healthy living

How to Power Through a Tough Workout

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Exercise is a necessity if you want to stay fit, lower health risks and to maintain our overall well-being.  We all know the benefits of staying active, but how can you keep at it if you just don’t feel like getting to the gym?

Always remember it’s for the good

The rewards of a good workout should be enough to keep us active, but they’re definitely not as enjoyable as spending a relaxing day on the couch.  That’s the first step in getting through a tough workout.  Staying at home snacking on cookies is definitely more fun than going to the gym, however binge eating while watching Netflix isn’t helping us lose weight.

Think about the end

I love thinking about what’s going to happen after my workout.  I usually come home, have a good meal, then jump in a hot bubble bath and read my book.  That is motivation for me to keep going and get through the 40 minutes on the treadmill.  Is it the same for you?

I know it may seem weird, but I also always look forward to the 10 minutes of stretching after a workout.  Laying down and stretching all the kinks out of my limbs is probably the best part of my workout – after losing weight.

Remember that a little is better than none

Don’t break your routine.  Get to the gym every other day if that’s your norm.  Make it a habit to go even if you don’t feel like it or are busy because once you skip a day it will be that much harder to go back.  If you’re tired or aren’t really feeling your workout that day then take it easy, but still exercise.  Remember that even 20 minutes on the treadmill is better than not going at all.

Make sure you’re comfortable

Exercising – from yoga to running – puts your body in positions it’s not used to being in.  That’s why it’s so important to be comfortable.  Invest money in good shoes, shorts or leggings that let you move freely and tank tops that let your body breath a.k.a. sweat.  When you feel good you’ll get a better workout because you won’t be worrying about your shorts riding up or your knees giving out.

Create a killer playlist

I don’t know how people workout without music.  Even my yoga classes come with a relaxing playlist.  Music definitely makes the difference between a good workout and a great one.  It’s funny how our favorite tunes can help us power through a tough workout.

Think about your last workout – did music influence your performance?  I know it does for me.  My mind wanders when I’m listening to music and for a few minutes at a time I almost forget I’m even at the gym.  It’s absolutely glorious and I couldn’t get through a workout without it.

Phone a friend

Sometimes having a workout buddy is all we need to stay motivated.  The thought of having a commitment to someone when we have to be somewhere at a specific time is a reason enough to get off the couch and to the gym.

Photo from Pixabay

 

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