happy you enjoyed the post!