HEALTH

Your tech project is due on Wednesday, auditions for the fall play are next week and you're already on the hunt for a haute homecoming look that totally slays. We get it, you're a busy babe. In between all of that—*and* homework—it can be hard to find a solid block of time to workout when all you want to do with your free time is take a nap.

Naps *are* great, but working out can leave you feeling similarly energized and it's, of course, a healthy thing to work into your schedule. Don't know how to commit? Allow us to assist you...

Prepare yourself

If you're one of those people who *loves* to hit the snooze button but also wants the a.m. hours to fit in a workout, here's what you need to do: Sleep in your workout clothes. Yep, you read that right. It might sound weird, but you'll be thanking yourself when your alarm sounds at dawn and you don't have to fumble around in the dark to find your favorite gym shorts. Take it one step further by setting your shoes out (untied, of course), putting a sock in each one and placing any other accessories—headphones, headband, your gym bag, etc.—next to them.

Make a flawless playlist

This is fitness rule #1, ladies. If you're working out without a steady stream of killer jams in your ears, you're missing out! Not only are you skipping some serious motivation (you can't listen to "Confident" by Demi Lovato and *not* want to own the last mile of your run), but it also helps with focus. Listening to music helps to drown out the sound of other people working out, TVs and anything else you may find distracting. But, hey, music may not be your thing. You can also listen to a podcast. There are so many to choose from, and few of our favorites are This American Life and Ladies Who Lunch. Additionally, if you're somewhere stationary (like a treadmill or a bike), you can also prop up your tablet or phone and watch your favorite show on Netflix or a playlist of videos on YouTube. 

Invest in some cute clothes

No, this is not just an excuse to treat yourself to some new gear. When you look good, you feel good, so picking up a few new sports bras, leggings and cute tanks for your sweat seshes will inspire you to stay committed. You can do this continually, too. Added another set to your squat sesh? Grab a new sports bra to reward yourself. Did you just own leg day? Time for a new pair of cute leggings. Ran your fastest ever mile? That calls for new sneaks.

Follow fitness-focused Instagrammers

Media is a huge part of our day-to-day lives. No, really—teens spend about nine hours a day consuming it. So why not be a little more productive when you're using social media by following a fitness-focused Instagrammers for workout inspo. If you're into yoga or pilates, try following GyspetGoddess and Vie Pilates Gold Coast. If CrossFit is your thing, CrossFit Babes is a must-follow. Runners, take a peek at the InstaRunner feed. Seeing positive images of people enjoying themselves while working out will remind you of just how good it feels to work up a sweat.

Grab a friend

We've said this time and time again, but we'll say it once more: Use the buddy system! Working out with a friend holds you accountable for showing up for your workout because bailing doesn't just mean letting yourself down, it means ditching plans with a friend, too. It's also great to have someone around who can motivate you *and* use as a spotter.

Know that you're making a positive choice

This is the key here, girls. Each time you lace up your sneakers and snap on your sports bra, remind yourself that you're making an amazing choice. You're thanking your body for all the work that it does for you and that's an incredibly special thing. Most importantly, you are choosing health and happiness and that's pretty cool, no matter how you spin it.

What are some ways you motivate yourself to workout? Share in the comments below!

by Sydney Adamson | 9/3/2016