Monday Motivation | Being Well

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I didn't sleep well again last night. Most people who know me know that I sleep like a rock, and can fall asleep at any place and any time. But it's been about three or four weeks of consistently poor sleep, and for someone who needs 8+ hours uninterrupted, I'm starting to feel burnt out. Coupled with trying to readjust medication, settling into another new routine with the husband who is working full time out of town on a funny schedule, and maintaining my blog, home and social life, I'm just drained!

I was chatting with a friend this morning about health and goals, and it's really easy for me to identify that the wedding was definitely a health goal. After indulging on our honeymoon, I never really got back on track. When I woke up {so late, and so rushed} this morning, I just got fed up with feeling this way. The inspiration and encouragement from friends does matter, and does work. Just two brief conversations today have inspired me to pull out that favorite workouts blog post from pre-wedding days and get to work tonight!

I also think having solid goals helps too. Whether it's fitting in a dress, or being able to run a race--whatever it is, it's something to work towards. I didn't really have a specific goal in mind this summer. I was 'tired' of having a huge goal. But setting goals and making lists and solid steps to reach them helps keep me focused in all areas of my life. So today I'm setting new goals, and making plans! Let's make changes today, together!

What goals do you have, and what keeps you motivated to maintain your lifestyle? Also, read this blog post that I read this morning, that gave me a boost!

My Favorite YouTube Workouts

Last week, I shared two of my favorite low carb recipes {you can check them out here}. As someone who basically hates to exercise, it's really hard for me to get motivated. A few weeks ago, I realized that I would be on the beach in a bikini at the end of the month for my bachelorette and wanted to tone it up a bit! So I thought I'd share a few of my favorite workout videos that I watch on YouTube at home on my Fire TV. 

In high school, I found this Prevention Fitness Systems belly, butt and thighs video. For some reason, I loved it. It's quick and pretty high energy, and I don't find Chris Freytag to be annoying like some video instructors can be. It's kind of old school, but it's an oldie but goodie for me!

I've recently discovered a love for the kettle bell, and love that it's a hard workout I can do at home. There are quite a few different kettle bell workouts, but this one is quick and easy to knock out in less than half an hour. Be sure to keep your pets away when doing the kettle bell...both of my pups are curious, and have come close to getting knocked in the head once or twice!

My family has something my brother refers to as "The Densmore Pooch." We all have it. It's the worst. And it doesn't help that crunches are also the worst. I really like this lower ab routine because it targets "the pooch" in short, minute-long bursts so I don't get bored or too miserable. Ten minutes for abs is about all I can take. It's also a great routine if all you have is ten minutes, or want to tack it on to the end of a longer video. 

I'm not really a yoga fan, but with the added stress of wedding planning really taking it's toll lately {bad dreams, back aches, etc.}, I thought I would focus on incorporating some yoga into my routine to help de-stress over the next few weeks. The Tone It Up girls are total goals, and their bikini body series is great. I like the specific toning movements included in this yoga-focused video, and it's a great "rest day" option. 

What are your favorite YouTube workouts? Share in the links below to keep me going! And don't forget to register for my spring giveaway...winner to be announced tomorrow at noon!