My tips for the gym

Saturday afternoon as I was cycling away on a spin bike at my apartment complex's gym, I looked downstairs and saw a girl sitting on a machine, flipping through her iPhone with her chin resting on her hand. My first thought was, why are you at the gym, girl? You could do that from home.

I'm not claiming to be a gym expert, but I do feel fairly knowledgeable about fitness and if I could have any job in the world I would write for SELF magazine (or ESPN, but that's a pipe dream). So I've made a list of my top tips for hitting the gym that I've learned through trial and error/reading.

1. Get in and get out. I see a lot of people who use the gym as a hang out. It's the people that sit on the machines and play on their phones or walk at 2.0 mph on the treadmill while texting that should really just be sitting at home. There's zero chance they are working up a sweat. Most of us barely have time to fit a workout in during the week, so when I go in for a 30 minute spin session or run, I'm pushing myself as hard as I can for 30 minutes so I can enjoy the rest of my night outside of the gym.
2. Don't do the same thing every day. Running is my jam. There is no question about it. In fact, I used to run every single day for hours at a time. But the more research I did, the more I came to understand that change is crucial to keeping up your fitness. Right now, I do yoga on Monday, run on Wednesday, spin on Saturday and the elliptical on Sunday. And I'm never bored. Ever.
3. Read blogs. I'm obsessed with reading health/fitness blogs. I've been reading them for a couple of years now. I get some of my favorite food/workout ideas from other bloggers. In fact, one of my favorite blogs has a full list of different workouts to try when on the treadmill and elliptical. If I ever don't feel doing the same thing I usually do, I'll try out one of these new workouts.
4. Don't get frustrated. I'll admit, I get easily frustrated at the gym. If I go so long without running and end up huffing and puffing on the treadmill, I'll feel so bad about myself. But that's stupid. The fact that you are even on the treadmill is an accomplishment in itself. Don't be afraid to slow down the speed if you're feeling pushed too far. You can always stop and walk for a few minutes before you get back into a run again.
5. Come prepared to work out. There is nothing that drives me more crazy than being unprepared at the gym. Even if I look silly, I always make sure to throw a few extra bobby pins into my hair (I hate strays while working out), fill up my water bottle, double knot my shoes and make sure I'm completely ready to focus on working out so I don't get distracted.

Like I said, I'm absolutely no gym expert. There have definitely been times when I've fallen in/out of love with the gym, but these are a few things I always try to keep in mind when working out!

Playing catchup

Since I’ve taken a breather from the blog lately, I thought a Hopkins family update may be necessary. In no particular order (except order of importance…), here are the highlights.

Nolan

Nolan has continued to be a handful for Mark and I. He is 5 ½ months old and has never had more energy than he does now. He has also gotten so big it’s harder for me to walk him, especially if we pass another walker or dog. His last puppy training class is this Sunday and he will be a graduate. This is a really big day for me, you guys.

House hunting

Mark and I continue to tirelessly search for the perfect first home. We came unbelievably close last Friday and actually put in an offer on a home that we really loved. We put an offer down less than 24 hours after it was put on the market. Unfortunately, four other families loved the house just as much, and the seller chose another offer, putting us back at square one. We are continuing to search and pray that the perfect house is out there waiting!

Money saving

It has not been easy (in fact, it’s gotten harder the longer we’ve been doing it), but Mark and I were able to significantly exceed our original goal for a down payment for our (hopefully) new home. Unexpected tax returns, bonuses and freelance opportunities have helped us so much. Like I said, it has been a tough road and I’ve missed eating out so much and am struggling to bypass the cute and colorful spring clothes out right now, but being diligent and continuing to trust that everything will work out is definitely working so far!

Life in general

I feel like I’ve been staying so busy lately and I’m loving it. There have been so many opportunities to spend time with friends the past month or so and I’ve tried to take advantage of them all! Life is too short to turn these things down. J

Yesterday Mark and I celebrated a mini anniversary. We have been together (a.k.a. dating, engaged and then married) for two years. Yay!

I've been running and doing yoga quite a bit, which always makes me a happy camper.

Things have been extra tough lately for me missing my dad. It seems to always come in waves, but it’s been rough the past few weeks. I’ve spent a lot of time looking over old text messages and pictures and even spent a couple of hours one night writing him a letter to tell him what’s going on in my life. I know it’s silly, trust me I know. But nothing has made me feel better than doing that.

In general, I can’t complain about things lately. Sure there are things I’m ready to get past, but overall life is happening and I figure I may as well just enjoy it as it comes! Tonight my sister is in town, so Mark and I get to have dinner with her and my mom. It’s the little things you’ve gotta look forward to! J