Health & Fitness over 8 years ago by Liz Adams

Tips for Getting Fit and Sticking With It

staying active and happy with Old Navyfitness tips for successfully losing weightNike Thea Air Max SneakersLiz Adams chicago lifestyle bloggerthe best ways to stay fit in Old NavyLiz Adams mom blog in ChicagoLiz Adams top Chicago fashion bloggerLiz Adams fitness goals and progressOld Navy activewearthe best activewear for the new yearactivewear to wear to motivate your workoutsthe best ways to stay motivated in a new yearfitness goals in 2017the best activewear on a budgetLast September I finally made the decision to get my butt in gear after having Charlie. Once I realized that he was a year old and my excuse of “being a new mom” was no longer legitimate. It has definitely been a process but something that I’ve realized is not only good for my physical health but my mental health, too. Exercise has become the only part of my week that I completely dedicate to myself. It makes me more productive, more present and truly sets the tone for my day. 

I have a trainer 3 days a week and our sessions are early (6am). I have been sharing our workouts on my snapchat – @lizadamsss – and I can’t stress enough how much motivation this has given me to get in shape. It is definitely expensive (which is why I hope my snapchat videos help give you some extra inspo at the gym) but it is the first time I’ve actually invested in myself and it feels so good. Results aren’t immediate. My trainer told me it takes one month to notice a difference, two months for your friends to notice and three months for everyone else! I’ve learned to enjoy the experience and not put so much pressure on myself. 

Everyone tells you that weight loss doesn’t happen overnight but we all want to believe that it does. I’ve learned to be grateful for little victories along the way. That feeling of progress is what helps you to push forward, even when you feel like you’ve plateaued. Here are a few things that work for me…

  1. Get measured. This part sucks. It was a HUGE wakeup call for me, especially realizing that my body fat percentage was POOR for my height/weight/age. Not only will getting measured help you to see the progress you’re making but it helps you to look at your body in a different way. It definitely pushed me to make a change.
  2. Take progress photos! Honestly, my weight has only dropped a few pounds in a couple of months. Mainly because I am losing weight and building muscle. Also because I haven’t put myself on a crazy diet but just generally eating healthier. That being said, I see a significant difference in my body when looking at photos from week 1. I have lost 4 inches off my abdomen, 1 inch off my arms, and .5 inch off my thighs. The scale may not show a huge difference but the pictures show progress!
  3. Be vain. This sounds bad but nothing drives me to hit the gym or be healthy more than someone telling me I look good!
  4. Switch it up. I swear my body has changed because I’m constantly changing my workout routine (thanks to my trainer) or really pushing myself with cardio. My trainer has me doing cardio intervals 2-3 times per week and it has really changed my workout game. I still enjoy taking classes but I’m competitive with myself when I do my intervals. Bumping up a level/speed or pushing myself to do it an additional 5 minutes. If the weather is warmer, get outside! We have an empty parking lot at the end of our block (pictured above) and I’ll get in a few sprints, jumping jacks, walking lunges or high-knees whenever I start/end a walk with Charlie and Webster.
  5. Give yourself a break. For me, I can’t let losing weight be a lifestyle change for me. Whole 30 would never work. I refuse to put myself on a strict diet 7 days a week (although I try to eat super healthy Monday-Thursday). The process of losing weight has to be something you enjoy, otherwise I think it is easy to go from one extreme to the other (i.e.: working out hard/eating healthy for a month to not working out at all/eating poorly). It’s all about balance and I think that is what helps me really push myself during those workouts. Knowing that I can still treat myself later but in that moment it is all about making my body stronger and working to better myself. 

Now that I’ve been working out consistently for a few months, I’ve become extra obsessed with activewear. Old Navy has a great collection with a price point for everyone. I love their high-rise compression leggings and Go-Dry performance tops. A great place to find cute stuff for the gym!

Outfit details: Go-Dry Performance 3/4 Zip, Go-Dry High Low Performance Tank, High Rise Compression Leggings, Steel Water Bottle all c/o Old Navy, Nike Thea Air Max Sneakers (size down 1/2 size)

In collaboration with Old Navy

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  1. I wish I could hire a trainer as I think that accountability would help me too! I thought the same thing as you on the Whole30, but I actually read the book which is so different than how a lot of people do Whole30 and I’m not on day 20. I feel SO good with lots of energy (and yes, I’ve lost weight, but that won’t be what keeps me going with healthy choices ultimately). After the 30 days, they expect that you WILL re-introduce things like dessert or treats or alcohol at moments that you will fully enjoy it. I like that!

  2. Love this post and totally agree! I am exactly the same way. I hate dieting and trying to get back into a good routine. Trying to incorporate Pure Barre and Cardio every other day. Thanks for posting your journey! Helps to know other ladies are doing the same things!

  3. I can totally relate on the “not a new mom anymore” thing. My son is 14 months now (so close in age to Charlie!) so I’m getting my butt in gear now, too. I had lost most of the baby weight fairly quickly but then got lax on added a few pounds back. I’m REALLY trying not to stress about an exact number on the scale so much like I did in my younger years and now just focus on looking good (haha) but really, mainly the health part. I’m still nursing and that has made me have a HUGE appetite so I’m really curious to see what happens with that once I wean. Exercising more has helped me a lot mentally I am following you on that for sure. LOVE your Snapchat it motivates me! Ok, I know this is long. Much love and happy weekend!

  4. This post was SO what I needed. I joined Equinox in November and I’m TRYING so hard to get on a schedule and into a routine where working out is just fun for me again. I also could definitely lose a few pounds, so hearing your tips and tricks made me feel better!

    Pink Champagne Problems

  5. Love this post! In the same boat as you post 2nd child and I had the same wakeup call after Wyatt turned 2. It’s a long road but totally worth it!

  6. Love this post! Would love it if you would be able to post your snapchat workout videos on the blog too? Snapchat just makes it hard if you want to re-watch some of the moves!

  7. First, I agree that Old Navy has the BEST workout clothes! So affordable, comfortable and long-lasting.

    Going along with making healthy changes and switching it up I’ve decided to make monthly goals. In January I gave myself a squat challenge, no takeout or delivery, no wine M-Thursday, and no ice cream in the house. In February I’m thinking an abs challenge and no red meat.

  8. Surprisingly such cute stuff and at a great price! I just treated myself to a few new items – to add to the motivation 🙂 My baby girl will be One on 3/2….So I got to get in gear as well!

  9. I second the Old Navy workout gear! I’ve tried so many brands, including higher-end, and the Old Navy high-rise compression gear is amazing and holds up really well over time. I also like your comment about being forgiving of yourself – I also work with a trainer and have some very specific fitness goals I strive for, but I also recognize there are days I work until 8pm or days that I eat a donut. I am learning to focus on the overall trajectory of progress and trust that the consistency will get me where I want to be.