I’ve heard a lot of people say they don’t like working out. I get it. I used to be one of those people too. Going to the gym can be really boring and hard and just overall crappy.
My philosophy is that people who don’t like working out just haven’t found exercise they love yet. I’ve done my fair share of different kinds of exercise. I hate running, but love kickboxing. You just have to find your passion! People talk about getting a runner’s high… and I have no idea what they are talking about. I can run 3 miles and feel nothing. But I do understand how certain types of exercise can give you these amazing feel good endorphins that make you feel accomplished, energized, and all over AWESOME!
Still need help? You're in luck...
My philosophy is that people who don’t like working out just haven’t found exercise they love yet. I’ve done my fair share of different kinds of exercise. I hate running, but love kickboxing. You just have to find your passion! People talk about getting a runner’s high… and I have no idea what they are talking about. I can run 3 miles and feel nothing. But I do understand how certain types of exercise can give you these amazing feel good endorphins that make you feel accomplished, energized, and all over AWESOME!
Still need help? You're in luck...
7 tips for making yourself want to work out:
1. Look good while you’re working out. Maybe it’s just me – but I feel like I work twice as hard when I can look in the mirror while doing my exercise and smile at the person I’m becoming. Buy yourself a workout outfit (or ten) that you love to put on because you look good in it! I bought these pants from target and I’m kind of obsessed with them.
2. Get Motivated. Keep a list of motivational phrases/pictures by your desk, on your mirror, in the car…wherever! I keep my list of Motivation on Pinterest.
3. Nourish yourself. Some people think it’s a good idea to go to the gym on an empty stomach because they are dieting or because they are trying to burn fat. I disagree. I always have to eat something before the gym (Calories = Energy). That being said – make it light and healthy. Working out on a cheeseburger and French fries probably won’t go over too well. My favorite pre-workout snack is an apple with natural peanut butter (no sugar or salt added!) and a healthy granola bar. You want a mix of simple and complex carbs (simple carbs digest faster than complex… so think you need some energy now, and some later) plus, protein.
4. Make a killer playlist. Music pumps me up when I work out! Especially when I’m doing any sort of cardio (think push through the pain) – I prefer to listen to music. Check out my current running playlist ... even though I don't really run (we'll just pretend).
5. Get a workout buddy! A few reasons for this...
A) it’s easier to let yourself down than it is to let someone else down. Ie. I can tell myself “meh… don’t feel like going to the gym today” but if I’ve already planned to meet someone at the gym it’s really hard to tell them I’m not going because I don’t feel like it
B) a buddy is much more likely to push you to do your best!
C) it makes the gym more social so it feels like less of a chore and more of an activity
6. If you have to work out alone…Create a schedule or go to a group fitness class on a schedule. It’s a lot harder to let yourself down if you say “I’m going Mon, Wed, Fri at 7am” than if you say “I’m going to go three times this week”. Once you get in the habit of going to the gym, you’ll miss it if you don’t go!
7. Reward yourself. Set a workout goal, and if you meet it – reward yourself! Whether it’s a pedicure, new pair of shoes, massage… whatever floats your boat. You’re more likely to stick with it if you’re getting something out of it. My favorite reward? Trader Joe's Soy Creamy Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream with peanut butter and slivered almonds on top.
1. Look good while you’re working out. Maybe it’s just me – but I feel like I work twice as hard when I can look in the mirror while doing my exercise and smile at the person I’m becoming. Buy yourself a workout outfit (or ten) that you love to put on because you look good in it! I bought these pants from target and I’m kind of obsessed with them.
2. Get Motivated. Keep a list of motivational phrases/pictures by your desk, on your mirror, in the car…wherever! I keep my list of Motivation on Pinterest.
3. Nourish yourself. Some people think it’s a good idea to go to the gym on an empty stomach because they are dieting or because they are trying to burn fat. I disagree. I always have to eat something before the gym (Calories = Energy). That being said – make it light and healthy. Working out on a cheeseburger and French fries probably won’t go over too well. My favorite pre-workout snack is an apple with natural peanut butter (no sugar or salt added!) and a healthy granola bar. You want a mix of simple and complex carbs (simple carbs digest faster than complex… so think you need some energy now, and some later) plus, protein.
4. Make a killer playlist. Music pumps me up when I work out! Especially when I’m doing any sort of cardio (think push through the pain) – I prefer to listen to music. Check out my current running playlist ... even though I don't really run (we'll just pretend).
5. Get a workout buddy! A few reasons for this...
A) it’s easier to let yourself down than it is to let someone else down. Ie. I can tell myself “meh… don’t feel like going to the gym today” but if I’ve already planned to meet someone at the gym it’s really hard to tell them I’m not going because I don’t feel like it
B) a buddy is much more likely to push you to do your best!
C) it makes the gym more social so it feels like less of a chore and more of an activity
6. If you have to work out alone…Create a schedule or go to a group fitness class on a schedule. It’s a lot harder to let yourself down if you say “I’m going Mon, Wed, Fri at 7am” than if you say “I’m going to go three times this week”. Once you get in the habit of going to the gym, you’ll miss it if you don’t go!
7. Reward yourself. Set a workout goal, and if you meet it – reward yourself! Whether it’s a pedicure, new pair of shoes, massage… whatever floats your boat. You’re more likely to stick with it if you’re getting something out of it. My favorite reward? Trader Joe's Soy Creamy Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream with peanut butter and slivered almonds on top.
<< Dream about that. That is all. Happy Thursday to you.