How to Motivate Yourself for the Gym
In preparing to return to the gym, I have found myself feeling more motivated and enthusiastic regarding changing up my routine, a new scene and the opportunity to take advantage of workout equipment and group fitness. I thought I would share a few ways I plan on trying to prepare for the gym and amp up my motivation for something new!
During the last couple of years, I made the decision to put my gym membership on hold. As much as I enjoyed going to the gym, my husband and I had some financial goals that were more important to us and I knew that I could always exercise outside.
I have enjoyed running outside (even in the cold), but we've also been blessed, here in Kentucky, to have the last couple of years of mild Summers with low humidity. However, this Summer has taken on a new vengence with humidity soaring and temperatures of hotter than hell.
As much as I hate to admit it, this has taken a toll on my training and exercise routine... I have always said I am much more a Winter person rather than a Summer person.
That said, I have decided I want to renew my gym member, especially since my husband and I achieved our financial goals more than a year ago (yay!). In preparing to return to the gym, I have found myself feeling more motivated and enthusiastic regarding changing up my routine, a new scene and the opportunity to take advantage of workout equipment and group fitness. I thought I would share a few ways I plan on trying to prepare for the gym and amp up my motivation for something new!
New Workout Gear
This is seemingly one of the best ways I find to motivate myself. Nothing is more motivating than having some new duds to sport, along with helping you to feel more comfortable. Another note, I prefer wearing capri style leggings to the gym in the summer, simply because I feel like it gives a bit more coverage. Nice for when you want to sit down at some of the equipment that has you awkwardly facing the rest of the gym!
Pack Gym Bag
My gym bag was a wreck after months of not using it for more than just tossing in a running outfit and other random things. I gave everything a good clean out and stocked my bag full of the essentials: hair ties, shampoo/soap, loofah, shower bag, shower shoes, water bottle, baby wipes (for, YOU KNOW), deodorant and emergency snacks. (P.S. I love this bag and you can find it here.)
Mental Prep
I also think there is a certain amount of mental prep that goes into going back to the gym or starting the gym for the first time. One of the most prevalent concerns I hear from my Madden Wellness clients is worrying about what others will think of them. Seriously, I can't speak enough to this that I GET IT! There can be a lot of pressure if you're a beginner at the gym and everyone else seems to know their way around the equipment and be at the top of their fitness game. I think this is kind of like the first-day-of-school scenario. You really have to do some self-talk here and acknowledge that probably MOST people at the gym have these SAME concerns. You also have to realize WHY you're there. And hopefully, you are there for YOU...not everyone else. Remember that!
New Goals
With a change in workout venue, also comes a change in goals. I'm excited to have the opportunity to be able to utilize the group fitness classes, the strength training equipment and the stair master. After MANY months of running, I'm looking forward to incorporating new workouts and changing up my routine a bit.
Entertainment
Whether you're slaving away at the cardio machines or banging it out in the weight room, you probably know those repetitions and miles can become pretty monotonous. I can't say enough about equipping yourself with some new workout playlist music with some of your favorite up beat songs. Podcasts have also became another huge favorite of mine for helping to pass the time at the gym and really stay in the zone.
Group Classes
Although, not for everyone, group fitness classes can be a great way to spice up your workout routine and get out of a rut. Group fitness is a great way to be introduced to new exercise routines, as well as get connected with your gym community. I plan on utilizing my gym's Spinning classes, as well as their Crossfit classes.
Click here for the FREE 7 Steps to Stress-Free Meal Planning Guide!
Amber Madden is a Licensed Counseling Associate specializing in Eating Disorders and Obesity. She is the Clinical Director at Madden Wellness Counseling, PLLC. She utilizes her skills in addiction to assist her clients in with Binge Eating, "food addictive" patterns, and develop a positive approach to overall health and wellness. She has a passion for assisting clients in achieving their health goals and learning to love nutritious foods and exercise. For more information visit www.maddenwellnessky.com .
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
MADDEN WELLNESS SERVICES
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM
How To Know When to LET GO
Lately I've been tired....no, I've been EXHAUSTED...
It started back in March. Too many things going on too much of the time --- all of the time.
Lately I've been tired....no, I've been EXHAUSTED...
It started back in March. Too many things going on too much of the time --- all of the time.
Last Fall, I mentioned training for ALL THE RACES this year. I had great ambition and I was PUMPED!
I trained.
In the snow.
When I didn't feel like it.
When I already had a lot on my plate.
My first Half was scheduled to take place at the end of March. My training right before had suffered due to having a cold and I knew I wasn't ready. I decided running the 10K would be ENOUGH. But then, when I went to register, the race had been sold out.
I was bummed... but then I kinda wasn't. Inside, I felt slightly relieved.
The next race on the calendar was the Redbud Ride. Again, I was thrilled and excited and slightly intimidated when my friend I was riding with told me she had signed us up for the 34 mile route - further than we'd ever ridden.
Shocked and dismayed, I finished the ride easily enough and felt great! The next event was scheduled for May 21st. The Horsey Half.
I knew I had time to train up in between, and I also knew I had an extremely busy May ahead of me...
- Taking family to their doctor's appointments.
- Graduation Ceremonies
- Finals and Papers for classes due.
- A Ballet Event to attend.
- Worksite Wellness Program to organize.
- Autism Awareness Event
- Ladies of Vision Event
- Mother's Day
- Not to mention training for the race itself!
Even as I write it all down, all I can think is NO WONDER I felt so tired!
I was frustrated. Mad at myself for not being able to do it ALL. Upset that I had set some amazing goals for the year, but found myself unable to accomplish them with only just a fraction into the year. I had trained, but then I decided to LET GO of running the race. Let go of the stress with running 10 miles after working a full day. I LET GO of perfection and my idealistic attitude that I would be able to do ALL THE THINGS this year, when I am only one person. I LET GO of the false sense of pride I felt for pushing myself to do and overcome the challenge of doing it all, all of the time.
And it has felt amazing.
Late night wine and cream cheese crackers.
Instead, I've spent more time soaking up some warm, early Summer evenings with dinner on the patio.
I've spent more mornings enjoying Strawberry Stuffed French Toast while curled up on the couch watching Food Network.
I've spent several evenings taking leisure walks with the pups around the neighborhood while taking in the bustle of children playing in pools and the sound of lawn mowers in the distance.
I've rediscovered a love of running for pleasure and not just training for events.
I've spent more days enjoying quality time with family that doesn't feel rushed or forced.
Canvas and Wine Painting event with Mom for Mother's Day!
And extra time away from so much running has afforded me the opportunity to spend more quality time in the kitchen, rediscovering a passion for cooking and recipe creation.
Greek Yogurt "Cheesecake" with Cashew and Date Crust
I intend on spending most of my Summer in this manner, relaxing and enjoying the season as much as possible. I hope this message finds you well and if anything, inspires you to also take a look at your own lists of To-Do's and reevaluate if necessary. Prioritizing your health can sometimes mean actually taking a step back and LETTING GO of all the things you think you should be doing.
So here's to a Summer of Self-Care!
Amber Madden is a Licensed Counseling Associate specializing in Eating Disorders and Obesity. She is the Clinical Director at Madden Wellness Counseling, PLLC. She utilizes her skills in addiction to assist her clients in with Binge Eating, "food addictive" patterns, and develop a positive approach to overall health and wellness. She has a passion for assisting clients in achieving their health goals and learning to love nutritious foods and exercise. For more information visit www.maddenwellnessky.com .
MADDEN WELLNESS SERVICES