We all get to the point in the summer when you would much rather curl up with a book or watch Netflix on the couch after a long day instead of going to the gym or hustling over to your workout class.
That unlimited summer membership at your fitness studio is calling your name but you push away those thoughts with the excuse that, “Today will be my rest day.”
And you know what? You’re right! You always deserve a rest day, and it’s important to listen to your body. But what I’ve found to be true from my own experience is that it’s often those days that I don’t feel like I have a workout in me that I need the exercise (and subsequent endorphins) the most.
Summer is the perfect time to put a little extra effort into taking care of your mind, body, and spirit; making small choices to stay active in our day-to-day lives can ultimately make a much larger difference in our health in the long run.
So here are some quick and easy tips for getting off the couch on days when you’d rather just watch "Scandal" or "Grey’s Anatomy" on Netflix.
1. Get yourself some fly gear and new workout clothes.
Whether it's a new pair of running shoes or a cool new sports bra, spruce up your gear so that you feel confident and want to get out there to put it all to good use.
2. Refresh your music library.
Whether you’re an iTunes, Spotify, or SoundCloud kind of person, never shy away from browsing new music or even searching through your friend’s music to freshen up your selection. I personally love to make new playlists when I’m on the elliptical because my hands are free, and time flies by when you’re busy exploring new songs.
3. Think about the possible regret you would feel for skipping your workout...
…Compared to the insane endorphin high you’ll have after getting out there and doing it!
4. Surround yourself with inspiration.
Sticky-notes are your best friend when it comes to reminding yourself how awesome you are and how great you are striving to become. Throw a Post-it on your bathroom mirror with your favorite quote, change the background of your phone to something that moves and inspires you, and set alarms throughout the day with fun titles and encouragement to hydrate or leave work by a certain time to make it to your favorite workout class.
5. Get out the door and go!
Don’t let yourself over-analyze an opportunity to work out. Getting yourself out the door is the first (and easiest) step towards becoming active. According to Newton’s first law, a body at rest tends to stay at rest, and a body in motion tends to stay in motion. Thus, Netflix on the couch = more Netflix on the couch vs. working out = more working out. Simple physics, right?
6. Switch it up.
Maybe one day you feel like playing tennis instead of going for a run, or you build up the courage to try a new studio fitness class that you’ve heard kicks butt. I absolutely love my favorite barre and yoga instructors, but I've also found that taking a different instructor’s class can be super fun to switch up my routine. A wide variety of movements challenges both your muscles and your brain in different ways. Remember, a sore body is a happy body.
8. Grab a friend!
I have a handful of friends who I have on speed-dial for this exact reason. Finding people who are healthy and positive influences in your life is incredibly important and it feels great to have built-in cheerleaders who you can turn to for a quick, reassuring smile that says “We can do this!” when you’re in the middle of a tough class or just when you feel like giving up.
9. Remember why you started working out in the first place.
Once you have identified the “why” behind your activity goals, the “how” will follow seamlessly. Make a list of all the reasons why you love being active and healthy to create your own mantra to follow and guide you when your motivation wavers.
Take care of your body. Some days you really just need to rest and watch some Netflix. And that’s cool. But that’s not every day, my dear. Choose wisely.
