
If we were to always let our ‘ruts’ get the best of us, we’d probably never train in the first place. I mean, especially in the beginning of starting a fitness plan, it’s extremely easy to become de-motivated by the mere idea of approaching a gym; let alone using the equipment. But if you want to reach your fitness goals, you’ve got to get over that hump! And to do that, you need to have plan of action to cure your workout blues – a prescription, if you will.
Below are a few of my personal strategies for re-wiring my brain so I can make my butt train! Maybe these will help you dig deep and find the motivation to head over to the gym as well.
1. Pick up a fitness magazine such as Fitness RX, Muscle & Fitness Hers or Oxygen Mag. I usually find that after reading one or two articles, and admiring a few photos, I’m completely ready to get my sweat on.
2. Play some fast paced tunes like dance music, pop, soca or rock. Listening to music that makes you want to jump and dance around can often rid you of tiredness and change your mood completely.
3. Read motivational stories on a fitness website like bodybuilding.com. When I see before and after images and read people’s personal success stories, I feel completely rejuvenated and ready to take on the world – or maybe just the gym.
4. Throw back a cup of Joe. Coffee can often provide a great pick-me-up before the gym. It makes for a great pre-workout drink without all of the added chemicals.
5. Plan a reward for yourself, which you’ll only get once you complete your gym session. If you’ve got the willpower to, promise yourself a treat – preferably not a food item – after you’ve finished training. Let yourself enjoy a long bubble bath (or dip in the ocean if you can), go for a manicure, indulge in an episode of that ridiculous new TV series or, if it has to be food-related, allow yourself to enjoy a sugar free Jello.
6. Make it public. Log into your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account and post to all of your friends that you’re promising to go to the gym even though you don’t want to. Sometimes just knowing that you’ve made a public statement is enough to make you want to follow through. And also, you’re friends’ motivating comments will probably help too!
7. Visit Google and plug in a search for motivational gym quotes - or check out my quote page. You wouldn’t believe how many quotes are floating around out there. You’re bound to find one that really hits home.
8. Turn to the trusty YouTube Gods for motivational fitness videos. Like quotes, there are a TON of videos to get you amped up and eager to go.
9. Take a cold shower and blast loud music at the same time. This is a great way to re-energize and revitalize yourself for the gym.
10. Call up your training buddy. Even if you tend to like to train alone (that’s me!), you probably know somebody who is as much a gym rat as you. Call them up and tell them you need a little kick in the rear. They usually know what to say or what to do to get your butt in motion.
“Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.” - Jim Rohn
“The first wealth is health.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
For more inspirational quotes, click here.