If you like to workout to keep yourself sane, like me, but have a difficult time getting yourself to do it, you know where I stand. I decided to try new daily habits in order to help motivate myself to go to the gym. I found some things quite helpful when you desperately want to go to the gym, but find it hard to get yourself to actually go. Whether you want to go to reach a physical goal or to just keep sane, these tips will help you.
1. Drink enough water throughout the day.
This is one of my toughest challenges that I still struggle through daily because I never usually feel “thirsty”. A lot of us don’t realize how much water our bodies really need. Once you get in the habit of drinking lots of water every day, you will feel purer and more energetic. This will encourage you in the long run to keep up the sense of healthiness you feel and you will be more motivated to work out. There are also many great tips you can use to remind yourself to keep hydrated throughout the day.
#SpoonTip: Make sure you don’t force yourself to drink too much water because you could get really sick from that.
2. Wear your gym clothes to class.
This is an awesome thing to do if you’re trying to get yourself to go to the gym. By going to class in your workout outfit, you are setting yourself up to go straight to the gym after class. It will be much easier to think, “Well, I’m already wearing my gym clothes, so why not just go now?” By using this tip, you will avoid all the distractions that can come from going back to your room to get ready. There will really be no reason to not go to the gym at this point. Plus, for you girls out there: you get to show off your super cute gym outfits all the time.
#SpoonTip: You can also wear your gym outfit wherever you go and that way you’ll be more likely to sneak a workout in at some point during the day.
3. Take progress pictures.
Even if you go to the gym every once in a while, take a picture. Pictures are useful because they help you know where you stand. Use them for positive feedback to motivate yourself. For example, if you like you like the way your legs look in the picture, practice getting in the habit of thinking, “Hey, my legs look nice. I should go to the gym a few more times this week to keep it up.” The same goes for anything you see that you like, and want to keep it up. Taking pictures every time you go helps you see your progress, which is a great way to observe how your body changes, and to decide if what you are doing is working for you.
4. Make yourself a schedule.
Sometimes it’s overwhelming to try to keep track of everything you have to do in your head. Try writing down your every day schedule on a piece of paper, or you could even buy a planner. By writing down what you have to do every day for the next week, and at what times, you have a clear vision of what time you have left over. Split that time up, and sneak in a work out.
#SpoonTip: By seeing things on paper, you are better able to visualize and commit to solid plans. You will most likely follow through.
5. Get a trainer.
Although this option requires payment (and probably a pricey one), many people find it the most helpful. Sometimes we need a little push to get us going, and a trainer will do just that. Trainers push you to your limits, and are able to show you what your body is truly capable of, that which you weren’t even aware of. This is a great way to get started, and to learn how to work out properly so you don’t hurt your back, or other body parts, by doing the wrong movements.
#SpoonTip: If you’re interested in a young and amazing trainer who offers fitness videos and packages, check out my friend Isak on Instagram or Facebook.
6. Create a healthy lifestyle.
Although this seems like an obvious, it’s one of the most important. By creating healthy habits for yourself, you are keeping your body strong. A few ways to start are by eating healthier foods, meditating, taking walks, socializing more, and keeping track of your sleep. These are just a few tips that will help you take care of your self. By doing that, you’ll naturally be happier and more active.
These tips are meant to get you started, however only you really have the choice whether you keep going or not. By making a habit of doing these six things, you will help yourself live a better, and happier life.