IN the blink of an eye, summer has left us and we now have to contend with the wet and largely unpredictable rainy season.
Some days it will be a slight drizzle, other days heavy rainfall, and, God forbid, a nasty typhoon.
We need to counter those cold mornings when getting out of bed is a challenge as we would rather curl up under the sheets to get a few more precious moments of sleep.
Here are some tips for making sure our gym schedules are on track, and we do not succumb to the temptation of skipping a workout.
• Get a workout partner
HAVING someone to work out with provides added motivation for you to show up at the gym. If one of you is feeling sluggish, the other one should step up and crack the whip. Pick a workout buddy with a high level of commitment to his or her fitness goals. Someone whose energy is contagious and can provide that added spark to get you going.
• Take a pre-workout drink
THIS is a great idea if you find that you need to drag yourself to the gym only to realize that you lack the energy to grind out a workout. Most pre-workout drinks provide generous amounts of caffeine that will help kick-start your workout. Some brands will also contain creatine, beta-alanine, branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and other ingredients that improve muscle endurance, increase energy and whatnot. Don’t want any of that complicated stuff? Go for a strong cup of coffee.
• Begin with the end in mind
ALWAYS find inspiration by picturing in your mind’s eye the end product of your all your efforts. Visualize yourself in your most perfect form—looking chiseled, muscular, slimmer, or whatever it is you hope to achieve. Then realize that getting there will require that you get up and do the hard work.
• Play tunes that get you going
DO not underestimate the power of the right playlist to motivate you to get things done. Whatever helps the energy to kick in, the choice is yours. Whether it’s trance, rock, heavy metal, 80s music, or even sappy love songs, you decide. This is particularly useful for those endless hours of cardio where boredom is your foe. And there’s nothing like up-tempo music for when you’re lifting heavy weights and grunting like crazy as you feel nutrient-rich blood course through your pumped muscles.
• Set multiple alarms
SOMETIMES getting out of bed in cold, rainy weather is the biggest challenge to achieving our fitness goals. At times, one alarm won’t just cut it. Set multiple alarms as a means to drag you out of bed and to remind you that there’s work to be done. And instead of going for that usual boring alarm tone that you dread, pick a feel-good tune from your playlist. Use music that inspires you to get out of bed and cues you to jump right into the action.
As a final reminder, while the temptation to take it easy during the season is strong, keep in mind, summer bodies are built during rainy season. Work on it now, and thank yourself later.
Image credits: freepik.com