“I ate so much today; I need to go to the gym so bad” is typically the most common reason to workout at the gym. While this mentality is relatively logical, I think we are all working out for the entirely wrong reasons if that is the case. Working out is such a positive thing that you can do for yourself; and it should in no way, shape, or form be considered a punishment! You should be able to treat yourself every once in a while without beating yourself up about it, or you’ll just be miserable.
I think everyone has at least one food that “scares” them in one way or another. For me, it’s definitely pasta. I couldn’t even tell you the last time I’ve had pasta without regretting it almost instantaneously and feeling like I needed to get to the nearest gym A.S.A.P. It seems like there is a switch that goes off in my head every time I eat noodles; I can’t explain what exactly happens, but it’s one of the most unpleasant feelings ever. Now that I’ve said that out loud, I realize how ridiculous it sounds… but it’s the truth, and I know I’m not alone. Pasta = going to the gym, and I hate that I have that mentality.
Recommended for you
Going to the gym is not and should not be a punishment. Eating bad one day will not make you fat, and similarly, going to the gym one time will not cancel out every bad food you’ve ever eaten. Exercising is seriously one the best things you can spend your time doing; whether it’s running, spinning, or even a brisk walk, you should be exercising because you want to, not because you feel like you have to. Enjoying your workouts is one of the most important aspects of exercising in general, and makes it that much easier to routinely incorporate exercise into your daily life.
Once you find something you love to do, run with it. For example, I love spin. I took one class at a studio back home and I was hooked. A month later, I’m so much happier because I’m not dragging myself to spin every day -- I actually look forward to going because I enjoy it that much. There’s something out there for everyone, so there’s no reason to force yourself to do an exercise you truly hate doing!
No one is perfect all the time; there’s going to be days where we eat too much of all the wrong things. Wanting to go to the gym after a day like that is totally fine, but it shouldn’t be the only reason you’re working out. With that said, if you decide to have a “cheat day,” you shouldn’t feel like you have to go to the gym in the first place! I’m not suggesting poor nutrition every single day, but once in a while, you have to treat yourself! So who knew, it looks like you can have your cake and eat it, too.
