Inspiration to Work Out – 14 Tips
Being healthy and working out definitely ties into time management since being healthy and strong gives the stamina needed to get the things done. The following are 14 work out Inspiration tips that I use:
1 – Sometimes working with a friend for part of it works. EG – a walk. etc. I play squash. Of course I am going to be there. Just the simple “not wanting to let anyone down” works.
2 – I keep a daybook log and set goals. For me, I break my workouts into 2.5K or 5K or 10K equivalents (roughly 12, 24 and 45 min segments). I also track upper body. my goal is 2 -2.5K, 3 -5K and one 10K per wk and 3 upper body – so that gives me 1 day off per week(my walks are just bonus). I use a highlighter pen with different colours. Sort of a game to make each week work.
3 – I definitely am a big believer in cross training or doing different
things. EG – I take Karate. Each lesson is a 2.5K equiv. I run, exercycle, cycle, stair mill, squash etc.
4 – Sometimes I listen to a CD or MP3 to break the boredom (although perhaps it is bad to think of it as boredom.) I often listen to books on CD (like my TIme Leadership CD)I assume watching TV might work for some also.
5 – I usually work out before I shower and get dressed. More efficient I figure.
6 – It is a momentum thing. Once you start, you will keep going. It takes 21 days to make a habit. At the same time, it is a one day at a time – don’t beat yourself up if you miss a few days.
7 – I like working towards goals. I run a few 5, 10 and 15K and the odd half marathon race per year. Last year I went a bit overboard and ran 3 marathons. I make it a game to improve my times. Working up for a 5K or 10K race sometime in the future can be a great motivator. Your first goal is to finish standing.
8 – Lately I have been adding a reps to failure at the end of every workout – only takes a minute or 2. What I do is do the workout then do as many pushups I can or as many situps or run as many minutes as I can at 3:30 per K.
9 – some people like a personal trainer. I have done this a few times. At the very least, the gym you join will help show you the equipment and set up a program for you.
10 – People think I have great discipline. I don’t – I use tricks. I put my clothes in the car the night before so it is the path of least resistance to just throw on a sweat suit and go out and drive to the Y.
11 – I continually read, talk to people, keep pumped. It always helps to get me back on track.
12 – I put it on my goal list and I always do what is on the goal list.
13 – Do the smallest of things. Park 4 spaces further from the door. Pace back and forth while on the phone. Take the stairs up 2-3 floors (in hotels I request a 3rd floor room and always walk the stairs – in a 3 day stay, that can be 27 floors up) etc. My office in Toronto is on the 7th floor. Why waste the electricity for an elevator – walk.
14 – I have a set of hand weights in the bedroom that I use to do just a few reps occasionally before bed. I carry Therabands to use when I travel.
15 – Make a wager with someone. I blogged about this way to stick to it.
Good luck with this. Probably your most important goal. Health trumps
money any day. (IE – no health, who cares what you are worth)
My Time Management Book has lots of tricks on saving time. Use some of them to free up any time you need to work out. Although I often say working out takes no extra time. If I work out for 30 minutes, I am 15 minutes more productive and I can easily sleep 15 minutes less.