Here’s the thing. In January we set ourselves the ridonculous challenge of ‘Dry January’ (ya, I live in Italy, it lasted until Friday evening), depriving ourselves of that little treat that could have actually made us feel better during the most depressing month of the year. On top of that, we told ourselves that it was the perfect time to join a gym and start working out. But after paying a bucket-load we haven’t quite got round to it yet? I know, so annoying, right?
So here’s what I suggest. Grab a mate, a colleague, a lover, whoever really. Just someone who actually wants to get a little bit healthy after the binge session we know as ‘the holidays’ and head to the gym. You know, like take a step outside and just head in the direction of the gym (and try not to get distracted by cool looking bars or new pop up shops on the way). Focus now, you can do this. Now, if you have already done this, but have still failed to actually work out at the gym, pay attention to the next few steps, we’re gonna make this seemingly impossible task seem easy. So, first you simply need to set out a workout plan; figure out which areas you want to work on and strengthen, and start putting a few gym sessions in the diary. But actually put it in the diary, not just talk about it. You can definitely do this. You’ve got this.
If you’re prone to making excuses, how about trying to shift your focus. Instead of thinking – Oh God! Today I’ve got to wake up early, commute, then work, and then go to the gym, then come home and cook and then eat and then, and then and then- how about thinking – What day is it today? Monday. Ok, gym tonight – we know we’ve got to go to work anyway, we know commuting and cooking dinner is also a part of our day, shifting our focus to one thing – gym tonight- makes it seem like a bitesize-able chunk we’re able to digest. Playing little tricks on ourselves can help overcome that obstacle we create.
Next – the fun part. Get your gym buddy to take a few pics of you whilst working on those weights. Come on, who doesn’t want to look good in a work out photo complete with cute gym outfit and lotsa sweat? An Instagram boomerang is always a fav. Have some fun with it. Keep it light-hearted. Why not track your progress? I don’t mean sharing how many steps you’ve done on your Fitbit on Facebook, ‘cos no one actually cares (ouch – sorry), but add it to your Instagram. Or, create a new Instagram page with you and your gym buddy following your progress. Hey, you might even inspire others. Sounds pretty cool huh?
So you see the options are endless. And, from personal experience, there is definitely a lot of fun to be had. I never thought I’d be one who’d end up liking the gym as I’ve always preferred martial arts, but if you don’t give it a try you’ll never know.
So hurry up because there’s only one week left of this fantastic month I decided to call Feel-good February. Why Feel-good February when’s it’s just as depressing as the January Blues I hear you say. Well, I don’t know really. Guess I was just using one of those little tricks to shift my focus onto the positive things like – the most depressing month of the year is over, so surely this one must be better!
It kinda worked. Ok, no judging. Staying motivated is always harder when it’s cold. But more about that in my next blog. In the meantime, you’ve got one more week to hit the gym before March comes! Like I said, you’ve got this.
Key Flow Italy 