One of the first tips I ever read regarding exercise is to find a buddy. Get someone to workout with you so that you could motivate each other. It also helps to ensure you actually do it because most of the time we can make excuses on why not to go if we are on our own but we struggle to let others down.

But not all of us live near someone we can workout with or we don’t have similar enough schedules. I know that for me, I have the kind of work schedule that is different from on day to the next. It makes it near impossible to schedule a workout time with a friend, and most of my friends live at least 30 minutes from me. So what do I do

1) Find a friend whom you can use for accountability.

You may not be able to workout together, but you can shoot each other a text when you have completed your workout. Sure, you can lie and pretend you did it but that would be pretty shady. You are not that kind of person, don’t do it. Besides, its not like your friends wont be able to tell you haven’t actually been doing it if you look the same or worst the next time they see you. Just throwing out the shame you would feel to go along with that shadiness.

2) Buy a calendar and put it somewhere super visible.

I tried my bathroom first thinking that along with seeing my reflection I would also be forced to look at my missed or accomplished days each time I got ready for anything. Another great place would be wherever you keep your coffee. I wonder if someone could invent an app that holds your coffee hostage until you’ve worked out at least 15 minutes per day…

3) Schedule a class.

Most people wont spend money on something and then walk away. Honesty time: I’m too cheap for this. Not only will I refuse to spend money on a class unless I LOVE it, I for sure wouldn’t spend it and then miss all the time. That’s the same reason why I wont pay for a gym membership. I know I wont go all the time and I just can’t bring my cheap little self to do it.

4) Hire a trainer.

That goes back into the “I’m too cheap” category but I will tell you that I will listen to online or app trainers in a heartbeat. Yes, I can still cheat and not workout as hard. Yes, I sometimes wimp out and lay in the floor instead of “pushing through it”. But it gets me active and I don’t feel so alone. Guided exercise is a great way to continue through a workout you could normally become bored with.

5) Hit the Social Media.

I know people who hate seeing the “Hitting the guy!” or “Look how far I ran!” posts on social media. But I can honestly say that it’s a great way to stay motivated. It gives others a chance to encourage you and who knows, maybe seeing you work for it will help motivate one of your friends! I know its intimidating, and I’m not at all saying you have to post pictures of yourself… but why not? I don’t like to do so but that doesn’t mean it wont encourage you! I have never seen another woman’s before picture and thought poorly of them. I have never sat there and thought, “Ew gross.” I may think that of myself, but that’s not how my mind operates towards others.

One thing I hope I have made loud and clear is that I want to support you on your journey. I want you to know that I’m that crazy friend on the sideline with crazy posters screaming “Rock it girl!” and looking like a maniac.

I know men can struggle with this too, but for all those ladies out there thinking that you have to look a particular way in order to be seen as beautiful I need you to step back. I can’t tell you that you are beautiful even though I will try. You need to feel it. SO if you don’t, what do you want to change and is it something that you think because of what the world tells you? Or do you want to change for yourself?

Because let me tell you from experience. You wont change for the world. You will try for a while but that wont be enough. You have to, and I mean HAVE TO do it for YOU.

Now go Rock it Girl.

Always,

Manic