Happy Fourth Friends!  The fourth of July has been one of my favorite holidays ever since I was a little kid, so when one of my good friends asked me if I wanted to come down to celebrate the holiday in the nation’s capital, I couldn’t say no.  We drove in on Friday and had a great time going out to a really awesome market that served wine and beer by the glass and had awesome bread and cheese and sandwiches.  The next day was full of walking around and checking out the Smithsonian Zoo which was amazing.

By the time we had walked there and back, I had taken almost 14,000 steps.  This was much needed as the rest of the day was filled with food, drinks, friends, and a whole lot of fun.  This morning when I woke-up, however, the very last thing I wanted to do was go to the gym.  I hopped in the car and drove home all the while cursing the fact that I would have to go to the gym when I got back.  Usually, when I head over to the gym these days, I have a pretty good idea of what I’m going to do with my time.  Today, I went in completely blind.

Somehow, I managed to kick out 4 miles and sweat everywhere.  My heart rate was up to 186 at one point and I ended the workout completely dead but newly invigorated.  I was so happy to have gotten up and gotten out to run.  It felt so good to just move and go and let it all out.  That being said, I know how hard it can be to get going so here are some tips:

• Put on your workout clothes-you’re far more likely to get it done if you’re dressed and ready to go.
• Make a new playlist-music can change everything.  Choose some tunes to get you going.  Maybe do a 90’s inspired playlist or (my personal favorite) some jock jams.  It’s crazy how pumped it can get you
• Just say you have to stay for 15 minutes– I promise 9 times out of 10 you will stay for longer than those 15 minutes.  Getting your foot out the door is always the hardest part.
• Make a deal with a buddy-hold each other accountable.  Even if they’re hundreds of miles away, make sure each of you gets to the gym and I promise you’ll feel so rewarded after. My dad and I track each other through our Ups and through Fitocracy.  The competition keeps me going day in and day out.
• Sign-up for a class-you’re less likely to back out of a class since you feel obligated to show up.  Bonus points if you have to pay extra.  Who wants to lose money just because they don’t show up?
• Search out inspiration-hit up websites like Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration for new workouts and mantras to get you moving.  It’s always good to shake things up and get excited to try something new.

Let me know if you have any tricks for getting yourselves to the gym.  I’d love to hear them!

-sj