Staying Motivated While Exercising, and a Giveaway with Gaiam Canada!

Exercise is something I enjoy for many reasons. It's fun, it keeps me healthy, motivates me to stay fit while indulging in great food and wine, and is a great way to burn off calories and stress! Even when I deal with an injury, I try to incorporate some form of exercise into my daily routine. In this post, I'm sharing the products I love to use while exercising, to get maximum benefits from my fitness routine, and tips on staying motivated to exercise. I also have a giveaway from Gaiam Canada to share with you!

I have tried many exercise classes and workout programs, and started running a few years ago as a way to stay fit and infuse cardio into my fitness routine. Along the way, I have discovered some great products to help maximize my fitness. Here is my list of favourites to try:

1. Invest in a good water bottle. This might sound silly, but having a water bottle that isn't plastic and disposable can encourage you to drink enough fluids throughout the day (8-10 glasses of water is recommended for proper hydration). I love Gaiam Canada's Purple Peacock Printed water bottle. It keeps drinks cold for 24 hours, and hot for 12 hours. The bottle is also non-sweat, a huge plus for those sweaty workouts where you can't properly grip your water bottle! I love that it has a no-leak vacuum seal, as well. I've had my share of water spills on myself in the past. FYI - I take it with me everywhere!

2. For stress and muscle tightness, a muscle roller is a great item to use to keep injuries away. The Gaiam Restore 12" Compact Foam Roller help prevent injuries, and rejuvenate your body to full healing. The compact size is great to use post-workout when you're travelling! Foam rollers come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.

3. Wear workout clothing that is comfortable and breathable. When I work out, I sweat up a storm to flush out the calories and toxins! Investing in clothing that allows your skin to breathe, and absorb sweat will make your workouts a lot more comfortable. For yoga classes, I'm a fan of Gaiam Canada's Luxe OM Yoga Legging. The soft touch performance fabric and moisture wicking keeps me comfortable while absorbing moisture from the sweat! A huge bonus is the waistband pocket, where I keep my key when I work out. Throw in four-way stretch, and I could live in these pants 24/7.

4. Find a good pair of shoes for your workouts. I can't stress this enough! Investing in a great quality shoe will help you avoid foot and ankle damage, and make your workouts a lot more comfortable. There are a number of sport shoes on the market, so take the time to speak to a professional. Depending on your workouts and needs, this will help you find the right shoe for your fitness goals. There are so many great brands on the market, and it's all personal preference. I personally use New Balance Canada. 

5. Incorporate weights and a kettlebell into your workout. Using weights has helped me tone muscles, while building up strength and endurance. You don't have to spend a fortune on weights. I found mine at Winners, and keep them handy when I work out at home. If you don't know which exercises to try, talk to a fitness instructor, or find some exercises online. Incorporating different exercises into your fitness routine will help you build muscle, and stay focused on your fitness goals.

We all have days where we don't feel motivated to exercise. Half the battle is putting on your workout clothes and getting to the gym, or going outside for some cardio. Here are some of my tips for staying motivated to exercise:

• Download your favourite music, or find a great music app for your phone for your workouts. When I started running a few years ago, I downloaded the Spotify app, found some great workout playlists, and never looked back! Listening to music can help push you through a challenging workout, and give you the motivation you need when you feel like quitting. 
• If you are planning a vacation, or have a special occasion coming up, step up your fitness routine and change your diet. Cutting out sugar, dairy, and alcohol, and reducing your portion size can help you get beach ready for your favourite swimwear, or wear the perfect outfit for a special event. 
• Set your alarm clock, and wake up early to exercise! Getting your workout in at the beginning of the day helps you stay motivated before the work day begins. It's much easier to exercise in the morning, instead of trying to go after work, and using the excuse of being tired to bail on exercise.
• Have a backup plan if you feel lazy or tired. Use a yoga mat and weights, and work out at home while watching your favourite TV show, 30 minutes of crunches, stretching, and lunges at home is better than skipping a workout at gym!
• Find a workout buddy to keep you motivated, and go to the gym or a fitness class together. Having someone to exercise with can really help keep you accountable for your workouts.
• Treat yourself to a new piece of fitness gear for your workout sessions. Wearing the same clothes to exercise in can get boring. Invest in new pieces of clothing as you continue your fitness journey. You'll feel great, and be motivated to step up your routine while looking fabulous!

To help you with your workouts, I have partnered with Gaiam Canada for a great giveaway. I am giving one lucky reader a chance to win two of my favourite products: the Purple Peacock Printed water bottle, and Gaiam Restore 12" Compact Foam Roller I mentioned earlier in this post! To win, all you need to do is follow Gaiam Canada (@GaiamCanada) and myself (@sassygirlcanada) on Twitter or Instagram, and let me know what tip you have for staying motivated to work out! You can also leave a comment on this post. I can't wait to hear how you motivate yourself for workouts!

We all need a little motivation at some point, to stay focused and on track for our fitness goals. I hope my tips and suggestions help you when you need motivation to exercise. Good luck, and have fun!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post; however, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.