Tips for sticking to a workout routine + GreenForce Labs' Pre-workout Review

Okay, it is time to get serious and get back to the gym, or if you are like many this time of year, start up a gym routine. The holidays are over - so no more excuses!  I know it is tough to develop a routine, but once you do it becomes second nature.  Exercise should be more of a lifestyle rather than a quick way to drop a few pounds.  I have been working out regularly for 9 years, but I also know how difficult it is to start back up after falling off the wagon for a few weeks.  Here are some of my tips for sticking to a routine and staying motivated to make it part of your lifestyle.

1. Pick a gym schedule and follow it! 

I noticed if I don't plan ahead the days I am going to go to the gym I tend to put it off.  At the beginning of the week, plan out what days you are going to go, that way you don't put it off towards the end of the week or make excuses for skipping sessions.

2. Switch it up 

I love trying new classes and new workout routines.  I get so bored doing the same thing all the time, so I love to switch up my workouts.  One day I will run outside, the next I will do yoga or spin class. Plus switching up your workouts will help avoid hitting a plateau with your workouts, therefore burning more calories and remaining efficient.

3. Grab a buddy 

I love working out with friends.  They help me to push myself and will hold me accountable if I try to skip.  Trust me - you will be far less likely to skip if you know you are meeting your bestie there. 

4. Reward yourself 

If I make it throughout the whole week without skipping a gym session, I'll buy myself a little reward such as a new bracelet I have been eying up.  You will begin to look forward to these rewards.

5. Take a pre-workout supplement

Let's face it, you aren't always going to "feel" like working out.  For those days that you really could use an extra boost, take a pre-workout like GreenForce Labs' NO2 Pre-workout (which I review below).  I have been taking GreenForce Labs' NO2 Pre-workout for a couple weeks now as an added boost to some of my workouts. 

6. Buy cute workout clothes

I am always excited to do something when I have some cute new clothes to wear.  There are some really adorable choices out there now, plus just another excuse to go shopping!

7. Make a playlist

Working out to some of your favorite tunes can help you to feel more energized and push you through some of those long cardio sessions. 

8. Download a fitness app

I love using apps like Sworkit and Runkeeper to track my progress.  Both apps allow you to workout without using a gym or expensive equipment.  Sworkit builds you randomized circuit training workouts that you can do anywhere.  Runkeeper is great because you can build out a running plan and it will remind you when you need to complete your next run to stay on track.

GreenForce Labs' NO2 Pre-Workout Review

I was given the opportunity to try out a new pre-workout supplement from GreenForce Labs.  I was excited about this opportunity because staying fit is one of my passions, and I always love trying new products to help me reach my goals and stay on track.  I have taken several other pre-workout supplements in the past, and this was the perfect time to try something new.

When I received this little bottle in the mail, I was so excited to start my next workout.  I took 4 of the pills before a Saturday afternoon workout that consisted of some cardio and strength training.  I loved that this product did not contain creatine (which a lot of pre-workouts do).  Creatine promotes water retention and helps bring in more energy to your muscles.  It is often used by body builders to help build muscle mass, but this is not my goal.  I prefer to tone my muscles rather than make them larger.

I also liked that it had a little bit of caffeine (about as much as a cup of coffee), which was just enough to boost my energy, but not make me jittery.  It also contains L-arginine which increases vascular flow which helps boost Oxygen flow, thus giving you that "awake" and "energetic" feeling.  I definitely felt this throughout my workout, and the pre-workout also helped me to keep up my stamina. The only con I would say is that I really didn't feel the effects until I started working out.  Maybe this is because I already have a pretty high tolerance to caffeine, so I did not feel much of the caffeine effects.

Overall I  really liked this product, and I will continue to use it for the days I need an extra boost.  I wouldn't recommend it for every workout because you can begin to build a tolerance to the product, but I would recommend it as an additive to your long-term workout routine.

*Although this was a sponsored post powered by BrandBacker, all opinions of this product are my own.  I only endorse products that I personally use and that suite my lifestyle.