Whether you’re just starting out on your fitness journey or you and the gym are old friends, there are days when finishing that last mile can be a drag. You know the feeling: one minute could pass for an hour, your feet have turned to cinder blocks and the couch has never sounded more comfortable.
Everyone has off days, but if time seems to slow down whenever you’re on the treadmill, you may need a change of pace – literally. Here are a few tips on how to take the chore out of your workout.
1. Find your rhythm
There are few things that can impact your energy and get your body in motion like the right music. Find tracks with strong beats and fast tempos that fit the pace of your chosen exercise. Make sure you have your playlist downloaded and ready to go before you get to the gym so you don’t waste precious workout time fiddling with your device.
2. Mix it up
If you can’t stop staring at the seconds ticking by, maybe you need a distraction. Use a piece of equipment that isn’t part of your normal routine, like an elliptical or stationary bike. You can also try taking a fast-paced class like Zumba or BodyPump. When you’re focused on matching the instructor’s moves, chances are you won’t be looking at the clock. This positive distraction will keep your mind busy and help you stay immersed in your workout. Bonus: exercising with other people can help motivate you to give your workout 100% and stick it out ’til the end.
3. Have a plan
Don’t get to the gym only to find yourself frozen between sets, debating which exercise to do next. Those wasted minutes can quickly add up and drain the impact of your workout, turning your hour-long gym session into only thirty minutes of meaningful work. Instead, come prepared with a sequence or set of exercises in mind. Write the plan on a sheet of paper if you have to. Just know what you’re going to do so your workout is smooth, seamless and doesn’t have more downtime than you want. Don’t know what to put in your plan? Attend a class or sign up for a personal training session. You can leave the planning up to the professionals and still reap the benefits of a pre-designed workout.
4. Remember your “why”
Remind yourself every day why you’re making an effort to be healthy. Maybe your reason is keeping up with your kids. Maybe it’s so you can climb that mountain, metaphorical or not, and succeed in the physical challenges you want to undertake. Maybe you just want to develop the confidence to flaunt that new bathing suit. Whatever your reason for breaking a sweat, hold onto it and let it power you.
5. Take it easy, but don’t take off
If you’re genuinely low on energy and can’t muster the strength for a full workout, that’s okay, but don’t bail on the gym just yet. Try something that is slower paced, like yoga or power walking. A little exercise is better than none! If soreness is the issue, trying alternating your workouts. For example, if you worked arms hard last time, focus on legs this session. If you get creative, you can make fitness a part of your daily life. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying your workout so much you’ll wonder where the time went.