Female Fitness: Why You Aren’t Getting Results

check out that bod

Until six months ago I was the epitome of lazy, uninspired, and unhappy when it came to working out (couch potato would be an understatement). I just couldn’t find a workout that motivated me to get to the gym on a regular basis (and I hate…let me repeat HATE running, so outside wasn’t a better option). When I did go to the gym, I found myself bouncing up and down on the elliptical, which was not only mind numbing but ineffective. And not seeing results is the best way for me to opt out of a workout and in to a piece of cheesecake (old habits die hard).

Then my brother introduced me to Crossfit (hallelujah, I’ve seen the light). Crossfit is a strength and conditioning program that touts itself as “constantly varied, high intensity, functional movement.” So I traded in my elliptical for WODs (Workout of the Day) and never looked back. Not only did I start seeing results, but the variety of exercises keeps me excited to hit the gym six months later.

So if you’re working out and not getting results, these might be some reasons why:

1. You’re Unmotivated

If you hate your workout, you are probably spending less time in the gym and more time sitting on the couch catching up on your soaps. Exercising should be enjoyable (I swear, it’s possible). So, if you have a get in, get out outlook on going to the gym, chances are you haven’t found the right workout yet. Also, it helps to have support, so find a workout buddy (who will drag your ass out of bed) or a gym with friendly members and staff (gym friends are good friends).

2. You’re Afraid of Strength Training

This is one of the biggest mistakes women make. They think that if they start lifting weights they will look like Arnold in his prime. Unless someone is slipping you steroids, this won’t happen, women just don’t have the testosterone to bulk up like that. On the positive side, building muscle helps burn more calories throughout the day, while also making your body look leaner. Personally, I’d rather look skinnier (and be healthier) and weigh a little more. So next time you see a weight rack, embrace it (or at least stop running in the other direction).

3. You’re not Eating Right

This one is my achilles heel. I have a problem saying no to anything with chocolate involved (like seriously chocoholics anonymous needs to be a thing). I love being able to rationalize my second serving of dessert by saying, “Hey, I worked out today.” Trust me, this is the wrong way to think (I would be much closer to my goal if I would swap out french fries for salads). Instead, change your thinking to “I don’t want to waste my workout by eating junk” (hey, if you try, I’ll try).

So if you haven’t found your workout groove yet, keep trying! If you are interested in Crossfit check out http://www.crossfit.com or check back for more of my fitness related posts.

Back Sass: Shoemint.com

Tsk, tsk, tsk, it’s always such a shame when a great product or service has a catch (such is life, gotta read the fine print). Shoemint.com has me a little extra sassy (in the bad way) these days and heres why:

First let me set up the situation. I will say I love the website. It was easy to join (I just signed in through Facebook) and they have a great product that is reasonably priced. BONUS, they send you coupons in your email, like all the time, and stuff is constantly being put on sale (love me a deal). I am usually an online window shopper because I have an incessant need to try before I buy. But when I fell in love with a pair of flats, I busted out my new member 50% off and bought those suckers (free shipping both ways! it was a win-win, even if I needed to return them). They shipped to my house within the week, fit great, and are absolutely adorable (YAY).

The problem came a few weeks after my purchase. I was checking my credit card statement and all of a sudden I see a charge of $79.98 from Shoemint.com (Oh hell no!). I had only purchased the one pair, which I had already paid off, and had gone back to my window shopping ways. What I came to learn is that I was now a “Preferred Customer” (because they had my credit card info from my first purchase) and at the beginning of each month they would “credit” my account for a full price pair of shoes. In essence, the money was already spent, so they force you into picking out a cute pair of pumps. I was infuriated. Apparently, your only way out of this situation is to opt out of the credit within the first 5 days of the month (I had been oblivious to this process, so it was the middle of the month before I noticed the charge on my card). Luckily, I checked the website and they do a one time refund if you forget to opt out, which I’m sure nearly everyone uses that first month. So, I called and got a refund (thank god the lady didn’t give me grief or I would have gone a little ape shit). The money has yet to magically reappear in my account.

What upset me most is the lack of visibility of this policy. Apparently, it is somewhere on the check out page when you buy your first item, but seriously, I was excited about new shoes, not looking for ways they were gonna screw me in the future. Also, it’s kinda shitty to take advantage of having someone’s credit card info. Plus, at least two other people I know have experienced the same thing, so it’s not like I’m an idiot and can’t read.

MORAL OF THE STORY: I am not saying to avoid Shoemint entirely (like I said great product, reasonable prices, great sales/coupons). But learn from my mistake! As soon as you purchase a pair of shoes BEWARE! You will be charged $79.98 every month if you do not opt out within the first 5 days of said month. They only refund you ONCE. But it’s better not to go through the hassle of obtaining a refund (or bouncing checks because your money magically vanishes thanks to the Shoemint fairy). I have now set a monthly reminder in my phone to opt out, I suggest you do as well. I will say if I have any more difficulty with this website (or don’t get my refund back ASAP) I will just cancel my membership, there are no shortage of places to buy awesome shoes.

Sassy Saying of the Day

Goal: Independence. Don’t depend on anyone else. Self-made women are sassy.