We all know that we need to train consistently to see results. This means showing up for at least one upper and one lower body workout each week, with 4 or 5 being even better! But what about those days when life gets in the way, or you’re just not feeling it?
Here are our top tips for staying consistent through life’s craziness (and recognizing when it may be better to take a rest day.)
WHEN YOU HAVE AN IMPORTANT EVENT:
Is it your birthday? A loved one’s birthday? A major holiday? Are you going out of town? These events don’t typically pop up out of nowhere. Plan your workouts around it!
Sit down at the beginning of the week, layout your schedule, and plan your workouts. If you know ahead of time that you are going to have one day (or a few days) that you would prefer not to train, plan to get your workouts in the other days of the week.
Workout early. Getting into the gym early in the morning can be a great way to start your day off right and free up the rest of the day for fun. It’s common for workouts to get skipped later in the day when you feel busy.
WHEN YOU FEEL UNDER THE WEATHER:
Take a rest day! If you can tell you’re on the verge of getting sick or have come down with something-your body (as well as the rest of the people at the gym) will thank you for staying home and letting it pass.
If you’re on the mend and no longer contagious but are going a little stir crazy, it’s okay to get in a light pump or even go on a walk if you’re itching to feel active. But remember- the more you rest, the quicker you’ll recover!
WHEN IT’S THAT TIME OF THE MONTH & A WORKOUT IS THE LAST THING YOU WANT TO DO:
We get it! Exercising on your cycle can sound like the very last thing you want to do, but showing up for the gym can actually help to make those days easier.
Working out on your period can actually help to alleviate cramps and boost your mood. Get in a workout day and take advantage!
If you’re feeling low on energy but still want to train, this may be a good day to do your Day 5 bonus workout and skip a compound lift. Remember, it’s okay to move around the order of your training days!
WHEN YOUR ACCOUNTABILITY BUDDY CANCELS ON YOU:
Have a friend/family member who motivates you to train? That’s great! But if they cancel, don’t be afraid to get in your workout still on your own!
Put on your favorite playlist. Blasting some of your favorite hit songs is a great way to feel confident in the gym on your own.
Use the time to really dial in your form and do things at a pace that feels best to you that day.
WHEN YOU JUST DON’T “FEEL” LIKE IT:
We’ve ALL been there before. There are some days when you’re just not “feeling” going to the gym. You could take a rest day and put your workouts off until tomorrow, but the more that you do this, the more it can become a habit that causes you to miss your weekly workout goals.
Show up anyway.
Let it be okay if you don’t PR and do your best work that day!
Remember you’ve got goals! Don’t be too hard on yourself and know that life is going to throw some curveballs your way, but just keep applying the lessons you’re learning along the way and look for ways to improve!
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