I work out a lot but don’t think I have much to show for it because I eat, eat and… EAT! That IS the whole point of working out, right? 
Anyway, if you follow a regular work-out routine and eat less calories than you burn (unlike me), I’m sure you’ll be able to get that bikini body when summer comes around.
Here are some tips to make your work out a more enjoyable experience:
- Invest in a gym with a TV monitor at each cardio station. I use to listen to music when I was over at Fit City because the shared TVs were never at what I wanted to watch but now that my gym at work has a TV at each cardio station, time goes by soooo much faster. Now I get to watch The Barefoot Contessa cook up one of her recipes that will almost always ensure a heart attack while I’m sweating my ass off and wishing I could get my hands on one of those parmesan-roasted-deep-dish-apple-pie-with-peanut-butter-icing nasty-sounding deliciousness.
You can also bring a book like I use to do but I stopped doing that because I felt like my arms weren’t getting toned since they were always stationary, holding up a 20lb book.
- Wear black (or clothes that compliments your body). My theory is that once you start seeing results, your motivation will go up AND black slims you down so you trick yourself into thinking your losing weight = MOTIVATION. YAY. Hey, it sounds silly but it works for me and I have no problem with motivation now… in fact I’ve turned into quite a gym rat. I have a couple sets of Lululemon pants and TNA beaters (love them because they don’t stretch) in rotation. Okay, I’m not that boring; I buy a lot of colorful work out clothes as well… I just never wear them. Also for the record, a good pair of yoga pants makes anyone’s tush look good… even when you usually don’t have one or have too much of it! Again, a nice ass is good motivation too.
- When doing something repetitive like crunches, break up your counting. For example, if you are going to do 30 crunches, count to from 1-10, 10-1 and then 1-10 again. Or count in multiples of 5— whatever works for you. It tricks your mind into thinking there is less to do, making it easier and less repetitive.
- When doing crunches, work yourself up so you don’t have to take breaks in between sets. It takes some crazy concentration but I think it’s more effective because your core is tight the entire time. If you don’t concentrate, you’ll be doing it ineffectively and most likely hurting your neck/back as well. If you must take breaks, shorten it each time until you can do 300+ continuously. It’s super easy once your abs get stronger… I swear! And it doesn’t take long if you do them right.
Note: You should be doing a variety of crunches targeting different parts of your abs.
- Do a variety of cardio exercises (not just on the machines). The other night at the gym, my boyfriend made me do frog leaps and followed me with a gigantic white stick that was lying around to smack me when I slacked off (man, that thing was heavy). I could’ve beat his ass for doing that but hey, it scared the shit out of me which forced me to MOVE! Nevertheless, those frog leaps and the other exercises totally tired me out (I’m still sore) and they were fun because we got to beat each other up and race (even though
I cheatedBoyfriend cheated). I suggest you do them with someone else though because you’d look kinda funny if you did it by yourself! - Don’t work out with slackers! I like working out alone so I can go at my own pace but if your one of those super-social people who can’t be by themselves or just needs someone else to keep you motivated, bring a friend who won’t force you to slack off.
This is why your workout isn't effective.
I absolutely agree with you when it comes to gym clothes. If I wear something nice, it motivates me to work out even harder cause I like what I am wearing. I also like cropped tops, the ones that show the stomach completely cause if I can see the results of my workouts, it motivates me to keep at it
great blog x
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Great work out tips! Investing in cute work out clothes are also a must. I wanna see myself looking cute when working out and sweating like a pig. lols.
At least we can look cute doing it right?
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*hate
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I love that you hae ed hardy just as much as i do :-D
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Haha that poster at the end is funny.
I agree with buying cute workout clothes. That seems to motivate me too. Plus when I shop for workout clothes I don’t feel as guilty as when I shop for makeup, hair stuff or regular clothes.
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I really liked this post. This there a way of saving certain posts from other peoples sites? Hmm!
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Hey darling. Oh yes, wavy hair is fun and “kinky” lol* how long is your hair right now without the extensions? I got that 25 facts thing from FB too but been too lazy to write. I like your #5!! Everyone is so different. I think it would be so interesting to see what kind of things ppl choose to put into their homes and what kind of images they fill their living space with. oops i think i clicked on the wrong entry. either way thanks for the tips. ive been working out so much ever since the new year rolled around.
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Thanks for the sweet msg! You website looks awesome. you made some good suggestions… i am currently trying to work out. I used Billy’s Boot camp dvd for like 30 mins and ive had muscle pain for 3 days now -_-;; LOL!
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Thanks for the tips! You’re motivating me to work out!
Hahha funny picture! Well, I’d take the escalators down since I’m usually quite tired afterwards …
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that picture is hilarious!
but it’s so hard to find the time to do it. so i enrolled in classes to force me 
i miss working out
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Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting!
