Category Archives: Fitness

Bright Idea: Summer Solstice Body-Weight Workout

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It’s almost the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere (2015’s sumer solstice falls on June 21) where 15+ hours will pass between sunrise and sunset in parts of the U.S. and Canada.

That sounds, to me, like a great excuse to soak up the abundance of daylight and celebrate the start of summer than with an outdoor workout.

Round up your friends and family, and hit the local lake or beach for an hour of body-weight work while the kiddos can play!

Photo via BrendelSignature at English Wikipedia

Photo via BrendelSignature at English Wikipedia

Hint: If you’re not familiar with some of the moves listed, simply Google the term along with the word “exercise,” and you’ll be able to find a description or video of it in action.

And, as always, remember to perform the moves at a steady pace and use proper form!

How are you taking advantage of sunny days this summer?

ClassPass-ing in Portland: Round 3

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After our initial #30ClassesIn30Days ClassPass challenge, Carolyn and I have settled into a nice rhythm with our weekly workouts: We hit up our favorite spots for cycling, strength training and yoga each week, but pepper in some new studios here and there to keep our fingers on the pulse of the Portland’s ever-growing fitness scene.

Not familiar with ClassPass? Check out my previous posts on it here and here.

And just as I’ve said it’s tough to get a bad meal here in Portland, we’ve learned pretty quickly that it’s just as difficult to find a poor workout here, as well.

Whether you’re looking for the precision of Pilates, mobility work for recovery days, an array of options for cardio or strength training, or simply functional workouts with the effectiveness of CrossFit with a tad less intensity — this city’s got it all; just pick your poison.

Although the sustainability (and longevity) of this business model remains to be seen — both for ClassPass and for participating studios — I’ve found it to be a useful discovery tool. We’ve stumbled upon places we may never have otherwise heard of, and it’s helpful for comparing and contrasting different studios before committing to class packages or monthly memberships.

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Here are a few recent highlights:

Pearl Pilates: Offers both individual and small group Pilates and Gyrotonic sessions by highly-trained instructors

Pedal PT: Full-service physical therapy office with a specialty in bicycling and running injuries

Portland Fit Body Bootcamp: Personal-trainer-designed workouts in a fun, safe, high-intensity group environment

Recreate Fitness: Trade mirrors and machines for hopscotch and hurdles in a friendly, supportive environment

YAS: Dedicated to the combination of Yoga and Spinning to combine cardio, strength training, stretching and alignment

Stay tuned as we explore more great Portland fitness spots in the coming months…

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Wanna check out ClassPass? Here’s a list of cities where it’s currently available.

How’d you stumble upon your favorite local studios?

On Giving Yourself Permission to Slow Down

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Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. – Ferris Bueller

After a blur of races in 2014, better judgement prevailed for 2015 and as you’ve heard me say a few times now, my mantra has been “train smarter, not harder” with five forward-looking goals for the year.

But, as they say, the best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray…

Because somewhere along the way I talked myself into thinking that a century ride and an ultramarathon within a two-week span this summer was also part of this program.

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For the record, I give full credit to my body for finally knocking some sense into me; my SI joint, which previously only felt sore after long marathon-training runs last fall, decided enough was enough and put the kibosh on pretty much all speed and distance work this spring.

Try as I stubbornly might to power through, I’ve gotten to a point where all the strength training, chiropractor appointments, cross-training, and core work in the world aren’t helping.

So I’ve decided to do something different for a change: Nothing.

Novel concept, huh?

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Well, long story short — and two cancelled races later — I’ve realized that taking a break isn’t just about giving your body time to recover. It’s also about keeping the passion for your sport alive…and sustainable for the long run.

I run because I want to, not because I have to. And that desire is something I want to protect; not just for now, but for a long time to come.

That’s not to say I’m completely clearing my race calendar; it’s just that I’m wiping the slate clean and being more mindful about which events I choose and why. Put simply, I’m making a conscious decision to get off the further/faster/harder bandwagon that’s so easy to jump on when you’re working in the fitness industry and constantly meeting people who are all doing incredible things.

So instead of literally and figuratively racing my way through my first Oregon summer, I’m slowing down. Training will continue, but at a more leisurely pace.

And you know what? Those 2016 goals will be right there where I left them if/when the time comes to pick ’em back up.

