Sweaty, out of breathe, and unmotivated is usually how starting to go back to the gym starts out. After months or years of not stepping foot in a gym, it's hard to go back. We all have had our fair share of times of being unmotivated and just not wanting to start all over again.
Here are some ways to get back into the gym and stick with it.
1. Join a gym that makes you excited
I used to be a member of a cheap gym close to my house that I went to for years. It was small, crowded, and the equipment was old and outdated. However, as a college student, I was willing to make the sacrifice for a cheap gym membership. Recently, I joined a significantly more expensive gym, but with that, I got a less crowded environment and new equipment. Now, I am excited to go to the gym and try out new classes and new equipment.
2. Cute gym clothes
Nothing is better than wearing a cute and comfy outfit to the gym. It's motivation enough to go to the gym because you paid for the clothes and you have to wear them somewhere right?
3. Treat yourself
Incentives are one of the best ways to get yourself or anyone else to do something. In this case, set a few goals and rewards. You can set a goal to go to the gym a certain amount of days or even when you move up in weights. Nothing makes me more motivated than knowing I'm improving myself and getting something else in return. My favorite incentives are definitely clothes and pedicures.
4. Make time for the gym
Everyone has those days when you simply are so busy that you don't have time to fit in the gym. However, most of the time when people are "too busy", they simply have not made time for the gym. Setting a time and sticking to it is much easier than waking up and being unsure when you will go to the gym. Although it may mean having to go to sleep an hour earlier in order to wake up earlier than usual, your mind and your body will thank you.
5. Workout buddy
Having a workout buddy is what has kept me going to the gym so consistently for the past few months. When you've set a time with someone else, it's harder to break than if you're only setting a time based on your schedule. It's much easier to press snooze on your alarm when you know no one else is waking up to go to the gym with you.
