Get Strong in 2019 Challenge Day 26: Creative Ideas for Guilt-Free Rewards

 by Rachel Grice

What's your idea of a treat? It doesn't have to be food-based. Consider some of these alternatives to reward yourself for a job well done.

Now that you've nearly made it through the first month of 2019, you deserve a reward — a little something to pat yourself on the back for a job well done. It isn't easy breaking unhealthy habits and replacing them with healthier ones. And it takes some willpower to track your macros and move your body every day. So do something nice for yourself!

High Angle View Of Sports Equipment On Table

This reward doesn't need to break the bank or wreck your newly established healthy eating habits. It can be as simple as taking yourself to a movie (avoiding the concession stand, of course) or buying some new music to freshen up your workout playlist. The purpose of the reward is to stay encouraged and motivated now that you've hit your stride.

11 Fun Rewards Without Any Calories

  1. Go get a massage. Deep tissue massages are great to relieve stress from those muscles you've been working.
  2. Pamper yourself with a manicure and pedicure or go for a full spa day.
  3. Get a new haircut and/or color to complement the new "YOU" you're building.
  4. Buy yourself some spiffy new workout clothes so you'll look fit and fly as you sweat it out.
  5. Invest in a new pair of workout shoes to carry you through the next leg of your journey.
  6. There's nothing like some new workout socks to treat your feet. Or maybe what your tired feet need are some comfy lounging socks or slippers.
  7. Pick out something wearable to remind you of your fitness journey each time you see it. A new watch or a piece of jewelry would be a functional, fun reward.
  8. Take yourself on a date. You can go to the movies, an art museum, stroll through the park or lounge at the beach. You've certainly earned some "YOU" time.
  9. Freshen up your workout playlist with some new tunes. Any time you're not feeling like working out, turn it on to motivate yourself into action.
  10. Treat yourself to some flowers and keep them somewhere — on your desk or the dining room table — where they'll be sure to brighten your day.
  11. Buy yourself something small but fun — a new lipstick, book, planner, coloring book, craft kit, succulent or other small plant, candle, bath salts.

Ideally, your reward involves something you'll see every day. If it's something you can actually use to help you on your journey, that's even better. For example, get a new protective case for your smartphone or MP3 player that'll protect it during workouts. Or buy a new pair of headphones to help you tune out the world and get focused on your fitness.

However you choose to reward yourself, remember to be proud of your accomplishments and get excited for the next leg. You're well on your way to a new YOU.

Read more: 20 Fit, Fun and Affordable Gifts You Should Treat Yourself To

Find More Non-Food Ways to Reward Yourself

Remember: You are awesome! And you're doing great. It's nice to remind yourself of that every once in a while. So to help you do that, we've compiled some resources below to inspire you to treat yo'self.

How to Join the Get Strong in 2019 Challenge

1. Sign Up for Daily Emails

There are two main places this challenge is taking place online — your inbox and our Facebook group (more on that in a second). So first, make sure you've entered your email to sign up for the Get Strong in 2019 Challenge. (Yep, even if you're already signed up for our regular daily newsletter.)

Every day, we'll be sending you your daily workout and a healthy recipe to try, along with fun extras like workout playlists, motivational quotes, self-care tips and other fitness and nutrition information to make 2019 your best (and healthiest) year ever!

Get Strong in 2019 Challenge printable recipe calendar

2. Print Out Your Calendars

Isn't it so satisfying to check things off of your to-do list? Each day during the Get Strong in 2019 Challenge, you're accountable for two main things: working out and eating healthy.

To help keep you on track for the entire month, we created two calendars — one with each day's workouts listed and another with each week's nutrition goal and healthy recipes. Print them out and check off each workout and day of healthy eating as you complete it.

Get Strong in 2019 Challenge printable workout calendar

3. Join Our Challenge Facebook Group

For daily support, motivation and camaraderie with LIVESTRONG.COM team members, join our Facebook Group for the Get Strong in 2019 Challenge. We'll share recipes, tips, motivations, pictures and more! Plus, we'll answer all your questions.

4. Share Your Journey on Social Media

Are you on Instagram or Twitter? So are we! And we'd love to see photos and updates of your progress. When you post to social media, be sure to use the hashtag #GetStrongChallenge. That way, you can also connect with other Get Strong challengers!

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