You’ve probably heard this time and time again, but there’s a reason for that. Planning your workouts as if they were appointments actually does work. Take it from one who knows (me!).
Something I’ve come to learn over the past 15 months (since I’ve been super duper into working out) is if I don’t make a plan for my workouts (whether a class, with my trainer, on my own doing cardio, etc) and put it in my calendar as if it were a work meeting, more than likely I won’t actually work out. And beyond that, more recently I’ve come to realize, if I don’t have my gym clothes on or with me, and I have to go home prior to going to the gym, there’s also a chance my couch will win me over.
So, here’s what I recommend if you’re like me in this regard. MAKE. A. PLAN. It may sound silly. Why would I plan to workout? I’ll go when I can go. Yeah, meaning you won’t go! On Sunday night when you’re getting your mind back into the groove for the week ahead, look at your calendar. When can you workout? What do you want to do in terms of a work out? Any good gym classes coming up this week? Any you need to sign up for? Be proactive. Sign up, commit, put it in your calendar, and make it happen. I really find it helps if I do this for the whole week ahead rather than the day of.
Something else to consider. While this wouldn’t be something I likely would have done back in my younger years, it’s something I do now. Health and wellness and working out are all very important things to me. I mean, we’re not getting any younger! If I made a plan to work out, I won’t cancel it for any reason unless I’m too sore from a previous workout or not feeling 100% or for something along those lines. If a friend asks me to do something and I already have a plan to hit the gym, I’ll either decline (even though sometimes I’d much rather get wine with my gals rather than sweat my tush off working out) or I’ll see if they can do something post-workout. If they can’t, we’ll find another day. Simple as that. I love my friends dearly, but you gotta make your health a priority, people.
And, finally, something you’ve also most certainly heard would be to go with a friend! #buddysystem. You’re less likely to cancel if you know you’re meeting someone there. I did yoga with Megan on Tuesday (Fusion Yoga at Revolution…yep, still addicted) and I’m going spinning with Ashley on Friday.
Since starting to REALLY work out (15 months ago), aside from getting stronger and whatnot, I’ve noticed I’m MUCH less irritable, less anxious, less stressed, and the list goes on. Granted, some of that is due to Zoloft (BEST. DRUG. EVER. It should be in the water), but working out really really really helps almost anything. Take it from one who HATED working out not too long ago. It’s life changing.
Like they say, you may not want to go to the gym, but you’ll never ever regret having gone.
#endorphins
Image: Fashion Gone Rogue