You can make Korean pancakes on any frying pan or at least I think so… hehe~
Reading your post, reminds me I need to work out and not the lazy way like the picture with the escalator… hehe~
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Hey there! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
I really love this post. Thanks for the great workout tips. I’ve been working out a lot more lately, but I find it hard to stay motivated sometimes. This helps a lot!
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I agree on working out alone. I used to work out with friends but I felt like I never got anything accomplished. Now that I go by myself, I’ve made tons of progress!
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Katy
March 11th, 2009 |
That’s great! How often do you work out?
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i got the falsie holder in hong kong, but i saw it on ohayousa.com..but i dunno if they’re willing to do shipping to canada =/
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haha..that picture is funny. and why do people try to find the closest parking space in the gym if they’re gonna work out anyway XD
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I’m loving your blog even more, Katy. These are very insightful and while I don’t work out, I will certainly pass along your URL to my friends who do work out.
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hi hi ^^ reading your post make me wanna hit the gym immediately…but Im moving overseas soon so I’ve terminated my gym membership since last month
cant wait till I settle down and start working out again 
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oh, fabulous post! =] i don’t have time to join a gym, but i guess i make up for it with the ridiculous amount of dance i do =]
bisous,
La C.
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those are some good things to keep in mind. i joined a gym and went once. hahah
but yea, shes just a regular old yorkie. not a toy tiny or teacup. they’re cute but in the long run if it ever needs surgeries there will be complications cuz they’re so small.
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I love this post, and as soon as my baby pops out I am signing myself up with a gym! I don’t want too look too flabby, I want to be a MILF LOL! I thought that picture was hilarious, for real who would put escalators to the entrance to a gym?!
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Katy
March 11th, 2009 |
Lol I want to be a milf too… but I don’t know if I can stay motivated until then!
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oh man, I wish I were talented enough to read a book while working out – you’ve got skills!
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Haha, that’s definitely very true!! What I try and do now as well is have some work out videos at home as well… or read and do hoolahooping. It’s always fun and nice!
I heard that you should also stand for at least 10 minutes of your day… you digest faster while you stand.
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Katy
March 11th, 2009 |
I honestly think I only stand for like 10 minutes the entire day when I’m walking to the cafeteria or to my car or something… otherwise I’m sitting or lying down.
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This whole post made me feel so disgusting (though it is a wake up call!)- I haven’t worked out in weeks! I have a free membership to my uni gym & it’s an AMAZING gym, but I just never have the time!
Ugh, how I wish I could just run on the treadmill & elliptical.
I like having a gym buddy. Gossiping over my Vogue and biking all out-of-breath is exciting
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Katy
March 11th, 2009 |
I think I worked here for about 1.5 years before really taking advantage of the free gym membership.. I wish I had done it earlier though.
I don’t like working out with anyone because when I’m out of breath… I’m freaking out of breath and would rather not talk or else it’ll come out in short, raspy breaths. Ahaha.
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ahaha the last picture just made me laugh!
ps. your stunning!! x
anyway this was a great post and very motivating. i do however go to the gym often and love it! it’s best to go with a friend or gym partner to always keep the motivation there
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Wow i know alot of people would love reading these wonderful tips. Thanks
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I usually watch Food Network while doing cardio too, lol
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Great advice. I’ve decided to add Dancing as a cardio routine. I love music and I love to dance. So 30 minutes for at least 3 days a week.
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Katy
March 11th, 2009 |
Dancing is a good work out too… unfortunately I can’t really dance for shit.
I have Hip Hop Abs at home but I hate work out DVDs at home; they get so boring and repetitive.
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This is too true! I have no ass and when I wear my yoga pants to the gym it looks like I have one, haha. Also, I’m a loner when I work out as well. It’s easier because I can focus on what I want to do rather than worrying about what someone else is doing or not doing. Great post, Katy!
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Ah girl, yes! That first one really makes a huge difference for me. I will stay on a treadmill / bike / xtrainer for way longer to make sure I dont miss the end of a show or something. My old gym in Sydney was fantastic, girls only & televisions on all the cardio machines… made working out far more fun. (& being pretty & female only, the change rooms were clean & had hair dryers & straighteners = awesome)
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LOL the pic is so funny… I don’t they have any gyms like that here, im assuming thats in america
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Katy
March 11th, 2009 |
That’s what I thought too… oh Americans.
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That picture cracks me up.
And these advices you put up is definitely helpful and motivating. Well, not the latter. XD I’ll take walking over other types of exercise. I do that plenty. That’s what happen when you don’t have a car.
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What a great post! It made me want to go exercise! I think I will start again after spring break and get some energy back into me.
Ooh I’m so excited by next year, my apartment will be a 3 minute bike ride to the school gym and so that will definitely be a great motivator for me to do some serious work out.
Yes, LOVE YOUR TIPS!
