Being active has many benefits, everything from heart health to sleep quality to brain function, but knowing it’s good for you doesn’t always mean it’s easy to go to the gym. If you’ve been having trouble getting into a workout routine, take a look at a few proven methods for getting off the sofa and breaking a sweat.
1. DRESS FOR A WORKOUT, EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT FEELING UP TO IT.
In many ways, pulling on a T-shirt or a pair of yoga pants is even more important than heading out the door to go to the gym. Reaserch has shown that our brains are susceptible to “enclothed cognition,” a technical way of saying that dressing for the part can help fuel your ambition to complete a chosen task. If you’re in full workout gear, you’re far more likely to head out the door.
2. MAKE A COMMITMENT WITH A FRIEND.
It can be helpful to have an accountability partner, so make plans to have a joint workout with a friend. Feeling that someone else is counting on you to attend will make it less likely you’ll skip the session. Even better, seeing your friend perform—running a longer distance or lifting heavier weights—may also give you the motivation to push yourself, and you can share tips and celebrate each other’s progress.
3. GET A PLAN.
If you’re just looking to get active, there’s nothing wrong with going to a gym and investing time in whatever equipment or activity strikes your fancy. But the downside of those aimless visits is that skipping them doesn’t feel like you’re impeding progress toward a goal. After a break-in period, it’s best to imagine a finish line—losing weight, increasing endurance, adding muscle, or a mixture of each—and focus your energy on working toward it.
4. CONSIDER A TRAINER.
Certified fitness instructors add to the cost of your workout, but they can also add a lot of tangible value. An expert can design a program based on your goals, show you how to use equipment, and provide tips on nutrition. Having them present while you start out could compel you to stick with it.
See you soon at the gym
Everybody’s gym team
