Pushing through Workout Apathy

Are there days you don’t feel like working out?

Like many of you,  I have those days as well. Here are a few tips to help you maintain a consistent workout regimen, even during those days when you don’t feel like it!

• Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night: On days I don’t feel like working out, I’ve typically gotten less than 7 hours of high quality  (uninterrupted) sleep the night before. A lack of sleep can cause you to feel too tired to exercise the following day. Additionally, getting less than 7-8 hours of sleep can have a negative effect on the production of growth hormone. Growth hormone contributes to muscle growth. A significant amount  of growth hormone is produced during sleep. A lack of high quality sleep may cause you to eat more high calorie, high carb, and/ or high fat foods the following day. Lastly, inadequate, low quality sleep has been associated with hypertension and obesity.

• Don’t think about the workout during the day: On days that I am already feeling tired due to a lack of sleep and/or dealing with the stresses of the day, I find that I feel more fatigue as I think about the workout that awaits me at the end of the day. So, I don’t think about it.

• No detours before you workout: When it is time for me to workout, I make no detours. I find that a “quick” 5-minute errand can turn into a 60-minute one. Making a “quick” errand just before your workout can lead to procrastination. The longer you procrastinate, the less likely you are to workout.

• Think about the first exercise only: When I start my workout, I focus on the first exercise only. Thinking about the series of exercises to be done during a workout can cause you to give up before you even get started. You’ll be amazed at how getting started with your first exercise can give you the energy to complete your entire workout.

So, push through the workout apathy. Your body will thank you for it!