Have you ever just been in a mood that no matter how you try, you just can’t get yourself to workout? It happens to the best of us, and once the mood starts, it’s a hard spiral to get out of. Good news: Below are my five favorite lifehacks to put a stop to the cycle and get back on track!
1. Block your distractions ahead of time. If you’re reading this, you probably know that the Internet can be a black hole of distraction. Whether you log onto Her Campus to read the latest Freshman 15 Blogs, hop on to Facebook stalk your ex or enter the abyss that is Pinterest, Tumblr or YouTube, chances are, you’ve experienced just how quickly time will get away from you if you don’t keep track. Combine this with your reluctance to hit the gym, and let’s be real: you’ll never get there.
The solution? Block the temptation. Download an extension that will allow you to block your most tempting websites for a specific period of time (SelfControl, Chrome Nanny and Cold Turkey are just a few examples) and make sure you’re on internet lockdown when you’re supposed to be at the gym. When it comes to gym procrastination, there is no such thing as checking your favorite site for “just five minutes.” Get rid of the temptation all together.
2. Memorize your TV schedule—and then commit to only watching your shows at the gym. Nothing will get your butt to the gym faster than denying yourself the pleasure of keeping up with your TV addiction. Are you a Level 10 Gym Avoider? Use the tips above to block your streaming websites or make your roommates promise not to let you plop down in front of the TV to give yourself an even better chance.
Not a TV junkie? Pick up an irresistible book that you’re only allowed to read during workout time.
3. Book a date. Not a class—despite my support of workout classes, if you’re in a No Way, No How mood when it comes to getting yourself to the gym, a class is easy to talk yourself out of. Who’s going to notice you’re gone, right? Nope, you have to take it one step further. Make a date with one reliable gym-going friend, and only one friend. That way, if you don’t show up, you’d totally be leaving him or her hanging. And no one wants to be that girl, right?
4. Pack your gym bag and don’t make any pit stops. Often times, a downward spiral starts when you allow yourself to stop in the vicinity of a.) your bed, b.) your friends or c.) did I already say bed? What can I say? I’m a sucker for my bed and can’t count the times how many times I’ve traded gym time for naptime. Save yourself the trouble and bring your gym bag with you during the day. Sure, it’ll be annoying to carry around, but that will be all the more motivation to get your workout in. You didn’t carry that heavy thing around all day for nothing, did you? Just make sure to pack a snack for fuel!
5. Sleep in your workout clothes. Alternatively, if you enjoy getting your sweat on in the morning, throw on your gym clothes as PJs so you’re ready to go in the morning.
Still not going to the gym after taking all these measures? Then it’s time to reevaluate your priorities. You’re the only one who can get yourself to the gym, so remember why you want this, and then commit to it.
That, or you can dedicate yourself to learning the Treadmill Dance Choreography. Whatever it takes, right?