So, we’ve all been there… it’s cold, it’s dark, it’s early, it’s too late; there seem to be a million and one excuses not to workout, but the truth is, it’s all about your mindset.
It’s true what they say, you’re only one workout away from a good mood, and the benefits of exercise far outweigh the negatives.
It’s invigorating, it can help to clear your head, it can boost your energy levels and it helps to burn off extra calories, but how can you overcome the temptation to skip a workout?
To make sure you’re always in the mood to exercise, Training Specialist, David Wiener, from leading fitness app, Freeletics shares his top tips and advice:
Switch Up your Workout
When you’re not in the mood to work out, going to the gym, doing your usual at-home workout, or running your normal route can all seem tedious.
To overcome monotony, make sure you regularly switch up your exercise regime to include different workouts, which will not only eliminate boredom but keep your body guessing and accelerate results.
Using a fitness app like Freeletics will give you access to thousands of workouts which can be done from the comfort of your home or at the gym.
They’ve also recently launched a new hybrid running Training Journey which combines bodyweight training with sprint intervals and distance runs to burn fat, improve running performance and increase cardiovascular stamina. With a workout like this, you’ll be anything but bored!
Drag Friends into the equation
Working out with friends means you’re less likely to skip your next training session. Working out with a friend can also make exercise more enjoyable, motivating you to keep up the good work and giving you a chance to socialise while you burn calories.
Put your gym clothes on
Simply putting on your kit can drastically change your motivation, mindset and mood. If you’re tempted to miss a workout, pack your gym bag the night before, or if possible, put your gym clothes on first thing.
If you look the part, there’s no reason not to exercise, even if it’s just for a little bit. Kit which makes you feel good can also help you to push yourself harder while you’re working out, so it could be time to invest in some exercise gear you’re excited to wear to further boost your motivation.
Turn up the music
Music is such an amazing mood enhancer and it can also push you harder while you’re working out. Upbeat, fast-paced music and songs with inspiring lyrics can really help to motivate you and put you in the mood to exercise.
Frequently updating your playlist and adding new songs can also make you motivated to workout, even if it’s just to hear some songs which will lift your spirits.
Stay hydrated
Drink at least 500ml of water before you start to exercise. This removes that groggy or heavy feeling in the muscles which can slow you down and make you feel lethargic.
Your body has over 10 million biochemical reactions a second which are reliant on adequate hydration, so it’s time to drink up and work out.
Set Realistic Goals
Don’t let missing one workout be the catalyst for you to miss a whole week of training. Being realistic about what you want to achieve is key because when you start seeing results, you’ll be inspired to work out more and as a result stay committed to your training plan.
There’s no harm in setting yourself a big goal, but break it down into smaller, micro goals so that you can celebrate your achievements and progress often