Exercise is a crucial part of living like a Hot Chick, and not just to burn off the calories from chocolate cake and margaritas. Working out also boosts our mood better than an anti-depressant, relieves tension better than a massage, and increases energy better than a case of Diet Coke. We believe that exercising properly can change your life (for the better), but we also know that going at it the wrong way will accidentally cause you more stress and end up wasting your time. Here are our tricks for how to get the most out of your workout so that you leave the gym looking like a glowing, relaxed Hot Chick.
1. No Sports Drinks!
Unless you are in a triathlon or climbing Mt. Everest, you do not need a sports drink or "enhanced" water to get you through your workout. By drinking these sugary drinks, you are ensuring that you will leave the gym without actually burning any calories. A typical sports drink has the same amount of calories as a pack of gummy bears, so if you wouldn't eat gummy bears on the elliptical machine, then don't drink these stupid things! And do not fall for the diet energy drinks that have zero calories, a ton of caffeine, and extra "fat burning" elements. All those drinks do is fill you with rat poison and make you feel crazy. We want you to leave the gym feeling more relaxed, not feeling (and looking) like you are on speed.
2. Sweat. A lot.
Our wise aunt told us, "Horses sweat, men perspire, and women glow," but we think she was wrong. The more you sweat, the more calories you will burn, the more toxins you will eliminate, and the better you will feel! There is no reason to go to the gym unless you are actually going to exercise. And if you are not sweating, then we are very sorry, but you are not really exercising. You don't have all day to spend at the gym, do you? So use your time wisely. Don't casually climb the Stairmaster - go for it! Push yourself! Don't be afraid to sweat buckets! Just remember to wipe off the equipment once you're done.
3. Avoid Gym Food!
Some of these fancy gyms nowadays have little mini café's where you can get smoothies and all sorts of "healthy snacks." Well, don't be fooled. This is just a way for them to make more money off of you, so stay away from this nonsense. You are already paying enough for your membership, plus you should not be going to the gym to eat. That is just a waste of time, money, and calories. Those healthy muffins don't taste good and they have just as many calories as a yummy cupcake, so why are you eating them? Smoothies are also ridiculously high in calories and sugar, and adding protein powder and vitamin C does not make them any better. And please, please, please, for heaven's sake, do not eat any kind of gritty, dust-flavored protein bar. Go to the gym to exercise and then go eat your three square delicious meals somewhere else.
4. Don't Compare!
This is a biggie. In order to work out like a Hot Chick you cannot worry about other Hot Chicks. Focus on your body and your workout. Comparing your abs to another woman's abs will not magically make your stomach flatter. Worrying about why that other girl has such thin thighs will not help you fit into your skinny jeans. And wondering if that other Hot Chick's boobs are fake isn't really going to accomplish much of anything. This is all wasted energy and you did not drag your hot ass to the gym to waste energy! Your workout is supposed to be mood boosting, so don't make yourself feel like crap by comparing yourself to others. Take all of that nervous energy and pour it into your workout, or if it makes you feel better, imagine all those other Chicks one day striving to have a body as hot as yours.
5. Stop Multitasking!
We mess this one up practically every day. Life is so busy and we always end up trying to get other things done while we work out. But we know this is a bad idea. Your time for exercise should be just that. There is no need to return emails on your blackberry while you're on the bike - every email in the universe can wait an hour! Also don't return phone calls on the treadmill or read anything more taxing than Entertainment Weekly. This hour is time for you to pay attention to that hot body of yours, so turn off your brain, plug in your iPod, and get lost in your workout. You'll return to your crazy life a much hotter, healthier you!