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Question of the Month:
Q. There are some days I just can't find the motivation to get to the gym. I have a list of things to do and although I plan to workout, getting to the gym winds up taking a backseat. What are some ways I can stay motivated to get in my daily workout?
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A: Oh, I hear you! There have been way too many mornings I’ve hit the snooze button when I should be tearing up the treadmill. Sure, I’ve gotten an extra half hour of sleep, but is it worth it? Definitely not. I wake up disappointed in myself for missing the workout I had planned, and then feel sluggish for the rest of the morning.
Here are some suggestions to get you moving that work for me. (For more motivational tips, visit www.mayoclinic.com).
Goal-set: Make some simple goals that are practical and manageable. Plan to jog an extra five minutes on the treadmill or lift a heavier weight properly. I recently signed up for an 8K running race because I was feeling restless at the gym with no specific goal. Now I have another reason to work out.
Up the fun: Try that kickboxing class you’ve been eyeing or put some new tunes on your iPod. Working out is supposed to be enjoyable, so if you find you’re dragging your butt to the gym, chances are you need to spice up the fun-factor of your sessions.
Break it up: Your day may be filled with “to-do’s” but that doesn’t mean you can’t squeeze in some training. Take a walk on your lunch hour or do jumping jacks, push-ups and sit-ups while waiting for your laundry to dry. Think about how much exercise you’re getting when you add up your quick workout times!
Weigh it out: List the pros and cons of working out on your body, mind and life. Guaranteed your pro list will run off the page! Exercise gives you more energy, helps prevent diseases, and improves your physique, just to name a few. Anytime you need a boost, look at your list and you’ll remember why exercise is essential daily.
You deserve it: Why should you put everything else before your health? Without it, you wouldn’t have the ability to complete many of your daily tasks. And once you’ve reached one of your goals, reward yourself with a new glam shirt or workout pants. You worked hard to get results - now show it off.
“Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it’s when you had everything to do, and you've done it.” - Margaret Thatcher
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ANSWERED BY:
Allison Moorhouse
Assistant Editor/Online Writer,
Oxygen Magazine |
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