I get it—going to the gym is hard. The first day, you’re up and ready to go, thinking to yourself, “Yeah, I can do this! Easy peasy!” Second day: “Oh, I did so well at the gym yesterday, I think I’ll give myself a break. And some ice cream.” Then the break never ends.
This cycle has been my struggle ever since I started college. It’s especially hard when juggling class, work, and after-school activities. For some reason, I am always in the mindset that I am wasting time at the gym. I usually like to spend at least an hour at the gym (I spend half of the time stretching), and I think that one hour could be spent studying or working or doing something more productive.
First of all, what usually happens in that hour I could’ve spent at the gym is debating whether or not to go or on Facebook, wasting my time anyway. And second of all, I’ve learned that making time for exercise is not a waste. That hour that I spend at the gym is another hour stronger, another hour more energetic, and another hour healthier. And if I go to the gym, there’s no shame in eating then passing out. And considering I am currently divulging in a see-food, devour-food lifestyle, I figure it’s for the best.
This is why this summer I have dedicated to somehow figuring out how to get my lazy butt to the fourth floor of Pottruck. Here are some of the best ways I have found:
1. Schedule time to go to the gym.
Making time to go to the gym is difficult, especially when, as stated before, it feels like a waste of time. But just scheduling it in helps you plan out your day and makes it more routine.
Start off small: 30 minutes at the gym for four days a week. This way, it doesn’t seem like so much time and you have those days off. By making it part of your routine, it will come more naturally. Pretty soon, you’ll find yourself at the gym more often, not because you have to, but because you want to.
2. Don't get distracted.
What’s the first thing you want to do after a long day of work? My answer is plop myself down on the couch and watch hours of YouTube videos. Even after I’ve already planned to go to the gym after work, I somehow found myself saying, “Just let me watch this video, and then I’ll go.” It’s never one video. This is why as much as you want to let yourself get distracted, you can’t. Don’t sit down. Don’t turn on your computer. You will find yourself in a dark, dark hole, my friend.
3. Put on exercise clothes.
This may seem like a simple, suggestion, but it’s true. Once you’ve made the effort to put on exercise clothes (especially the shoes), you are 86.7 percent more likely to make the effort to go to the gym*. Maybe it’s the false feeling of increased athleticism, but I am telling you, wearing gym clothes make you want to go to the gym. It’s scientifically proven!** This increases by 2.5 percentage points*** if you feel good in your gym clothes, so make sure to invest in your workout wardrobe.
*The percentage put forth in this article is false.
**This is not scientifically proven.
***If you still think what I'm saying is scientifically accurate, you need help.
4. Find exercises you enjoy.
One excuse that many people use for not going to the gym is that they hate exercising. Well, the problem with that is there so many different ways to exercise! You can run, lift, or swim. You can do yoga, pilates, or boxing. You can do cycling, Cross Fit, or even dance!
Sure, you may not completely fall in love with any of these exercises, but there is no harm in giving them try. You eventually figure out which ones you’re more comfortable with and which ones you absolutely want to avoid. For example, while some may enjoy the intense workout and toned legs that comes with spinning, I prefer exercises that don’t involve sore butts.
5. Music.
I really love listening and finding music. This is why I love using the gym as an excuse to find new songs I can work out to. Having really great workout songs is so much more motivating and energy-inducing. And creating that perfect gym playlist definitely gets me pumped up and ready to go try it out. Or maybe that’s just me.
6. Reward yourself.
This may seem like self-bribery, but it usually works. If I have a particular day where I just don’t feel motivated enough to go to the gym, I go and buy a small treat (usually ice cream) and tell myself that I am not allowed to touch it until after I have worked out. Because I will do most things for ice cream, I kick myself in the butt and get going. It doesn’t have to be ice cream, but anything that will get you motivated enough to leave the house.
These are just a few tricks I’ve used to get myself to the gym. Remember that going to the gym shouldn't be scary or daunting. Everyone is there for the same reason: to become their healthiest self. And as the inspiring Elle Woods once said:
