Don’t let that gym membership go to waste this year. I know it’s hard after a long day of work or chasing children around and ya know keeping them and yourself alive, to find the energy and motivation to get to your workout class. Some people are really great at sticking to their schedule without wavering but sometimes I need a real motivator to get my butt moving and get to the gym. When I danced ballet, I was obsessed and it would take a lot to make me miss a class. Also avoiding the judging look of my strict Ukrainian ballet teacher as I explained why I missed class the day before was motivator enough.
So now that I am ballet mistress-less with no director, choreographer etc to hold me accountable it’s up to me! So I’m sharing with you how I psych myself up to hit the gym and put in the BEST workout I can.
1. Workout outfit. New tights, new shoes etc… If I have a great little look to wear and I feel good in it I want to wear it out. Getting excited about your workout outfit is a great way to trick yourself into getting that boost energy you need to get to the gym.
2. Good Music. There are times when I want to get to the gym just so I can listen to my music. Matt and I signed up for Apple Music where we have access to just about every song in the universe. I’m finding crazy dance music from high school days, or just browsing pre-made playlists, discovering new music. It’s so fun. Usually, the moment I hear music I want to move, proving to be a great catalyst for me!
3. A place you love. Yoga studio, gym or park, if you don’t love where you are going then why would you ever go!? I absolutely love my gym, and no, Equinox isn’t paying me to say it. I actually look forward to going to the gym and kinda bummed when I can’t make it.
4. Body Goals. Be it breaking a 7 minute mile or defined abs or scorpion pose, I need a goal. In ballet it was master different movements with proper technique, then it was mastering choreography with said technique. It was getting your leg higher, getting to 5 pirouettes, getting a 180 ponché, etc. Without your goals your just going though the motions and not moving toward results, which is the rewarding part!
5. Set a Routine. Unless you are going to a class where you are told what to do, it can be pretty intimidating hitting the gym without a game plan. My typical workout goes like this:
5 minute quick and lights roll out and stretch.
10- 20 minute warm up- jump rope or stair-master or treadmill.
Lower body or upper circuit depending on the day (I’m partial to leg day)
Legs and glutes are my favorite to work out so I definitely favor them to arms and back. This is a typical lower body (focusing on glutes) routine for me:
– Kettle Bell Swings
– Kneeling Squats
– Single Leg Squat with Weight
– Hip Extension
– Lunges
Finish out with 10 minute Deeper stretch and rolling.
Then I hit the steam room if I have time.
What are your tricks or motivators for getting your workout in?