The Gym & Me.. my other life……
Sometimes, no matter how important your goals are to you, it’s a struggle to bring your best effort to your gym session (or work up the motivation to make it happen at all). But whether you’re trying to lose weight, train for a race, keep your stress in check, or any of the other worthwhile reasons to make fitness a part of your life, staying consistent is key, even when you really, really, really don’t feel like it. When you’re struggling to remember why it’s worth all the effort, dig deep to find some motivational surge that will give you the push you need. Consider these gems of fitness inspiration the antidote to your temporarily unenthusiastic fitness ‘tude—or save them for any time you need a little extra boost to get you moving, mind, body, and soul.
- Remember who you’re doing it for.
It’s Your Workout, Your Time, Your Body, Own It.
- Be proud.
Don’t wait until you’ve reached your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take toward reaching that goal
- Consider the possibilities.
When you’re at the gym feeling like you’ll never be one of those people who look like they’ve been at it their entire lives, remember that they all started somewhere.
- Make fitness a habit.
Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.
- Keep going.
Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway. – Earl Nightingale.
- Every workout counts.
The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen
- Attitude is everything.
Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right. – Henry Ford
- Push yourself.
Challenging yourself every day is one of the most exciting ways to live.
- Remember your “why.”
When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.
- Imagine how you’ll feel after.
You’re only one workout away from a good mood. – unknown
- Give it your best.
The same voice that says “give up” can also be trained to say “keep going”
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Make the most of your workout.
Walk away from every workout feeling proud, accomplished, and strong as hell.
- Give yourself a pep talk.
Three little words: You’ve Got This. (Now, Get It.)
Getting your fitness on is a key component of weight loss, and even though certain types of exercise are known for their fat-burning capabilities, at the end of the day, there’s one rule that trumps all when it comes to working out for weight loss: consistency. Easier said than done, but 100 percent worth it.
Put simply, “in order to lose weight, you must burn more calories than you are consuming,”. Of course, your body burns calories just by livin’, but exercise helps create an even bigger calorie deficit. However, the magic doesn’t happen overnight. But, let’s be honest: Wouldn’t it be nice if it did work that way.
The whole process [of burning fat] takes time and energy, Consistency in the gym keeps the process moving in the right direction. It also helps you create the good habits that will eventually be your new normal, helping you reach those goals in a sustainable way. Consistency means different things to different people, depending on your goals and what’s realistic for your lifestyle. Aim for four to five workouts per week—but you can start smaller, if you want. “Make the commitment to exercise or by Equinox fashion ” Commit to Something ” at least three days per week—that will likely lead to wanting to exercise even more, like four or five days. We are human and things happen, but it’s important not to let life completely derail you from your routine.
Here are some Equinox trainers’ best tips for staying consistent, accountable, and on track.
1. Try exercising at the same time every day.
Set yourself up for success as much as possible by picking a specific time to work out daily. Choose a time of day that works best for your schedule. It might take a couple of weeks to get comfortable with the new schedule, but before you know it, it’ll feel like a natural part of your routine.
Make a plan that actually fits your life. Take a look at your schedule and the extra pockets of time you have when you can truly commit to working out. If you know you are exhausted in the evening, commit to two workouts in the morning before work and two on the weekend. It’s about making it work for you.
2. Try the hairband trick.
Have a visual reminder that you see every day .This can simply remind you to actually get your workout in, or it can be something that keeps you focused on your larger goals—whatever is motivating for you. Something like a a small sticky note or even an image that reminds you where you’re going. You can use your bathroom, kitchen, or even your desk. Wear a rubber band or hair tie around your right wrist, and put it on your left wrist when have completed your workout.
3. Do workouts you *actually* like.
Find ways to get active that you actually enjoy so you’re not tempted to skip your workouts—plus, you’re more likely to do it often and consistently if you have fun. It’s different for everyone, If you don’t love it and look forward to it, you won’t do it. Consistency doesn’t mean doing the same thing every day—variety is important, and you should enjoy all (OK, most) of your workouts.
If you dread boxing, try indoor cycling. Not a yogi? Maybe Cardio Dance is for you. There are so many fun and challenging types of fitness! With warmer weather, experiment with outdoor workouts, too. At Equinox, they have changed up some class to “outdoors” or “In the wild“.
4. Stay accountable with paid classes or workout buddies.
Take group classes. Signing up (and paying for) a group class keeps you accountable, because someone is expecting you and you’re also making a financial commitment to be there.” Not into classes? Find an accountability buddy. This doesn’t even mean you have to work out together. Set goals and share them to keep each other on track. Text each other your workout plans, and then let each other know when you’ve completed them.
5. Above all, keep your goal in mind and remember why you started.
Being consistent isn’t easy at first, but it’s crucial to meeting your goals and setting up healthy habits. Generally, when starting a new routine, you make sacrifices to stay on course. And if you’re having a hard time sticking with your new routine, or are thinking about skipping your workout, remember why you started in the first place. What you put into your goal is what you get out of it, and if you don’t put the work in you won’t see change.
To some, a morning workout makes them feel energized, positive, and capable of taking on whatever the world throws at me.
Reward yourself
After each exercise session, take a few minutes to savor the good feelings that exercise gives you. This type of internal reward can help you make a long-term commitment to regular exercise. External rewards can help too. When you reach a longer range goal, treat yourself to a new pair of walking shoes or new tunes to enjoy while you exercise.
7. Be flexible
If you’re too busy to work out or simply don’t feel up to it, take a day or two off. Go easy on yourself if you need a break. The important thing is to get back on track as soon as you can.
Now that you’ve regained your enthusiasm, get moving! Set your goals, make it fun and pat yourself on the back from time to time. Remember, physical activity is for life. Keep reminding yourself of the motivational slogans at the beginning of this article and you will be starting on the best new version of YOU!!
Reach out to me with feedback, question and new ideas at italygirl@joannainthecity.com
Ciao
Joanna Picardi