So you decided to make going to the gym regularly one of your New Year’s resolutions, and now that it’s February, you’re not doing so hot. Don’t worry, we have all been there. I myself am not a fitness guru and am certainly guilty of finding anything else to do to avoid hitting the gym (even sorting laundry). I have, however, picked up some tips along the way that have helped motivate me to get my butt off the couch and get going.
1. Recruit a workout buddy. The gym is much more bearable and maybe even – dare I say it – fun when you’re not alone. This way, you can hold each other accountable for actually going to the gym. Even if you’re both suffering and complaining your way through your workout, at least you’re both there and getting it done. And who knows, maybe they have some great new tips that will be helpful to you!
2. Invest in actual workout clothes. If you are the kind of girl who dreads going to the gym, try picking up some clothes that are made for working out to replace old t-shirts and leggings you might usually wear. Don’t feel pressured to spend a lot of money on them, though. I have found lots of great options at stores like TJ Maxx or Marshall’s that are perfectly legitimate and won’t break the bank. It sounds silly, but when you have clothes specifically intended for being active, you might be more motivated to go to the gym. Plus, I’m always more tempted to go if I know I spent money on these clothes and I want to get good use out of them.
3. Make a really good workout playlist. For me, this is probably the most crucial tip. The right song can motivate me to run a little bit faster or hold that plank for ten more seconds. Everybody has different preferences when it comes to motivational music. Whether you listen to electronic dance music, rap, or ballads while you sweat, find songs that really get you excited to do your workout. If it helps, sing along – although you might want to do that in your head…
4. Join a gym that you love. It’s great for us college students that most schools have a gym on campus that’s easy to access and (hopefully) is free. If you want to keep up your exercise while you’re not on campus, though, that means you’ll need to find your own gym, which isn’t always fun or easy. Before you start looking, make a list of qualities you must have in your gym. Do you want it to be as cheap as possible? How close to home are you hoping for? Are you looking for a gym that offers fitness classes as well? Once you’ve determined the essentials for you, try to find a gym that offers as many of those options as possible. It’s important to join a gym you really like, and not just the first one that pops up on a Google search. If you don’t like it, you won’t want to go. Try and find one that’s a good fit for you: it can really make a big difference.
5. Make it a part of your schedule – and then do actually do it. Somebody wise once told me that you aren’t going to love the gym unless you go regularly. And it’s true. You’re a lot more likely to enjoy yourself at the gym once you feel more comfortable there and have established a routine. So, pencil it into your weekly schedule and treat it like a class or a meal: there is a blocked off amount of time for you to go and you can’t skip it. Don’t just tell yourself you will go “at some point” or “whenever I can fit it in”, because trust me, you won’t.
6. Set a goal on what you want to accomplish, and research what you need to do to get there. Every machine and exercise is meant to work different muscles. If you have a particular goal in mind or a specific part of your body you want to strengthen, take the time to find out what will help you get there. This will help you get the results you want.
7. Start off slow. You don’t have to start going every day right away. That might seem like the best way to get in shape fast, but if you’re not used to going to the gym regularly or exercising that often, you’ll have a hard time getting used to it. Instead, make it a goal to go to the gym at least three or four times a week to start, or even every other day. From there, you can work up to going more often. It will be easier for your body and your mind to adjust if you start slow rather than jumping in at full speed.
8. Remind yourself that this will take time. There’s a reason why there are always so many fit people at the gym. These people know you have to keep going and keep pushing yourself in order to get in shape and stay in shape. It can be very frustrating to feel like you’re putting in the work and not getting anything out of it. Don’t give up! Stick to it and you will soon start to look and feel great.
You’ve finished reading, now get to the gym! Good luck, and happy working out!