Everyone can work out, but not everyone stays with it! Here are some tips to keep you going strong:
1. Find a buddy.
Finding the motivation to go to the gym is already hard, but by going with a friend, you can help keep each other going!
2. Set a schedule.
A lot of times, the reason that people give up is time! If you set a schedule, then you never have an excuse not to go! Wake up an hour early, or go even an hour right after work or classes, and make that your designated gym time.
3. Find your inspiration.
I follow a lot of fitstagrams (fitness-inspired Instagram pages) and they always keep me motivated! They give me great new workout ideas and the pictures they post really help to keep me going throughout the week!
4. Treat yourself to some new clothes.
The best part about working out? THE CLOTHES! Treat yourself to a new wardrobe. Where better to flaunt your new clothes than the gym everyday? Look cute and work hard.
5. Switch up your routine.
The
gym can get boring when all you do is the stair master. Change up your
routine every week to keep yourself interested. There's always a new
workout, try a new one and have some fun at the gym.
6. Start at home.
If you're shy about working out in public, start in your own home! All you need are some light and cheap dumbbells, a medicine ball and a yoga mat to get you started!
Working out in your backyard in the fresh air and running around your neighborhood can be one of the best feelings.
7. Create your perfect playlist.
The last thing you want is to be focusing on the people around you. Load up your phone with some of your favorite tunes with a beat and set your reps to it.
Check out these from Pinterest and this Spotify playlist.
8. Keep it simple.
Start small. You have to run a mile before you can run a marathon. Start with low weights and reps and work your way up.
9. Have a "lazy-day" back-up plan.
Getting up early is hard enough without having to drag your body to the gym. So on the days that you "just can't," try some one-song workouts or these easy at-home solutions. Heck, even make your own!
10. Take care of your body.
Keep your body hydrated! Always eat before a workout. Don't push yourself too hard. If you have a miserable time after a workout, you won't want to go back. If anything hurts, ice it before you go to bed at night.
11. Be realistic.
Especially when you're first starting out. You won't wake up at 5 a.m. every morning to hit the gym. You'll have late nights and won't want to get out of bed for school or work, let alone the gym. You'll skip some days. Pick everything back up the next day and allow yourself to make some mistakes.
12. Netflix and gym.
There's no better way to take your mind off of your workout than watching your favorite show.
Remember, it takes four weeks for you to notice your body changing, eight weeks for your friends to notice and twelve weeks for the rest of the world. Don't give up!
