It’s now called Functional Fitness, and it’s all the rage for a reason. In our series about getting the best from your workout routine, the entire point is to find your focus points – not in fitting the proverbial mould; but to identify the results that you want and why. In doing so, you will aim for the correct target and live a more functional life. There is always more you can do and adjustments to be made, but here’s the thing: The only workout that really works, is the one you stick with.
So apart from aiming to be Happy, Healthy and Strong; finding Harmony in Flexibility and Defining that Core – what else could there be?
What drives progress?
Creativity & Freedom
Identify where you could get a little more creative. The floor is yours, so to speak! You have the freedom in choosing how you will approach your Fitness journey. This will take some effort, and just a bit of courage and thought. Try all the classes available and you may find something you love and surprise yourself! Mix it up a little, challenge yourself. Just a bit of thought may be all it takes to liven up your routine and make things more interesting. Try the new things. Why not?
“I love variety and I certainly have my go-to favourites. I look forward to the workouts that aid my activities for the seasons we are in, whether it be sports or recreation.
Building the habits and getting into the routine is the hardest for me to overcome. Even if I'm off my schedule, just getting fresh air and pulling weeds can fuel my energy and motivate me for that next workout.” - Celese Stevens, Franchise Owner, Thrive Community Fitness – Oak Harbor
Balanced Fun
Much has been said about the fun exercises being the ones you will stick with. We tend to disagree ever so slightly in this regard. Progress and results are what ultimately makes you stick to something. Goals, motivation and inspiration drives this process. Having fun along the way is what helps you get to that point. So keep things interesting, change the music on your device often and definitely throw in the exercises you enjoy. What you need to achieve here is balancing the ones you don’t particularly enjoy with the ones you do.
“When it comes to working out (like many other things in life), it's easy to get stuck in a rut doing the same things over and over again. Mixing things up and getting creative with your routine is essential for forward progress and results. I personally know when I add something new and different, I'm working harder to learn to get better at it. Trying out different group fitness classes is an excellent way to get a dose of new in your routine. Try working with a trainer to get advice on how to change things up and progress forward. Even working out with a friend who knows different things regarding working out can push you to try something new and different. Feeling free to do whatever you want to do is important, but keep in mind that avoiding change in your routine maybe be holding you back from furthering your potential. What's that one class you've been avoiding? Or that one workout you saw online you've been wanting to try? Mix it up, and go for it! You'll be glad (and proud) you tried something new.” – Dani Sanusi, Instructor, Thrive Community Fitness – Oak Harbor
Attitude & Perseverance
Perseverance and Attitude needs to go hand in hand. Trying to persevere while not really feeling like you need to is a sure way to kill any progress. Refresh your motivation constantly. Motivation is Dynamic, and needs to be kept alive, so feed this internal force by any means possible. In turn, Motivation will keep your attitude fresh and positive.
Now, we are not talking motivational quotes here. Although they serve a purpose, in their abundance they tend to get a bit counter-motivational. Find your inspiration, maybe a role model or some way of reminding yourself daily of the need to reach your goal. The very best way, in our opinion, is to turn to our amazing staff at Thrive C.F. They will help you keep your dreams constantly within reach!
“Perseverance and Attitude need to go hand in hand. Trying to persevere while not really feeling like you need to is a sure way to kill any progress. Refresh your motivation constantly. Motivation is Dynamic, and needs to be kept alive, so feed this internal force by any means possible. In turn, Motivation will keep your attitude fresh and positive.” - Cearra Correa Fitness Manager, Thrive Community Fitness – Oak Harbor
Friendly Competition
A little competitiveness will go a long way towards fuelling motivation. Find an exercise buddy and set goals together. It’s not necessarily about getting there first. The essence of camaraderie, and a healthy dose of fear of falling behind will drive you towards those goals.
“Friendly Competition is a great way to workout. If you don’t have a friend look for someone in your classes that seems to like the same things, or has similar or the same goals as you do, or ask your instructor for suggestions. . A buddy(ies) are great motivation. They hold you accountable. When you work out on your own you tend to not push yourself as hard and will easily give into your laziness, and busy schedules. With a buddy you should schedule appointments. You are less likely to cancel on your buddy, if I had to estimate i would say 9 out of 10 times you will show up even if you really don’t want to be there. Some of my best friends are women I have met in classes and started working out with. We all need accountability. It’s fun you make friends and you have healthy competitions, many times your partner has strengths in something that is your weakness, and your strengths are their weaknesses. This way you compliment and learn from each other and push each other because your goal is to beat them. Great friendships are formed; your goals get met. and it’s a lot of fun to have someone suffering through it with you. I have also found because of my friends I get pushed into doing a lot of things I wouldn’t have done on my own, and I have talked them into doing things they did not dream of doing. Today I tried Mountain biking.
A suggestion if you don’t have anyone, then join a group with your interest and soon enough you will find a buddy. (Example you want to run a race join a running group.)” Colleen Coyle, Group Exercise Coordinator & Personal trainer - Thrive Maple Valley
Find your Functionality
The bottom line is this: Your fitness routine should deliver the most functional results to fit your lifestyle. And – Bonus: It will leave you feeling and looking great for sure. From our side we would like to say to each and every member of the #thrivetribe - well done!
What works for YOU? Share your thoughts below!