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For people like us feeling great about our bodies while working out makes all the difference. It should not be all about the after picture--no matter where you are at there will always be an after in your future. Your focus needs to be on what you are doing today or you will easily burn out. This is so important to me that when I first started the idea of this blog under a different url I called it "Working out becomes sexy fun." Go ahead, laugh, I still do! Silly as that name is, the "dash of sexy" in Flexines comes from the idea of transforming the idea of working out from a journey to becoming sexy to a journey that is sexy. Don't focus on how hot you will look in your swim suit, focus on how sexy your workout makes you feel. You know that experiment where Pavlov rang a bell when he feed some dogs, then afterward the dogs would salivate at the sound of a bell? Getting ready to workout should make you salivate (not literally lol) rather than be some torturous chore.
How do you make your workout sexy?
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Pole fitness is all about strength, cardio,
and sometimes a nice dose of sexy.
CC Attribution 2.0 License |
- Choose the right music. If you hate running you might find a way to love it by listening to music that makes you want to dance and using it to make you want to move, as in running. Club music works for me, like 80's dance hits or electronica. For lifting weights I favor really slinky music that makes me think of wearing sexy dresses and stilettos. Sometimes classical music works for me. Choose something you associate with that sexy vibe.
- Think sexy. As you're watching yourself in the gym mirror lifting some weights or doing some crunches next to the couch envision yourself as whatever your goal is. I love figure skating so I tend to think about spiral sequences a lot--they are so beautiful they are sexy. (There are so many ways to do "sexy.") I got myself into my running addiction by thinking of myself as one of those super sexy dancers I imagined went to night clubs (I was eighteen... lol). The biggest mistake people make is to think about all the ways they come up short and what they need to work on to "become sexy."
- Choose a sexy outfit. I have my best workouts when I look good. The brain has a powerful command over your whole body--take advantage of it! Do knee high socks make you feel sexy? Wear those. Maybe there's a low-cut shirt that will be comfortable enough for your workout; that could work. I once ran around my neighborhood in a black leotard and white legwarmers because it gave me the right sexy boost.
- Pick a workout that lets you be sexy. Maybe you are having a tough time imagining running or strength training as sexy. As a "poler" myself I recommend pole fitness. For those of you who have not heard of it, pole has an artistic side, sporty side, trickster side--and a sexy side. The sexy side is best described as a way to workout including dance heels, sexy hair flips, and lots of moves that show off your inner siren. I love being able to switch between styles based on my mood. Another great fitness routine is chair dance, which probably takes more ab strength than I have at the moment, lol.
The idea is to change the way you look at your workout. So many people look at fitness from a health perspective and especially as a way to get a hot body. The problem is it takes time for these results to show and that's where changing your mind about your workout comes in. Switching your mindset from "sexy later" to "sexy now" will make all the difference in loving your workout.
Great blog, also I love the new layout of your site :)
ReplyDeleteI love listening to music when working out, but I have to say - pushing myself past the pain and my limits makes me feel sexy and I always feel sexy after the work out (even if I'm a sweaty hot mess!) There is just something about pushing myself and the accomplishing feeling afterwards that makes me feel sexy when working out!
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to think sexy when I am working out. I am in the middle of a burpee and all I am thinking about is making it through. LOL I do agree that being healthy is more important then a SEXY type body.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right that it's all about the mindset. I love it when I'm working with weights and catch a glimpse of my muscles in the reflection in a window or mirror. The feel good factor that gives at that moment definitely beats the thoughts of what I'm going to look like in a few weeks after working out! What a great way to look at your workouts - make them sexy! I'm going to try and focus on that for my next workouts!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! This is very inspiring. I sometimes have trouble getting motivated to workout because it seems like no matter how hard I work I am not getting any closer to my workout goals, but maybe if I started looking at things this way it will be more motivating.
ReplyDeleteI love these tips. I definitely need to start thinking more positively like this and maybe it will motivate me to work out more often. I liked the tip about playing music that will pump us up- I have tried that and it works. Really loved this post! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI so need to change my workout mindset. I had my second baby 4 months ago, and sexy fell by the way side. I used to do belly dancing as a workout and it felt so sexy and empowering. I definitely need to get back in to that. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that listening to the right music can keep you motivated to continue on through your workout routine and even make it more enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't really thought about looking sexy when I workout, but I do like to wear cute colorful workout outfits. I don't like to look like a frump when I am working out, but I do want to be comfortable enough to get a good workout.
Thanks for sharing your tips!
