Do it to feel good
If you think that every workout you do needs to be at 110 percent, you may get discouraged when you have an off day. “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to go hard every single workout, just getting enough in to feel good,” says Sydney Stargatt, 27. Tried Animal Flow yet? Here’s how to incorporate these primal movements into your fitness training.
Let it inspire you
Some people find inspiration when they are sweating. It may be one of the best ways to decompress the mind and leave room for new ideas to transpire. “I work out so I can think about other things. I write scripts in my head, produce video, plan my next photo shoot. Working out time is sometimes my most creative time of the day,” says Annmarie Bain, 50. To get more out of your workout, here’s what to eat.
Choose activities you enjoy
If you hate running and think that’s the only way to get a good work out in, think again! “Doing what you love versus working out just to workout is key. You won’t catch me doing SoulCycle, but I’ll be on my road bike,” says Lolita Cipriano, 37. Check out these 3 healthy morning habits from one of Toronto’s top spin instructors.
Hire some professional help
You can also leave it to the professionals to come up with a workout plan for you and keep you motivated. “Having a trainer means I feel accountable to work out. I won’t miss a workout or a class regardless of the time if I convince myself that the trainer or instructor would be devastated if I missed class,” says Hilary Rainey, 28. Looking to hire a personal trainer? Here’s what you should know before you take the leap.
Schedule your workouts at the beginning of the week
When you add your workouts to your calendar, you’re less likely to bail on that class. “I put recurring events with 10-minute pop-up reminders on my work Google calendar for Monday and Friday bootcamp and Thursday yoga. It helps me set a timeline for the week,” says Olivia Lin, 28. Check out the sports bra that’ll improve your high-intensity workouts.
Choose a time when you have the most energy
If you aren’t a morning person and choose to work out then, you’ll find it to be harder to stay committed. Instead choose a time that you know you’re usually alert. “The more I work out, the more I want to continue working out. I’m a morning person, so I know that harder workouts need to happen in the morning because after a work day, I’m usually too tired to do anything too strenuous, except yoga, which I can do anytime,” says Bibi Nunez, 36. These 7 signs reveal if you’re addicted to exercise.
Surround yourself with people who get it
If you’re constantly surrounded by inactive people, chances are you will follow in those same footsteps. Instead you have to find workout buddies who you can bond with over a sweat session. “You have to spend time with people who are already that way. Find people who inspire you (instructors, influencers, friends) and orbit their circle. You become like the people you spend the most time with!” says Emily O’Connell, 28. Read up on the class that promises you’ll burn calories up to 36 hours after your workout.
Stay in the know in the fitness world
If you explore different avenues of fitness, you’ll find it’s easier to remain active. “I like switching up different types of exercises and classes according to favourite instructors, and working toward a new goal, such as a race,” says Silke Haassemann, 44. Travelling to Vancouver? Make sure you hit up these booty-burn fitness classes.
Explore the options that are out there
Depending on where you live, you may find that the fitness world is thriving with lots of chances to get fit. “NYC is awesome for this as there are abundant studios and classes and clubs and free workouts! If you overslept and missed your workout, there’s a lunch option; if you couldn’t make it for lunch, there’s a night workout option,” says Bernadette Chan, 31. These 3 effective moves can shake up any workout.
Have some healthy #bodygoals
It doesn’t hurt if you have a specific aesthetic goal such as toning up your legs or losing some weight. ”I always remember the feeling of accomplishment I get after a workout. That, and I keep in mind that I’m working toward getting a bigger butt!” says Kristine Santiago, 30. These are the best probiotics for weight loss.
Use it for an energy boost
Believe it or not, exercise can replace your morning cup of coffee if you do it right. “Exercise is my fuel. I make sure to move first thing in the morning, especially on my busiest days. It clears my mind, gives me lasting energy, and enables me to be more productive. On days where I need more rest or I’m limited in time, I make sure to simply move whether it’s squats in my apartment or a series of sun salutations. I believe that success is drenched in sweat,” says Michele Gordon, 27. Find out the sleeping patterns of the most successful people in the world.
Exercise at home—not just the gym
Don’t restrict yourself to just the gym to workout. You can easily get fit at home using minimal equipment. “I go to sleep in my workout clothes so I just have to roll out of bed and put on my sneakers. I work out from home five days a week for 30-minutes and go through phases of going to the gym as well a couple days a week,” says Katie Ervin, 29. Check out these 3 ways to get fit without a gym membership.
Use it as a natural stress reliever
Life can get hectic sometimes; all you need is alone time to sweat the stress away. “I work out to keep my sanity. Working out keeps my mind, body and soul balanced. Working out is up to 60 minutes of just you with no outside world noise,” says Amanda Margusity, 29. Here are 37 ways to make managing your stress easier.
Get addicted to the endorphins
There’s a reason why a “runner’s high” goes by that name. Endorphins play a big role in the way exercise makes you feel. “The rush you feel while running, and the strength you feel after accomplishing your goal for the night — there’s nothing like it,” says Rosa Guerrero, 27. Check out this strength-based workout for runners.
Change up your scenery and head outdoors
Being outdoors is not only great to get fresh air, but you’ll also trick your brain into thinking you’re doing something new. “I bike just about every day. First thing in the morning it clears my head and sets my mind for the day. I love to see the sunrise, and of course, seeing the occasional wildlife make me happy,” says Jill Ann Zocco, 44. Read up on why you should take your yoga practice outdoors.
Set aside a few days out of the week to be active
Even if you can’t get a full hour of exercise in, it’s still important to move one way or another. “It’s gotten to the point where if I don’t workout for more than two days in a row, I need to do something like push-ups or else I’ll feel off,” says Laura Dolce, 27. Find out the simple activity that can boost your memory by 20 percent.
Don’t put pressure on yourself
If a workout feels like “work,” it’s not a bad thing to listen to your body and not exercise that day. “Just get there. If you’re still not happy about it within 10 minutes of beginning, give yourself permission to leave it and come back another time. Chances are you’ll want to keep going — but if you don’t, never punish yourself,” says Caitlyn Seitz, 28. Here’s how to get abs without doing a single core exercise.
Form habits that stick
Sometimes it can be as simple as the monetary aspect to get you going. “Everyone has a different way of forming habits, but for me, it was about the monetary incentive as in signing up for a class that I am paying for versus paying for a gym membership, and forcing myself to schedule this once a week,” Alex Miller, 33. Next, check out the 50 fitness myths that can seriously damage your health.