If you are anything like me, you make promises to yourself that you are going to go to the gym and workout, but when the time comes around, you start making excuses or forget to go. Well, I have the answer to the question we have all been wondering, why is it so hard to go to the gym?
The reason that I don’t want to go to the gym, and maybe the same for many of you, is because it’s boring. I don’t enjoy running on the treadmill or lifting weights. Going to the gym can be a hassle, and why do I want to put on a new outfit and then shower after doing something I don’t enjoy? My sister and I have both gotten so burned out from working out to work off calories and drop pounds. Luckily, I have found a solution.
The solution is pretty simple, if you don’t like going to the gym, then find another activity you enjoy doing that helps you workout. Instead of walking on a treadmill, go on a hike with some friends or your dog. If you like to dance, take dancing classes. If you like feeling powerful and want to learn how to defend yourself, go to a kickboxing class. There are so many specialty gyms you can go to or fun activities that you can do on your own that you can find so much more enjoyable and fun than pumping iron at the gym.
I found one thing that was motivating me to workout was wanting to lose pounds. There is a lot of pressure to look a certain way, be a certain weight or wear a certain size. This is ridiculous. Everyone has different body shapes, sizes and needs. Most of the time we are comparing our flaws to perfect celebrities and airbrushed pictures on Instagram, anyways.
One part of learning to love working out is to change how you see it, and I know this can be hard. Instead of seeing working out as something you do to change your body, see it as something you can do for your body and your mind. By exercising, you are releasing endorphins, helping prevent heart disease, keeping your judgment and thinking skills sharp, helping your body manage blood sugar and insulin levels, improving your mental health and mood.
Overall, if you struggle to go to the gym, change your workout routine to be something you enjoy doing, no matter if it is dancing, kickboxing, hiking, gymnastics, pole dancing, ax throwing, karate, yoga or whatever you want to do.
Need some ideas? Here are some specialty gyms you can go here in Columbia: