4 tips to push yourself at the gym

By: Caitlyn Buhay

We’ve all been there; your alarm goes off at an insane hour in the morning, and you immediately hit the snooze button. As Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy” is cut short, you have a groggy recollection that the alarm was meant to get you to the gym this morning. But alas, you choose snuggling with your pillow over the less than tempting prospect of sweating in front of strangers.

But hey, it’s a new semester, and time for a new you! Maybe a new snuggle buddy too – the elliptical can be very emotionally sensitive if need be. So let’s start being smart about the gym. Here are some clever tips to get you to the gym, and fitting into your McMaster onesie in no time.

Assess your self accurately

Are you a morning person? If not, don’t plan for a 6:30 a.m. gym session. You falling asleep on the yoga mats is no different than being in your bed, except now you have the concerned staff at the Pulse prodding you awake instead of your alarm. Start by going at times you know are practical for you. Remember the gym has showers, so you could easily go in between classes and not worry about stinking up your astronomy class. Even though your sweat might smell otherworldly, I am sure everyone will agree that it is not relevant to the course material.

Cop some stylish gym wear

Not enough motivation for you? Buy some stylish gym wear, or an outfit you would like to wear if you were a bit more fit. See our article on New York Fashion Week to get some inspiration. Feeling good about the way you look can improve your confidence and willingness to get to the gym – just don’t get too entranced by your reflection in the mirror.

What's the cost of not exercising?

It might also help to remind yourself about the financial costs of not going to the gym. Think of how much the membership cost you, along with whatever additional costs: new running shoes, gym wear, etc. that is going to waste by not going. If you think of it in a quantitative way, every time you miss a workout you are losing the monetary investment you put into the gym. So don’t let your inner investment banker down – nothing is worse than being scolded by a financial figment of your imagination.

Ease into it

Lastly, try to wade into a new workout slowly. Don’t jump into a total body blast workout and end up injuring yourself before you even start to notice those bulging biceps develop. Look up a workout routine online that works for your weight, fitness level, and end goals. Or get advice from the helpful trainers at the Pulse. It might be a good investment to book yourself in with a trainer to get tips on how to use the machines properly to maximize your workout and minimize those pesky gym injuries. Having an action plan for the gym will not only help get you there, but will also help you use the time more effectively.

The gym is a great opportunity for stress relief and maintaining your mental and physical health. If you can find a way to get yourself there, your workout routine will follow and it can help you become a happier, healthier, hotter person to boot! Speaking of boot…get going! Don’t you have a workout planned for today?