Working out during the holiday season is a pain. It’s cold, it’s dark, and there’s always something else you feel like you should be doing. As fun as they are, the holidays weren’t designed for you to get the best out of your workout. However, there are measures you can take to elevate your workout, or else get you back on track if you’ve been slipping lately. Here are three simple methods to up your game:
Jam, Baby, Jam
Listening to music and working out go together like peanut butter and jelly. If you don’t already have a playlist that you like to run to, or if your gym doesn’t blast out tunes you enjoy, make sure to incorporate good music into your routine. Music is proven to help enhance any workout by aiding the release of dopamine from the brain to dull pain and increase stamina. So not only will you look forward to your workout more if you add rocking jams to it, your brain will appreciate it too.
Plan for Distraction
It’s all well and good to have scheduled times and dates for your workouts –– until life gets in the way. Emergencies both personal and professional are by their nature unplanned, and then all of a sudden your sister needs a ride to the airport, or your boss needs you to do research on where to find culture vessels online. If you’re not careful, sooner or later you’ll be using any excuse to get away from the gym. Don’t let that happen. Factor in “backup times” when you know you’ll be free if something prevents you from your regular workout. It might be irksome, but skipping too many days will make it even harder once you decide to go back. Remember, the key to success is consistency.
DON’T Go to the Gym
Instead, work out somewhere else. Adding variety to your workout is essential to keep you from getting bored, and therefore annoyed with your exercise. If you have access to weights at your home, try planning for a workout in your living room, or your garage. Or try doing something different like going for an extended walk around town. Even driving some distance to workout with a friend at a new gym can go a long way toward breaking up the monotony. And if you’re looking to build muscle, don’t worry. There are all sorts of ways to achieve that without going to the gym at all.