Staying motivated to exercise...

Over the past few years I've gone from someone that went the gym a few times a month to someone who exercises in some form every single day. I still have a long way to go on my fitness journey but I thought I'd share a few tips that have helped me along so far!

Make a playlist

Like most people, music is a vital part of my life and I've found that listening to the right music will make you push that bit harder when exercising.

Create a playlist with all of your favourite songs that get you psyched and ready to go. Make sure you mix it up often and always have your phone/I pod charged for impromptu workout sessions!

Do what you love

I have truly found my passion in rock climbing. I would climb everyday if I could, we even plan our holidays around the boulders we're going to climb.

But before I started bouldering I was the complete opposite, my workout routine was flaky, I would stick to something for a few months and then I would hit a wall and stop exercising altogether. You just need to find your passion and then exercise will never be a chore!

It might be something simple like running, or something exciting like parkour, be adventurous and try as many new fitness classes as you can!

Buy cute workout clothes

I know it sounds cheesy, but it's an obvious one for us fashion obsessed. Having a wide variety of sports bras, trainers and yoga pants that you actually want to wear is really important. There's nothing worse than wanting to go the gym and all you have are some baggy 3/4 tracksuits and your old tongue twister K Swiss trainers from year 10 P.E.

On my lazy days off work I find that putting on some nice leggings and a structured vest will motivate me to exercise, even if it's just running in the park with the dog (instead of letting him pull me around as usual).

Set goals

It's important to challenge yourself when exercising and setting goals is really helpful. I will usually aim to improve flexibility, stamina and it has been vital in my fitness journey.

Be realistic with your goals, I will set myself small targets so that I can't fail, but it is still rewarding to see progress however small it is!

Friendly competition is also great for this, my boyfriend Mike and I are currently in a battle to be the first one to do the splits, it might take a few months but I am definitely motivated to kick his ass!

Just make sure your goals are reasonable and don't over exert yourself, there's nothing fun about getting injured... 

This was just a quick post to hopefully inspire and help people on their fitness journey, remember we all have to start somewhere...

Instagram @wolvesandflames

Things I'm loving #1

That 70's Show

I go through phases of binge watching series on Netflix when I get home from work (as I'm sure most people do!). Lately I've been revisiting my childhood and obsessively watching That 70's show. The 70's trend is in full swing at the minute and so I'm swooning over Donna's collection of flares and Jackie's Farrah inspired hair.

I love watching shows like this that don't need a huge amount of concentration because it allows me to get some work done even though I have the TV on.
Although it's hard to concentrate on working when Hyde is on screen, he is foxy...

Pole dancing

Image source Pinterest (I'm not photo worthy yet)

I've dreamed of swinging around a pole for many years now, but I was such a weakling that I could never have left the ground. So ever since I've mastered the art of pull up's, I've been eager to find out if pole dancing was a possibility.
I've been rock climbing for a while with a friend Jo, who I knew was an incredibly talented pole and areal fitness instructor and so I finally built up the courage to attend one of her beginners courses.

I think signing up for the course (and actually turning up) is the difficult part! I was so nervous going in to the gym and when I stood next to the pole and tried some of the beginner moves it felt so alien! Luckily everyone in the class was in the same position and we laughed our way through, helping each other feel less vulnerable and more confident.

Jo is lovely and watching her climb and spin around the pole with ease is so inspiring.
I am actually obsessed, at the end of the class I get upset that it's over and I can't wait to get my own pole at some point!

Seriously no matter what fitness level you're at I reccomend giving pole a go, it's fun, social, empowering and an amazing workout.
Just be prepared for the bruises... so many bruises...

If you're in the Liverpool or Birkenhead area then check it out!
Jo's Facebook
Jo's Instagram

Iced coffee

This isn't necessarily a new obsession of mine but lately I have found myself relying on coffee more and more to keep me going through the day.
I always buy a large, iced latte with soya milk and my favourite on the go coffee shop to visit has to be Costa because the cups are nice and big!
That first sip is the best...

I've spent a fair bit of money on this slight addiction recently so I'm considering investing in a coffee machine for home to save money in the long run (and so I can tackle my cravings from home!).

My new bag

I was in need of a new day to day bag and the one I had my eye on sold out from Asos. This left me wandering around town looking for a chic, structured bag that would see me through to Winter.

As always I wandered in to Primark and fell in love with their new season collection. This bag is particularly perfect, with lots of room and pretty gold detailing but there were also lots of other bags in store that I was crushing over, so I definitely suggest you check them out.

The fluffy key ring was only £2 (also from Primark) and it adds some interest to the otherwise quite simple bag.

Instagram @wolvesandflames