When you're a gym regular, there are certain habits — or people — that can seriously mess with your workout flow.  I like to think that I can rise above most annoyances, but sometimes it's just too much!  If you've ever been tempted to school someone on the importance of personal hygiene or common courtesy at the gym, you'll be able to relate.

Source:  Corbis Images

 

1. When someone is doing this on your favorite treadmill.

Image Source:  Fox

Watch The Voice at home, buddy!  I'm trying to get in a run.

 

2. When people won't wipe down their machines.

Image Source:  Paramount Pictures

Even if you're not drenched, just do it.

 

3. When there's more flirting than lifting happening near you.

Image Source:  Oxygen

We love that plenty of like-minded folks connect at the gym ... as long as it's not distracting anyone from their workout.

 

4. When inconsiderate people won't get off their cell phones.

Image Source:  Reddit user kynlais

Of course there are emergencies, but most of the time?  Take it outside.

 

5. When someone doesn't understand the importance of personal hygiene.

Image Source:  ABC

I've been tempted to give away my deodorant more than once.

 

6. When your instructor won't stop with the burpees.

Image Source:  IFC

OK, I know these are good for me, but can't we mix things up a little?!

 

7. When people are a little too comfortable in the locker room.

Image Source:  Warner Bros.

Ryan Gosling is the exception to this rule.

 

8. When that one guy just can't take a hint.

Image Source:  NBC

Come on, dude.  Let this lady work out in peace.

You hear that sound?  I'm applauding your efforts for attempting to work out at home.  You have the best intentions to pop in a fitness DVD, hop on your home treadmill, or bang out some bodyweight exercises, but let's face it — unless you are super committed, keep reading to find out what working out at home tends to really be about.

 

Geez, I'm starving.  I'm just going to grab a little pre-workout snack.

 

Now I'm thirsty.

 

Aww, now I have to pee!

 

Of course I can take a break to pet you.

 

I'm so tired.  I'll just take a quick little nap before I start.

 

Oh, I forgot I need to check my email — it'll only take five minutes.

 

Hmm, what's new on Pinterest?  It's a good time to bake this rainbow cake I keep seeing.

 

Why am I so sore?  I didn't even do anything yet.

 

I better take care of all these dust bunnies before I get my Om on.

 

And that's enough cardio for today.

 

One rep is better than none.

 

Annnnnd done.  Phew.  I better throw in a load for tomorrow's epic home workout.

While many Elves on the Shelf are mischievous with an excessive sweet tooth, pounding cereal, chocolate bars, and marshmallows while washing it down with pots of honey, some Elves are trying to look and feel their best by showing their healthy side.  Check out these fit-minded Elves — they just might inspire the kiddos to leave Santa kale smoothies instead of cookies this Christmas.

Image Sources:  Instagram user andyisabelle, Instagram user homertheelf, Instagram user amber__rambo and Instagram user craftyaffaire

 

Holiday stress is getting to them, so Elf is teaching Elsa a little yoga.

Source:  Instagram user andyisabelle

 

Tough #WOD!

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Slam dunk!

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Train hard!

Source:  Instagram user jenndyoga

 

Time to get a run in.

Source:  Instagram user homertheelf

 

Climbing the pipes sure strengthens the upper body — he must miss his Elf gym back at the North Pole.

Source:  Instagram user angeliec123

 

Don't mess with this black belt.

Source:  Instagram user ca_san_druh

 

This little Elf is getting her cardio on.

Source:  Instagram user sarahbushlincoln

 

Check out this adventurous rock-climbing Elf.

Source:  Instagram user katykoenig

 

Weeee!

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Tell the kids that handstand push-ups get the Elf in tip-top shape;  but you know he's twerking.

Source:  Instagram user amber__rambo

 

Run, Elfie, run!

Source:  Instagram user gingermama77

 

It's time to work on his putting skills.

Source:  Instagram user skye_dionne

 

Good hygiene is always important.

Source:  Instagram user jleannes

 

What a fun way to stay flexible.

Source:  Instagram user jesslovestoshop

 

Ahh, a little Cobra pose after some strength training.

Source:  Instagram user emilymerritt

 

This Elf is quite the acrobat.

Source:  Instagram user amandaevans013

 

Nothing like a hot bath to relieve tired, sore muscles.

