EnRose — girl's fit guide: goals

Having a fitness regime is great way to boost your mood and metabolism during the cold months.  Plus, now is a great time to start kicking your workout routine into high gear.  The snow will soon be melting and it will be time to unpack your skirts, shorts and sundresses.  With this in mind, we wanted to share with you with some tangible tips to build strength and obtain your fitness goals in time for Spring!

Whether beginning an exercise program, or stepping up your current routine; it's important to listen to your body and take it slow.  A few tips to build up strength and obtain your goals are: 

1. Set obtainable, realistic goals:  Goals are an important way to help you get in the best shape possible.  Having a specific goal that is both obtainable and realistic is a great tool to measure your progress.  Setting goals that you can reach in a realistic time frame will ensure that you meet your goal, and will keep you motivated to push forward.  When setting your goal, make sure that it is realistic for you.   Setting a goal that is unrealistic for you will lead to discouragement.  Instead, set a goal that you can envision yourself achieving.  It should challenge you but overwhelm you.  Also, make your goal as specific as possible so you know exactly what you are working towards and can achieve it.

2.  Plan for active Rest:  While having a motivation to workout everyday is great, you should also make sure to give your body the recovery it needs.  At Rosie Toes, we make sure to incorporate a full day of recovery and rejuvenation after a long run or an intense workout!  It is actually a small goal we set for ourselves.  Active rest is done by incorporating small activities that will provide your body with the rest it deserves.  Some great ideas are engaging in superlight biking, walking, swimming, and stretching.  Go ahead and add on that pedicure!  By allowing yourself small rewards, you will be able to add more exercise into daily routine.  Active rest also provides you with a powerful way to get even more out of your workouts.  However, make sure that you don't turn an active-rest day into another full-on workout, that will defeat the  purpose.  Allowing time for your body to rejuvenate is extremely important  Your body needs only a little movement and variety to achieve optimal physical and psychological recovery.  Also, make sure that on your active rest days you are still fueling your body with healthy nutritional foods.       

3.   Balance Nutrition:  Nutritional balance means that you consume just the right amount of calories, macronutrients and micronutrients.  Incorporating a healthy mix of nutrients into your meals ensures that you will be fueling your body with the energy it needs.  Similar to a machine, your body needs the proper fuel to function.  Macronutrients include fat, protein and carbohydrates; each are broken down for energy during digestion. In order to achieve a balanced diet you should consume just the right amount of each of these macronutrients.  Another component for achieving optimal nutritional balance is getting adequate amounts of micronutrients. These types of nutrients include vitamins and minerals; they are the essentials building blocks for bodily functions but do not provide calories. In order to obtain all the micronutrients your body needs, you should consume a variety of foods from all food groups every day.  We like to fuel up on carbs in the morning, that way we know that they are going directly toward providing us with energy.  For lunch, we incorporate healthy fiber into our meals.  Fiber has so many great benefit and keeps you full longer.  We choose to restrict high levels of carbs after 4pm.  Instead, we reach for low carb treats while watching evening shows and catching up on emails.  For example, we'll make a delicious veggie snack, like roasted cauliflower.  Meals that are balanced, provide you with the right amount of energy and nutrients so you can achieve a healthy and confident body.  

We find that sticking with a plan helps us to reach our goals when we are trying to eat healthy and get in shape. The most important thing to take from any plan is that it should become a daily routine and not just a fast way to lose weight.  

What is your favorite cardio or fitness routine?

Hugs and Kisses

Tiffany & Krystle