How to Make the Gym Enjoyable in 5 Simple Steps

Introduction

I own a gym, and it can be a challenge to get my workouts done. Owning a business takes up all your time if you let it, and on the side I'm trying to write a novel, my first one. I had the same problem before I went into coaching though. Doing a program that stagnates after a little while drives me crazy:

CrossFit was the first solution in the problem. It's varied, so that each workout is different from the previous one, and each workout carries an element of gamefying: you train for points, whether it's speed or kilograms.

What I've learned over the last fifteen years of coaching is that training consistently is 9/10ths about psychology, and once you manage your brain, the bodily fitness comes almost easily. Almost. ;)

Here's 5 hacks to make consistency easier:

Step 1: Set Personal Goals

• Establish clear and achievable fitness goals.

This can be in the shape of a competition you register for - whether it's running or functional fitness or a hyrox doesn't matter. What matters is that you feel a little scared and there's a fire in your gut.

Could also be a Hike, or physical challenge of some sort.

• Create a vision board to visualize progress and stay motivated.

If you're a visual person, make it visible. When I was training for my first Marathon, I spent a lot of time visualizing mentally: me running strong into goal at the Brandenburger Tor. The marathon was one of the toughest physical challenges I'd ever done that far, and I got through it.

• Celebrate small victories to boost morale and maintain focus!

Sometimes we don't thing small things are worth noting, but we mark down each new record to keep evidence that the workouts are working. Keep track, and use that small piece of evidence to your advantage.

Step 2: Choose Your Workout Style

• There's no point in forcing yourself through sports that you hate.

I've trained programs that have been amazing, and they got me results, but I just couldn't take the tediousness of repeating the same movements week in and week out. My brain needs the variation to function. An element of novelty.

A normal gym program is based on bodybuilding. That sport is mainly a sport of looks. If your goal is maximizing muscle size, then it's perfect, but if your goal is holistic health, you'll need a different approach.

How does your brain work? Do you need novelty? Do you prefer being alone or in a social space with mates? And what is your goal in the first place?

Find a class or style that excites you, making workouts less tedious.

Step 3: Buddy Up

• Find a workout partner to share the gym experience.

Perhaps friends of yours are just as thoughtful about their health and wellness and need a change. It's completely possible skipping a latenight weekend and waking up early for a workout is just as social.

You can also look for gyms that have a social aspect to them. (Hint: we're it).

• Discuss the benefits of mutual accountability and encouragement with your partner or family or friend: you'll be unbeatable when you work together towards a common goal.

Getting a coach can be just as powerful, if not better. CrossFit is good in the sense that you share the cost of the coach with other people, which makes it a more cost-effective solution compared to Personal Training. Look for a gym that has coaching included in the membership. (We do).

From my running school workshop this spring. : )

Step 4: Create an Energizing Playlist

If I'm working out alone I'll have two avenues: I'll use endel (which is a generated soundscape app that works both as background music for brain work, or adaptive workout music) or there's this Country-playlist by Brennan Fjord that works every time, even though I've been listening to it for 10 years.

• Experimenting with podcasts or audiobooks for a change

For the longer aerobic work listening to books may work just as well. I wouldn't do a CrossFit metcon along a podcast tho. ;)

Step 5: Reward Yourself

Sometimes negotiating with yourself is an efficient tool: you don't want to workout, but you do want a spa day, or workout gear, or similar.

There is a risk in the mindset that you need to earn your food though. Food is fuel, and there can be a quasy-healthy space for treats also in a well worked out body. Point is, you need proper fuel to workout, and to live.

Also we often increase our caloric intake also, automtically, when we start a new training routine. This can be okey, if you were at maintenance before (ie you weren't gaining weight earlier). But if you're gaining weight and you increase food intake after you start training, then maybe you'll still gain weight. Maybe that is your goal, and maybe your intake is "clean" in the sense that it's not super processed, not super fast carbs, or trashy fats. Then all is good. Just be mindful that your rewards support the direction you want to go in.

Don't make it a habit to justify questionable life choices by doing a workout to pay for them.

Conclusion

Thinking of a reason to workout, a goal, will get you started. If you want to enhance that, dig even deeper into why it resonates in you, emotionally.

Finding a methodology to your workout program that works with your psychology and your goals is important to keep it going.

Working together with people is a powerful enhancer.

Music and rewards may be hacks that help in the tough days.

Wanna talk with a coach? The No Sweat Intro here is just for that.