As a JSM Resident, you have free exclusive access to a state of the art fitness center, located at Lando Place. But having the motivation to get yourself to the gym is sometimes another story. Here are five ways to motivate yourself to get to the gym!

Remind yourself of the Benefits

A lot of people start working out with the intention of getting a “summer body” and shedding a few pounds, but there are many, many more benefits to working out. Remind yourself of the good that you are doing for your body and health overall. Exercising helps clear your mind and destress from daily life, work, and school. You’ll probably have more energy throughout the day. Best of all? There will be no regrets when you want to grab that third slice of pizza.

Go Slowly

If you haven’t worked out in a long time, the worst thing that you can do is push yourself too far too fast. You won’t stay consistent with your goal of working out six times a week if you work out until you’re so sore you can hardly walk. Make a goal of exercising just a few times a week at first, and make sure that you slowly build up to workouts that you can handle.

Get a Workout Buddy

It’s always easier to workout when you’ve got a friend! Grab your roommate and hold each other accountable. Do workouts where you can hang out together and the time will fly by.

Plan your Workouts Ahead of Time

Every Sunday sit down and plan what workouts you plan to do for the week. How you split your workouts is completely up to you, but make sure you have a plan. What kinds of cardio will you do? On what days? Will you workout your upper body on Mondays and your lower body on Wednesdays? Make a realistic breakdown and stick to it! It’s much easier to keep yourself motivated if you know exactly what you’re going to do.

Wear what you are Comfortable in

Working out is a time for you to clear your mind and work your body, so you shouldn’t be worrying about pulling down that too-short shirt or being concerned about how tight your pants are. Wear whatever makes you most comfortable so that you can focus on getting the best workout possible! Feeling comfortable will make you actually WANT to workout because you feel good about yourself.

Remember that motivation comes and goes. Some days you won’t feel like working out, but if you push through it, you’ll feel great about yourself after. Now lace up your running shoes or grab your yoga mat and head over to the JSM Fitness Center for a great workout!