After reading all the hype about the Paleo diet, a lifestyle change based on the dietary habits of our cave-dwelling ancestors, I decided to embark on my own two-week Paleo project.  Once I got into a routine, it was great, but I was not prepared for what the first few days had in store.  Here's an animated taste of what it was like.

 

Hold up.  This diet lets you eat these wonderful things?

Source:  Fox

 

Bacon.

 

Eggs with bacon.

 

This sounds awesome!

Source:  Comedy Central

 

But you can't eat dairy, gluten, brown rice, or even quinoa?

Source:  Bravo

 

No beans or peanuts?  That seems pretty random.

Source:  ABC

 

Whatever, I can do this.  I'm a healthy eater, and everyone is raving about it!  Let's give it a shot.

Source:  CBS

 

Day One:  This isn't hard at all!  What's everyone complaining about?

Source:  Paramount Pictures

 

Day Two:  OK, a little tougher but not too bad.

Source:  The CW

 

It requires a lot of planning and time in the kitchen.

Source:  Paramount Pictures

 

But it's all in the name of clean eating and quality food.

Source:  Walt Disney Pictures

 

Even still, I could really go for some quinoa right now.

Source:  CBS

 

Day Three:  Alright, I'm officially detoxing from carbs.  This hurts.

Source:  Eureka Pictures

 

My head is pounding.

Source:  Bravo

 

I can't drink enough water.

Source:  AMC

 

All I can think about is pizza.

 

Will I make it through tonight?

Source:  Universal Pictures

 

Day Four:  Looks like the worst is over!  I am feeling 100 times better today.

Source:  NBC

 

How did I wake up with so much energy?

Source:  WWE

 

I feel great in my clothes!

Source:  Bravo

 

Everyone is saying that I'm glowing.

Source:  Walt Disney Pictures

 

Maybe I'll stick with this Paleo thing after all!

Source:  Fox Searchlight

 

Three Weeks Later:  This could go either way.

Source:  Instagram user ladygagasreactions

Front Page Image Source:  Shutterstock

What gives?  Getting those endorphins flowing is supposed to reduce stress when we work out, but somehow anxious thoughts seem to sneak in when we're trying to enjoy this time to ourselves.  Here are some common things we tend to think and fret over that can get in the way of a good workout.

 

Crap!  Did I Leave the Oven On?

Source:  PBS

Definitely don't want to burn down my house for the sake of burning calories.

 

Are My Boobs Hanging Out?

Source:  NBC

I knew I should have worn a different sports bra!

 

When Was This Last Cleaned?

Source:  NBC

It's probably better if you don't even think about it.

 

What's With the Creep in the Corner Ogling Me?

Source:  Fox

 

Is My Butt Showing?

Source:  FX

Maybe low-rise yoga pants weren't a good idea after all.

 

Will I Ever Look That Ripped?

Source:  Carousel Productions

 

What If I Mess Up and Everyone Sees?

Source:  Netflix

 

I Hope I Don't Look Like Her

Source:  Oxygen

I know we're supposed to let loose in Zumba, but there's a fine line.

 

When Will This Be Over?

Source:  AMC

 

Did My Trainer Just Cop a Feel?

Source:  Fox

Um, that is not my shoulder.

Whenever I head to a Vinyasa yoga class, I always leave more relaxed and uplifted than when I first arrived.  With that said, sometimes I need to jump all over the emotional spectrum to find that place of peace.  If you can relate, buckle up and read on through this emotional roller coaster, animated in awesome GIFs.

 

The afternoon is pretty dull, but then you realize you signed up for yoga last night.

Source:  NBC

 

And your favorite teacher is instructing!

Source:  Netflix

 

Tonight is going to be the best.  You're going to push yourself in order to get a challenging workout, but you'll still leave plenty of space for the spiritual side of things.

Source:  NBC

 

As soon enter the studio, you feel an instant sense of calm and release.  You're ready to rock this class.

Source:  Warner Bros. Pictures

 

You politely chat with students in the lobby and sip plenty of water so you're adequately hydrated.

Source:  AMC

 

Then your yoga BFF arrives.  You guys are so excited because YOU GET TO DO YOGA TONIGHT!

Source:  ABC

 

You walk into the room, juggling a mat, block, blanket, strap, and your water bottle, and try to nab a spot that will suit your needs.  This is way more difficult than it needs to be.

Source:  FX

 

Then you say hello to the teacher in the hope of making a connection.

Source:  Fox

 

Now that you're settled, you can sit quietly and warm up your wrists and toes, but no need to go overboard.

 

You begin to let go of all your lists, expectations, and responsibilities.  For now.

Source:  Warner Bros. Pictures

 

You're warming up and flowing through some Sun Salutations, and you are feeling good.

 

Then, about two minutes into class, you have that moment when you think to yourself, "Maybe I should become a yoga instructor.  I could totally teach this class!"

