Expert personal trainer, Johnny Harrison, shows us how we can stay motivated and get fit when we finish work.
We rarely regret doing some exercise after work. It doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous and it can help lift your mood and clear your mind after a day’s work.
It can be something as little as a 20-minute walk to a 2-hour bike ride. It really doesn’t matter, as long as it’s in line with your goals, you warm up and you stretch.
Here are some tips to help you stay motivated and exercise after work.
1- HAVE A GOOD REASON TO GO!
There are always reasons why you can’t exercise after work. Write a few down now. That can be quite a list. You have to make the reason you are going more important than all of those.
- Your health
- Your fitness
- Being a positive role model for your children
- Your mental wellbeing
These are all important and something you can use to motivate you.
2- BE PREPARED!
Try leaving work in your gym attire. Be ready to go. We’ve all arrived at home intending to exercise, but you kick your shoes off, it’s cosy on the sofa, and suddenly it isn’t happening. Make sure you’ve had the right food and be ready to either exercise straight after work or as soon as you get home. It works believe me. I’ve been helping people beat the sofa for years.
3- BE ACCOUNTABLE!
Unless you have that gene that makes you just want to exercise energy day (which I don’t) it’s worth making yourself accountable. Obviously, that is part of the attraction of using a personal trainer, but there are other ways.
- Get a training partner
- Share your experiences
- Make a plan and diary
These are all great ways to make yourself accountable. Because before you know it, weeks have passed by. Get moving now!
4- MAKE IT FUN!
The most important element to exercise, unless you are competing, is make it fun. We have already been contemplating the barriers such as it’s not fun, it’s not enjoyable, I’m really struggling. Some people say, “I hate exercise”. Ask yourself why?
- I’m not good at it. So, try different things.
- I hate gyms. Then go for a walk.
- I’m tired. Exercise can improve your sleep patterns
There are lots of ways to make exercise fun. You just have to try new things, play a sport, or find someone to participate with.
Good luck everyone and I hope you find an exercise to suit you. If you are struggling, we can help you via a face-to-face PT session or even a chat over the phone. Feel free to call me on 01325 401110.
Johnny.