15 Fitness Habits You Need to Establish In Your 20s

As a 22 year old, I'm constantly trying to find exercises that will keep me interested in working out - I do weights, yoga and pilates. However, there are habits that we need to establish in our everyday lives so we can constantly be a warrior for our health. I came across some of these habits on a website and I just have to share - especially since I'm preparing for the swimsuit portion in the Miss Oklahoma Pageant. It's been a struggle for me to gain muscle - I'm naturally thin and I'm grateful for that however, just because you're thin doesn't mean you are living a healthy lifestyle. I've changed my diet, and added more intense work outs with weight to live a healthy lifestyle. 

Here are the 15 habits that I'm implementing in my life -

1. Fall in love with strength training - Whether you're doing bodyweight circuit training or lifting heavy weights (or any of the variations in between), strength training is great for your overall health: it increases lean muscle mass, boosts metabolism, torches calories, eases back pain, helps you sleep, and even wards off diabetes.
2. DRINK WATER - This is HUGE, it changes how you feel. 
3. Vary it UP! - It's all about doing various cross-training activities each week. Hit the weight room for some strength training, or do yoga. Go for a bike ride. Whatever it takes to work your body in different ways throughout the week. I really want to try roller blading, but I first need some roller blades ;)
4. Embrace your day AFTER your work out - Keep going, and enjoy your day. Incorporate a rest day into your routine so your body has time to recover—or else you could seriously injure yourself, or in the least experience some diminishing returns from your workouts. 
5. Learn proper form and DON'T CHEAT - I know, it's tiring and it's hard however get it girl. 
6.  Switch up your running shoes - Yes, they're expensive, but you know what's more expensive? Hospital bills.
7. Refuel after a work-out - The carbs help give you energy, while the protein helps repair torn and stretched muscles. A good choice: low-fat chocolate milk—it's got a great combo of protein and carbs that replenishes your body after you sweated those very things out.
8. Go to a random work out class - I attend LifeTime and I am constantly trying out their new classes - zumba, yoga and strength training classes. 
9. Stretch before you work out - Duh, you don't want to hurt yourself :) 
10. Make your workout a part of your day - Make it a part of your day and don't quit!
11. Be mindful - Do what is HEALTHY for YOUR body, sometimes what works on Pinterest or for your best friend, will not work for you! Be mindful. 
12. Invest in good work out clothes - Now, they don't have to be expensive however, research shows that when you feel confident in your appearance, that translates to your performance.
13. Do either Yoga or Pilates - It helps with posture and it is so relaxing. 
14. Get a good workout playlist - This is a huge help for your workout. I'm constantly dancing in-between reps and the music also pumps me up! 
15. HAVE FUN! - This is to help YOUR body, and YOUR HEALTH. 

(Ideas, and 15 fitness habits found on www.womenshealthmag.com) 

Here are some of my favorite workouts - 

-G