When you’re too tired to go to the gym

While many of us have good intentions to get to the gym after work, I find that by four o’clock I’m counting down the minutes until I get to go home and relax. At the same time I’m hoping for time to slow down so I don’t have to go to the gym when five o’clock hits. You can get your mind and body in sync so your workout doesn’t get cancelled or postponed indefinitely. Below are some things that work for me!

You have a mental picture in your head

Whether it’s to lose weight or tone your muscles, you have a visual goal in your head of how you want to look. While this image goal isn’t realistic sometimes, it’s important to remember that going to the gym will only help you toward that goal, and while you won’t reach it overnight, keeping up with your gym routine is definitely a step in the right direction.

You remember the feeling you get after a workout

You know that high-energy or happy feeling you have after a great workout? Do you really want to skip out on that feeling? Working out helps your body release endorphins, which automatically makes you happier!

You can make up for the extra calories at lunch

This doesn’t mean you can eat whatever you want since you’re going to work out after work, but it does ease your mind and conscience a bit if you hit the treadmill after having some chocolate at work. And if I’m going to have some extra whole wheat pasta for lunch or dinner, I’ll make it a point to go to the gym on that day — even if I’m too tired.

You don’t want to get into bad habits again

Telling yourself the trek up the stairs to your office is exercise enough or that a stroll at the mall later is a good substitute for your gym visit won’t help you in the long run. So if you skip your workout a few times this week, you may find yourself justifying it, but this will only cause you to revert to old habits!

You’re more likely to watch what you eat

The more you work out, the more likely you won’t let it be in vain by gorging on junk food or sweets afterward. After an hour at the gym, there’s no way I’m going to go home and eat a chocolate bar that would replace all the calories I just burned! Having workouts as part of your routine will likely encourage you to make healthier choices.

It’s all about balance!

While weight loss depends more on what you eat, it’s also important to balance this with physical activity. You want to maintain your health so that you’ll look and feel your best, and keeping physical activity as a part of your week contributes to overall health and wellness. Remember, it’s all about balance!

Now I’m going to take my own advice — off to the gym!

More on weight loss

Tips for eating healthy at the office
How to eat out and still lose weight
Should you keep your old photos handy?