Or — who knows?! Maybe taking a step back will inspire me or give me the perspective to define entirely new ones, such as tackling my old high school PR in the (highly-underrated; I completely agree with Lauren Fleshman) 5K distance.

But, either way, having a choice in the matter and being mindful about my running is what makes — and has always made — the endeavor such a delight. And I’d like to keep it that way.

To slow down or not to slow down: Is that a question you’ve asked yourself?

9 Things You Just Shouldn’t Wear When Working Out

PERFECT, John Travolta, 1985. ©Columbia Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection

PERFECT, John Travolta, 1985. ©Columbia Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection

I was out walking my dogs the other day when a woman jogged past, and I couldn’t help but notice her chest, which happened to be bouncing out of control. Three thoughts immediately ran through my head:

Way to go! I love seeing people putting in work and breaking a sweat. 

Dear God, that looks painful. Does she know what’s happening to those poor ligaments?! 

Huh, having something there to actually bounce must be nice, though…

I’ll spare you the details of the rest of my internal monologue, but the point is that it reminded me of the importance of wearing the right gear — not only to maximize your workouts, but also to minimize any potential nasty side effects, such as said bouncing, chafing, snagging, riding up, falling down, constricting, tripping or worse (injury).

Plus, let’s face it — when you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you can give it all you’ve got, whether you’re hitting the gym, running the trails or competing at an event.

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Here are my nine no-no’s when it comes to suiting up for that next sweat session:

1. Unsupportive Sports Bras (or Shorts)

Ladies, did you know that you can do permanent damage to connective tissue over time if you neglect to give your breasts the correct support? And, gentlemen, you’re not immune to the jostling of certain body parts either. So, regardless of gender, do yourself a favor and find something that provides plenty of reinforcement for high-impact activities.

2. 100 Percent Cotton Clothing

It might be the fabric of our lives, but it’s the foe of comfortable workouts. Cotton is wonderfully absorbent, but that’s also it’s downfall; damp, slow-drying shirts tend to bring on chills and irritate skin. Instead, opt for synthetics and moisture-wicking fabrics, which are quick-drying, lightweight and designed for efficient evaporation.

3. Baggy Layers

Tempted to tent that not-quite-beach-ready body in loose-fitting clothing? Little do you know, you’re creating a potential safety hazard. Not only does extra material up your chances of getting snagged on equipment, but it also prevents you from checking form and alignment. Exchange oversized apparel for more form-fitting gear, which doubles as extra incentive to get to the gym!

4. Overly-Constrictive Pieces

Too loose isn’t good, but too tight isn’t any better. Any outfit you have to pour yourself into will only hamper movement, threaten circulation and probably make you feel pretty self-conscious. Instead, find a happy medium with fabrics and cuts that skim your figure and allow for a full range of motion.

5. Past-Their-Prime Shoes 

You maybe tempted to squeeze a few more miles into fraying footwear, but it’s better to ditch your kicks before you put yourself at risk for injury. Worn-out treads and flattened arch support won’t serve you well in the long run — and could actually do some damage during long runs. Replace your sneakers every 500 miles or so, and consider a gait analysis to find the best model for you.

6. Too Much Bling

I may sound old-school, and it’s probably because this was drilled into me early in my high school track & field years, but the only metal objects you should be swinging around at the gym are kettlebells. This will allow you to concentrate on the task at hand, rather than keeping your necklace or earrings from getting caught or damaged.

Rings, especially, should be kept at home or stowed away. You only have to hear one horror story about an engagement bauble getting stolen after being left behind in a gym shower to set you straight on this one. True story.

7. Eau de Poo Poo

An inside joke in my family, this is the nickname we give to stinky perfumes. Whether you’re squeezed into the close quarters of spin class, taking a dip in your gym’s pool or lined up mat-to-mat in yoga, please forgo strong scents. Body heat and sweat only intensify the issue, and the last thing you want is to ruin your classmate’s workout by giving them a stomach-turning headache.

8. Untested Apparel 

You snag a deal on some gear, and then later realize why it was deeply discounted — because it sucks. Yep, been there, done that. It was mid-bootcamp, in fact, when a friend gave me a heads up on my too-thin tights (oops). So take it from me: Use the ‘try before you buy’ rule by jumping around and bending over in the dressing room in order to avoid anything see-through, low-cut or otherwise offensive.

