Motivation For Rainy Days

Written by Elements

Monday, 07 December 2009 00:00

There are days when you leap out of bed, have a healthy breakfast with an apple to boot, and wait in anticipation for your daily workout. Other days you wake up to the sound of heavy rain, breakfast consists of a chocolate chip muffin and an extra large mochachino latte concoction, and at the end of the day your most strenuous exercise was channel surfing.

The secret to a successful, balanced lifestyle is finding a way to make exercise bearable even on days when your couch is calling your name.

Pack a gym bag the night before.

Packing your gym bag the night before will make you more likely to go to the gym because otherwise you will feel lugging the gym bag around was a waste. Plus, it is a constant reminder that you’d planned to go to the gym.

Make a playlist

Music is exercise fuel. There is nothing that can get you going like your favorite guilty pleasure music. Making a playlist of 8-10 upbeat songs can energize your workout and make it fly by. Making a mix can make you look forward to your workout with your own personal soundtrack.

Take a class.

Some days you are not your best workout leader. When the treadmill is looking more like a torture device than a workout aid, turn to a fun aerobics class. The instructor will force you to push yourself and you’ll have fun trying something new.

Have a cup of coffee.

So you have the gym bag, made the playlist, picked up the class schedule and still, you can’t keep your eyes open. Turn to your friend “Joe.” Having a cup of coffee can give you the kick you need. Coffee gives you that dose of energy that will make your exercise effortless, or at least more enjoyable.

Buy a magazine or book.

Magazines and books can make your 45 min elliptical session fly by. Fitness magazines are great. They are full of information that can help you stay on track with your fitness goals. (Trashy celebrity magazine also do the trick.)

Your work out time is for you. It’s your time to think, feel, and treat yourself. Go workout. You deserve it. Now go get started on that playlist.