10 ways to give yourself every workout advantage – Fort Worth Star Telegram
By MICHELE PROMAULAYKO
Sticking to your workout can be a struggle, as even the most well-intentioned know. Here are tips to get it done:
Show up and book it
Plan your workout in advance. Lack of planning continues to be the biggest reason people fail to work out. Ninety percent of people finish their workout if they just show up.
Make a date with a friend
Making a commitment to someone helps you keep it. Be sure to find someone on your same fitness level so you both will work toward similar goals.
Invest in a trainer
If you don’t know what you’re doing when you get to the gym, it pays to hire someone who does. Beyond helping you plan your workout, a personal trainer will observe and correct your form to make sure you produce results and avoid injuries.
Find a happy place but watch the rut
The “perfect” exercise is the one you’re happiest doing, so make sure you find yourself wanting to work out. With that being said, don’t let your routine become as familiar as Friends reruns. What bores your mind also bores your body. Vary your routine day to day and completely change it every three weeks.
Cut a soundtrack
Leave the slow songs for the sappy and make a playlist that gets you pumped. High-tempo music is a better distracter.
Write it down
Record your fitness goals in a journal and track your workouts. Note the exercises that make you feel good and produce results, and note the stressors that tend to derail workouts.
Work with your partner
Sharing activities with your partner is a surefire way to stick together — especially activities that leave both of you feeling good and energized. Exercise releases neurohormones that make people feel happier, more motivated and less anxious.
Take a chance and streak
Adrenaline-spiked adventures such as rock climbing will help you better manage stress in everyday life, according to a study from Texas A&M University. Before you start running naked through the gymnasium, though, understand that by “streak” we mean for you to see how long you can go without missing a workout. Then try to beat that record.
Reward yourself
Celebrate reaching your goals by treating yourself to whatever you want. Book that appointment for a massage or take a long, hot bubble bath. Reward yourself now because sometimes that short-term reward might be the only evidence of your long-term success.
Show off
A brand new haircut or fresh-out-of-the-box running shoes can be just the appearance boost you need for a great lift in the gym. And when you feel better about yourself, you’re going to function better.