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Katy
March 11th, 2009 |
Thanks! I wish I lived 3 minutes away from the gym… I think I’d go everyday! Ooh you should try jogging to the gym… biking is fun too but you’d probably burn more calories running even if it’s only for 3 minutes.
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Good advice! I have a problem with the gym. I have no motivation to go because I just don’t enjoy the repetitiveness of doing cardio or crunches. It gets so boring! I’d rather play sports to burn calories, but that takes time and money to sign up for a league.
Nevertheless, your words have motivated me to give the gym another shot! I will get that pretty bikini body this year!
(I definitely posted this comment on the wrong entry the first time I posted it. My apologies!)
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The problem I have with watching TV while doing cardio is that it’s not loud enough for me to hear, and my ears get uncomfortable when the volume is high enough
It does make the time go by faster, though. Sometimes if I’m going at a low speed I can hear it.
It’s nice to discover that I’m not the only one that breaks up her counting!
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Katy
March 11th, 2009 |
“break up counting” — that’s the phrase I was looking for!! I was thinking for so long how to word it and ended up coming up with something lame.
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OH my gawed, is that a real picture?! That’s too hilarious, and unfortunately, not very surprising to say the least. Viva la Emerica!
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hahah omg tat pic cracked me up so much
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That photo made me lol – it’s great
I need to work out more often again – I’ve been neglecting the gym the last few months (because of the thesis…)
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I wish I could work myself up to go to the gym but it’s way too boring for me…one of my best friends is a personal trainer though so I’m gonna force my ass off and go to the gym and do some strength training though, because all I do is cardio (I run outside and I swim).
What gym do you go to??
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Katy
March 11th, 2009 |
You should take advantage of your best friend and ask him/her to train you! Having a personal trainer is great.
I work out at my company’s gym… I miss Fit City (my old gym) though.
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LOL at the picture. I love that you wrote about this… I’m definitely trying to get back into going to the gym more often… I used to watch the Food Network while running too. Haha But now, I prefer watching something funny (like That 70s Show) because I really don’t notice time when I’m laughing.
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Katy
March 11th, 2009 |
I always watch geeky sci-fi shows on the Space channel when I work out in the morning because that’s all that’s on that I’m remotely interested in. Your right though… watching the Food Network does make time pass by a little slower.
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hhaha i’ve seen that photo so many times in my lectures about motivation and living a healthy lifestyle.
thanks for posting on a topic like this. it’s sometimes hard for people to get motivated to exercise and as i’ve been drilled about in med all the time, it’s really all about being specific, attainable, measureable and enjoyable and you’ve covered those things.
do you still want to be a doctor?
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Katy
March 11th, 2009 |
A work out definitely has to be enjoyable.. I use to hate working out because I never had any fun and it was more of a chore. I love it now though.
Naw I don’t think I would ever be a doctor… it’s too late to start schooling because I don’t want to be in school until I’m like 35.
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Such a good post, Kooty. These will be very handy when I decide to not be lazy and start going to the gym again
I’m with you on black work out attires.
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I love this post to death Katy! I’m a work out freak–well, not as much as I used to be. I used to hit the gym 2x a day, but I’ve gotten lazier, much much lazier.
I’m definitely going to test out that counting idea. I’ve been trying to do crunches a lot, especially after mentioning that you do 500! I’m up to 125 right now. (I have quite a ways to go huh)
Oh and for the black workout clothes. I agree! Looks good on the body AND doesn’t show sweat like colors do (especially that ash gray color).
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Katy
March 11th, 2009 |
Oh and about the color of work out clothing… so true! That’s why I don’t wear light colors because I’m scared that I’ll get sweat stains. Gross!
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Katy
March 11th, 2009 |
Wow 2x a day… I wish I could do that. Did you do mostly cardio then? 125 is good! How many different kinds of crunches do you do? I suggest doing 30 of each kind and taking about 20 second breaks in between… then work it up to no break in between. Easier and less grueling!
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Love this post! I hate counting while doing crunches, i just do them until i feel like my tummy is going to fall off so i am definitely going to try the counting differently. I do the machines best if i have something to watch, i get to bored with just listening to the music.
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Katy
March 11th, 2009 |
When I listen to music while working out, I’ll end up day dreaming and slacking off (eg. working out on the lowest level of the elliptical).
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That’s such a motivational tool to get me to go to the gym again
Last year I had a contract at one, but I went for 6 months and then stopped going cos I moved college and it made it so hard to get there…plus I didn’t drive then. There’s one not far away though that you pay as you workout (like £3 entry or something) that I might try out. Sounds fun, good post 
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Katy
March 11th, 2009 |
I think one of the biggest factors when choosing a gym is convenience. If it’s too far away, then you’d be less motivated to go so make sure you choose one close to home! My gym is at my work, which is pretty far away from my house but since I usually go before work, it’s okay with me. Sometimes I feel like getting a membership at one close to my house just so I’d be more motivated to go during weekends.
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