Fitspo: Images to inspire the couch potato -

It is no time to be slacking or lounging around! Check out this gallery for some motivational fitspo pics to get you up and moving. Plus, learn about some awesome tips and tricks to help your next workout. Click through! 

(Photo by Scott Webb)

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Pre-workout -

First thing's first—a pre-workout snack.

(Photo by Brandon Wilson)

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Pre-workout -

Good food options before getting started on a high intensity workout are: plain Greek yogurt with granola and berries, a whole-fruit smoothie, oatmeal and blueberries, or banana with peanut butter and honey.

(Photo by Joanna Kosinska)

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Stretching -

Once your stomach is fueled and you are ready to get started, make sure you stretch beforehand. 

(Photo by Autumn Goodman)

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Stretching -

Stretching is an essential step before starting on any fitness routine.

(Photo by Rhone)

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Stretching -

Don't skip it or you could risk pulling a muscle and getting seriously injured.

(Photo by Justyn Warner)

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Scheduling -

When getting started on a fitness routine, it is important to come up with a schedule.

(Photo by Jared Rice)

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Scheduling -

And stick to it! 

(Photo by Mark Adriane) 

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Morning -

The best time to break a sweat is early in the morning.

(Photo by Justyn Warner)

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Morning -

It will give you a fantastic boost of energy to carry you through the rest of the day.

(Photo by Nik MacMillan)

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Morning -

Plus, once your workout is done and out of the way, you won't have to worry about it anymore!

(Photo by Aljoscha Laschgari)

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Gym equipment -

If you plan on going to the gym for your workout, it is important to have the right equipment.

(Photo by dylan nolte)

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Gym equipment -

Don't let gym equipment intimidate you.

(Photo by Jesper Aggergaard)

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Gym equipment -

Ask a friend or a staff member to show you how to properly use the machines so you don't get hurt.  

(Photo by Jesper Aggergaard)

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Outside -

But if you can't afford a gym membership, don't fret. 

(Photo by Rhone)

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Outside -

The outdoors can be just as good as any gym.

(Photo by Debby Hudson)

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Outside -

Take advantage of wide-open spaces such as beaches or fields so you have plenty of room to work with. 

(Photo by JanFillem)

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Outside -

Working out outdoors can have many benefits too.

(Photo by Cristina Gottardi)

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Outside -

It is a great way to breathe fresh air and get your daily dose of vitamin D.

(Photo by Kristian Egelund)

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House -

Or workout at home!

(Photo by Rhone)

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House -

There are plenty of routines you can do right in the comfort of your own house that don't require any complex or fancy gym equipment.

(Photo by Edgar Chaparro)

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Workout friend -

If you are finding it difficult to stick to your workout routine, a great tip to keep you motivated and accountable is finding a workout buddy.

(Photo by bruce mars)

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Workout friend -

It is more fun and it is always nice to have someone there to encourage you. 

(Photo by MARK ADRIANE)

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Fitness class -

Joining a class is another good alternative if you don't like working out alone.

(Photo by bruce mars)

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Fitness class -

Be it yoga, spin, Zumba, or CrossFit, a group class is a great way to stay in shape without having to put too much thought into your workout.

(Photo by Geert Pieters)

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Fitness class -

Let your instructor do all the thinking, and just show up to your class and follow along! 

(Photo by Demetrius Washington)

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Gear -

Another piece of advice to help you get up and moving? 

(Photo by Autumn Goodman)

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Gear -

Cute workout clothes, of course!

(Photo by Heather Schwartz)

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Gear -

Invest in a cool new pair of kicks—anything to get you excited to start on your workout routine for the day!

(Photo by Dominik Martin)

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Music -

You will also want to update your playlist for an energizing track list.

(Photo by Justyn Warner)

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Music -

Upbeat music is not only a great motivator, it also helps to distract you!

(Photo by Victor Freitas)

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Music -

When you have headphones in, you become less aware of your exertion.

(Photo by Victor Freitas)

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Music -

Click here for good workout song options that will surely have your heart rate up in no time. 

(Photo by Dominic Lowyears)

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H2O -

While working out, it is important to drink lots of water and stay hydrated.

(Photo by Angelos Michalopoulos)

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H2O -

Water lubricates your joints, and if you are not hydrated enough, your body doesn't perform at its optimum level during a workout.

(Photo by Alora Griffiths)

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H2O -

You will be more tired, and more prone to muscle cramps and dizziness. Keep that bottle full!

(Photo by Victor Freitas)

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Check-in -

Make sure you are constantly checking in with your body during your workout too.

(Photo by Avrielle Suleiman)

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Check-in -

How are you feeling? Remember to never do anything if you feel like you are overexerting yourself.

(Photo by Sam Wermut)

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Check-in -

Know your limits and when to stop.

(Photo by Bruno Nascimento)

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Challenge -

That being said, don't be afraid to push yourself a little either!

(Photo by Ev)

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Challenge -

It is so satisfying when you realize all you can accomplish when you truly put your mind to something.

(Photo by Victor Freitas) 

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Mix it up -

When it comes to your fitness routine, don't be afraid of switching things up. 

(Photo by Daniel Knoflicek)

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Mix it up -

It is only natural that after a while your workouts can get a bit tedious and frankly, boring.

(Photo by Form)

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Mix it up -

If you start to feel this way, it is a sign that it is time to try something new.  

(Photo by Maria Fernanda Gonzalez)

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Mix it up -

Talk to your workout buddies for inspiration, try a new gym, look up some cool new workout videos on YouTube, or join a fitness class.

(Photo by Clem Onojeghuo)

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Cool down -

Just like your stretches in the beginning, cooling down after an intense workout is key.

(Photo by Tammy Gann)

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Post-workout -

And your post-workout meals are also important.

(Photo by Rezel Apacionado)

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Post-workout -

Some post-workout meal options and snacks are: roasted vegetables with grilled chicken, salmon with sweet potato, tuna and crackers, or pita and hummus.

(Photo by leonie wise)

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Meals -

Remember that a healthy diet is just as important as exercise.

(Photo by Israel Egío)

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Meals -

Both go hand-in-hand and are a part of living a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

(Photo by Ana Tavares)

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Slowly but surely -

Keep in mind that working towards the body of your dreams is a process.

(Photo by Chris Yang)

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Slowly but surely -

Set realistic fitness goals and work towards them—slowly!

(Photo by Jacob Postuma)

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Slowly but surely -

You will not see results overnight. So just keep at it and do not be discouraged. 

(Photo by Justyn Warner)

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Off days -

There also might be days when you feel a bit weak, sluggish, or not at the top of your game.

(Photo by Justyn Warner)

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Off days -

If you've set a diet plan and perhaps you didn't follow it perfectly one day, or had one too many cheat meals, don't beat yourself up!

(Photo by Element5 Digital)

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Off days -

Forgive yourself for a skipped workout or a bad day at the gym.

(Photo by Kevin Bhagat)

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Off days -

Remember the most important thing is just getting back on track.

(Photo by Victor Freitas)

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Fitness -

With a little hard work and motivation...

(Photo by M. Plt)

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Fitness -

You will soon be on your way to a happier and healthier you. 

(Photo by Victor Freitas)

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Break a sweat -

Happy workout!

(Photo by David Hofmann)

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