I think I can, I think I can!

Hey hey!

The unfortunate thing about spring is getting back your bikini bod, especially after it's been hidden beneath leggings and sweatshirts all winter long. This can be a bit of a hassle, and I know it's something we all tackle this time of year. April and May are my two months to get bikini ready. I'm determined too, and now I just need to keep that motivation going.

{story of my life right now}

Here are a few of the things I'm relying on this spring to get me in shape. Whether it's goals, videos, inspiration - whatever...anything can help. These are just what's motivating me recently.

{I dream of having these abs...key word "Dream}

I'm also using this link:

http://blog.shareitfitness.com/2012/02/22/do-this-look-like-that-total-body-blitz-workout/

The good thing about that link is it's all mapped out for you. Literally - all mapped out. All you need to do is get off your butt and follow the workouts they give you (it's a month of workouts) and you can be good to go. Definitely worth a shot.

Green Monster smoothies - recipes are ALL over Google but in case you're feeling lazy just toss your favorite fruit, a big handful of spinach, some water (and ice) and some protein powder in and wala. Well - not exactly wala....you still have to workout and blah blah you know the drill.

I'm also relying on this link to get my abs in tip-top shape: Tony Horton Abs

And last but not least, I'm relying on the Victoria's Secret Angels and the Pinterest Fitness board to make me feel like (for lack of a better word...) shit until I have the body I want.

Sadly, I'm going to have to try and give up sweets until I have the body I want for the summer. This will be hell for me because I'm an avid baker and I LOVE MY SWEETS! No possible way I'll be able to give up all sweets though, I'll still sneak a whole bunch.

What are you guys doing to get in shape? Let's keep each other going!!

XOXO, Rosie

Let's Play Catch Up

Hey everybody!

Sorry I've been MIA for the past what, week? I'm swamped with work right now and midterms so I'm trying by best to balance everything out. I've been taking my study breaks to check out all your guys lovely blogs to see what's new with you, but unfortunately I haven't had the energy to post my own happenings. So for me today this means I'm going to double post, just to get back in the swing of things in case I decide to go awol again for the books the rest of the week.

After my Valentines day post I had a few messages (or questions) on what I do to workout, so I figured now that were in the 70 degree weather now would be a fun time to address those questions. Disclaimer: I have no business in telling people what to do and what not to do in terms of exercise - I'm not an expert but I do know what works for me, so for all of you that asked here are your answers.

1. For me, I have to want to work out. Usually I do, but somedays I just don't. People will disagree, but with me I found that the days I'm adamant about being a lazy bum I should just stay a bum. There's a reason my body doesn't want to work out, so I don't make it. Again, so many people will tell you otherwise but I've realized I have a better chance of having a "love" relationship with working out if I do it on my OWN terms. If you force yourself to do it when you don't want to then you'll just develop ill feelings towards getting active. Then you're really screwed.

2. You have to find the workout that you personally love, the one that works for you. This goes hand in hand with finding the diet that works for you as well. As much as it would be great if we could just follow the Victorias Secret angels diet plans, it just won't work out in the long run. Sure, we can try - but I think it's best to experiment with a few different diet plans and then combine bits and pieces to make your own. Personalize it, it's the best way for you to get the body you want. Also with working out - don't just follow one strict workout routine. For some this works, if they respond best to discipline. However, I've found with me that I can discipline myself to do a workout I love and then that gets me the best results. I like to run outside when it's warm, and I like to do treadmill sprints. I like to do kickboxing and I love to jumprope. I like playing sports too. If I incorporate these altogether into one big workout plan for me, I don't get bored and I actually enjoy myself.

3. Find your celebrity inspiration! Sure, don't copy every aspect of their diet - remember they get paid to look that good. But when you work out and get tired, if you think of your goal celebrity body then it can really push you to squeeze 10 more minutes of hard work in. Only do this though if you won't be disappointed if you don't turn out like them - I used to have the VS Angels bodies in mind as inspiration...but that just made me upset. I'm 5'2....I had to get real. Now, my inspiration for the moment is Kristin Chenoweth. I found her on GCB and if you watch one episode, you'll want that body she sports. Toned and fit. She's fabulous.

4. Pinterest, pinterest, pinterest! The fitness section of the site is 99.9% guaranteed to jumpstart a good workout for you. If you're lacking some "get up and go" spirit, check out their fitness section and all the pictures will definitely spark a mini fire in you.

5. I love working out alone, but when I do workout with a buddy it has to be one I've "pre-approved." For me it's hard to find someone I want to work out with, so if I'm going to workout with them I need them to be someone I have fun with, am competitive with, and can get a good sweat in with. For me, my best workout buddy is Kyle. We're very competitive, but we also have fun working out together. We vary up what we do as well too, which helps. He's my best workout buddy. Plus, bonding time...yay for that! Just make it someone who will A) have fun with you while working out B) challenge you to do better and C) make you complete the workout feeling good and exhausted.

So I hope for those of you who asked me about fitness got your answers here. Those are just 5 cardinal rules that work personally for me. Everyone is different and I encourage you guys all to find your workout niche. If you have any more questions feel free to message me again!

XOXO, Rosie