Got the Monday Blues? Kick 'em to the Curb!

Helloooo ladies (and gents), this is our first post on our blog (we haven't even written our bios yet!); but  we're just super pumped from our workout session this morning that we just had to share it with you.

Today happens to be Blue Monday. Yes just the sound of it is super depressing. For those of you who don't know, Blue Monday happens every 3rd Monday of January. It's scientifically proven that today is bluer than any other Monday of the year because: post-holiday syndrome is really kicking in, everyone's feeling the back-to-work blues, it's finally time to pay those credit card bills, we're still struggling to lose those extra pounds we gained, and on top of it all, it's COLD & gloomy (for those of you in Toronto, you know what I'm talking about re: EXTREME cold alert)...enough said.

Well, say goodbye to your Monday Blues. According to V, it's also National Hug Day, so give the person next to you at work a big bear hug and wish them a Happy National Hug Day! Now that you feel better, put on your gym clothes and get ready to pump some iron! I know for many of us, it's really really reallyyyy hard to get up off that couch and lug your bum to the gym. Especially in the cold. dark. dreary winter. (If you manage to hit the gym in the middle of a snow storm, mad props to you!) But think about how good you'll feel afterwards. Here are some tips to get you started (actually, some of the best advice I've ever received personally, so simple but really helpful):

1. Think about what you're going to wear. Yes, even something as minor as what outfit you're going to be wearing today will help motivate you. I recently got a pair of Nike Free 5.0 runners and having a crazy shoe-obsession, I was just dying to try them out. Throw on a cute pair of jogging pants and a hot tank, and you're ready to go! Go vibrant, wear neon colours, don't be afraid of pattern --- your mood will be so much better in no time! (Stay tuned for our workout fashion posts).

2. Make a schedule. From Sunday to Saturday, make a workout schedule and STICK TO IT. For example, I make sure I incorporate 2-3 days a week for cardio sessions, and the rest of the time will be for pilates, hot yoga, strength training, and other fitness programs (stay tuned for our reviews of specific fitness programs). I actually stick to the schedule in my head...but we've found having a paper copy will motivate you even more (especially when you get to cross out the days afterwards!!) The smallest things make the biggest difference. Monday doesn't have to be the day of the week that you start your workouts -- make sure you treat every day equally, and also to include a YOLO day (rest day + eat anything your little heart desires..but in moderation of course). 

3. MUSIC. We just can't emphasize how important your playlist is. Find songs that will last you through your workout and make a different playlist for cardio, strength-training, pilates, etc. So look for upbeat (or angry) music! Just when your legs are gonna give in and lungs are about to explode, that song will push you right through it! (*Read our section about new workout tunes!)

4. Get dressed and BRING IT! Whether you're going to the gym, jogging outside (if you're willing to brave the cold),  watching workout videos from home, make sure you sweat at least once a day. Sweat is a good sign you're doing somethin' right. 

5. Look in the mirror after your workout, do you like what you see? #sweatybeast. I'm 100% certain that you do. Damnnnn, it feels good. Remember this feeling the same time tomorrow when you're getting ready to work out. 

If you need further inspiration, we're suckers for fitness images on Pinterest. Like this one:

So now that you're all motivated, I thought I'd post a bit about my workout today: 30 minutes on the treadmill (I love my new runners!), 20 minutes on the elliptical, and a BodyRock TV HiitCore video. Honestly, I'm getting bored with treadmill/elliptical workouts and always try to change it up with different inclines/speeds. 

I'll usually do strength-training or Pop Pilates (www.blogilates.com) after a cardio session. I've heard so many amazing things from V about BodyRock TV (for a few years now, but was always way too intimidated to try it..honestly, intense.) But today, I switched it up and decided to go for it. And guess what, it wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. It's taken me awhile to get physically ready to do these vids and I guess today I just felt ready. So for those out there who are doing programs like Insanity, p90x, BodyRock...it's SO normal to be intimidated at first, but when you're ready, you'll know. And when you do, follow through. Don't give up. No excuses.

(*We'll write another post about BodyRock videos: which ones we've tried and recommend). Take a look here for some of their videos: www.dailyhiit.com

Don't forget to replenish with nutritious foods (Banana, flax, almond milk, & oatmeal smoothie for L, protein berry smoothie for V).

So tell Blue Monday to F*** off, you've got a workout to do! 

xoxo,

V&L

---stay tuned for more updates to this blog