When You REALLY have no time

Finals week, projects at work, family challenges, vacations, holidays, birthdays...these are all time-consuming events and usually leave little to no time for a workout. There are some things you can do to manage your time, stay productive and  multitask your way

Use Time Wisely

Using your time wisely is something that all individuals have difficulty with, especially if you're a beginner when it comes to exercising.

I try to make some time in between school, work and going home to hit the gym, but there are many days where it is just not meant to be. It helps to have a gym that is convenient for you. It's even a larger plus if your gym/fitness center is on your way to work or school.

I try my best to bring shower supplies/change of clothes with me. I usually keep at least a pair of sneakers and a change of workout clothes in my car-- just in case workout inspiration strikes! If you have somewhere to go right after, maximize your workout time by showering at your fitness facility instead of running home and grabbing a shower.

Productive Procrastination

Do you have cleaning to do around your home? How about school work or a work project, do you not want to do that? Don't want to go home and cook dinner? Then, try to workout.

This is a great mental strategy to adopt and it truly helps me. I give myself the option of working out or doing schoolwork almost all the time. Yes, I know, I avoid schoolwork -- bad-- but I make sure to do something productive like workout. I often find my mind cleared from the stress and I am more focused when I reapproach my assignments and studying.

Multitask!

Sometimes, getting a workout in is just NOT POSSIBLE. It's an unfortunate issue, I know.

How I solve this:

• Calf raises in the shower / while brushing my teeth.
• Park far away and walk!
• Take the stairs instead of elevator and RUN up them.
• Stand instead of sit.

So, you don't need to workout to be healthier! All you need is a few ideas on how to change up your routine and you'll see a change. Of course, getting active and making time for a workout is extremely important, but some days it doesn't happen!

Stay in motion,

Katie

Hydration Station

It is so important to make sure your body has enough water. Even if you don't break a sweat everyday, your body constantly uses water. One way to make sure you are getting enough is to use a hydration calculator.

According to WebMD, there are several reasons to drink more water:

• Water helps maintain the balance of body fluids and keeps brain function at its peak. Feeling groggy? Grab some H2O and sip away!
• Helps to control calories and overeating (especially when substituted for a caloric beverage like soda).
• Water helps energize muscles. Make sure to drink about 17 ounces (I usually go for 20) about two hours before a workout. Muscles won't get as fatigued or as sore. Make sure to drink after your workout too!
• Water keeps your kidneys and intestines in great shape! 

Here are some great tips on how to keep yourself on top of hydration!

• Get an awesome and fun water bottle. Make sure you get a bottle that makes drinking water more fun! You'll be refilling it constantly. My favorite is the Camelbak Eddy and I have it in purple .75 liter. I want it in the full liter size next! It's a perfect water bottle for on-the-go and it doesn't spill. It also has a lifetime guarantee and makes the $15 price tag totally worth it.

• Sip all day, every day. Here's a great way to do it, if you can't lug two water bottles around, just do 9am/2pm on each marker and refill. Found this great tip on Pinterest!

I hope you all decide to make smart choices for hydration by choosing water over other beverages. I'll admit that I'd rather drink anything but water, but it has been growing on me. I try to at least drink two full bottles of my .75 L water bottle, which still does not bring me to my 2.1 L hydration goal! 

Happy hydrating,

Katie

About Hit the Mat Running

Things to expect from Hit the Mat Running

            Hit the Mat Running is my fitness and active living blog. I hope to inspire others who come from all walks (or runs) of fitness.

 Posts will include:

• Workout tips and photos
•  Information about yoga and my yoga experience
•  Information about running and my running experience
• Recipes
• Photos
• Playlist information
• Motivation!
• Personal fitness posts 

About me and my passion for fitness

            I love keeping in shape and healthy. I find that I think more clearly and my mind and body are in-sync when I am more active. I learned the hard way that recovering from nerve damage is a difficult process that requires a lot of patience (just like any injury). It forced me to slow down, and I will do a lot of injury prevention posts.

Why Hit the Mat Running?

            I chose the title, Hit the Mat Running, because I run and participate in yoga. There’s something about Hit the Mat Running that resonates with me as a yogi and a runner, it shows that from the moment I start working out that I give it my all.

How often will you hear from me?

            My blog will most likely update either every other day to once a week. Maybe some weeks I’ll post every single day. It all depends!

 I will try my best to stay dedicated and maybe, if I get a small community started, I’ll post different challenges and giveaways.

            I hope to inspire others who may have difficulty staying motivated in the world of fitness. It takes a lot of  motivation to walk into a gym, go for a run outside or even put those workout clothes on. I’m here to show you what’s worked for me so far. This blog will help me stay motivated and will hopefully help motivate you all!

Stay healthy and active!

Katie