9. Almost Anything Gray

Unless you’re prepared to own some pretty awkwardly-placed post-workout sweat stains, avoid the color gray for super-intense exercise. I learned this the hard way while marathon training in one of my favorite styles of (gray) capris last fall. I still love ’em, but now I just use that pair for less sweaty endeavors, such as restorative yoga, hiking and Pilates classes.

Are there any off-limits outfits you’d add to the list? 

Meet My BlogFest Buddies (+ registration giveaway)!

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Summer’s almost upon us, which means one thing in the blogosphere: BlogFest with SweatPink is coming!

BlogFest brings together health and fitness bloggers for four action-packed days of in-depth blogging sessions, unforgettable celebrity workouts and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the largest fitness conference in the world.

And because I work with the SweatPink crew and am returning for a second year, I was asked to be a Blogfest Buddy this time around. IDEA matched me up with two fabulous first-timers to help show ’em the ropes, so to speak.

Before you get to meet them, though, I’ve got an exciting announcement to make: As in, I’m giving away THREE FREE BlogFest registrations, if you’d like to join us in July! Details on how to enter are below…but first:

Meet my Blogfest Buddies!

Carleeh from Mamarazza on a Mission

1. Who are you? Tell us a bit about yourself and what you blog about.

My name is Carlia, though I have gone by Carleeh since I was about 10 yrs old. I am the mother of three: one 14-year-old boy and two girls (a 12-year-old and a five-year-old redhead)!

I am 34 and have been married for 15 years in June. My husband is a combat-wounded veteran with PTSD from multiple deployments to Iraq. Currently, I am his VA caregiver. I live 30 miles north of Seattle in a small community called Smokey Point.

When my blog is up and running it will be focused on my fitness journey while juggling VA paperwork, kids and staying centered in faith and yoga. I am currently studying to be a CPT with NASM and a Pound fitness instructor.

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2. What are you hoping to get out of BlogFest 2015?

I hope to make friendships and meet with girls I have known on Instagram for years. I am also going to absorb all the bloggy goodness I can to make a legit blog and sweat buckets with the industry’s best!

3. Anything you’re really excited/nervous/anxious about when it comes to the conference?

I have been dying to get to take a Piloxing class, especially with my friend Tasha! I’m nervous about being a newbie in a field and lifestyle that everyone there is accustomed to.

Fitness started to become a passion almost two years ago when I wanted to lose weight, and I decided to look into it as a business about six months ago. I am social, so I’m also anxious that I will be overly excited and embarrass myself. LOL!

4. What are your favorite healthy snacks?

I am addicted to beverages. I love, love, love Kevita, and I also love infused waters. I typically have a water bottle with fruit or herbs at all times. I do really love to eat chocolate-covered strawberries, fresh mango and watermelon, along with trail mixes and chia pudding.

5. What type of workout could you not live without?

Deadlifting and agility/bootcamp . I love ladders, muscle ropes, lifting weights and flipping tires. But I adore yoga, too. I need them all or I would freak out; I like to mix up my workouts (ClassPass is my dream)!

6. If you could close one fast food chain, which would you pick?

I would love to close Burger King; just the thought of their food grosses me out. {shudder}

And next up is…

Amanda from The Road to a Healthy Life

1. Who are you? Tell us a bit about yourself and what you blog about.

I’m a social media and branding professional in the Boston area with a passion for fitness and wellness! I started “The Road To A Healthy Life” in 2012 as a way to stay accountable; I was working in the beer industry and had picked up some unhealthy habits.

Starting and keeping the blog held me accountable and made the whole “let’s get healthy” goal fun and attainable. I blog about everything from weird and funny things that happen on long runs, to self image issues to interviews with local fitness companies.

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2. What are you hoping to get out of BlogFest 2015?

I’m hoping to meet people who love to blog and motivate people! I’m actually going to be a Lightning Round Speaker, so I’m looking forward to learning a little bit of everything and taking the whole experience in!

3. If you could go back to school, what area of study would you focus on?

I would love to go back and study sports medicine. The human body is capable of so much, and I feel like I would be interested in learning more about our physiology.

4. What is your go-to place for fitness questions?

I’m a part of a bunch of local Facebook and workout groups. If I have a question, I have no problem asking anyone and everyone willing to listen!

5. What is your favorite blog you follow and why?

I love reading Dirt in Your Skirt, and Relentless Forward Commotion! Not only are the ladies behind these blog excellent athletes, but they are amazing writers who always seem to publish the right thing at the right time.

