Come see why we're voted BILLINGS' BEST fitness center
Come see why we're voted BILLINGS' BEST fitness center
Your Life, Your Gym
Read the latest fitness and nutrition articles from our own Granite Health and Fitness team of personal trainers and group training instructors.
Have you ever said to yourself, “I should go to the gym, but I have so many other things to do. By the time I finish all of my other tasks, I won't have the time or the energy to go to the gym. Maybe I'll get to the gym tomorrow.”
If you're a procrastinator and just can't seem to figure out an effective fitness routine, here are a few suggestions to help you be successful.
Creating a routine can be hard at first, but the more you stick with it, the more benefits you see and feel.
Select a convenient gym location as the first step in setting yourself up for success. Find a gym that is located along a route you travel on a regular basis. It's more likely that you will stop at the gym if it is nearby than if you have to travel out of your way to get there.
Once you've selected a gym, find something about it that you enjoy. Whether it's cardio, weight lifting, swimming, stretching, a class that interests you, the sauna, or even the smoothie bar; search for something that you look forward to at the gym. Try to get to the gym regularly, even if it's only for short amounts of time. Seek out a friend, a trainer or a class - something to help you be consistent and accountable in simply getting to the gym.
Set small, easily obtainable goals, whether it be 15 minutes of cardio, or going only to the first half of a group training class. Some classes are even designed with a Smart Start program where you are encouraged to attend only the beginning of the class for the first few visits. Over time, you will gradually spend a little more time in class each time until you eventually stay for the entire duration. This will allow you the opportunity to build up to longer and more intense workouts rather than doing too much too soon and giving up when you run out of steam.
When you reach a goal, reward yourself each time. Whether it be with a stop at your favorite coffee shop, new workout clothes, or even a weekend getaway; find a way to celebrate your accomplishment. You will find that after getting your workout in, you feel better, have more energy, and actually enjoy the stress release you get at the gym.
Creating a routine can be hard at first, but the more you stick with it, the more benefits you see and feel. You may even find yourself thinking, “Wow, I have so much to do! I can't miss my workout… I guess some of my errands will have to wait until tomorrow.”
