We get it, no one likes to go to the gym. Even the muscle dudes in bro-tanks lifting weights in the corner don’t like being at the gym. But the harsh reality is that it’s a necessity, unless you’re blessed with an incredibly fast metabolism -of which I envy you. We can’t binge Netflix all winter while stuffing our faces with Oreos then expect a killer bod come summer. People have to actually work for those perfectly sculpted abs, and work pretty damn hard. I know it’s easier said than done, but here’s a list of ten things that may actually inspire you to hit the gym once or twice this semester and feel a little less blobby come springtime.
1. A New Pair of Sneakers
Treat yo’ self! A good pair of kicks can make all the difference in your workout. Pair them with #2 on this list and you’ll be feeling yourself in every turn of the elliptical.
2. Cute Gym Clothes
Yes, those yoga pants make your butt look amazing, and yes it’s totally okay to check out your reflection in the gym windows. If you’re working out after class, it only gives you more of a reason to look cute and athletic. And no, wearing workout clothes to class without actually intending to workout does not count, nice try.
3. A Gym Buddy
I have found that it’s way harder bailing on the gym when you’ve already made plans because now you’re not the only one acknowledging your laziness. Now get to it!
4. A Killer Playlist
Running isn’t fun -no offense to the track team- but it’s not something I plan to do in my free time. However, it’s way more exciting to jog as Beyoncé serenades you with Crazy in Love. Take some time to construct the perfect playlist before you get to the gym so you’re not constantly pausing to switch the song. This way you can simply turn it on, turn it up, and go.
5. Eye Candy
I’m not sure if my school decided to conveniently angle a large number of the machines towards the weights or if that was totally coincidental. Either way, I always get a great view of the finest gentlemen on campus lifting bars and doing pushups. I can’t say it’s a solid reason to go to the gym, but if I so happen to need the stationary bike. At least, I know I won’t get bored.
6. New Friends
As weird of a reference as it may be, the campus gym is like the jungle watering hole. (Bear with me here, no pun intended). Students of all shapes, sizes, genders, races, majors, and minors come here to get fit, thus, it’s the perfect place to meet new people. And if you happen to run into someone from class, refer to #3 on this list and get busy.
7. A Bangin’ Bod
Let’s flash forward to the wonderful season of summer, when the sun comes out and the clothes come off. Imagine wearing an itsy bitsy, teeny weeny, purple polka dot bikini and not feeling self-conscious about that little pudge right above your waistline. Just a few hours a week can help build muscle so that even when you’re not actually working out, your body is burning calories. Did someone say guilt free donuts?
8. Endorphins
In the words of the great Elle Woods “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands. They just don’t!” Alright let’s not take it to that extreme, but basically working out makes you’re an overall happier, cheerier person. And if you don’t feel it now, imagine the self-esteem boost you’ll get when you’re rocking the above-mentioned bikini.
9. A Study Break
If you’re buried in books and papers, much like the rest of your classmates, think of having an hour to just do you. You don’t have to think about or focus on anything school related, which can make your time at the gym feel like a little paradise from the hell that is midterms week.
10. An Excuse
Did that guy you met at the bar ask you to get dinner for the fourth time this week? Did your annoying group member insist you have an unnecessary group meeting, yet again? Did your roommate start her rant complaining about her workload as an art history major? Look no further for a perfectly valid excuse to bail. P.S. you’re welcome.
11. Motivation
Because nothing gets you moving quite like seeing other people pushing themselves. And if you’re anything like my competitive roommate, you’ll soon find yourself with sore legs and achy muscles because you just have to one up the guy next to you.
