Establishing Fitness Habits

The weather has finally started to warm up (most days), and the snow is slowly starting to melt. So I have been coming out of hibernation and have actually been getting to the gym and walking to class way more! I go through phases where I actually go to the gym on a regular basis but then something comes up and I stop, I find excuses and before I know it it has been months since I have step foot in a gym. 

After reading this article of "15 Fitness Habits to Establish in your 20s" by Women's Health, I am trying to build some healthier habits.  Once of those is getting to the gym (I am trying to aim for 3x a week). I have found that once I actually start going to the gym on a regular basis I look forward to it and I start to look up different circuits and exercises online.   One of the biggest obstacles for me is getting over the fact that every workout doesn't have to be a big production. I think this stems from the fact that I used to figure skate and train 4-5x a week. This included on and off-ice training. Which meant an hour working out off the ice before even getting on the ice some days. Working out for me then, always meant it took a large portion out of my day.  I have started to come to realization that any sort of workout is better then no workout. Even if I can only be at the gym for a half hour thats better then nothing and its more likely that I will stick with working out in the long run because it enforces the habit.  I also know that I need a goal to work towards. Something that is attainable yet challenging. I find when I work out just to work out that I get bored too quickly. I also need to set goals that I want to attain. I used to always set running goals. But I HATE running. I would rather do anything other then run. So these goals were pointless because I didn't really want to work towards them. I now set goals that I actually want to achieve which makes working out a bit more fun. 
Do have any advice for sticking to a workout plan? 

Gym Bag Essentials

I pack my gym bag the night before and go straight from class. I usually shower at home afterwards so I don't carry too much with me on most days just the essentials.

Top - I have a few different Lululemon tops that I tend to rotate through. Or I will wear a sports bra and one of those oversized t-shirts that they gave away during the first week of school during my first year. 

Bottoms - I love love love my wonderunders from Lululemon. They are my favourite pair of leggings by far. 

Shoes - I have been wearing Nike shoes for as long as I can remember. They seem to be the only shoes that will fit my extremely skinny foot. 

Dry Shampoo - This stuff works wonders. It is great to freshen up right after a workout especially if I can't get home to shower right away

Ipod Nano - I have the older version that clips on so I do not need an arm band to go with it which is great. Its the perfect size for working out.

Water bottle - I always carry a reusable bottle with me. I simply fill it up before each workout. 

Hair ties  - You can never have too many hair ties. I never know where they all disappear to but I cannot workout without one. 

Gym bag - I don't have this particular Lululemon bag but I do love the one I do have. I got it on sale and I have had it for probably 5 or 6 years now maybe more and it is still going strong. The thing can hold a ton! They are super spacious and are great quality. 

Other - I usually also bring a small towel, face wipes, deodorant, extra socks and a granola bar 

What is in your gym bag? 

Jaclyn