The second it gets cold out, I just want to wear a big comfy sweater, lay on the couch and eat tons of ramen. Does anyone else feel the same way? Also, working out is usually the last thing on my mind to begin with so now with the cold weather and carb overload cravings, my fitness level can easily get to an all-time low. Realistically, given the amount of pasta I feel like eating on a daily basis, it really should be kicked into gear.
Since I’m now over officially over 30 and my body has birthed a child (yay me), I just don’t have the kind of metabolism I once had. Yes, I have to work out to stay thin. It sucks. I had a nice time getting away with minimal gym time for most of my life, but alas my good fortune has run out.
Lately, I’ve really kicked it into high gear, so it may look like I’m a gym rat, but the fact is, I still have to constantly motivate myself. Here are 5 things that have REALLY helped me do that:
2) Find a place you love with lots of great workout options! I need variety in my workouts. I get SO bored walking on a treadmill over and over or taking the same class 2 days in a row. I decided to join Midtown Athletic Club because I seriously can’t get bored with this place. They have pilates, yoga, cycling, cardio machines, swimming, boxing, a ton of different fun group classes and more. They even let you log into your Netflix account while on the cardio machine. This is seriously a HUGE bonus and gets me to the gym whenever I’m really fighting it internally.
3) Create Goals! Give yourself something to work toward. For me, it’s not about how much weight I lose, it’s about what’s healthy. So I will usually create fitness goals at the beginning of the week. Some of my usual goals are: Go to the gym 3 days this week or take one class I have never taken.
4) Reward Yourself! I don’t care what people say about rewards, I LOVE them. For me, I get excited to go to the gym if I know afterwards I’m going to get that amazing smoothie or can have that piece of cake at dinner. As long as you don’t go overboard, I think it’s nice to reward yourself for doing something you don’t naturally want to do.
5) Remember this mantra: “No one ever says I wish I didn’t workout today” Do you ever remember leaving a workout and wishing you hadn’t done it?
No.
It simply doesn’t happen. No one works out and then wishes they did not. So keep that in mind whenever you’re fighting the urge to stay in bed. It’s something won’t regret and actually feel really good about.
What are some ways you motivate yourself to get up and go to the gym? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!!!
Love always,
Erica
