Are we really having less sex?
Are we really having less sex?

Kate Demolder

Real Weddings: Iseult and Michael tie the knot in Smock Alley Theatre
Real Weddings: Iseult and Michael tie the knot in Smock Alley Theatre

Shayna Sappington

How to quit social media comparison for good
How to quit social media comparison for good

Niamh Ennis

Weekend Guide: 12 of the best events happening around Ireland
Weekend Guide: 12 of the best events happening around Ireland

Sarah Gill

How to handle the co-worker who brings everyone down
How to handle the co-worker who brings everyone down

Victoria Stokes

Majken Bech Bailey on her life in food
Majken Bech Bailey on her life in food

Holly O'Neill

A new Netflix series about the Guinness family is in the works
A new Netflix series about the Guinness family is in the works

Sarah Finnan

Why the music of Sinéad O’Connor will stay with us forever
Why the music of Sinéad O’Connor will stay with us forever

Jan Brierton

My Life in Culture: Artist Jess Kelly
My Life in Culture: Artist Jess Kelly

Sarah Finnan

This enchanting home on Lough Derg is on the market for €950,000
This enchanting home on Lough Derg is on the market for €950,000

Sarah Finnan

Image / Editorial

9 Ways To Reward Yourself With The #PositivelyImperfect Fitness Plan


By IMAGE
13th Jul 2015
9 Ways To Reward Yourself With The #PositivelyImperfect Fitness Plan

This week is the final week of #PositivelyImperfect so it’s time to celebrate your achievements. We all know what exercise does for our bodies and our minds but sometimes maintaining healthy habits can be challenging so it is important to reward yourself along the way. What is the point of working hard if you don’t celebrate once your goal is reached? Rewards will strengthen your new habits and keep you in the zone.

I know you might be thinking that getting fitter, stronger, leaner and healthier is reward in itself – it sure is, it’s the best kind. Seeing yourself looking better, feeling more energetic and living a healthier life in general feels good. But a little pat on the back from time to time in the form of a mani/pedi can’t hurt!

Try not to focus solely on weight loss. As we know, weight fluctuates and isn’t a true measure of success. Pick milestones that take the focus off the scales. Why don’t your reward yourself for every week you don’t weight yourself? Ditching the scales is a huge step in the right direction for your body and mind.

You could focus on every 10th training session you complete, or jogging a certain distance without stopping, or every 7th day without junk food, or every 20th day in a row you have meditated. There are so many things to encourage and empower you to feel good and remain motivated.

Be creative with your reward, making sure it doesn’t sabotage your efforts.

IMG_0753_WEB

Here are 10 healthy ways to give yourself that well deserved pat on the back while staying on track with your fitness and health goals.

  1. Sleep in – instead of getting up for your early gym sessions opt for a lie on, it’s a great break from your routine and a well-earned rest for the bod.
  2. Plan a day out with your friends – go for lunch, do some shopping. Being with people who make you laugh is good for you.
  3. Pick up a new plant for your garden or house – I love this idea, it’s a constant reminder of how great you’re doing.
  4. Splurge on some new exercise gear – you’re worth it!
  5. Treat yourself to a massage, mani or pedi (or all three if you fancy!).
  6. Start a charm bracelet – add a charm at every milestone, this can be a beautiful reminder of your journey.
  7. Plan a weekend getaway with your significant other.
  8. Try a fun exercise class like Zumba or Acroyoga.
  9. Treat yourself to a one-to-one session with a trainer who will be able to give you tips on how to add variety to your program and progress with your fitness.

Have a great week!

Website PositiveFitnessProject
Twitter @LizCostigan
Instagram positive.fitness.project
Facebook facebook.com/positivefitnesspt