Make Exercising Hard, Easy!
We all know the benefits of a good workout. Not only does it burn off those extra ice cream calories (guilty!), and any anxiety that might be floating around, but it helps us to feel our best as well. Did you know endorphins are one of the body’s natural pain killers? Their high is equivalent to opioids like morphine. Why then is it so darn hard to get motivated? I can always conjure a LOT of reasons, but one thing I know is that if I make it as easy as possible to exercise, the drive outweighs the excuses, and I end up with a decent regular workout. In fact, you too can benefit from my “methods.”
Pack your gym bag the night before.
This has to be the simplest method of making working out more manageable, and it’s all about being organized. In fact, by packing your gym bag the night before you are mentally setting the intention that you will work out tomorrow, something that can make it a lot easier to go through with that when you wake up. Personally I detest getting up early – I work out in the evening or now more mid-day – but still, setting the intention ahead of time is key.
Of course, you’ll need to pack the right items as well, which means choosing yourself a few cute gym outfits that help you feel your best. What is it about feeling cute at the gym that makes it so much better? If I’m wearing baggy clothes I feel so frumpy and so much less motivated. I also always pack a water bottle + BCAA’s, headphones, gum, gloves, and any other items needed to get the best workout possible and feel great after as well.
Get set up to exercise at home.
Another strategy you can use to make getting a good workout easier is to get set up to exercise at home. Then, there really is no excuse for skipping a session! (Admittedly I’m terrible at this, I end up in pj’s and take out). The great thing about a home workout is that it’s pretty easy to do – the options via Youtube and fitness apps are endless, as well as options to work out effectively without equipment.
Of course, some folks go the whole hog and get special home equipment (treadmills, ellipticals, etc.)or even swimming pools (my dream). Swimming is an amazing form of exercise! Although, going down the pool route will require finding a good local pool service to make sure it stays in good condition and is the dream you were hoping for. After all, I fantasize about a pool that is both serene and exercise friendly.
Use your exercise time for something else as well.
Now, some people find multitasking to be something that is not the best idea – I personally thrive off of it. However when it comes to exercising it can actually be a boon. This is because by doing something else that you value at the same time as exercising you can really up your motivation, and make it much easier to work out hard regularly. I like to read while doing cardio – makes the time pass so much more quickly!
Another way to multitask is to combine exercise with pleasure – (get your mind out of the gutter) – I mean by making your exercise routine an outdoor activity and go hiking or even city walking and running. Then you get to explore the local area, and get some fresh air as well as giving yourself a workout. Getting out and about as your exercise can help you keep up your motivation and provide some mental clarity.
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Alternatively, if you exercise indoors, there is nothing wrong with putting on your favorite show, audiobook, or podcast on while you work – currently bingeing Gossip Girl! In fact, this can help you exercise longer and really get an intense workout, while still enjoying yourself.
How do you like to exercise?