I am a big fan of weight training. When I saw some "gym rat" wearing sexy suit, I wondered what they were thinking. Now I know what was behind it. I should try doing so. I would buy a new sexy outfit. Thank you very much for sharing
ReplyDeleteI love listening to music when I work out! I literally just got home from the gym (I went to the all girls section). The girls section does not have any music whilst the co-ed gym has awesome techno and trance type. However, I'm very shy and don't dare to go at co-ed at all -this is something I need to work on as well as 'thinking sexy' too! I am new the the gym and it kinda frightens me, on top of that, I don't know how to use the machines but today, I got the balls and decided to just do it!
ReplyDeleteWow. I never actually thought about how I work out because I've been focusing on my baby. But thanks a lot to you. I will make sure my workout should be sexy once I start out my Work Out Plan. :)
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to start working out again after this baby (#2) ! I started making my workouts more fun for me and making me feel more womanly. I totally agree that workouts are better when they are sexy :)
ReplyDeleteI have always thought of Sexy being the end result of working out. Love changing the mindset. As a result of your post I think I will find my feeling hot outfit tonight and go for a little run tomorrow morning after my son catches his bus. Might even put on a touch of makeup :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I feel anything but sexy during a workout but I'm goin to take your tips on board.
ReplyDeleteLinsey xx
I agree that mindset and intentions affect my workout outcome. I usually feel like a giant ignoramus while exercising, but the more I work, the better I feel about it and my workouts become more effective. Puttin' a little sexy in it goes a long way. Thanks for the insight.
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree that one should be in the moment - not thinking so much about the after picture. I don't feel that sexy while working out, but, hey, that will certainly change after reading these tips.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about looking good whilst working out. If you feel you look good, you really do have a better work out!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I completely agree! It's not about how others will think we look. It's more important how we feel about ourselves.
ReplyDeleteThis is really hard to do! I agree 100% but sometimes when you look in the mirror and just can't get happy with what you see it is difficult to make yourself feel sexy then...let alone when you are getting sweaty and out of breath reminding yourself how out of shape you are.
ReplyDeleteThat said...I am doing my best to do this now! I so wish we had Pole Fitness around here I would so do it! However, as much as it makes me laugh...an in home idea is Carmen Electra Strip Tease Aerobics! Totally worth the money lol
Awesome post!! I am about to change schedules at work and am definitely going to be putting in more time working out. I definitely think that both music helps me to feel sexy during the workout. In addition, the satisfaction that I finished the workout itself makes me feel good and sexy about myself. I think that that is what its all about in this journey.
ReplyDeleteI find that I enjoy my workout more when I wear attractive clothing. The music that I am playing helps me push through the especially difficult portions of my workout. And I do feel sexier when I have completed an kick butt workout.
ReplyDeleteRachel recently posted What Chains Are Holding You Back?
I really like your idea about having the right attitude. I don't know if sexy would work for me while I work out since I am usually doing it with my kiddos in the living room ;) But, I think the concept still applies: I was to be strong and in charge of my health, and I want my kids to see that. I will keep it in mind while I sweat!
ReplyDeleteI love the name of your blog :) I recently bought a belly dancing workout & it really makes me feel sexy! I love the clothes and everything - definitely something different to shake up my routine.
ReplyDeleteWhat's a blog name if it doesn't tell us exactly what you're thinking? Love it. This topic is a tough one for me. I ocmpletely get it, but then when I'm out there huffing and puffing and feel the jiggle wiggling I can't help but laugh thinking what I must look like. I'll keep working on it! :)
ReplyDeleteLovely idea, but not for me. I'm afraid that I would scare myself half to death if I worked out in front of a mirror! And sexy work out clothes - there is no such thing for the very over weight. {Sigh} But, I do like to listen to good music!
ReplyDeleteHahaha, Great inspiration for many would-be body-beautifuls. My husband says he would love to see some sexy granny workouts, (he's grateful just to see me walk the doggies) just don't hurt yourself. Ah, the joys of "seniorship"!
ReplyDeleteKathleen recently posted http://kidderscrossing.com/a-common-bond/
Very cute! I agree with the exercise making you feel sexy. I am into belly dancing....makes me look and feel great!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I totally agree with your tips! feeling sexy can help you work out, sometimes harder. It can also keep you motivated and its fun!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas posted. It's all about attitude. While at first maintaining an attitude of I feel sexy has never been my thought because of low self-esteem that feeling doesn't usually arrive til I get to my goal. This looks like something I should be working on.
