Author Archives: Theodora Blanchfield

Becoming a Morning Workout Convert

 

How to Find Morning Workout Motivation

This morning, Ashley convinced Margaret to run early before work, and Margaret Instagrammed how happy she was that Ashley had convinced her to do so. 

Several years ago, I HATED waking up early to work out. Why would I possibly work out in the morning when I could SLEEP? Wasn’t that too hard logistically, having a dog? When would I walk him? Wouldn’t that mess with his schedule? How would I ever get to work on time? When would I shower?

Then Ashley and I went to Vegas, and I realized how early she got to work, and that she still worked out before work. Fine, if she could do it, so could I. Plus, I was starting to have busier nights and needed to work out in the morning, or I wouldn’t work out at all.

Vegas

#FlashBackFriday or what?!

So, if you’ve been struggling to get your workout in before work, here’s what’s helped me, a former snooze button worshipper. (OK, who am I kidding? I still worship the snooze button, I just hit it earlier now.)

1. Meet someone. Once I started committing to Ashley or other friends to meet for a workout before work, I was far less likely to bail.

2. Be accountable. For me, that’s also been through classes, where I’m mostly being accountable to my wallet if I don’t show. Who wants to lose $35?!

3. Go to sleep earlier. No, I’m probably not going to make a 6am workout if I go to sleep at midnight.

4. Be realistic. But be realistic. The nights I’m super ambitious and think “oh, I can definitely run 8 miles before work tomorrow” (if I’m not training for something) are the ones I usually bail on, because I’m not setting a realistic goal for myself for the day. I used to belong to an Equinox that was about a 10-minute walk from me. Not bad, but when you consider 10 minutes each way, plus a few extra minutes in the locker room on both ends, that’s an extra 30 minutes in the morning that I didn’t need. I joined NYHRC for a while (but quit recently because I just wasn’t using it) because it was really close to me, and most of the other classes that I go to are generally within a 5-minute walk. For me, that’s what works with balancing walking my dog in the morning, too.

5. Pick something FUN! If it’s something you’re forcing yourself to do, you’ll be a whole lot less likely to actually get out of bed.

How do you motivate yourself to work out in the morning?

A Perfect Summer Day


This post was sponsored by Athleta through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about Athleta, all opinions are my own.

Who else is still a little incredulous that it’s finally summer? Like, I kind of believe a flash snowstorm is going to come out of nowhere.

What does a perfect summer day look like to you? To me, it’s going for a morning run and then spending the day at the beach. Recently, I was lucky enough to do that multiple times! We even started using the hashtag #LadiesOfAthleisure because we woke up for a workout one morning and stayed in workout clothes through brunch and late afternoon. My friends were a little uncomfortable with this, but I told them it was totally normal in my world.

Athleta Essence Energize Tank Top

I have so much love for this running outfit. I wore the top for the Brooklyn Half (13.1 approved is saying a lot!) and I rarely run in shorts, but these are my jam. The wide waistband is really flattering, and the length is flattering for a 30-something without looking frumpy. The Athleta website says the top provides “medium support” for A-B cups, but I still found it supportive with a C-cup.

Athleta Ready Set Short

Any weird tan lines from the top are completely worth it, since it’s so gorgeous.

Shelter Island Sunset Beach

You guys, it was a really hard day at the beach.

Athleta Aqua Luxe Bikini

I love me a good triangle top, and the Aqualuxe bikini top was flattering while still being tasteful. And my stomach needs to catch up to my arms in the tanning department.

What does a perfect active summer day look like to you?