Source:  Bravo

 

Slowly but surely, you ease into Tree Pose and almost immediately lose your balance.  This is normally an easy pose for you, but for some strange reason, it's not working out today.

Fox

 

Then you turn to your left and see a seminaked yogi winking at you suggestively.  Not the time or place!

Source:  Walt Disney Pictures

 

Really?  Crow Pose this early in class?  Is this teacher really choosing every pose you hate on purpose?

20th Century Fox

 

OK, we get it.  You need to breathe really deep.  If you connect your movement with your breath, this will all feel a lot easier and more pleasant ...

 

Wait!  You just got an adjustment from your instructor.  She doesn't hate you after all — it was all in your mind.

Source:  Cartoon Network

 

All right, this is really hard again.  Is class almost over?

Source:  NBC

 

Savasana!  Time to lay down.  Now all you have to do is chill out.

Source:  Pixar

 

After what feels like 10 seconds of rest, you're already asked to wake up.

Source:  Lifetime

 

But tonight you took care of your mind, body, and spirit.  You should be proud of your commitment.

Source:  NBC

 

See you tomorrow, mat!

It's one of the most popular forms of exercise for a reason, but we all rock the sport in different ways.  Tell us, what type of runner are you?

 

The Running-Is-My-Therapy

Goes in pissed, comes out blissed.

 

The Sweating-Buckets

It feels like I got caught in a thunderstorm!  But wait — I'm inside!

 

The Loving-Life

Hooray for running!  Running is the best!  I feel like I could run another 15kms and still be smiling.  Yay!

 

The Singer

Might as well turn your music down since I'll sing you my entire playlist.

 

The Hating-Life

Ugh, every step hurts.  It hurts to breathe.  Can I be done already?

 

The Loner

I run, I run alone.

 

The Parkour-Runner

Watch me leap over this bench, spin around this stroller, and jet between this crowd.  Just.  For.  Fun.

 

The On-a-Mission

Like a cheetah chasing prey, I run like it's my job.

 

The Runs-Like-Nobody's-Watching

I'm doing my thing, not a care in the world, not worrying what anyone thinks.

 

The All-About-My-Gear

All decked out in the latest running gear, I definitely look the part even when I'm not running.

 

The Morning-Person

I'm psyched to get in 8kms before most people are even awake.

 

The Something's-Chasing-Me

I'm running fast just to get this over with (or maybe I've got a post-run glass of wine waiting for me!).

If Spring has inspired you to get more serious about your workouts and you're a hit-the-gym-for-a-class kind of girl, I'm sure you've experienced your fair share of fitness instructors — some good, and some not so good.  And then there's this group ...

 

The Flirt

This person thinks everyone wants to date him or her;  they're all touchy-feely, winking left and right and giving away their phone number like class is happy hour.  And they never get the hint that you're not interested.

 

The High and Mighty

We get it.  You're great at what you do, and people love you for it.  Please get off your pedestal and come down to sweat with the rest of us.

 

The Insane Hard-Arse

This teacher is so crazy-intense, you wonder if you walked into an actual boot camp by accident.  Your body shakes, your sweat is pooling on the floor, and she makes you do an extra set.  And don't you dare reach for your reusable bottle — water is for wusses!

 

The Singer

Oooh, I love this song, who sings it?!  Beyoncé, you say?  Let's keep it that way.

 

The Screamer

This teacher believes that motivation is measured by decibels in their voice — the louder they scream, the more reps you'll do.  But we really don't need you to do that the entire 60-minute class, thanks.

 

The Oversharer

There's a fine line between connecting with your students and sharing information you'd only share with your doctor, your mum, or your BFF.  Sorry, but no, I don't want to hear about your bathroom issues or any other issues for that matter.

 

The Show-Off

Inspiration is one thing, but when we're struggling to get through 20 squats and you're like, "Look how many I can do while holding this 10-kilo medicine ball above my head," we secretly wish that ball would fall on your head.

 

The All-Up-in-Your-Space

Helpful adjustments are always appreciated, but it's totally creepy when you walk by and lay a lingering hand on me every two minutes.  Also — that's my boob, not my shoulder.

 

The Dork

It's bad enough that he's embarrassing himself up there with those awful moves, but what's even worse is he wants you to follow along.

 

The Stinker

Stinky breath, stinky cologne, stinky I-know-you-haven't-done-laundry-in-weeks gym clothes — it all stinks.

 

The Doesn't-Practice-What-They-Preach

We don't expect you to do 100 push-ups without a break, but you probably shouldn't let everyone see you down a Snickers bar and Coke before class.

 

The Late Bloomer

We all struggle to get to class on time, but we don't expect the teacher to be later than us.

 

The Walking Cold

No cold or flu keeps you from class, but we wish it would.  Really.