Expensive gym memberships aren’t required when it comes to making the best decisions for your body, mind and routine. Gyms can be unaffordable and even intimidating when you don’t know how to use the equipment and feel like you have to keep up with everyone else. Follow my steps to formulate your plan on how you can workout without a gym membership this semester.
1—Focus on what you need to accomplish. You know your body, and you know what is bothering you about it. Making positive changes doesn’t have to cost money by paying for fancy workout equipment. Start by making goals for yourself, and sticking to them.
2—Find your mode of operation. All workouts are not created equal. Getting yourself active doesn’t mean you have to go at a pace that you aren’t comfortable with. I always thought that I had to be a super-star to be in shape, but running miles and miles a day might not be a realistic standard for everyone. Decide how you’re going to get started by choosing if you’re into running or if you’re more of a yoga person.
(Photo via @sltdroxy)
3—Decide if you’re more into being outside or inside. Do you like long runs with a beautiful fall landscape, or do you want to do stair climbs? Do you want to run a few laps on your school’s track, or do you like doing burpees in your room? Clarifying what kind of scene makes you feel more productive in can really make the difference.
4—Start with three areas of the body to focus on. If you’re constantly saying to yourself that you aren’t happy with your body, it’s not going to help you accomplish anything. Start thinking about three specific areas that you want to change, and think about what you can do to fix them. (Example: stomach, arms, thighs).
5—Keep up with great workouts. Whenever I’m feeling uninspired to get moving and get in shape, I try to follow inspirational blogs, magazines, websites or public figures that are constantly talking about their workout plans. Find exercises that fit your schedule and that compliment the areas of your body that you’re aiming to work on. Some great outlets I go to for inspiration are The Bikini Body Guide by Kayla Itsines and the Nike+ Training App on your iPhone.
(Photo via @kayla_itsines)
Make a routine. Find times to meet up with your friends to have a little more accountability, and choose realistic times like Friday afternoons after classes so you can feel better about yourself before the weekend even begins. Make a killer playlist or buy a new album that you haven’t listened to yet so you have something to look forward to while doing some crunches.
Post workout. Reflect on what you’ve done. I would keep a journal and document how you’ve felt after every workout. The results can be different for everyone; but for me, I am always happy that I did my body a favor. Taking the extra step reflect on your progress is a more personal way that will help you actually notice your results.
(Photo via @saaareeee)
