Have you ever had a day where you don’t feel like working out? No? Yeah, same here. If only that sentiment weren’t as far from the truth as we are from the nearest planet. Ahh, the challenge of starting a workout is exhilarating.

I wholeheartedly believe that the hardest part about working out is getting started. Anything after those first movements that set your body in motion isn’t as dreadful as the preparation. 

What will I wear? Is that article of clothing even clean? When should I stop eating so that I don’t taste my last meal in every jump and bounce I take (tasty)? Should I eat a little something or wait?  

Those are just a few of the questions that plague me before a lot of my workouts. They’re really not that serious. Although, if you are planning to do a hardcore workout, I would suggest giving your stomach adequate time to digest beforehand.

Unless you’re someone who can eat before a workout and not feel the effects, you’ll find out eventually which person you are as you travel through your fitness journey. Godspeed. 

Ohhhh the ecstasy that comes with the challenge of starting a workout…

A critical part of maintaining a fitness routine is self-discipline. By starting and keeping this routine, you’re also engaging in self-love. Fitness is nourishment for your mind, body, and soul. It is the stuff that will fulfill all of your wildest self-love fantasies. It’s not solely about looking good.

Instead, the focus should be on feeling healthier, stronger, and more energetic as we physically and mentally challenge ourselves through each workout. 

Have you ever regretted a workout? 

Did you ever think to yourself, “ugh, my legs feel a bit stronger, why am I bothering working on them?” Or, “my butt looks higher, maybe I should give up on glutes?” Perhaps you have thought these exact thoughts. If so, I’m not quite sure how to address that. But hopefully, you catch my drift. 

The hardest part about working out is getting started. 

By far, the start of any workout has been the hardest part, for me at least. Depending on the length and intensity of your workout, yes, the middle and endings could be rough too. But, once you start, you have to keep on going and see it through until the end.

Because at that point, you already have your gym gear on, and you’ve made it to wherever said workout will take place. Your body is already at the park, the gym, the studio, the street, or wherever other locations imaginable where one can exercise. 

Therefore, putting one foot in front of the other, etc. is the only thing required from that point on. 

Once you get over the hurdle of getting started, your workout is yours to crush. I suggest you put in maximum effort so that you get the most out of it. 

Push yourself. 

Challenge yourself. 

You can do it! 

If you have trouble staying motivated during your workout, perhaps laser in on your goals. Do you want to become stronger so that you’re prepared for the apocalypse? Or maybe you want to wear a crop top again before it’s societally unacceptable for you to do so.

Perhaps you’re training for a race or other athletic event. Drill your goal into your mind and stay focused on that thought throughout your workout! 

Focus on your goal! 

If you’re working out in a group setting or around other people, don’t compare yourself to them. If you worry about what they’re doing, you lose sight of your biggest competitor, yourself. Your goal each day should be to become a better version of yourself! 

Don’t forget about those high energy cardio jams. Whatever type of music keeps you hype, I suggest you blast it! Music fuels my most successful workout sessions. The music pumps me up and makes me forget a little bit about all that physical exertion. 

The more you get over the challenge of starting a workout, the more it will become a habit and, in turn, a lifestyle. 

If you’ve just started exercising or are considering it, start with two days a week. Once you can commit to that, bump it up to three days. See if it’s making a positive difference for your mentality. After three days, get adventurous and even consider four days.

Baby steps… 

At four days a week of exercise, you may as well invite over Richard Simmons for dinner. 

The hardest part about working out is getting started. It’s hard, yes, but not impossible. 

Get out there and do your thing. Show your body and your mind some radical self-love with any form of movement that feels good, brings you joy, and flushes out those toxins!

Happy exercising everyone!

Images by Ryan McGuire from Pixabay