Life Hacks: Gym Edition

Working out can be daunting. It is a task that usually requires motivation and consistency and in today’s society, this can be difficult to maintain.

It can feel like there is not enough time in a day to complete all your desired tasks. Personally, small inconveniences tend to hold me back. So, I made a list of tasks you can do today to set yourself up for success. These small tasks remove inconveniences that keep you from working out, as well as encourage you to genuinely enjoy the process of getting fit.

Keep your gym bag in your car 24/7

The hardest part about working out is actually getting up to do it. Keeping your bag in the car all of the time will help you always have what you need to work out, and not force you to make an extra trip home.

Use your music as a timer

Make a playlist of songs that coordinate with how long you want to spend resting between sets, and then on how long you want to spend on a set. This way, you do not have to start and stop a timer.

Invest in a blender bottle with detachable compartments

These blender bottles come with two detachable compartments. I use one for pre-workout powder, and the other for post workout protein. When needed, I just pour the desired powder into the main bottle.

Wear Gym clothes to class

Getting ready to go to the gym is half of the battle. If you are already wearing gym clothes, you will be prepared at any time. This will help to not only be physically prepared, but also mentally prepared.

Use a hair clip to hold your gym straps together

If you have a hair clip, you can clip your straps together so that your gym bag straps do not fall from your shoulder as you walk.

Put tea bags or dryer sheets in shoes to lessen odor

It is not surprising that your gym shoes may start to smell bad. Putting something like dryer sheets or tea bags in your shoes overnight can absorb moisture and lead to better smelling shoes.

Wear flat shoes on leg day

Wearing flat shoes on leg day will help you to maintain proper form and prevent injury. This is because wearing flat shoes puts your body in a form that is closest to not wearing shoes, which is your body’s natural form.

Meal prep

Meal prep is an opportunity to eat healthily, save money, and store energy. Without meal prep, you may be tempted to eat somewhere quickly because your body will be hungry, leading you to make unhealthy choices. With a prepped meal, you can just pop it in the microwave, and go. This also leads to less cooking and fewer dishes throughout the week!

Make a plan of your workout before working out

Write or type out your workout plan before each workout. Have a different plan for each muscle group. This will help you save time and energy in the gym and keep you motivated and focused.

Eat gummy bears immediately after working out

Gummy bears are a high glycemic carbohydrate, which is good after a workout because it provides a quick source of sugar to start the process of replenishing what has been lost in a workout. Enjoy the sweet snack!

Workout with a friend

Working out with a friend is a fun way to hang out and reach goals together! When you work out with someone, you also have a sense of accountability. I am not implying this way is better; working out alone is great! However, there will be days when you do not have the motivation to go to the gym, and you and your friend have plans to work out. Because of the plan, you are likely to go anyway.

Grab your gym back, create an awesome playlist, and

Be Well, Auburn.