Rachael Zarda

Before this year, I’ve never completely fallen off the wagon during the holidays and felt the need to shift my workout and healthy eating habits back into full gear in January. After our wedding, we spent two weeks in Greece, then it was basically Thanksgiving. I was sick on and off and busy figuring out how to manage a job, blog, the craziness of the holidays, and be a good wife! Naturally, my workouts were put on the back burner.

When I’m not working out, not only does my physical energy change, but my mental state suffers too. So I was ready to get back to my regular workout routine and start feeling good overall once the new year hit. I’ve learned over the years that there are specific things that set me up for success when it comes to moving my body everyday. It’s so interesting to think about how everyone function differently in this way. Zach couldn’t be further from opposite of me with his fitness schedule he likes to keep. So, I hope this post helps you in some way, but note that everyone is different and you have to do what feels right for your body, mind, and lifestyle.

Schedule your workouts in advance
I know that I’m more likely to succeed when I’m intentional on a Sunday night in planning out what I’m going to do, and when. I’ve read a lot of things about getting specific about scheduling a class or penciling in an exact time to go to the gym, but I generally just plan on going after I wake up and have a cup of coffee and that works for me.

Work out first thing in the morning
This is the time of day I have the most energy. Trying to get a workout in after a full day of work is much harder, even when I have the best intentions. Getting in 45 minutes to an hour first thing ensures that I make healthy decisions for the rest of the day. And then I have all evening to cook, blog, read, etc.

Lay out your clothes the night before
This is a game changer now that I’m married to someone who sleeps in later than me and works out in the evening instead. Anytime I forget to lay my clothes out, I have the excuse that I don’t want to wake Zach up by rummaging through my closet. Not having to think about what I’m going to put on allows me not to have to think for a few more minutes in the morning. I just head to the bathroom and put on the outfit I’ve laid out and voila, I’m ready!

Buy a few new pieces of workout gear
This isn’t always a necessary step, but if you are in a rut, it can make all of the difference to find a new workout outfit that makes you feel great. I picked up a few pairs of Athleta’s elation capris in January and they are so soft and comfortable. I can’t wait to put them on in the morning.