How To Find Your Why And Use It As Motivation

What is your "why"?

If you've encountered any self-help book, guru, or Instagram page in the last decade, you've likely come across this question. We're obsessed with the concept of "why" we do things particularly as they relate to our so-called "passion."

The "why" is the reason -- the essence -- behind our motivation for doing the right things on a daily basis. Yet, have we ever really thought about what our "why" says about us.

Think about -- why do you really get up in the morning? Is it because you can't wait to jump out of bed, have your feet hit the floor, and start another fantastic day?

Or is it more because it's your routine, you have to fight traffic, you have a family to support, and you need to make money? Oh yeah, and the only way to make said money is to pump out another 50,000 TPS reports today?

Your "why" needs to be so much more than a cliche if you ever hope to get out that day-to-day drudgery.  The last thing you want to do is become numb to it and descend into the pit of "whatever." That's a life sentence chained to a desk from 9-to-5 you will never escape from!

What are we to do? Well, take a look at how I've reworked my life to more closely align with my "why." It will take effort on your part, but it's definitely something you can work towards every day.Read more

3 Reasons You Need To Bring The Family To The Double Bubble Run

Looking for an event the whole family can enjoy? Then, you have to check out the Double Bubble Run taking place in Fairfax, VA and Frederick, MD.

This is the kind of fun run that’s for the kids – and those who are kids at heart (like yours truly).  And as a runner myself, I definitely want to get my little ones involved in the sport one day.  While my daughter is too young, this is the perfect even for me and my son.

They have two races this year. The first takes place in Fairfax, VA at Van Dyck Park on Saturday, August 11 from 12 pm to 4 pm. The second race is in Frederick, MD at Crumland Farms on Saturday, September 8 from 10 am to 3 pm.Read more

7 Best Ab Workouts You Need To Tone Your Tummy

Do you want to have six-pack abs and look great in a swimsuit? Well, we have you covered in today's post. Let's a take a look at the 7 best ab workouts you need to tone your tummy.

I don't know anyone out there who loves doing sit-ups or crunches. But, these ab exercises, along with a healthy diet can certainly go a long way in helping you look better.Read more

10 Great Ways To Get Your Best Body

If you're looking for some great ways to boost your fitness starting today, then look no further than this contributed post. Love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

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Irrespective of your starting point, unlocking your full potential is never easy when it comes to fitness. However, millions of people fall victim to needless complications. In reality, if you wish to turn your vision into a reality, you must learn to accept that simplicity is king.

 The journey ahead is a long one, but taking it one step at a time will make it far less daunting. Embrace these suggestions below and you won’t go far wrong. Read more

5 Best Workouts To Look Amazing This Summer

Looking to get in shape for your next beach vacation? Or maybe you want to look great at neighborhood pool this summer. Either way, you need to check out our top picks for the best workouts to look amazing this summer.

Whatever your reason, there is never a bad time to start taking your fitness seriously. If you want to look better, have more confidence, and just enjoy your body more, then read on.

It's time you re-gain a sense of how amazing you are. With these workouts, you will be on the fast track too looking and feeling great again.

Let us know what you think of our picks for the best workouts to look amazing this summer!Read more

4 Things You Need to Know About Exercising During Pregnancy

Alright, for you pregnant ladies out there -- and those that got them there -- I have a great guest post for you from Jenny Silverstone @ Mom Loves Best. She's helping women understand the benefits of exercising during pregnancy. So, women read up and guys share this with your significant other. Let us know your thoughts in the comments and head over to Jenny's site and show her some love.

There are many myths about pregnancy which can lead us to question what we should be doing. Many times I have stopped myself in my tracks wondering “is this good or bad for my baby?” And the advice we get from person to person is so different.

I remember a friend literally saying I had to get out of the garden because it was “bad for the baby”! So I had a talk with my midwife, did some research of my own, and I learned a few things.Read more

5 Awesome Ways You Can Set Up Your Home Gym

Do you work out? No, I'm not trying to pick you up. I'm legitimately asking. Maybe a better question is do you have time? Enter the home gym.

Now, I realize you may be reading this and not have a basement. Or maybe you live in an apartment and you don't have a lot of extra space. I'm here to tell you that it's ok.

You don't need a ton of room to have a functional home gym in your house, apartment, or place of business. You just need to get creative, have a little money to invest in the project, and be willing to do some upfront work.

Check out these posts on creating a home gym that will leave you feeling like it's possible for you too. These people are really creative. Enjoy!Read more

5 Best Yoga Workouts That Will Make You Feel Great

Are you looking for some of the best yoga workouts that will help you feel great?

If you want a fun and different workout, many people turn to yoga.  It's low impact and can be beneficial for a variety of age groups.

Of course, I'm not a medical professional.  So, be sure to check with your doctor or trainer before beginning any of these workouts.

That said, I believe these workouts can help you at the very least get off the couch, stretch your muscles, and reinvigorate you.  So, what are you waiting for?Read more

5 Great Races You Need To Run This Year

Whatever level you are as a runner, there are races you would do no matter what. Aside from training for your 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and marathons, you run some races just because it's fun and you love the atmosphere. Even the most experienced marathoner will run a 5K he or she likes just for the pure enjoyment of it. With that in mind, I compiled a list of the best West Coast races.

Basically, these are races I think you'll want to add to your running bucket list. I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments.Read more

5 Best Running Tips You Need To Know Now

Have you ever wanted a mentor or coach to just lay it all out for you? You know, just tell you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear. Well, for you runners, I have training tips from a USATF coach and race director who will do just that.

Allow me to introduce Coach Lowell Ladd, a USA Track & Field certified coach and race director for the Gettysburg North-South Marathon and the Gettysburg Blue-Gray 1/2 Marathon in Gettysburg, PA.

Lowell is a full-time online coach through his company, 2L Coaching Services, and his philosophy centers on helping "people find/set goals and work towards those goals so that they have some purpose in this sport."  He "has worked with hundreds of athletes all over the world of varying ability levels as an online coach, including multiple All-Americans and one NCAA national champion."

Lowell's accolades don't end with his coaching either. He's an NCAA All-American himself, finished in the top 10 among Americans in the Boston Marathon in 2002 and 2003, and won the 2008 and 2010 Harrisburg Marathons (along with a few others). Clearly, Lowell walks his talk (or runs it?).

Now, with that introduction out of the way, let's get to Coach Lowell's tips. That's why you're really here.

Oh, and if you're in the Gettysburg, PA area, make sure to sign up for the Blue Gray half. I'm doing it again this year because it's such an awesome event and very well-organized.

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