5 Ways to Build the Gym Habit :

I like the gym. It’s a fun place. I am not intimidated by the beef-cakes, and I am not too jealous of the lean, muscular women who seem to live at the gym (and we now all now the ground-rules of gym etiquette ).

However, for me, it can be such a mind game when it comes to actually GOING to the gym. If I like the gym, why is it so hard for me to actually GO THERE?

The Mind Games
Before I can even get into my gym clothes, my mind is playing a tape of diversion. Here are a few examples of the "anti-gym" voice in my head— Don’t go because…

• I don’t want to get sweaty.
• I don’t want to have to straighten that mop of mine again.
• I shouldn’t have to drive 15 minutes just so I can workout.
• I could work out at home.
• I haven’t been for so long, when they “beep” my card, the desk-person will laugh at me.

The negative spiel goes on and on.

Keep the "anti-gym voice" at bay:

1. Make a schedule and stick to it (Say, once a week to start off. Remember: baby steps.)
2. Have someone meet you there. Set the date in advance, and then promise to meet. (Don’t break the date. Nobody likes a promise-breaker)
3. Lay out your gym clothes the night before.
4. Replace your old, negative “anti-gym” tape with a new, positive one. Anticipate the glorious endorphin-induced feelings post-work out.
5. Know exactly what you are going to do: and think about it ahead of time. Nothing kills motivation like a lack of planning.

The best way for me to get to the gym, is to take the guesswork out of the decision.

What works for you?

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