6. What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a healthy lifestyle?

The best thing? I think my mindset! Before I made a serious change, I was angry and lethargic and unmotivated.

After making slight changes, like trying to go for my first run, I found a re-ignited passion for goal setting and loved seeing real improvement. I went from gloom and doom to being excited about trying new things and getting out of my comfort zone!

It’s truly been the best thing that’s happened to me — and without that change, I doubt I would be as happy as I am right now!

Thanks again, ladies! Can’t wait to hang out in-person at BlogFest in just a few short months…

And in the meantime, I’ll be choosing three lucky people at random who enter for the BlogFest giveaway, which runs today through 5/25:

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

If you went to BlogFest, who would you like to meet? 

ClassPass-ing around Portland: Month Two

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Yep, what started out as a one-month experiment has now quickly become a verb. My workout buddies and I “ClassPass” around town each week, testing different workouts, meeting with studio owners, spreading word about new places and making all kinds of fit friends in the process.

If you’re not familiar with ClassPass, I wrote about my initial experience with the service here. During our first round, Carolyn and I threw down the gauntlet for #30ClassesIn30Days, but now we’ve issued each other a much more sustainable challenge: hitting a handful of new (to us) studios each month.

Aside from one hiccup at a Saturday bootcamp where the class was overwhelmingly large and somewhat unruly, we’ve had nothing but excellent experiences across the board. Portland’s really stepped up to the plate when it comes to delivering quality sweat sessions.

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Here are the latest and greatest from round two:

The Grinning Yogi: Warm yoga haven whose mission is to provide consistently accessible, affordable classes for all levels

Fulcrum Fitness: Bootcamp and personal training gym featuring a mix of exercises that work different body systems

Hot Yoga for Life: Fusion of sweat and serenity, this place promises to strengthen your body and leave your spirit softened

Vibrant Studios: Lively community of movement classes, workshops, musical concerts and nutrition-based food events

Yoga on Yamhill: Non-competitive approach to yoga that fosters health and well-being and is accessible to everyone

Can’t wait to see what’s in store for month three!

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Wanna check ClassPass out? Here’s a list of cities where it’s currently available.

Are you a creature of habit when it comes to workouts, or do you like to mix things up?

The Best Laid Plans…

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From the looks of the picture above, you’d probably guess that our very first Team LUNA Chix Portland Run workout was a smashing success and went off without a hitch, right?

Well, you’d be wrong.

In the interest of #keepingitreal, I’ll just say: A picture may be worth a thousand words, but there’s quite often a whole other story behind an image that might surprise you.

Yes, the team was out in full force, and yes, we had a fantastic turnout for our first week (thank you, guys!). But then, comically, pretty much everything that kept me up the night before hoping wouldn’t go wrong…did.

We arrived at the track just as ominous clouds rolled in and the wind began to pick up. By the time we did our paperwork and announcements, we hit the track for our much-needed warm-up because everyone was starting to shiver from the cold.

However, two laps in we politely got asked to leave because, even though there were other members of the public working out, our group was too large with the other events going on (although I’d researched the schedule extensively). Plan B was to break up into small groups by pace and do an out-and-back run, but I quickly realized that wouldn’t be a good idea with all the city traffic.

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So, on the fly, we moved on to Plan C. I scrapped our dynamic stretching segment in favor of a second warm-up, which would get us off the track and over to a more “runnable” area a few blocks away.

There was a hill nearby, so we jogged over and I calculated that we had time for about 20 minutes of “repeats.” This is where the ladies would sprint up, jog or walk down and then repeat until the time was up; not necessarily what I wanted for our first workout of “easing” everyone in, but at that point we had to work with what we had available!

Luckily, these ladies are nothing if not flexible, resilient, and game for anything. They charged up the hill as I ran around snapping pictures, playing music on my iPhone and shouting words of encouragement.

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And then the heavens opened up. And it started pouring.

By this point, all we could do is laugh. Normally, a run in the rain is something most of us will try to avoid, but we were out there — together — making the most of what had become a hilarious situation.

And, suddenly, it hit me — we were right where we needed to be.

I watched as all 14 women powered through the 20 minutes, and we regrouped at the top of the hill…sweaty and rain-soaked, but smiling and joking around. What started off as something precariously close to spinning out of control became a true bonding experience.

