After a month of excess, your body may need a little TLC. Getting to the gym is half the workout battle. Here’s how to ace it. By Sasha Gonzales
After a month of excess, your body may need a little TLC. Getting to the gym is half the workout battle. Here’s how to ace it. By Sasha Gonzales.
Buddy up
Exercising alone can be boring and intimidating if you’re starting out. Making plans for a workout date with a friend will make you less compelled to back out of an exercise session, and help you view that spinning class as a more social and enjoyable experience. If you can’t find someone to go with, join a class and meet new people in the process.
Get a kick-ass workout wardrobe
Knowing that you have a cute outfit to exercise in can do wonders for motivation. Coordinate your week’s outfits in advance so all you have to do is grab and go. Or wear your clothes to bed if you’re working out first thing in the morning, so you don’t feel tempted to go back to sleep (seriously – this works). Reward yourself with those killer heels when you achieve a goal.
Switch up your routine – or change it!
The thought of going to the gym shouldn’t vex you, otherwise, it’s time to re-evaluate your fitness plan. Have you lost interest because it doesn’t excite or challenge you, or because you’re not seeing results? Try something new, like a dance class you’ve always been curious about, doing yoga outdoors, or taking up a team sport. The more you mix it up, the more you’ll challenge your body and avoid a plateau.
Compile a workout playlist
Did you recently download a fantastic album or song that you can’t stop listening to? (Adele not included). Save it for the gym. Compile your favourite tunes into a winning “workout playlist” so you’ll have something upbeat and high-impact to listen to while running or cycling. You’ll be so into plugging in that you won’t even notice you’ve just completed that treacherous 5k!
Remember how great exercising makes you feel
After vigorous exercise, your body is filled with feel-good endorphins – remind yourself about previous workouts, and how healthy and strong you felt afterwards. This will boost your flagging energy levels and psych you up for your upcoming session. Ask yourself: Don’t you want to experience the same zingy rush again? Of course you do.
Expert sources: Ismail Mahmood, head coach at ritual gym; Nathan Williams, fitness coach manager at Ufit.
