2017 is really underway and you’re working to hold true to your New Year’s Resolution of getting in your best shape ever.  Maybe you hit the gym hard after the holidays, but now its February and that “New Year, New Me” drive is starting to fizzle out.  Or, maybe January was a little too soon to fully commit to the extreme workout regimen you had intended, so instead you just didn’t really start at all.  Don’t worry, it’s never too late to get into a new fitness routine.  Here’s a couple pointers on how to start one that you can stick with for the long run, and help you make your health kick into an overall healthy lifestyle. 

Start Small

If you’re just getting back into the gym, you probably won’t be at the same place strength and endurance wise as you imagine having left off.  This is important to remember.  It is good to challenge yourself, however, setting unreasonable challenges and goals your first month back may only discourage you further.  Try to start small.  Pick an activity you like, and a reasonable time to do it for.  For example, maybe you’re going to jog for fifteen minutes, three days a week.  By doing this, you will get in the habit of setting aside time to get in shape, but not overcommitting to so much time that you feel overwhelmed with other things you may have to accomplish during the week.    

By starting small, you also allow room to give yourself weekly goals in order to build up your strength.  If you start with fifteen minutes of jogging, then the next week you could decide to jog for eighteen minutes, or you could set yourself a long-term goal of being able to run a certain distance within the next three months.  Doing this can allow you to measure your progress, which makes exercising a little more fun.  This also motivates you to keep the health kick going because you’re always working towards a little something new.  And then, out of nowhere, you’ll be like, “wow, look how strong I’ve gotten.”  Crazy.

Choose an Activity You Enjoy

This may seem a little tricky.  We know sometimes it seems like there are just those people who absolutely love working out and then people who just, well, don’t.  This isn’t true, though.  First of all, no one loves working out all the time, and you probably aren’t going to either.  Like everything in life, sometimes you’re going to really enjoy it and sometimes it is going to feel a little bit like a chore, but that’s why the key here is finding something you at least have an interest in. 

There are so many different fitness classes and activities these days that there honestly is something for everyone.  Maybe you want to try cycling, or you like to do yoga at the end of the day to relax, or you decide to join a hiking group on weekends to socialize and get outside.  All of these activities are different, and all of them are exercise.  And, the beauty in having so many choices, is if you don’t like one thing, just try another.  Just because you start a class or think you’ll enjoy a certain type of exercise, doesn’t mean you’re forever indebted to it if you hate it.  You can keep trying different types of activities, exercises, and classes until you find one that you’re at least a little fond of.  Then, once you find your niche, you’ll be more excited to go.  

Another thing to remember is that anything that gets you moving technically counts as fitness, so start dancing while you’re making dinner or take a turn jumping on the trampoline with your kids after work.  Everyone starts somewhere, and once you find that thing that works for you, you won’t want to stop.

Every Fitness Regime Falters

Even if you’re loving your new workout plan, and loving the results, you’re going to have those days that you just really do not have the motivation to get to the gym, and that’s fine.  Everyone has lounge days, even lounge weeks, and everyone has cheat days.  One of the biggest factors to being successful long term is not depriving yourself of these days and not beating yourself up over them.  By allowing yourself rest and recuperation time, you won’t get as burnt out on your fitness regimen.  No one is perfect…we all eat carbs and lounge around the house sometimes, so don’t get down on yourself, just get back into it fitness routine next week.   

Taking breaks helps it feel less like a job, and more like a choice, which again, makes it easier to stick with long term.  And, no matter how long of a break you take, you know what they say, “muscle has great memory,” so it really is never too late to start again.

Valentine’s Day is approaching quickly, and while it’s nice to spoil your loved ones around you, this might be the year you focus on ‘me, myself, and I’. All we have to say to you is: treat yo’ self, and here are five ways to do it.

Massage: Ahhh, a day at the spa. Take some time to allow your body to relax this Valentine’s Day with your favorite kind of massage. Don’t be afraid to book the longer session, you deserve it.

Unique exercise class: Looking for a new way to beat this winter tiredness? Show your body some love and treat yourself to that yoga or spin class you’ve been wanting to try. Bring a friend along and the two of you will be feeling more energized in no time.

An Exciting Experience: Break away from the general ‘ooey-gooey’ feel of Valentine’s Day and treat yourself to a gift that gets your blood pumping. We’re thinking something along the lines of...sky-diving? Whatever it is, gift yourself the experience of a lifetime that sets the bar high for future Valentine’s Day presents.

Nice Pair of Shoes: Admit it, you’ve had your eye on these for a while now, waiting for the right occasion to make your move. Well, that occasion is now. It’s Valentine’s Day and your feet deserve some love, too.

Lavilin Foot Care Line: Speaking of your feet deserving some love, how nice does a foot spa sound right about now? Our Foot Repair Emulsion and Foot Moisturizing Gel are the perfect duo to get your feet looking and feeling like they haven’t been stuck in snow boots for the last few months.

Have you ever made the drive to the gym, walked past the check-in guy who use to greet you by name when you came more frequently but now looks at you with that quizzical, “I know that I know you, but have no idea from where” look, made the long trek to the locker room and opened up your bag only to realize you forgot some of the most pivotal tools needed to enjoy your gym experience?

In 2016, people are busier than ever. With work, kids and trying to find time for long-gone facets of years-past like “social events” and “hobbies”, getting to the gym can be incredibly difficult. It can be especially difficult when we find we don’t have the necessary tools upon our gym arrival.

Think of the gym as a job.

 Like any job, it can be a total nightmare, or it can be completely fulfilling and even fun. This all depends on your mindset and your tools to complete the work.

 Just like a construction worker should never show up to a job-site without his toolbox, you should never show up to the gym without the tools you’ll need to enjoy and maximize your gym experience.

 Here’s a list of the five most important tools to put your best foot forward at the gym.

Water: Nobody enjoys standing in line, especially when that line is being held up by extremely sweaty people at the gym drinking fountain. Bring your own water bottle to have on you at all times. Less time taking water breaks at the water fountain = more time working.

Headphones: Listening to music, or having some other form of stimulus while you work out, can be one of the most enjoyable parts of exercising. Studies have shown that listening to music during your work out can provide a welcome distraction, up your effort, put you in the zone, and provide you with a beat that can function as a way to set your pace during cardio. Bring the tunes to help you bring your best effort.

Workout Clothing: Have you ever run six miles in jeans? Hiked a mountain on the stair-stepper in high heels? Would you ever want to? Probably not. Necessary clothing like shorts, tennis shoes, sports bras, or other flexible and breathable clothing designed for exercise are a must when your packing your gym bag.

A Plan: One of the most important tools to enjoying your time at the gym, and getting the most out of it, is to enter through those doors with a plan. What muscle groups do you want to exercise today? What workouts will help you to work those groups? How much time and how many reps should be spent on each workout?

Deodorant: Let’s cut to the chase. Sweating is GOOD. Not only is it a constant reminder of how you are bettering your body during your workout, but it is actually good for you and your skin. That’s why you should always make sure to bring a deodorant, and not an antiperspirant. Antiperspirants attempt to stop you from sweating while deodorants simply eliminate some of the negative effects of sweat (such as odor).

Lucky for you, we’re kind of experts in the deodorant category. You won't find any harsh chemicals or aluminum in Lavilin deodorants. They utilize plant extracts and oils to help address odor without interfering with the body's natural ability to remove toxins/sweat.

So the next time you find yourself heading out the door for the gym, remember these five tools not only to maximize your time and effort, but to make sure your body is being taken care of throughout your entire workout.