11 Workout Hacks

I have good days and bad days when it comes to talking myself into working out.  Over the last few years I’ve actually began to enjoy and look forward to most of my workouts. But, I definitely still have times when I literally have to talk myself into it.

This list is a little collection of things Ben and I do from time to time to motivate us (mostly me) to get our butts off the couch!

1.) Get to the GYM. Tell yourself you’re going to “show up” at the gym. Maybe you’ll burn 1000 calories or maybe you’ll only burn 50.  Either way you’ll feel better for going. Have you ever heard anyone say, “If only I wouldn’t have gone to the GYM, I really wish I wouldn’t have squeezed in that workout?” NOPE!
2.) Get on the treadmill, or Stairmaster, or Bike. Tell yourself you’re only going to jog, hike, or ride a mile. Maybe that’s all you do. Maybe, once you’re warm, you’ll keep on going!
3.) Get dressed (wear fun workout clothes). Even if you’re not where you want be “body wise” make sure you have workout clothes you feel comfortable in and you feel like you look good in. Make sure they’re form fitting so you can see your body (this helps your form and can increase motivation). I know, when I’m wearing form fitting clothes and can see all the areas on my body I’d like to improve, I push a little harder.
4.) Try a group fitness class.  Some people like to work out alone but I love the interaction, accountability, and motivation group fitness offers.  It’s a good place to start if you’re not entirely comfortable doing your own thing at home or the GYM. Plus, I teach group fitness!
5.) Tell yourself it’s “day one” at training camp (you’re the pro athlete of your choice). This can go a couple of ways. You could go full force or you can ease in.  Either way you’re going to get a workout (maybe a great workout)!
6.) Tell yourself it’s “day one” on set at The Biggest Loser (you were chosen as a contestant). I’m not telling you to work so hard you throw up! But, if you try to get into a “Biggest Loser” mindset, you’re likely to get an awesome workout!
7.) Tell yourself you’re getting paid for each calorie burnt or pound lost. The real money is made during a hard workout!
8.) Pretend you’re being filmed for a fitness video. I’ve actually filmed myself working out for certification and audition.  It makes you ultra-aware and focused on your form! Before you know it your workout is over!
9.) Pretend the man or woman of your dreams is watching you.  I know I’m not the only girl or who’s had a hot guy get on a treadmill next to me and almost unconsciously tightened my core, lengthened my stride, checked my form, and maybe even ran an extra mile!
10.) Never underestimate the power of the playlist! When I ran a marathon a couple of years ago I had a playlist of about 80 songs!  I carried a spare iPod shuffle and headphones!  I’m not sure I could have completed it without music!
11.) Pick only one or two things to use to track your progress. Things like weight, % body fat, how your clothes fit, body measurements, fitness measurements (e.g. how fast or far you can run, how many pushups or sit-ups you can do). Try not to track every single marker if improvement. It can become too overwhelming to track every single little thing! Choose one or two things to track your progress and stick with them for a while.