8 Ways To Make Going To The Gym Suck Less | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

8 Ways To Make Going To The Gym Suck Less

Written by a real person, for real people.

169
8 Ways To Make Going To The Gym Suck Less
POPSUGAR

Let’s face it, going to the gym sucks. No one actually likes it. Except for those people who genuinely do enjoy it, who I trust less than anyone else in this world. Recently, I’ve committed to going to the gym every day to see if I can become one of those liars who “love it.” In my time there, I’ve come up with the following tips on how to make it suck less.

1. Make a playlist that pumps you up to push you through it.

The song that gets me through the last mile of every run is “Jungle” by X Ambassadors. Find one that gives you the strength to finish strong. If you’re stuck, just Google “workout pump up songs” for ideas.

2. Find a time that works into your schedule so it doesn’t feel like you’re forcing it.

You want to pick a time that fits (at least somewhat) naturally into your daily schedule. If you're not the type of person that can imagine being awake at 6 a.m. — let alone being in the gym that early — don't force it. Find a gym that's open 24 hours and go at 3 a.m. if that's what works best for you.

3. Get cute workout clothes.

I know it sounds ridiculous, but having cute workout clothes will boost your confidence at the gym. You'll want to show them off and they will motivate you to keep pushing yourself so you can look even better in them.

4. If you wear glasses or contacts, don’t wear them.

Now, this one doesn't apply to everyone, but if your vision isn't 20/20, embrace that at the gym. Leave your glasses in the car so you can avoid that awkward eye contact with those people you went to high school with. It can also help you focus on the exercise you're doing because the machine or weights will be the only clear thing when everything around you is slightly blurry.

5. Switch it up.

Anyone would get sick of doing the same exercise day in and day out. You can structure your week so you work on a different part of your body each day, or just switch things up spontaneously. Also, I definitely recommend trying a group fitness class like Zumba or Pilates if you've never.

6. Get a gym buddy.

Having a gym buddy is a fantastic way to motivate you to keep on track because they hold you accountable. You can suffer together! They aren't for everyone because some people just prefer to work out alone, but they are a great resource for those who want the additional encouragement.

7. Don’t assume that people are staring at and judging you.

You are by far your own harshest critic. The main reason I used to hate going the gym was because I thought everyone was staring at me and judging my (in)ability. The reality is that people are so focused on themselves at the gym that they probably don't even notice you exist.

8. Stick with it.

You can't expect to look like this girl after only two days of working out. I used to have those expectations and get easily discouraged when results came slowly. You have to have confidence that even if the results take a while, you'll get there. After all, it takes 21 days to make a habit. Whether you want to lose 40 pounds or simply tone up a bit, stay fiercely focused on your goals. Don't let the scale be the ultimate judge, because muscle weighs more than fat.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

2350
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1412
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200659
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

21194
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments