Get-Moving Tips from the Pros
8 easy ways to keep working out on top of your to-do list.
Don’t beat yourself up for ditching that workout in the holiday crunch. You’re not alone. Even personal trainers, those models of toned muscles and firm tummies, sometimes feel the urge to slack. And after an entire day spent helping other people keep moving, who wouldn’t? So we tapped our favorite trainers for the secrets they use to keep themselves inspired. Here are their tips—in their own words. Give one a try the next time you’re tempted to abandon cardio for your couch.
1. Keep good company
“I recruit some of my co-workers to exercise with me. I’m less likely to get busy and bail if I’ve got company. Running with my dogs is helpful, too; they keep me going and make me laugh.” —Emily Mountain, coordinator for physical education and lifetime fitness, Kenyon College, Gambler, Ohio
2. Get out your date book
“I make a plan for the week, picking a specific emphasis like gaining more strength, flexibility, or endurance, or working extra hard on my upper or lower body. The constant change in focus helps me stay interested and motivated.” —Patricia Moya, certified Pilates instructor, New York
3. Commit yourself
“Goals go a long way. Signing up for an event or race helps bump up my motivation to work out, especially when I’m at the end of a long workday and happy hour is calling my name.” —Jill Pavel, personal trainer, South Plainfield, N.J.
4. Try male motivation
“I think of the hot guy I’m in love with (he goes to the gym at the same time that I do) but have yet to speak to. I can get psyched for a gym workout just thinking about watching his butt when he does squats.” —Christina Riordan, personal trainer, Chicago
5. Dress for success
“First thing in the morning, I put on my workout clothes. Even if I have a few things I need to do first, it’s more difficult to talk myself out of exercising if I’m already dressed for it.” —Dawn Kulesa, personal trainer and lifestyle coach, Tucson, Arizona
6. Take 10
“I make a deal with myself that I can stop my workout after 10 minutes if I don’t feel like continuing. But by that time my endorphins have kicked in, and I always end up finishing. Afterward, I feel great, and I try to relish that feeling and use it as motivation for my next workout.” —Machelle Lee, personal trainer, Santa Cruz, California
7. Do it for the kids
“What’s my secret? My kids. I want to make sure that I stay in shape and strong so I can still handle them when they get out of line when they’re older.” —Gunnar Peterson, personal trainer, Beverly Hills, California
8. Create a carrot
“I reward myself every Friday with an hour-long massage. Looking forward to that perk at the end of a busy week really helps to keep me focused and motivated.” —Rebecca Attanasio, personal trainer, Sarasota, Florida
9. You Only have one life - make the most of it !''
'' I use this quote with my clients and it really is effective in getting them moving and motivated '' - Dean Piazza , personal trainer Australia
by Bethany Lye
Health.com