2013

The No Work Workout [Guest Post by Ashley Wiles]

The No Work Workout [Guest Post by Ashley Wiles]
Do you ever wonder why your attempts to stay physically active or to lose weight fail?

If your answer is yes or sometimes - you aren't alone. Many people start physical activity with poorly formed goals and ideas about exercise. We're constantly bombarded with media ideas about how we should look instead of how we really WANT TO FEEL.

If you want a plan that is easy to stick with and creates more meaning for you…please read on!

Your goals aren't fun


New Year’s resolutions and health goals sound a lot like this: Drop 10 pounds, go to the gym consistently, lose the belly/love handles etc., get bigger biceps. They have nothing to do with how you want to feel. We make them sound more like work than fun. Sound familiar?

Here’s the Secret


[caption id="attachment_10693" align="aligncenter" width="450"] make-a-mind-map-2a Have you ever considered making a mind map as it relates to your goals?[/caption]

 

Exercise doesn't have to be work if you make real goals that are fun and meaningful.  If you think about the last time you had fun, did you leave with that idea that you’d like to do it again? Chances are that you did! The same concept applies to physical activity. When you are having fun, there is less negative stress about goals, losing weight, and the work that you are doing.

(maybe consider S.M.A.R.T. goals ?)

What does it mean to have fun while exercising? Do something that is:



  1. Physically stimulating

  2. Mentally stimulating – educational!

  3. Entertaining

  4. Allows you to be yourself!


HAVING FUN is the top reason people will do anything – and repeat it.

The 5 STEPS to make goals more fun



  1. Ask yourself how you want to FEEL?

  2. What kinds of things make you FEEL that way?

  3. Choose an activity that fits into one of the 4 above categories

  4. Pick a goal: Whether it’s a race, a fun run, an adventure, a special day or an event and decide what is the MOST FUN way you can get to that goal?

  5. Take the reigns and do it! If it was fun and made you feel great, or if it was interesting and made you think, make a plan to do it again!


Here’s some ideas on things you can get involved with that have a wide range of participants from beginners to pros:


Running/Walking Groups


Is endurance your thing? Even if you’ve never run or walked a distance before, this is a super easy way to meet new people with similar goals.

There are loads of clinics and almost free nights or meet-ups of people EVERYWHERE who walk or run together once or twice a week.

CrossFit:


functional fitness


CrossFit gyms train in teams. Don’t be afraid to be a beginner because here you will find encouragement to set a daily goal to get you moving and pushing yourself to your mental and physical limits. (need more info, read " What is CrossFit ")

Charity:


[caption id="attachment_10692" align="aligncenter" width="300"]SOLE-GIRLS-LOGO_FINAL_CMYK-300x146Sole Girls is committed to developing mentorship and leadership within the community to continuously give back![/caption]

Join a charity for a cause that you want to support, join their team in whatever they are training for, and see how it feels for you! Find the fun in making your goal not about you, but about someone else! Grind for Kids anyone

Get a trainer or join a Boot Camp:


mudder time


Want to feel confident in what you are doing? Maybe a personal trainer will spice things up for you! Trainers come up with exciting and interesting routines for you, so you don’t have to think about what you are doing!

Get your kids involved!


ashley wiles gettng kids involved


What do your kids like to do and how do they have fun? How can you incorporate that into your own life? Parents’ group or team? The answer is always no, until you ask!

Do you prefer to workout solo?


FitnessQuotes042


What about home videos, meet-ups, personal challenge with a friend, a yoga course? Make it into a game, a social media accountability group, a photo opportunity…the possibility list is long depending on what you think is most fun for you! Everyone is as unique as his or her personal goals. You won’t be disappointed by your goals if you make every opportunity, an opportunity to have fun.

See you out there!

Ashley

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sole girls ashley Some info about Ashley Wiles


Ashley Wiles, founder and head coach of Sole Girls , an empowerment and activity club for tween girls.

BA
NCCP Athletics Coach
Marathoner, and Triathlete
Life Coach at Sunrise Life Coach

Be sure to follow her on Twitter at  @sole_girls as well as 'like' Sole Girls on Facebook

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