Workout Motivation Anyone?

No matter how many times I work out in my life, I always have that same great endorphin rush after a REALLY good work out. Because I've been doing it for so long, I sometimes find myself going through the motions with my workouts. I get tired of writing my own stuff since I'm constantly writing workouts for other people and sometimes it can be hard to stay motivated for myself. During times like this, I just do it because I know I need to...not always because I WANT to.

Just kidding....sort of. So I've felt kind of in this rut for a while now but I think today- I've seen a new light! First of all, I am excited to say I finally decided on a road bike. It will be ready on Thursday or Friday and I cannot WAIT to ride this weekend. Check this baby outtt!!

Trek Madone 4.5 women's series. It is the bike that fit me best and was the highest quality for my price range. (My loan range that is...thanks mom and dad!) New exercise toys always put some excitement back into staying active.

I also decided to try out Tina Reale.com's Best Body Boot Camp to change up my pace a bit. I don't have to write a single workout for 8 weeks and can just do what I'm told without thinking about it. Fantastic! Today I did Day 1, Phase 1- a full body workout with supersets that had me sweatin'. It took about 35 minutes and then I followed up with 25 minutes of cardio including 10 minutes of HIIT- High Intensity Interval Training on the treadmill.

If you are unfamiliar with HIIT- this is the best form of cardio for anyone who:

• is pressed for time
• has the primary goal of calorie burn
• wants to burn fat
• wants to increase their cardiovascular endurance

Basically- it consists of maximum effort intervals mixed with lower intensity intervals for a set period of time. Today, I warmed up for 5 minutes and then did 10 minutes of the following HIIT ratio:

9.0 mph for 30 seconds (Work Interval)

5.0 mph for 30 seconds (Recovery Interval)

x10 each

For this particular workout, you can choose any mph you want, as long as the fast one is about an 8-9 out of your maximum intensity (on a scale of 1-10) and the recovery period is about a 5-6. HIIT workouts can be done 60 seconds on, 60 seconds off or any time period, as long as they are changing back and forth, hard/easy, hard/easy. HIIT workouts can be done on ellipticals, bikes, rowers, or even outside! I left the gym feeling awesome and very motivated about the next eight weeks.

 I am also using MyFitnessPal app to track my dietary intake. If you've never used it before, you should check it out! It is an easy way to log your exercise and calories/nutrients, and keep track of that fabulous progress you are making!

This is an example- obviously that turkey sandwich was not mine! :)

What fitness goals are you making this summer? How do you stay motivated?