Words to Sweat By -motivational workout towels!

NO EXCUSES!!! My favorite workout mantra! My motivational phrase that keeps me moving! On days when getting a workout in is hard I tell myself..."NO EXCUSES!" When I got the chance to pick out a witty motivational workout towel from Words to Sweat By I knew this one was the perfect one for me!

Dana from Words to Sweat By is giving one reader two workout towels. She is hoping the winner will keep one and give the other one away to a workout buddy or friend in hopes of inspiring others. I LOVE THIS IDEA!!!!

Check out my review of this fun towel and enter the giveaway HERE!!!

Now is the time.

It never fails. May rolls around and most woman start scrambling to get their workouts in because the dreaded idea of getting into a swim suit is looming over them. They get discouraged and frustrated when they don't see the results fast enough. Typically for the average person working out consistently (depending on how much they need to lose) it can take 4 weeks to a solid 3 months to see major results and body transformations. Obviously this depends on the person, but the point is it takes time.

"Your body gets used to whatever workout program you are doing in roughly 3-4 weeks, so if you don't keep changing SOMETHING about your workouts, you may find yourself reaching what's called a “training plateau” and stop making noticeable progress. Rule of thumb: whenever you start to get a little bored with your routine, it's time to change things to keep it interesting and varied. If you are not getting the results you want in 6 weeks, it’s time to make some more dramatic changes!"

-Body Results http://www.bodyresults.com/e2seeresults.asp

This is why this time of the year is the BEST TIME to workout. This is my favorite time to put in the hard work. Yes it can be harder to find the motivation when its cloudy, cold, and raining... but soooo worth it. Nothing is better than busting your butt now whatever way you can. Get in the runs whenever the weather permits and save the workout DVDs when you are holed up in the house. This is what I try to do.

It's way too easy to not pay attention to your weight when you are covered with the bulky winter clothes. NOW IS THE TIME TO START. It does feel pretty amazing to be able to strip off the sweaters and feel confident about your body. Imagine actually feeling excited to jump in the pool and enjoy the summer time. To not dread bathing suit shopping? Its a pretty neat feeling.

START NOW.

*This article is also published at www.momactive.com*

The cure to my headache.

This past week I've been in a workout rut. I've been exhausted and have been battling massive headaches. I thought maybe I was getting sick and needed the rest? I got plenty of rest. Took naps when the toddler did, etc. Still not sick and wasn't feeling better. I know for sure I'm not preggo, so we can all count that out! Maybe not enough water? Nope wasn't that.

I'm sure we all know when you feel like crap the LAST thing you want to do is go for a run. Workout. Or push yourself in general. I've been complaining to my dear hubby about how tired I am. How unmotivated I feel. The lack of energy...etc. His response most time is force yourself to go for a run or do a workout while "Easy" is sleeping. He's always telling me I will feel so much better. Blah. That's NOT what I wanted to hear!

Well, today the headache was getting bad. All I wanted to do was crawl back into bed and close my eyes. Obviously I couldn't do that with a very rambunctious toddler running around wanting to be entertained. And I've tried that all week. Didn't work. Soooo I did it. I made myself sweat it out and do the The Shred with my head pounding and all. Jumped in the shower, and BAM! My headache is gone!!!

The lesson: I've yet again realized how amazing working out is for your mind, body, and soul! It truly is incredible. I feel a million times better and excited to go for a jog tonight.

Pushing the Limits Push-up challenge!

I have a love/hate relationship with push ups! I love them because I know they tone the core, arms, chest, and back. I know push-ups are very effective and make you super strong. I hate them because they have always been so hard for me. They're very uncomfortable. Even more of a reason I need to do them. When it comes to working out...

Hard=good. Hard=results

I'm always up for a good challenge. Anything that motivates me. So when RunningBetty challenged me to to 100 push-ups by the end of July, I was scared and eager! Yeah! So fun. This is how it works:

Run DMT and RunningBetty have teamed up to present their readers with the ultimate challenge. During the month of July, they're Pushing the Limits with their Push-up Challenge! With the help of hundredpushups.com, this goal will be achieved. 

Are you up for the challenge? Sign up here. Help spread the word. Grab the push up challenge button. And get involved! This is going to be fun!

*I just did the initial test. I did 30 girl push ups. Rank 4. Hmmm??? Does that count? should I be doing the standard "boy" push ups? I'll check into that :)