Gym-tervention
Stop scrolling, and start sprinting.
by JULIA LUNGER ★ JUN. 20, 2018
At some point in the last week, you have probably found yourself admiring somebody else’s body on Instagram while you’re perched comfortably on your couch. Your 2018 resolutions have been long abandoned, and the summer body that you planned for has now ghosted you. It can be especially difficult during summer vacation to fit in a gym sesh between travelling, interning, working and even just chilling at home. Not to mention, you’re no longer walking distance away from the Archbold or the Ernie Davis gym. This is your gym-tervention!
Get real
Most fitness instagrammers are not looking to intimidate you or make you feel bad about yourself. Instead, they want to inspire you to become active at your own pace. While it’s easy to point at somebody and say “That’s the body I want,” be realistic and level-headed when approaching fitness through social media. Just like every person is unique, so are their bodies. Comparison is never the answer--it’s always about inspiration. Set short-term, specific and attainable goals. For example, tell yourself you’re going to hit the gym at least three times this week or that you’ll be able to hold a 3-minute plank by the end of the week. Once you accomplish one goal, move onto the next one.
Get motivated
Wearing gym clothes that inspire confidence can help to boost morale. You can even turn it into a reward system. Reward yourself with new workout gear or even a dinner when you reach specific goals. Splurge on that new swimsuit that has been sitting in your online shopping cart for weeks when you break your personal records at the gym.
Another key motivator is your playlist. Put away your John Mayer and Shawn Mendes songs for a second, and pick high-energy beats instead. Spotify has great curated playlists for the gym. You might be surprised by how much more intense you get when that beat drops. According to a 2017 study, playing fast and loud music can increase the duration and intensity of your workout.
Get active
You just have to get up and do the damn thing. Although finding the self-determination to hit the gym can be hard, nothing is impossible to she who is willing to try. Going to the gym will always be difficult at first, but once you get into the groove of going, it’ll become increasingly easier to get yourself there.
Remember, it can take time for progress to show, and it won’t happen overnight. You’ve probably seen transformation pictures comparing the way someone looked before and after a adopting a healthier lifestyle. Usually it takes months, or even years, for serious change to appear. So do yourself a favor this summer, and just do it.