Inspiration and Motivation

What keeps you motivated to keep exercising and eating healthy?

For me, I tend to set small (and big) goals and work toward them. I think it's great to set ones that are accomplished with not too much effort, for me this might be running a short race versus a bigger goal like gaining 5-10lbs of muscle. I can easily run, but gaining muscle mass is a slow, long process that requires time and dedication.

Inspiration for me comes from "following" via facebook and online strong women like Jamie Eason and Zuzanna from bodyrock. They are both examples of what extreme dedication can look like. Although they are both inspirations, I also try to keep in mind the reality that I'm not a full time athlete or bodybuilder and take away what I can from their hard work.

Additionally, the health benefits of exercise and eating well keep me motivated. I really believe that prevention is the key when it comes to disease. Think obvious ones like heart disease and osteoporosis but there are tons of links from anxiety to Alzheimer's.

One thing worth mentioning though, is that too much vigorous exercise can lead to the production of free radicals within the body (the molecules that damage DNA and potentially lead to cancer). This is a problem when people don't rest enough. Rest is important! Most of us need 7-8 hours of sleep a night, and incorporating a rest day is a good idea if you are working out on a 6 day a week schedule.

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Friday's leg day workout:

-5 minutes on stationary bike
-2 x 15 bodyweight squats
-3 x 12 plie/sumo squats @ 17.5lbs
-3 x 12 straight legged deadlifts @ 25lbs/dumbbell
-3 x 12 hamstring curls @ 45, 55, 60lbs
-2 x 12 lunges each side with 8.8lb dumbbells
-3 x 12 seated calf raises

I felt like I needed a little something extra so I added in some lunges. I can feel it a bit today. I like having two leg days a week, hopefully I can keep it up.