It’s no secret that I have always been a girly girl. Whether it’s running to work or prepping for a party, I love the process of getting dressed up. It’s fun to curl the hair, wear the lipstick and rock the heels. At the end of the day, all the makeup and moisturizer in the world won’t make me 25 again, but if nothing else, prepping for the day makes me feel better! So, why is it when it comes to working out, all of that goes out the window?
Now, don’t get me wrong. Curling your hair to go to the gym at 5am is not necessary by any means (and if you do no judgment hereJ). But many of us prioritize getting to the studio the same way we would going to a meeting. It’s a place to laugh, let go, work hard and now more than ever, network!
Here are some of my favorite go-to hacks for feeling my best before a workout:
Prep Work
Nothing is worse than driving all the way to the studio just to find out that you left your tennis shoes at home. Now, while we do have a handful of classes where shoes are optional, psyching yourself up for a hard cardio session only to have no shoes is a major buzz kill. Lay out your workout gear before you go to bed. One less thing you have to worry about when your alarm goes off!
Dress Up!
Studies find that when people step it up a notch for an interview or an exam, they actually perform better! Same goes for working out. If you’re finding yourself in a workout rut or simply lacking overall motivation, find some leggings or a top that you really love! With so many brands including athletic lines, you can find pretty much any design your heart desires at all price points! My personal favorite is Target, and if I really want to splurge, or simply look for inspiration, I check out Carbon38.com.
Throw on that lipstick (or moisturizer)!
Stay with me. No, you don’t need to wear makeup to the gym. But, if you’re anything like me, a little moisturizer and waterproof concealer never hurt anyone, especially with my dark circles. There are a lot of mirrors at any studio, and sometimes 6am is a little too early to face the harsh truth that I don’t wake up looking like a ray of sunshine. Plus, throwing some cold water on your face and rubbing in some moisturizer on your cheeks is a great way to wake up those facial muscles!
My faves:
L’Oreal Rosy Tone Cream and It Bye Bye Under eye waterproof concealer
Wear your heart (or your bracelet) on your sleeve!
Most of us have that one favorite piece of simple jewelry that makes us smile whenever we glance at it. Now, while I suggest you leave the emeralds at home, sometimes wearing a favorite piece of simple symbolic jewelry can serve as motivation and a reminder of why we woke up this morning. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been close to quitting on myself only to look down and see the bracelet on my arm that my daughter made. It’s a simple, workout friendly reminder that I am loved and needed, and all it takes is a simple glance. Not to mention it’s also super cute.
My Faves:
My handmade bracelet made from string by my daughter
Any aromatherapy crystal bracelet. These can be found at most major online retailers!
Pump up the jam!
For me, my workout begins on the drive to the studio. And I don’t mean shoving my kids into their car seats, although I certainly count that as a legitimate warm-up. Pick a playlist that puts a smile on your face and a twinkle in your eye.
My Faves:
Anything by The Weekend
Vacation by The Go-Go’s (again no judgment hereJ)
