Even for the most dedicated among us, finding the motivation to hit the gym when the weather is hot and humid can feel nearly impossible. However, for those lucky enough to live in a building with a state-of-the-art gym, like the weight room, yoga studio, cardio facility, and saltwater lap pool at Manhattan's 555TEN, there's no excuse to put off your workout for tomorrow. If you need motivation to hit the gym this summer, here's how to find it:
Set a body goal: When our workout goals are amorphous, it's harder to develop a mental picture about how we'll reach them. By setting specific goals and writing them down, like a plan to be able to do ten pull-ups by the time the summer ends or going down a clothing size by September, it's easier to find the determination to stay on track until we've reached them.
Hire a trainer: If you need accountability, there's nobody better at providing it than a personal trainer. Depending on what your goals are, your trainer can create a program that's right for you, whether that means showing up at your apartment for a pre-work workout or guiding you toward better form as you learn the equipment at your building's fitness facility.
Get a workout partner: Sometimes, the only way to get yourself in a workout mood is to make it a party, so go ahead and invite a (reliable) friend along. Studies have shown that having a workout partner makes you more likely to actually hit the gym when you say you will. Anecdotally, the time you log on the treadmill passes a whole lot quicker when you've got someone to talk to.
Watch your favorite show: Mustering the motivation to hit they gym may be as simple as turning on the TV. Instead of binging on Netflix at home, find out the schedule of a show you love and treat yourself by tuning in in real time at the gym. By providing yourself reward for working out that also serves as a distraction during those seemingly endless minutes on the machines, you'll be far more inclined to show up for that sweat session.
Get your body fat percentage calculated: You may know how much you weigh, but not that many of us know how what our personal breakdown of muscle, bone, and fat is. Giving yourself a clear picture of how much body fat you're toting around can help you set a goal about how much you need to lose and how you'll do it.
Don't stress yourself out by kicking off your quest for a fitter body with unrealistic expectations of 10 mile jogs or finding time for daily CrossFit. Making a commitment to visit your building's gym, even if it's only a few times a week at first, is all you need to get on the path toward a happier, healthier life.










