#neveregretaworkout: Hashtag Help for Those Unmotivated Moments

Exercise can be time consuming and let’s face it, we are not always motivated to #gogetit. The excuses run the gamut from “too tired” to “don’t feel like it” to “I'm too busy” with an occasional “not feeling well” sprinkled on top.

Exercise is a time hog (sorry hogs). First, there is the commute to the studio or gym du jour. Next is the tedious aerobic accessorizing, and I don’t mean leg warmers and sweatbands. I’m talking Bionic Woman style. I’ve got my wireless Beats, MyZone monitor, Apple Watch, iPhone for Pandora or playlist of choice and Map my Run if I’m going for a run. Then there is the warm up, the workout itself and a cool down. And after all that, the struggle to stretch is real. Don't tell but with my eye on the clock, I even often forgo rolling and stretching.  We know it's the right thing to do, but who has the time for all this? Serena Williams is my spiritual, athletic alter ego but sadly, Professional Athlete isn't on my resume. Sorry to disappoint.

I’m generally active six days a week (until life gets in the way). Of course, some weeks are better than others. If pressed for time, I rationalize that 20 minutes is better than zero. But sometimes, I find myself grappling with my uninspired conscience. She rudely tries to negotiate that zero is actually better than 20 or 30 minutes. Even though I know better, she can be rather convincing. If she wins and I skip, I spend the rest of the day not speaking to her, wishing I just would have gotten it in while I had the time. The reality is, I always feel more balanced and energetic after some supersets.

So how do we overcome those days when dragging ourselves to the bathroom feels like all the exercise we can handle?

Here are our top #motivationmantras for when that workout-highjacking voice tries to mess with our mojo:

#neverregretaworkout. I know that in both the long and short run, I will never regret working out. But I will obsess over NOT working out.

#womancrushes. Alexia (@alexia_clark), Massy (@massy.arias), Carmel (@carmelrodriguezfit)...the list could go on and on. These IG ladies seem to never miss a workout, have a hair out of place nor consume copious amounts of cereal for dinner. When I need a pick me up, I take a peek at their feeds, get some new ideas and get to it. Because if they can, why can't I?

#nevergiveup. I’m not the fastest or fittest but I what I am is determined and goal oriented. If I choose to skip a workout, I ask myself if it will help me reach my ultimate goal. Usually, the answer is no, which pushes me to go for it. (Sometimes an unscheduled rest day is actually in order, but best to assume those are few and far between).

#noexcuses.  If while in the White House, first lady Michelle Obama could maintain those famous arms and make time for SolidCore, I can certainly squeeze in a 45-minute run.                                                                                                                                           
#yougotthis. Dig deep. It’s true, we got this.

What’s your favorite motivational hashtag? The one that gets you to close out FB and use those leggings for something other than lounging. Go ahead. We’re listening….