I know I’ve talked about this before but I have a new perspective on this subject.  Before working out was something that I wanted to do; I had no problems hitting the gym.  Now that I’m pregnant, I still want to workout but there are many excuses for me not to hit the gym.  Sometimes those are good reasons and sometimes those are just excuses.  I can now identify with some of the complaints people have about working out.

I’ve been trying to workout 4 times a week in my third trimester.  For the most part, I’ve been hitting my goals, but it’s been a struggle.  But I’m making some classic mistakes and then my gym time is getting cut.  Here are some tips for making sure you can actually get your workout in:

1. Pack your gym clothes with you so you don’t have to go home before going to the gym.  The minute I get home, the chances of me actually doing my workout begins to decrease.  The couch is always so comfy and nap time comes without me knowing it.  Yesterday, I planned on going to the gym after work but I came home.  I set an alarm on my phone for 30 minutes and slept right through it.  I had to make myself go to the gym after that nap, but I knew there was no reason for me not to go. A little change in my set schedule isn’t a good enough excuse for me not to go.
2. Find a group fitness class or other exercise group that meets at the same time on the days you want to workout.  It’s always been easier for me to go to the gym if I know what I’m going to be doing.  Plan your workouts so you know how long you’re going to be there and what exactly what you’re doing.  It’s easy to fit that workout in if you know you’re going to be there for a certain amount of time and get a good sweat on.  Plus, you’re building in some accountability by developing relationships with people in those class.  And that leads me to my next point:
3. Get a workout RELIABLE workout buddy.  Just don’t get anyone, find the person who is going to push you and not take any excuses to wanting to skip a workout.  That means you’re going to need to find someone who is committed to the cause just as much as you AND won’t flake out on the workout.  A workout buddy is good for accountability and consistency.
4. Try to workout in the morning before your brain knows what is up.  I’ve always been an early riser to the gym but I’m having some problems now during pregnancy because it kind of makes me sick.  But the mornings I am able to get my workout in is great because I already got it out of the way and I don’t have to think about it the rest of the day.  Side note:  it’s also great if you can utilize your lunch break to get a short workout in.  I’ve been doing this lately if I miss my morning workout and it’s great!

Those are just a few tips I can offer to you about getting your workouts done.  It’s been really hard for me lately like I’ve mentioned before.  Even though it’s been hard for me to workout, I have never regretted actually getting that workout in.  It’s important to commit to a schedule to help getting a sweat session in part of your routine.

What makes it hard for you to get your workout done?