How to Workout When Working Out is Hard | Herbal Goodness

Motivational real talk for the snooze button hitters and the people who really don't like working out. 

The alarm is beeping and as you press snooze for the third time you realize it's already time to get up or you'll be late. Oh well, it looks like you won't be working out again this morning, you'll have to rush to make it to work on time. 

If this is a familiar scene, don't be alarmed, it happens to the best of us. We just can't seem to get ourselves in motion to reach that fitness goal for the week. It's frustrating but also a very fixable problem with the right mindset. 

I'm here to tell you that it is possible, even for the men and women who hate working out the most, there is hope! The key is perspective and motivation, two things we'll discuss in the following 6 tips on How to Workout When Working Out Is Hard. 

The Playlist

Some of you may not care for music or don't like to use it when you're working out because it takes away from you're the focus. I, for one, find it really hard to not listen to music while I workout because it acts as my motivational push when I don't have one. 

You're favorite artist just came out with that much-anticipated album you've been looking forward to? Great, only allow yourself to listen to it while working out, you may find yourself more willing to get out of bed with an incentive in mind. 

Some may argue that if you're a serious athlete or runner you shouldn't become dependent on music to motivate you. And I completely agree with that, but I also think when you're just starting to get back into the swing of things, any little extra push to get you out there is well worth it. 

Routine

Successfully working out is all about the routine. If you have a set routine, it's harder to break it for simple reasons, such as wanting to sleep in. You know how great it feels to fit in that workout before, or maybe after work, so you're less likely to skimp on it for generic excuses you could use every day. 

The hardest part is when you're initially creating a routine for yourself and figuring out what suits you best. If you're not a morning person, don't try and fit in a routine before work because it's just going to be that much harder to see it through. Try an evening jog, or head to the gym right after you get off work to blow off some steam. 

Try out a variety of times throughout the day and types of workouts and you'll find what works for you in no time at all. 

Mentality

Working out is also a mental game. If you know that you're prone to hit that snooze button, say a little mantra to yourself as you fall asleep that you will not sleep in again. Your brain power can really go a long way sometimes in changing your mindset.  

As Nike would say, Just Do It! 

Prepare your mind the night before to assure you'll be feeling motivated in the morning. It also makes it so much easier if you take care of your body by getting enough rest each night and focusing on daily nutrition.

Which brings me to my next point. 

Nutrition

If you don't have any energy because of poor nutrition, you're just adding more obstacles to working out this week. Treat your body right by filling it with the nutrients it needs, and you may see a change in your mentality because your body feels good and it can actually appreciate the workout. 

Gear

If you're still running in those 5-year-old running shoes that provide little to no support, it's not likely that you'll be motivated to put them on every day to exercise. 

If you want to make exercise a priority, invest in good and up to date gear that will make you feel comfortable when you work out. It can make all the difference! 

This doesn't mean you have to go and splurge on high-end workout wear or technology. Find a good mix of gear that's in your personal budget and use it to the best of your ability.

If you're a runner, focus on finding a decent pair of running shoes. If yoga is more your thing, you may want to invest in a nice and comfortable pair of yoga pants that don't make you sweat from cheap material. If your focus is on weight lifting, perhaps invest in a quality weight belt or other types of wraps and straps that support your muscles. It all depends on your personal workout style and what matters most to you. 

Rewards

Finally, you have to remember that life is all about balance. If you really love ice cream, as long as it's in moderation and you're not eating a whole tub, make that a reward once in a while for working out. If you're like me, and you love music, make that new album from your favorite artist your reward for working out.

You know best what makes you individually tick, use that as your reward at the end of a long but productive day of getting into shape. Again, it's all about perspective and realizing how worth it working out is to your lifestyle goals. 

Now, go out there and meet those goals! 

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