ReplyDeleteI miss working out! I still can't since I just gave birth and the doctor said to give it 6 months :( booo! But thanks for this post! These are really great tips!
ReplyDeleteI love this. Your workout should be sexy. I always feel great after a good workout. good music gets the heart pumping.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree... the cuter the clothes I wear to the gym, the better workout I have!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas for looking differently at your workout routine. Exercising can sometimes feel really 'blah', and when I'm so focused on how much I don't actually want to be doing the exercise, it's hard to keep going. To keep myself on track, I think more about the 'healthy' factor (rather than the sexy factor lol) and how much healthier my body is with each step. I battle chronic autoimmune disease and so healthy to me IS sexy lol.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was going through my "blah" phase, I used to wear frumpy clothes that did nothing for the amount of work I was putting into my workout. One day I decided to buy something more form-fitting to wear to the gym. My workouts became more fun, I liked who I saw in the mirror and I just pushed myself harder. It really made a difference! (Oh yeh, & the fun 80's music I had playing helped too!)
ReplyDeleteI like your perspective on this. When I get into working out a lot I feel so good about myself. When it comes to running, I have to listen to music that pumps me up to keep my adrenaline going. If I don't have something to motivate me, it's hard to keep going. This is a good outlook to have so you can get through it better & make the journey more bearable.
ReplyDeleteI like your attitude! You sound like you would be fun to work out with! :-) I can see how this would be much more motivating than the no pain no gain philosophy or critical drill sergeant style. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI really like your stance on working out. It's not all about looking and being sexy - the focus should be on being healthy - physically. And with that will bring confidence and a better view of your self.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this!
I love this, music totally makes the difference! I'm 7 months pregnant, and working out is definitely a new experience at this point.....but music does help!!!
ReplyDeleteCarly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com
You make an excellent point. If you don't find a way to make working out something you enjoy it's a lot less likely to happen. I actually have a number of workouts that I enjoy. My biggest issue is trying to fit it in between work and kids, but I know I need to figure something out because I desperately miss it and also really need to get my core strengthened back up after baby #2.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if sexy is really what I am going for when I work out, but this was an interesting post!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun thought! My husband certainly thinks I look sexy whenever I'm working out, which makes me feel sexy! :) I've also been thinking of trying belly dancing because it seems like a very unique and skillful form of exercise.
ReplyDeleteI feel sad, because I haven't added a workout into my schedule. Even though I know I need to. I think I would like to start and music has a big part of working out. Of course I want to look sexy, so we will see.
ReplyDeleteI agree...if you look good you'll feel good, and definitely have a better workout! I've always wanted to try a pole workout, hopefully sometime soon!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! "Sexy now" instead of "sexy later", I think some people think there's some magical number on the scale and when they achieve it all of their self esteem issues will automatically go away. No. It's all about feeling comfortable with yourself.
ReplyDeleteYour workout thoughts sound good. I prefer walking, so not a lot of sexiness there. Ha! I do enjoy listening to upbeat music that helps me keep moving at a good speed.
ReplyDeleteA great outfit always helps...try LuLu Lemon for the awesome work out pants
ReplyDeleteI really liked your post. I try to get a workout in a few times a week, taking a long walk, yoga, and/or weights. I haven't thought to add music but will try it to add some spice (sexiness). I do feel better after working out though. Staying healthy with some form of physical activity can help the body!
ReplyDeleteWhat great points! I know that I personally feeling better about my workout when I'm wearing something cute. It's all about your mindset! Plus, a personalized soundtrack helps to get you in the mood to get fit. Getting fit is a wonderful way to feel good about yourself and feeling good about yourself is the key to feeling sexy! Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely! When I feel good about myself, I have a much better workout. Great tips!
ReplyDeleteYep. It is definitely important to feel good about yourself and good about what you are doing. I was exercising regularly for a long time and gave it up. I went to work full-time and was just overwhelmed by what I needed to get done each day. Once you stop, it's a downward spiral that's hard to escape from. I'm trying though. Maybe soon!
ReplyDeletebethany@teachingnook.com
Feeling sexy while doing it may very well change my perspective on working out. I've always wanted to try pole fitness but don't really have the space to do so. It sure sounds fun though!
ReplyDeleteThat is a GREAT way to look at working out!!! Back in the day when I went to a gym, I DID feel sexy- because there is no better feeling that being in shape and getting a good sweat on!!
ReplyDeleteZumba is the sexiest workout around!
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