The HARDEST Time To Work Out
I swear it is SO much harder to get to the gym and do your workout both mentally and physically when you've had some time off. Whether you were traveling, had a long weekend, were busy and missed some time, etc. The only exception (for me at least) is if I am taking a rest week in between programs and still practicing healthy habits.
This past long weekend I had some drinks and was on the boat all day and even took monday off from the gym. The weekend before that I was traveling and super out of routine. I was not being particularly healthy and although balance is absolutely key, it has been difficult getting back into it! When you're super in the groove of good practices, you feel amazing and its great to keep going.
So this is your sign to stay on top of it! The more you do it, the better you'll feel and the easier it is to keep going. Falling off and bouncing back is bound to happen so when it does, remember that is when it is most crucial to push through and simply show up for yourself.
You got this!!
#lemon8partner #growthmindset #healthtips #fitnesstips #gymmotivation #workoutmotivation
We all know that feeling, right? That mental block when you've been “away and out of routine,” maybe after a long weekend or a trip, and suddenly getting back to the gym feels like climbing Mount Everest. It's truly the “mentally and physically difficult” part of fitness, and I swear, it's the most crucial time to push through and reconnect with your fitness goals. So, what do you do when you’re staring at your gym clothes, asking yourself, “cosa faccio oggi?” (what do I do today?). Instead of letting that overwhelm you, I’ve found a few strategies that act like my personal “gym life hacks” to keep the momentum going, even on those days when every part of me wants to stay on the couch. It’s all about making it easier to show up, even for a less-than-perfect workout. First, let’s talk about tackling what many consider the “hardest gym exercises.” For me, the hardest part isn't necessarily the exercise itself, but the commitment to consistently perform compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and overhead presses. These are foundational, but they demand a lot of energy and focus. My hack? I don't always aim for a PR. Some days, showing up and focusing purely on perfect form with lighter weights is a victory. It’s about building that self-reliance and discipline. When you’re surrounded by weights and equipment, it’s easy to feel intimidated, but remember, every session, big or small, contributes to overcoming workout challenges. For those “cosa faccio oggi” moments, when you’re feeling completely out of routine, I embrace the 'minimum viable workout' concept. Instead of planning an hour-long session, I tell myself, “Just go for 15 minutes.” Sometimes, I just hop on the treadmill for a quick run or do a simple full-body circuit with dumbbells for a few rounds. More often than not, once my body starts moving, I end up staying longer! But even if I don't, those 15 minutes are better than zero, and it keeps the habit alive. It’s about not breaking the chain, even if the links are small. Now, for my favorite “gym life hacks” to make consistency a breeze: First, prep is key. I always pack my gym bag the night before, so there’s one less excuse in the morning. Second, curate an epic playlist. Nothing gets me pumped for a session like the right beats. Third, visual progress tracking. I love taking a quick mirror selfie in a gym before or after a tough session. It's not just for social media; it’s a personal record of my progress and a huge motivator when I’m feeling discouraged. Seeing how far I've come, even in small ways, helps me remember that feeling better by pushing through is always worth it. Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of a post-workout reward – a delicious, healthy smoothie or a relaxing stretching session. These small incentives make the whole process more enjoyable and, ultimately, sustainable. You absolutely got this!