“90% of life is mental.” That was the realization that took me from young and dumb to older and wiser. That was the realization that helped me stopped looking at life like it was happening to me and not happening FOR me. That was the realization that helped me take better care of myself mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I’ve always had a hard time staying consistent in the gym. The thought of how hard it was, how long I had to do it, how slow the results came, etc. always discouraged me eventually; I would start off strong then let negative thoughts about working out deter me from reaching my fitness goals. If you don’t get it by now: it’s mainly your thoughts that are holding you back but this post isn’t about that. Lets focus on some of the other things that you can control WHILE you’re in the gym:
1. Do What Works For You TODAY.
Stop comparing your workout to other people’s workout. Hell, stop comparing today’s workout to last month’s workout. Focus on today; focus on what you can do today and/or for how long. The key to loving the gym life is setting a bar that you can actually reach everyday until your body tells you it’s time to do more. Setting the bar too high and too early will only make you feel like a damn failure when you can’t come back and do it again the next day. Do what works for who you are today.
2. Create A Fitness Playlist.
Music often determines the pace of your workout – how fast or slow you will go. During a run and ab-workouts, I like to listen to upbeat music with lyrics that make me feel like a bad ass, sexy biotch (no typo) or music that literally has lyrics telling me I got this and that I can do it. I recommend adding 7/11 by Beyoncé or Work B*tch by Britney Spears to your playlist. When I’m not doing cardio, I listen to songs that aren’t as fast. The key to loving the gym life is having fun while you’re there.
3. Stop Watching The Clock – Just Do It!
Everyone knows each second during a workout is equivalent to 3 minutes in real life – at least that’s how it fucking feels. Whether you stop or keep going, the time will pass anyway so you might as well make them count. Watching every single second is bound to discourage you because you’re going to think you’re never going to finish. I tend to look out the window or straight ahead until I feel the pace of the treadmill change. The key to loving the gym life is focusing on the journey, not the finish line.
4. Talk To Yourself During Your Weak Moments
Honestly, that’s in any area in life. Right before you’re about to cross the finish line during a workout, you’re going to want to give up. This is the time when you need to be telling yourself whatever you need to hear at this moment to push yourself through. Whether it’s “Run, motherfucker run!” or “LET’S FUCKING GO. YOU ALMOST THERE BABY!” you need to be damn near screaming it until the clock runs out. Who cares who’s around you? They’re not going to cheer you on because they don’t even know you. The key to loving the gym life is celebrating your small victories.
What keeps you motivated to work out frequently?
Thanks for reading!
