How To Never Skip Another Workout

We’ve all been there.  You know, that dark place where it feels like nothing will get you off the couch and into the gym.  But whether you are battling workout boredom, weight loss plateaus, injuries or the weather, you don’t have to let any obstacle sidetrack your fitness.  All you need is the right motivation.

Try Intervals

Interval-style exercise—spinning classes, for example—raises your metabolism both during and after the exercise. Steady activity—say, 30 minutes on a treadmill—burns about 6 to 8 calories per minute. A brief, 30 to 60 second burst of intense interval activity burns about 10 calories per minute and stimulates your muscles to burn 20 to 30% more calories within the same workout.

Check out a new DVD

The library's lending period is a great built-in change period. Use one DVD for 2 weeks, return it, and try a new one. Your muscles will benefit from the variety. Better yet – trade off with friends.  Something borrowed from them becomes something new for you and vice versa.

Invest in a trainer

A certified personal trainer can fine-tune your workout for extra results without wasted time and effort. Find a trainer you like, and then schedule follow-up visits four times a year—those dates will give you built-in goals to strive for. One hour of training costs $50 to $70—buddy up with a friend to share the cost.

Borrow a dog or a toddler

"There's nothing like chasing after a 3-year-old to keep you running without even realizing it," says Susan Bartlett, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore.  She happens to be right and you will be enjoying yourself while you are burning calories!

Get enough sleep

Sleep not only gives you energy, but it also protects your body's muscle-building and fat-burning efficiency. Trade David Letterman for an extra hour of sleep and help your body adjust to an earlier bedtime with a soothing shower, a cup of warm milk, and low lighting.

Eat breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Based on that, it is surprising how many people skip it.  Your hectic morning schedule could be robbing you of your easiest metabolic rewards. When you skip breakfast, your metabolism slows by 5%—definitely enough to keep the last 10 pounds clinging on! 

Wet your whistle

Dehydration can seriously drag your energy down. Research shows that even when you drink eight glasses of water a day, 45 minutes of exercise can put you into a dehydrated state. Don't rely on thirst as a measure of need—to prevent exercise fatigue, take a sip of water every 15 to 20 minutes while you work out.

Many thanks to Virginia K. for sharing these tips with us!