If asked, many of you would readily admit to the following…after a long, hard day at work, the thought of a workout is the furthest thing from your mind and instead you find an “excuse” to head home and relax – you’ve earned it, or you’ll work out tomorrow are phrases that are often used. Life of course has a way of getting in the way of good intentions. When you have a post work workout planned, you’ll probably have a rotter of a day and feel less inclined than normal to go and break a sweat – it’s so much more relaxing to break open a bottle right?
Well everyone has moments of weakness and you should never be too hard on yourself for succumbing to the odd one. It’s when missing the gym becomes the habit rather than the exception that you might need a little bit of help and motivation to get back on track, and here it is. This article gives you the reason to hit the gym before getting home, to find a ladies only gym London area, or to just simply go out for a run. It’s time to start thinking how to avoid missing your exercise, so let’s get started.
Workplace
Often you decorate your desk or space with personal items or inspirational quotes and pictures to keep you going at work. One simple trick to never missing to the gym is to also use this same space to keep your health and fitness goals on track. It might be a picture of an item of clothing that you want to buy in a certain size, or of a holiday destination that you want to get in shape for – even a mountain to climb. Whatever can motivate you to keep going in your job can also keep your going in your fitness regime.
Food
When it comes to health and fitness, many of you will focus more on the exercise rather than the fuel source. Your diet is key when it comes to working out. Not only does it provide the right fuel at the right time, but it is also easier to eat fewer calories than it is to burn extra ones. They often say that your weight etc. is based on an 80:20 principle with 20% being exercise and the 80% diet. So your food is key.
If you’re going to work out after work then it all begins with breakfast – something that you should never miss. Not only will a healthy and nutritious breakfast keep you fuelled throughout the day, it will also mean that you’ll less likely make unhealthy “snack” choices when the hunger pangs hit. Don’t forget your lunch though, you do not want anything too stodgy or filling as this will cause an afternoon slump, and again may lead to regrettable choices. Finally pack a healthy snack such as a banana to have prior to hitting the gym to ensure that you get through the session.
Gear
Always have your gym clothes and equipment with you. Having to nip home for them will inevitably lead to the temptation to shut the front door on the way in, and not open it again until tomorrow morning! Avoiding this temptation altogether is easier than having to fight it. Also change for the gym at the office so you’ll be in the right mind-set upon leaving.
Similarly pick your gym location carefully. It has been found that if the drive to the gym is more than 15 minutes, absenteeism is heavily increased. Maybe you need to find a ladies only gym London area, but find one convenient to the workplace so you’ll not avoid going altogether.
Partner
Whilst we’ll always be prepared to let ourselves down, having a training partner will more than double the motivation for getting to the gym in the first place and make the session more enjoyable overall. Remember though that you are there to train not just chat!
Targets
If you have attainable goals, you’ll more likely reach them. However, once reached, be certain to move the goal forward every time to keep you motivated.
You need to change the way in which you think about exercise. Do not see it as a punishment for any mistakes, but as a reward for your efforts. See it as a lifestyle change rather than just diet and exercise and this new view will make any feelings toward it more positive. Finally remember why you are doing it – because you deserve to feel great and be happy, and whilst exercise alone will never guarantee this, it is a very important ingredient for a happier life.
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