Tags
Exercise, fitness, gym, Gym bag, health, Just Do It, movement, Nike, working out, workout
Just do it has been the tag line for Nike since I can remember. This tag line is perfect because exercise requires this type of attitude some days. While your mind is coming up with all kinds of reasons why you shouldn’t do it, Just do it, tells you to go get it done, regardless of your mind’s objections.
There are numerous studies out there about exercise, including the importance of doing something–anything to get the body moving. I won’t regurgitate all of these because there is plenty to find online about the benefits of exercise, the benefits of eating right, and the benefits of drinking plenty of water and sleep.
When you are fit or at least in some sort of shape, you just function better. The brain works better, you move better, you have an appetite, and all the rest. These bodies are designed to react to their environments. When you stress the body, it reacts and gets stronger. When you sit on the couch, the body reacts to that too–by gaining weight, by losing muscle, by weakening the skeletal structure, and all the rest.
So, if you ever get into a fight with the mind about getting in some exercise–Just do it.
Here are some hacks that can help you out:
- Drink a pre-workout. Many of these pre-workouts have caffeine and other compounds that get you moving. If it tastes good, you drink it, then head to the gym.
- Organize your mornings around exercise. For me, its the first thing I do when I wake up. Core exercises in bed are great to get the blood flowing and prepare you for your home workouts.
- If the gym is something you like going to (Like me), plan a nice outing to go along with it, or schedule your session before or after work. I liked getting to the gym before work, but doing one in the evening on the way home on your commute is also a great way to save time and get in some movement before parking your butt on the couch and watching television. I’m a huge fan of Starbucks coffee, Dunkin’ Donut’s Coffee, etc. I always hit these or a restaurant as a reward.
- Get yourself a gym bag or backpack. Have all your gear in it, like mixer cups, attachments you like to use in the gym, like ropes, and any exercise bands you like to use in the gym as well. Many gyms have these already, but many do not. Get the gear you like to use in the gym, put it in your bag and have it ready. This is particularly important if you are hitting the gym before work or after. It is the place you put all your work cloths to put on after work or put when you change into your gym gear.
- Protein bars, intra-workouts, water bottles, or post-workout drinks are also good for the gym bag. I also have a second set of ear buds in my bag, so I never forget them. Music and working out are synonomous for me.
Well, that’s it for today, folks.
Have a great Monday!
Dave