We’ve all experienced a major workout slump, whether it’s due to getting caught up in academics, bed rotting our worries away, or struggling to balance the various responsibilities that come with the new semester. As much as everyone strives, and even loves to be active, snoozing an alarm for 8 a.m. spin or choosing doomscrolling over a nice run can be extremely tempting. Throughout my first two years at the University of Connecticut, I’ve found a few ways to motivate myself to engage in my fitness goals, even during the most difficult or irritating situations, without making it feel like a chore. Everyone deserves time to connect with their environment and body without adding more stress to their lives, and finding a workout routine tailored to you can make staying active feel much more sustainable.
Willing, Not Able
It’s super easy to convince ourselves that we must approach fitness with an “all-or-nothing” mindset, but low intensity and low-pressure activities can make it easier to get started and stay consistent. Going to the gym five times a week at 6 a.m. sounds great in theory, but it can very easily become tiring and even contribute to burnout. Setting achievable goals that still help you progress is far better than pushing yourself to meet expectations that leave you exhausted.
I’ve experienced this personally as someone who has been on and off in her gym girl journey for years. When I was trying to get back into the gym last semester, I set unrealistic expectations for myself that left me with muscle aches and a lack of sleep because I was spending all my free time trying to be overly active. I didn’t realize this was hurting me, and I felt much better after resetting my goals instead of pushing past my limits. I also noticed more progress when I gave myself a little more flexibility, which ended up being super motivating for me!
Finding What Works
Often we follow the workout routines, patterns, and lifestyles of people we see on social media or in the gym, especially those who inspire us fitness-wise. It can be beneficial to get gym advice from people we look up to and model ourselves after, but everyone’s bodies are different, and everyone enjoys different physical activities!
I used to believe I had to run on a treadmill to get my cardio in and lift a certain amount or in a certain way to achieve a specific look. After trying a variety of physical activities, from heavy lifting, to Pilates and spin, to different forms of cardio, I finally found a routine and methods that work for me — and I discovered what definitely doesn’t work!
UConn also has a variety of resources at the Recreation Center that can help you discover what you enjoy. The group fitness classes, which you can sign up for 24 hours in advance, are super motivating, fun, and most importantly, free! It can be super enjoyable to meet new people and figure out what you like to do at the gym, and many classes are full of people trying something for the first time. In my experience, people aren’t there to judge you for being inexperienced. Organizations like CHAARG (Changing Health, Attitudes + Actions to Recreate Girls) and Running Club at UConn are also great ways to get active and make new friends outside of a typical gym setting.
Buddy-Buddy
Going with a friend who wants to get active and who you enjoy spending time with can elevate the experience and motivate you even more! Having someone to chat with, split reps, and take cute mirror selfies with can make working out far more enjoyable and make it easier to get yourself out of bed. Other people can also introduce you to techniques, machines, and activities you may never have tried on your own. You might learn something new about your abilities and preferences, or discover something you never would have found without your fellow gym gal.
To change things up, I love having different gym buddies for different activities. It can be hard to sync everything up with one individual when you have busy schedules and different activity preferences. During the semester, I have a friend who I do group spin classes with since we both love cycling, as well as a friend who I run outside and tackle arm day with. At home, my personal trainer is my dad! We started going together recently, and he’s been working out much longer than I have. I never realized how much fun it would be to go with him, or how much I would learn along the way.
Glam It Up
I’ve read countless threads about people judging girls who wear a full face of makeup to the gym, but I honestly applaud them, and I love doing it, too. Similar to getting ready for class, dinner, or a fun night out, putting on a cute gym outfit and some makeup can make you feel more confident and excited to show up. For me, the process of getting ready can be enough to break through that pre-workout laziness.
At the same time, women can face plenty of scrutiny over their fitness goals, bodies, and how they choose to present themselves online and at the gym. There can be an expectation that women should approach fitness according to traditionally “gym bro” standards, even when those routines or aesthetics don’t appeal to them. But you don’t have to give up your personal style or femininity to take your fitness seriously. Whether that means wearing what makes you feel confident, showing up as yourself, or working out in a way that you genuinely enjoy, embracing what makes you an individual can make fitness feel much more empowering.
The Final Rep?
We all have a vision for ourselves that aligns with certain goals, values, and even a certain physique. Falling short of that vision can be frustrating, especially during a time when there’s already an overwhelming amount going on. There will be times when we aren’t perfectly in touch with fitness and need to dial things down in order to get everything else done, and that’s okay.
Nobody is perfect. As long as you’re doing your best, setting realistic goals, and moving your body in a way that suits you, you’re still making progress. Fitness doesn’t have to be about doing the most. Sometimes, it’s simply about finding something you enjoy enough to keep coming back to.