Source:  Instagram user lorenhodges

 

Time for a healthy snack.

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Nice form!

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This Elf is all about high reps with lighter weights.

Source:  Instagram user trishcox87

 

... 8, 9, 10 ...

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Now that's a unique variation of Down Dog!

Source:  Instagram user rmteague

 

Warming up before the big game.

Source:  Instagram user michelebell

 

So that's how this Elf has thighs of steel — he rides reindeer!

Source:  Instagram user dancinoreo

 

He's practicing Firefly pose.

Source:  Instagram user mayo818

 

Relieve holiday stress like this little Elf with a little calming meditation.

Source:  Instagram user amberfitmom

 

Check out the Jillian Michaels fan.

Source:  Instagram user melissareed414

 

This Elf is carving out his six-pack.

Source:  Instagram user faytheofaphoenix

 

I bet these Elves will be sore tomorrow after catching a little powder on Elf Mountain.

Source:  Instagram user xthisgirlx

 

Bowling with candy is much healthier than eating it!

Source:  Instagram user tiflopez

 

Sleep is important, too.

Source:  Instagram user trannguyen19

 

Sleep is important, too.

Source:  Instagram user aleah_smith04

 

This Elf isn't afraid to get strong and show off her muscles.

Source:  Instagram user monica_kento

 

Of course Elf on the Shelf does CrossFit.

Source:  Meghan Pidgeon

 

Yogi Elf getting his om on.

Source:  Instagram:  shrontzinator

 

This Elf never misses a sweat session.

Source:  Instagram user abundiosstudio

 

How about a little aerial yoga?

Source:  Instagram user ashyjonas

 

Hardcore Elf!

Source:  Instagram user shakyteeth

 

Elfie ice-skating and taking selfies.

Source:  Instagram user:  lorianntx

 

Jumping rope burns serious calories!

Source:  Instagram user:  nikjgrim

 

A little too much cardio for this Elf.

Source:  Instagram user:  kelsamania

Sometimes home yoga practices have some fuzzy, adorable interruptions.  Can you relate?

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Two years ago, my diet was in need of a major overhaul, so I embarked on a vegan eating project.  I was interested if giving up meat and dairy would make a difference in my digestion, energy levels, and workout performance.  While I missed cheese (big-time), it was relatively easy to stick with veganism when I was at home in San Francisco.  However, when I took off to the East Coast for Thanksgiving, it was a whole different story.  Did I mention that Thanksgiving is my all-time favorite holiday?

Image Source:  Thinkstock / Anna Omelchenko

 

I didn't dabble in veganism for "traditional" reasons.

Image Source:  Universal Pictures

It wasn't about being an animal rights activist or on trend with celebrity culture.

 

I wanted to see if eliminating meat and dairy would improve my yoga practice.

Image Source:  Victoria's Secret

And I had recently watched the documentary Forks Over Knives ...

 

I spent weeks scouring Pinterest for the perfect dishes.

Image Source:  Universal Pictures

 

I took plenty of pleasure prepping vegan-friendly Thanksgiving dishes at home.

Image Source:  Comedy Central

My abbreviated menu was simple, fresh, and full of flavor.

 

But everyone was a little ... confused ... when I showed up to the meal with vegan eats.

Image Source:  Disney

And brought plenty to share.

 

The temptation was unlike anything I had encountered.

Image Source:  MGM

While the prior two months had been relatively easy, it felt like those dairy-laden side dishes, that big, beautiful bird, and my mother's famous brisket were taunting me.

 

My additions to the meal were not exactly well received.

Image Source:  Warner Bros.

Because who doesn't want to try kale salad with tempeh on Thanksgiving — am I right?!

 

There was some of this ...

Image Source:  NBC

 

And a lot of this.

Image Source:  NBC

 

But I made the most of my filling salad, dairy-free mash, and roasted root veggies.

Image Source:  Tumblr user Tyler Oakley

And answered a ton of questions about what I could and couldn't eat.

 

When it was all said and done, I left the meal with a huge sense of accomplishment.

Image Source:  CBS

I had exhibited true self-control and held up the commitment I made to myself.

 

But I also knew that next year would be a different story.

Image Source:  NBC