Getting to the gym after a long work day.

you plan it into your day just like anything else. Barring some crazy stuff going on or illness or whatever, I lift on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday regardless of whether I "feel like it" or not. I'ts part of my schedule just like going to work or anything else. Stop thinking of it as some kind of "extra" thing...

I often don't feel like going to work or mowing the lawn or doing the dishes...yet I do these things anyway...because they need doing.

Most of the people at the gym are more concerned with what they're doing than with what you're doing. Ignore them and just get what you need done. Put in some earbuds and make a great playlist and go to town.

If you're uncomfortable using some of the machines I would recommend seeing if you can do a training session or two just to get used to the equipment. Or if you have a friend who is well versed, ask them to run you through it. Get comfortable with them on the weekends when you have the space more to yourself and then incorporate them into your weekly workout.

For getting to the gym I make a daily commitment to go. I try to go in the morning--but sometimes sleep really is more important. I like mornings because the gym is a whole lot emptier (we have a small workout center in our apartment building that gets really crowded sometimes). If I don't go in the morning I get home, put down my stuff and immediately put on my gym clothes. Most days I'll vacuum or put in a load of laundry before I go down but if I've got my clothes on, my mind has the fact that I'm going chugging along in the back of it. It was really hard for the first bit. But I'm 70 days into logging (and that's when I really started the fitness part too) and now it's just habit.

Do I want to be there all the time? No. And some days are less hard of a workout because I'm tired or really don't want to be there. But I still go because it builds that habit and is still getting my butt moving.

I love going to classes and making friends. They keep me motivated. Harder to do if you don't like people.

dance4life5678mfp wrote: »

I sometimes take my gym clothes to work with me on days I'm tired in the morning, like today, so I go straight to the gym after work. Then it's done and I can go home and stay home.
But it is part of my day. Days I don't feel like going I have to remind myself I'm paying for the membership so if I do t go I'm throwing away money, so when I'm not physically motivated that sure helps haha

I do this every day and have for years. This way my gym time is included in and is as important as my work day. No excuses. Family emergency excepted, of course.

Also, one of the gyms I go to is 3 blocks from my office and my other one I drive past on my way home. Really silly to drive past it and not go. Making it super convenient is imperative.

Next step is once you are there you have to have a plan. Being shy or intimidated is tough, but also common. Make a plan of what you will do once you get there and just do it. That's what everyone else there is doing already.

You have to be motivated to go, and make it part of your daily routine. If you want it bad enough, you will make it happen, without making up excuses! Where there is a will, there is a way!

I agree with trying to go in the AM, or taking your gym clothes with you to work, and go immediately when you get off. Also, try to make yourself a workout routine schedule, that way you can look forward to the next day. Try to not be too concerned about others looking at you... They have their own goal they are trying to reach, they are not concerned about what you are doing. Maybe taking a workout buddy will help! you can do it, don't give up girl! Once you get going, you won't be able to stop!

Start a walk group for your 1 hour lunch break and eat and walk alone or with your coworkers. Or, get up at 6am and work out before work. I think working out early helps stress levels. A nice work out, shower, and time to kill before going in and the best part is you've already got it in so it helps make better lunch decisions and you can go home, eat dinner, relax and pass out without worrying about missing a work out.

Hi,

I work 8-5 job behind a desk so I know exactly what it's like, but doing this job, every hour I stand up for 5 minutes, during my lunch break I go for a little walk, (even if walking round the office looking busy!)

When I get home it's usually the mad rush hour! So I tend to get ready soon as I get in, I have my dinner then go "force" myself to the gym!

If you really struggle during the evenings try the mornings! Let's just say it wakes you up!

Just do it. I work with children under 5 years old. Sometimes my day is 11 hours door to door, including two hours of commute on the subway, and I still have to go afterward. I did it for as long as I could without a pre-work out, but admittedly, a little pre-workout has helped me on those super bad days. I also just cut out cardio completely which made it easier too.

I work out at home. I don't like crowds. I work for myself, so I set my own hours. When I went to the gym, I chose one open 24 hours and went late at night. Often, I was the only one there.

Now I work out at home.

I work 12-16 hours in my Law Enforcement job, I find after the shift if I dont immediately change hurry and go I will 'cool down' and get exhausted, maybe pack your clothes and head straight to the gym after work.

livingleanlivingclean wrote: »

You just go... I usually leave home at 6am, finish at 5 then gym after. I don't go home in between or I'd likely pass out on the couch or get distracted by other things

Excuses don't get you closer to your goals!

Right. That's a big thing too. Pack your gym bag and don't go home. I'd never make it back out half the time if I went home first. And the train drops me off two blocks from home/4 blocks from the gym.

I have to take my workout clothes to work and change before I leave. If I go home first the hour commute kills my motivation and it's all over. I stop and do a trail run on the way home. A 9-5 is great but can definitely drain you and make hitting the gym when it's not packed really hard. Good luck!