Motivating yourself to hit the gym is no easy feat, especially after a long, draining day at the office. After slaving away all day, the last thing you want to do is put on some sneakers and jump on the treadmill.
It was a struggle even keeping your head up all day and now you're expected to engage in some high intensity interval training? Yeah... I think not.
A photo posted by elitedaily (@elitedaily) on Feb 24, 2015 at 12:28pm PST
Exercising in the morning before work sounds like the ideal situation, but, honestly, who's going to give up the precious, little sleep we do manage to get? Not me, that's for damn sure.
So despite the fact that we packed our gym bags, we still spend the entire work day debating if we are actually going to the gym or not. Why? Because we're f*cking exhausted and really damn good at making up excuses.
Welcome to a day in the life...
1. Are you hungover?
Waking up with a hangover is the quickest way to decide if you're going to the gym or not. The best part of the whole situation is that you bring your gym bag to work anyway.
Maybe it's because you want yourself to think once your hangover subsides you'll go... but we all know much better.
2. How tight is your current outfit?
There's nothing like not fitting into your clothes to make you realize you should hit the gym. Unfortunately, it takes many people arriving to this predicament to realize that.
3. What did you eat for breakfast?
There's nothing like a filling meal to make you want to head right home after work.
This is probably the worst way to think about things, but no one likes running or even moving while suffering through a food coma.
4. Got any big plans coming up?
Big plans this upcoming week? Then you can bet your ass, you'll be hitting the gym. Nothing going on? No pressure... you can always start your exercise plan next week.
5. How's the weather?
You may have thought you were heading to the gym after work, but halfway through the day, the torrential downpour started. There is no better excuse in the book than sh*tty weather.
6. When was the last time you stalked social media?
If your feeds are filled with bikini-clad girls and chiseled guys on the beach, you're probably much more motivated to get in shape.
There's nothing that puts your priorities in perspective more than seeing other people.
7. How's your workload?
Mentally stressed equals physically fatigued. If you spent your entire day responding to emails, completing extensive projects and just running around the office -- you just don't have the energy for the gym... at least not today.
8. How hot are your friends?
It's easy to ignore how strangers are looking, but when the people you constantly surround yourself with are fit and healthy, you want to be too (aka you're hitting the gym).
9. How tired are you?
Rivaling the weather, how tired you are is a huge determinant of whether you're exercising or not. Realistically, once you come up with this excuse, there's no turning back.
You vow to yourself you'll go to sleep earlier tonight so you can be up and at em' tomorrow. Too bad that seldom ever works.
10. Is there a possibility of after-work plans?
Did somebody say Happy Hour? I wasn't even planning on drinking tonight, but if it means not going to the gym, then sign me the f*ck up.
11. When's the last time you showered?
Did you wash your hair last night? Well, then no cardio for you. Do you desperately need a shower?
Well, then you know you're hitting the highest intensity workout because you're already know it's a hair washing night.
12. Will someone work out with you?
The best thing about having a work-out buddy is he or she doesn't let you get away with sh*t... that is unless you're both hungover, tired and it's raining outside.
13. What season is it?
If it's winter, you're procrastinating that gym sesh for as long as possible. And while we're at it, the same goes for fall.
The only season that's really motivating you to get off your ass is summer and, hopefully, spring, but everyone knows most people don't kick it into high gear until the temperature is above 60 degrees.
14. How close are you to your next vacation?
Out of sight out of mind is usually the motto, isn't it? If no vacation is in the near future, why would you push yourself that extra mile — literally?
15. Did anyone compliment you today?
This can go one of two ways: You got a compliment because you have been working so hard, you want to strive and continue your pattern.
OR: You haven't done sh*t in months and are confident your sedentary routine exempts you from this afternoon's exercise.
16. Are you getting peer pressured?
As much as you are determined to exercise, once your friend starts badgering you, it's all downhill from there.
Say goodbye to your plans to train for that half marathon you've been postponing since 2008
17. When is the next time you have to be naked?
Sh*t, you've got a date in three days and haven't been to the gym in weeks. You know what that sounds like? Two-a-days. Enjoy that.
