When you achieve a fitness goal, its’s only natural to want some (non-food) rewards for hitting your milestones. It’s easy to tend towards an edible or drinkable reward, but sometimes, it’s better to save the food and drink for fueling and enjoyment, and treat yourself to some other types of prizes for your efforts.
Here are the little pick-me-ups I like to use as rewards for staying on track.
If the shoes fits…
Treating yourself to a new pair of shoes is always a great reward. Shoes can be expensive, but they are also a necessity of your sport or activity of choice. Using shoes as a special incentive for hitting a fitness milestone can be incredible motivation. Use the opportunity to get a fitting at your local running store, as well. It never hurts to ensure that you are still in the best shoes for your needs.
Book a sports massage
While massages are never my reward of choice, our muscles deserve some TLC. In Florida, LMTs are open for business, so if you feel comfortable, this is definitely a great way to thank your muscles for working so hard towards your goals.
Get a pedicure.
Again, nail salons are open in my part of Florida, and a pedicure is truly a great way to treat your feet to a little love. Whether you run, cycle, or lift, your feet really do take the brunt of your efforts. Some soaking, hot rocks, and gently massage will certainly help keep them in good shape, and pain-free so you can go after your next milestone!
Update your wardrobe
When you’re feeling really proud of yourself for your successes, update your wardrobe with a great new outfit. When you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you can do anything. Besides, we could all use some fresh gear – athletic wear has a shelf life, and can use refreshing from time to time.
Show off your skills
You’ve done the work, now show us what you’ve go! Once you’ve hit a goal, go ahead and register for the competition of your choice. Maybe it’s a half marathon or a triathlon. Perhaps you are more into an OCR or cross-fit challenge. Whatever it is, sign yourself up and get out there. It’s your time to shine!
What are your favorite (non-food) rewards for a job well done?
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I love getting new shoes and clothes when I reach a milestone! I used to treat myself to pedicures after races, but I haven’t had one in over a year now.
I am decidedly not down for r a pedicure anytime soon!
Did you say new shoes? New clothes? Those are my kinds of rewards. The pedicure too. It’s like you know me!
All those things!
New shoes. Yes.
Manicure. Yes.
A race. Yes.
YES!
right there with you with all 5! These are my rewards for running and good health. Can you really ever have too many running clothes?!
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You cannot. It’s a fact.
I do love massages and I’ve missed being able to get one over the last year. If you don’t care for massages you should try fascial stretch therapy instead. You get to be fully clothed, it’s pain-free, it feels great and it has longer-lasting benefits than massage.
So, since I couldn’t get a massage I’ve definitely reward myself with clothing and shoe rewards. 🙂
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Interesting. Who would I go to for that? I don’t love people touching me, even when the PT had to work on me, I was not a happy camper. However, I could probably use the special treatment.
Ha! Take a look at my closet and you’ll see that I’ve rewarded myself very generously in the fitness wardrobe department. I could totally use some new shoes though!
Well! Now is the time! Treat yo’self!
Love these! Shoes, gear, pedicure, spa something are all in my treat myself wheelhouse!
That’s a darn good wheelhouse!
I LOVE all of your suggestions. Before the pandemic, I used to get a massage every month. It was a way of keeping my muscles loose, but also a way to reward myself for keeping fit.
And did you just tell me to go buy a pair of new shoes? I think you did! 🙂
I think I did tell you that! Have fun!
I know my husband misses massages something fierce.
A big yes to all of these! In fact, I was just on the Brooks site eyeing some new shoes…perhaps this pair will be in advance of the next milestone 😉
I’m about ready to get my next pair!
Love (and miss) massages. Especially love post race massages! Nothing better.
A new outfit ain’t bad either.
I’ve never done running shoes as a reward because I get them when it’s just time. Regular shoes are a different story, but I’ve been getting rid of them this year — it’s hard, because many I still love, but it’s all about creating a better home environment.
That’s fair. I usually have a few pairs in rotation, so I can always use the time to get one more. I have had to go through my regular shoes because a lot don’t work with my foot and ankle now. It’s hard 🙁
I even love just browsing in the running store! The sight of all those shoes makes me happy. I agree that all these things are a great reward!
I’m going to the running store next week. It may be bad. Very bad.
New shoes and new clothes! Though I need to stop with the shoes. I have more than enough.
I am very interested in your Oiselle shorts. I just can’t figure out the fit. Hmmm.