Haul: Winter Athletic Wear//Motivational Monday

 As previously mentioned, I'm on a bit of a health kick. This year I plan to take skiing more seriously. In order to do so, I've been toning up. I also want to lead a healthier lifestyle. To be more dedicated to working out comes the need for proper garments. As the cooler days have become more frequent, I realized I was specifically in need of warmer athletic wear. Since last year around this time wasn't a big movement montage, I only had a few older pieces. In preparation of winter and the many ski trips I shall be taking, I needed to refresh my athletic wardrobe. Now I have a lot of quality items that should last a while and add a nice layer of warmth.

1. Under Armour ColdGear Fitted Crew//2. Printed my design at CustomInk//3. Nike Dri-Fit T-Shirt //4. Under Armour ColdGear Zip Top

Under Armour ColdGear Leggings//Nike Dri-Fit Leggings//Nike Pro Hyperwarm Tights

The North Face Cable Minna Beanie

Nike Free TR 4

It's all well and good to talk about the fashion side of athletics, but that's a pretty minor part of it. The two main factors are mind and body. Our bodies are capable of a lot more than we think. Thanks to our minds, we tend to hold ourselves back. Honestly, exercising can definitely be one of those things that is difficult to muster motivation for when you're not in a routine, but to get going, you have to think of the end result. After any form of exercise, be it long or short, intense or gentle, it is always worth it. Though you may be short of breath after, the chemicals in our body make sure we feel great. If being out of breath, sore, or anything of that nature holds you back, push those thoughts aside. Think about that energizing feeling flowing through your body and sense of satisfaction after. Also, remember the larger goal as to why you want to exercise. Do you want firmer arms? A tighter core? Toned thighs? Or do you simply want to be healthier? Keeping your goals in mind will help you to succeed. 

Need more motivation? Read some of my favourite exercise related quotes below!

Since you may feel slightly motivated at this point, try some of the following workouts. The ones with *asterisks are what I do at least five days a week.

Gentle Exercises:

Yoga

*Hula Hooping (10+ minutes)

Walking (10+ minutes)

Jogging in place (10+ minutes)

A routine I made:

Lunges {to the front & back} (x13)

Lunges Diagonally {to the front & back} (x13)

Lunges to the side {each side} (x13)

Stretch (30 seconds)

*Squat Jumps (30 seconds)

*High Knee Step Over (1 minute)

*Box Jumps {to the front} (x13)

*Box Jumps {side to side} (x13)

Stretch (30 seconds)

*Wall Sit (1+ minute(s))

Plank (30 seconds)

*Crunches (x30)
*Tricep Dips (x13)

Stretch (1 minute)

*Slalom Sprints (10 minutes)

Stretch (5 minutes)

For the routine above, adjust whatever you want. Add time, take away time. Add reps, take away reps. Repeat parts, take away parts. Make it work for you, so you'll actually do it!

One of my favourite workout videos:

Hopefully you're feeling motivated to be active now! I've presented you with quality clothes to wear, a bit of motivation, and at-home exercises. The ball is in your court now!

~Moll
*Let me know if you enjoyed this fitness based post and would like more!*