6 Tips to Stay Focused at the Gym

6 Tips to Stay Focused at the Gym

If you struggle to get motivated and stay focused while exercising, you aren't alone! I struggle with this and there are a few things you can do to help yourself stay motivated. Here are my tips and tricks.

Go at The Right Time
Do you get distracted by the crowds of people at the gym? Or maybe you work out harder because the crowds hold you accountable? Either way, figure out what you like and go during those times. For a busier gym, go mid-morning or early evenings. For peace and quiet, go early in the morning, around lunchtime, or late at night. 

Have a Plan
Walk in with a workout plan and a predetermined time you'll leave. Having a rough plan will prevent you from wandering around trying to decide what to do. And if you know you have one hour, you'll be more productive because you're aware of the ticking clock.
 
Turn Off Notifications
This is a wildly important tip!! Turn off your phone notifications before you walk in so there are no distractions coming from your hand. Your phone will consume your mind if it's buzzing as you try to do crunches or run. As much as you may try, it's hard to ignore texts, especially when you're out of breath and would love a quick break…
 
Make Your Playlist Before
We all know a good song can make us feel invincible while working out, while a slow song can make us suddenly feel fatigued. Nothing is worse than an energy-sucking song coming on right as you were getting in the groove of running. To avoid this and to stay as energetic and hyped as possible, make an epic workout playlist before going to the gym. Then all you need to do is press play! No more awkward run-typing as you try to find that one song you like.

Buddy System / Group Training
Can't seem to muster the courage to work out alone? Find a friend to go with you, whether you're there to do the same workout or just walking to and from the gym together, a friend can motivate you to go and keep pushing. Group training is also a fun way to work out with friends and also get specialized fitness guidance from a professional trainer.

Attend Group Fitness Classes
Knowing you should exercise isn't enough to motivate you? Same. But hey, you don't always have to be your own coach and cheerleader, let the instructor of a group fitness class do it! They'll tell you what to do and encourage you to keep going! Classes hold me accountable when exercising because everyone is doing the workout together and an instructor is in front of me telling me to keep going, so I keep going. And before I know it, the class is over, I'm covered in sweat, and I realize I might actually like pop music!
 
Written by: Hogan Reed, UVM '19
Date: September 17, 2019
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