We all have a fitness routine that works best for us. From our wakeup time, to the time we stop our smart watch, each of us have a tried and true system that gets us out the door and keeps us motivated. Today, we’re going to talk about mine.
Prepare The Night Before
Before I go to bed, I set the stage for a successful morning. I put out my outfit, set my alarm, and prepare everything I will need. The idea is that I can just roll out of bed when the alarm goes off, slide directly into my clothes, and roll out the door. No distractions. No holdups. It’s kind of genius really.
Enjoy A Quick Fueling Before Heading Out
No matter what my workout looks like, I feel better with just a taste of something. Usually it’s a small spoon of peanut butter or almond butter and a sip of water or Diet Dr Pepper. Since I’m literally just passing the kitchen on my way out, I don’t linger, and I don’t give things time to digest. I just grab and go. I’ll add more on race mornings or days when I travel to my workout spot, but this is just enough for a regular day.
Take A Long Walk
No matter what I do, I finish up every workout with a long walk. Most times, that walk is outside, although sometimes I’ll hop on the treadmill in the gym if I must. It just feel like a nice way to transition from my run or workout to the rest of the day, and it gives me a little time to just clear my head and enjoy the morning.
Stay In The Moment
No matter what, part of my workouts involved focusing and staying the moment. This is my time to do things for me, and it’s critical to stay deep in the knowledge.
I Live For The Post Workout Shower
One of my favorite gifts is a hot shower after a workout. I know people swear by a cool or cold shower, but not me. I cool down while eating breakfast, and then turn the water as hot as it will go and relax for a few minutes. It make everything feel better.
What’s The One Thing I Skip?
Stretching gets the shaft. Each and every time. No matter how much I promise myself I’ll get a good stretch on, it’s a lie, over and over again. Am I proud of my negligence? Absolutely not. Am I going to do something about it? Doubtful. But I am aware of my shortcomings, and will consider making improvements going forward. Maybe.
What are the essential steps in your fitness routine? What one thing do you skip?
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Yup. I really stretch after. But yes, HOT shower!!!!!!!!!
No cold showers or cold plunges here! It’s not for me!
Prepping the night before makes getting out the door, especially if heading out early, so much easier! I used to take a pass on stretching but I feel so much better when I do it consistently that now I’m trying to stick with it.
Most nights I have to do some prep work before lights-out, especially when I have those 4:00AM wake-ups! It feels comforting (?) to have those details taken care of and waiting for me upon waking-up the next morning.
Well- I think stretching is overrated. Unless you have an area that has VERY limited flexibility, you’re probably fine to skip it. We’re not gymnasts, after all. Running doesn’t require super human flexibility. Of course, this is coming from someone who has had a lot of injuries, so maybe you shouldn’t listen to me : )
I do find stretching is so beneficial to my body when I keep up with it. Sometimes I do it right after I exercise and sometimes later in the day. I never regret a stretch!