We rolled with the punches. We didn’t take ourselves too seriously. We took it all in stride.

We’re already becoming a team.

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Now, I just hope everyone comes back next week!

If you’d like to join us for an upcoming (much more well-organized) workout, check out our Facebook page for details!  

We meet Monday nights are are proud to welcome women of all ages and abilities for workouts in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Come run with us! 

Living the Sweaty Life with ClassPass: 1 Membership, Unlimited Workouts

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Ring the bell; ClassPass is in session and schooling us on the art of discovering the best boutique fitness classes in 30+ cities worldwide!

What is it?

For $79 – $99 a month (price varies by city), ClassPass’s monthly membership program will give you access to thousands of classes, including cycling, Pilates, yoga, strength training, dance, martial arts and more. Members can take up to 30 classes per month and can visit the same studio up to three times per monthly membership cycle.

Do the math; when we’re talking drop-ins that cost anywhere from $15-25 a pop, as well as memberships that run upwards of hundreds of dollars per month, it’s easy to see why ClassPass has taken the fitness market by storm.

Why Portland? 

As much as we like to pretend it’s not happening, the city is booming in just about every facet. And with a studio scene that rivals cities twice its size, Portland — aka America’s Fittest City — is a prime spot for ClassPass to set up shop.

Although I’ve officially been here since last August, I feel as though I’ve barely been able to scratch the surface of what’s available for us fit-minded folks. So when ClassPass asked me to check out their service and give my thoughts, I recruited my workout buddy Carolyn and we embarked on a #30ClassesIn30Days personal challenge.

Like kids in a candy store, we explored the entire workout spectrum of Stumptown. From unleashing while kickboxing to finding release through meditation, from swinging kettlebells to swinging through the air in aerial yoga — you name it, we’ve tried it. And had a blast in the process.

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Where’d we go? 

Read on for a sampling of all the spots that Carolyn and I were able to hit during our first month using ClassPass.

Our goal this next month is to keep branching out; not only is the variety a breath of fresh air, but it’s fantastic to be able to connect with — and support — some of Portland’s sweatiest hardest-working small business owners!

9Round: Get an efficient, yet effective, full-body kickboxing workout in just 30 minutes

a-wol Dance Collective: Fly through the air with the greatest of ease in aerial dance classes

The Bar Method: Reshape your booty body in an hour in an upbeat, barre-based class

The Bhaktishop Yoga Center: Celebrate yoga in a warm, friendly, bhakti-based practice

CorePower Yoga: Exhilarate body and mind; be prepared to sweat buckets in the process

Firebrand Sports: Don’t make more time to workout, just up intensity at this place. ‘Nuff said!

Honest Training: Focus on finding your personal best (bonus: owned by Coeur pal, Paisley)

Hush Meditation: Better your mind through simple and accessible guided mediation classes

Pil-oga-robic: Receive a balanced butt-kicking in a yoga, Pilates, cardio & strength combo

POINT: Train hard indoors here to build functional strength so you can play hard outdoors!

Revocycle: Transcend cycling with this moving meditation that works both mind & body

Skogg System: Convert your body’s vulnerabilities into strengths with kettlebells

Studio Blue Pilates: Develop strength and find your center through yoga and Pilates

Xtend Barre: Strengthen, lengthen and chisel your body with dance, ballet & Pilates

Yoga Pod: Rejuvenate your body, refresh your mind and replenish your spirit

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Too good to be true?

By now you’re probably wondering, “So what’s the catch here?”

Well, while some question whether or not it’s a sustainable business model, others say ClassPass is worth its weight in gold when it comes to advertising and customer acquisition, especially for new studios looking for traction in a crowded market.

From the consumer perspective, I’ve found it to be an excellent discovery tool — not only for studios I’d never heard of, but also for workouts I may not otherwise have tried. Plus, if you’re like me and like to keep your body confused with all kinds of crazy cross-training without completely emptying your wallet, it can be the best of both worlds.

Wanna check it out?

Here’s a list of the cities in which ClassPass is currently available (if you’re not on it, don’t fret — they’re adding more all the time).

And if you’re ready to take the ClassPass plunge, I can sweeten the deal — simply use this link (good for ANY location but expires tomorrow, 3/24) to sign up and get $25 off your first month!

What’s your take on the “boutique fitness membership” movement?

Road Warrior Fitness: 20-Minute Hotel Body-Weight Workout

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Last month I had a flight that got cancelled and pushed out a day due to all the storms on the East Coast. The upside was that there are worse places to be stuck than in Florida…but the downside was that I would be missing a favorite workout class that I had signed up for in Portland to keep myself motivated and productive after a half day of travel.

But rather than let it derail my fitness routine (or keep me in a gym when I’d rather be catching some final rays of sun), I created a quick 20-minute body-weight workout that could be done in the comfort of my hotel room. It’s the best of both worlds — a mix of cardio and strength that comes in an efficient, yet effective, package.

The workout consists of four rounds, with four exercises in each round. The first exercise in each round is always a cardio move, followed by moves that target the upper body, lower body and core in the second, third and fourth exercises, respectively.

Allow yourself a minute or two to recover between rounds, and you’ve got yourself a great way to get a full-body workout in before you hit a full day or meetings (or an afternoon at the beach)!

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How do you stay fit while on the road? 

5 Tips for Starting (& Sticking With) a Healthy Living Routine

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Whether you’ve got a few pounds to lose or the pressure of a big event looming, it can be tempting to seek a quick fix, such as a juice cleanse, exercise binge or fad diet. You name it, people have tried it — out of desperation, with varied luck and yielding only temporary results.

Why haven’t we learned by now that these short-sighted “solutions” only end up backfiring on us in the long-run? If our goal is finding equilibrium when it comes to a healthy weight and base level of fitness, a slow-and-steady approach works much better than engaging in erratic behavior.

I get it; eating well and working out aren’t always easy when you’re short on time, stressed and out of shape — but maintenance is much easier than bouncing back and forth, up and down, in and out. Those latter options are, quite frankly, exhausting.

So if you’re committed to forming a more sustainable diet and exercise regimen, here are a few helpful hints:

1. Think about the bigger picture

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It took a while for you to settle into your current situation, so don’t expect any short-cuts for getting out of it.

Start by making a commitment for just 30 days. Mentally, a month is an ideal block of time to devote to a change since it easily fits in your calendar.

Once you get through that initial phase, it’ll start to become a habit. Then it’s a matter of turning that habit into a routine for at least three or four months when you’ll start to reap rewards in terms of seeing results.

2. Set yourself up for success with S.M.A.R.T. goals

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Do you want to lose weight? How much, and by when? Improve your game? What would that look like, and how will you measure success?

Start by writing down a simple goal and quantifying it. Give yourself a reasonable amount of time in which to achieve it, and then plot out each of the milestones between Point A and Point B to keep yourself motivated along the way.

Say, for example, you want to lose 20 pounds before a wedding next month. Not gonna happen.

A better goal would be to say you want to lose 20 pounds between now and your high school reunion in the fall, based on the fact that it’s safe to lose one to two pounds a week with healthy eating and exercise.

Start by making sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely, and you’ve taken the first step toward making them a reality.

3. Take your interests into consideration

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The trick to keeping consistent with exercise is taking the “work” out of workouts.

There’s something for everyone, whether you thrive off the competition of a team sport, the adrenaline rush of outdoor adventures, the challenge of improving upon a race PR, the contemplative nature of yoga or even the comfort of a repetitive of a walk around the neighborhood where you can simply zone out.

If you don’t know what you like, try it all until you find something that scratches that itch you never knew you had!

4. Buddy up for better accountability

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It’s true — misery loves company, especially when it involves things like huffing and puffing through a run or learning to love vegetables.

If you’re hesitant to start a routine on your own, team up with a partner who has similar goals. Help keep each other motivated while getting over the initial hump, whether it’s empowering each other to make healthier food choices or distracting one another from checking the time on the treadmill.

Not only is sweating together more fun than going it alone, but partnering for fitness may also push you to work out harder.

5. Know when to use your “ace in the hole”

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Finally, as with anything in life, personal accountability is crucial — both with positive and negative remifications.

Make a painful consequence — as in, if you don’t hit the gym three times this week, you have to wash and wax the car by hand this weekend — and tackling those mid-week workouts won’t seem so bad.

Positive reinforcement works just as well. Make a deal to splurge on fitness attire, a new workout gadget you’ve been eyeing, or even something as simple as a beer with dinner (within reason!), and you’ll find yourself actually looking forward to those daily sweat sessions.

What helps you stick to your healthy living routine?